Electrochemical, surface morphological and computational evaluation on carbohydrazide Schiff bases as corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in acidic medium.

Anticorrosion and adsorption behaviour of synthesized carbohydrazide Schiff bases, namely (Z)-N'-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-6-methyl-2-oxo-4-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carbohydrazide(MBTC) and (Z)-N'-(3,4-dichlorobenzylidene)-6-methyl-2-oxo-4-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carbohydrazide (CBTC) was examined for mild steel (MS) in 15% HCl medium. The corrosion inhibition study was performed by using gravimetric, thermodynamic, electrochemical and theoretical studies including density functional theory (DFT), molecular dynamic simulation (MDS) and Monte Carlo simulations (MCS). The outcomes in terms of corrosion inhibition efficiency using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method at 303 K and 150 ppm concentration were 96.75% for MBTC and 95.14% for CBTC. Both inhibitors adsorbed on the MS surface through physical as well as chemical adsorption and followed the Langmuir isotherm. The mixed-type nature of both inhibitors was identified by polarization results. Surface analysis was done using FESEM, EDX, AFM and XPS studies and results showed that a protective layer of inhibitor molecules was developed over the surface of MS. The results of DFT, MCS and MDS are in accordance with experimental results obtained by weight loss and electrochemical methods.

Oral formulation of Prussian blue with improved efficacy for prophylactic use against thallium.

OBJECTIVE: The present study is aimed to enhance the efficacy of Insoluble Prussian blue (PB) in the stomach. PB formulation was developed comprising of PB in combination with pH modifying agents particularly magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate. pH profile and the binding efficacy of the final formulation was evaluated in simulated gastric fluid (SGF). METHODS: The capsule formulation was optimized with desired in vitro characteristics. The final formulations (FF1-FF4) were evaluated for drug release, pH profile, and binding efficacy for thallium (Tl). The stability studies were performed in terms of drug assay, Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The in vivo study was performed in rats to determine the removal efficacy of optimized formulation (FF4) for Tl. RESULTS: The PB formulation consisting of optimized PB granules and pH modifying agents showed a significant increase in the binding efficacy for Tl in SGF at an equilibrium time of 24 h. The Maximum Binding Capacity (MBC) of FF1-FF4 was found to be higher than commercially available Radiogardase®-Cs capsules and PB granules alone in SGF. The blood Tl level in rats treated with FF4 showed three-fold decreases in the level of Tl in the blood (Cmax) and Area under Curve (AUC) as compared to the control. CONCLUSION: The results revealed that the developed oral PB formulation has a significantly higher efficiency of binding Tl at the acidic pH of the stomach thereby reducing its absorption into the systemic circulation. Thus, the optimized formulation of PB with pH-modifying agents is a better drug for prophylactic use in thallium ingestion.

Homocysteine, Vitamin B12 and Folate Level: Possible Risk Factors in the Progression of Chronic Heart and Kidney Disorders.

Cobalamin is an essential molecule for humans; it is exceptionally important for various body functions, including deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis and cellular energy production. Vegans are more vulnerable to vitamin B12 deficiency than natives with moderate consumption of animal dietary supplements or people with inadequate nutritional patterns. However, the long-term effects of sub-medical deficiency have not been thoroughly studied, but they may have a negative impact on the cardiovascular system, pregnancy outcomes, and vascular, renal, cognitive, bone, and eye health. Alongside the statin remedy, that is a powerful approach for CVD prevention. Another approach is related to the B nutrition substitution remedy with folic acid, and vitamins B6 and B12 are extensively practised nowadays. There is a tremendous interest in plasma homocysteine (tHcy) as a cardiovascular hazard factor. However, current research in the field of its prevention is more inclined toward confirming the benefit of tHcy-reducing remedy with vitamin B12. Thus, while folic acid fortification is primarily aimed at reducing neural-tube defects, it may also play a significant role in the primary prevention of CVD by lowering tHcy. Folate and B-vitamins play important roles in CVD prevention and nutrition policy implementation. Patients affected with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or end-stage Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) experience a tremendous cardiovascular threat that may also further lead to death. As a result, routine monitoring of vitamin B12 levels is likely to be beneficial for the early detection and treatment of metabolic vitamin B12 deficiency, as well as the prevention of heart-related diseases.

Quantitative evaluation of mercury adsorption and removal efficacy of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) powder in mice.

Spirulina is a blue-green alga, grown in alkaline water and used for detoxification of several toxic metal ions. Apart from its nutritional value, it is also used for the decontamination of toxic metal ions. Therefore, present study was envisaged to evaluate the adsorption and removal efficiency of Spirulina powder for mercury. The adsorption efficiency of Spirulina was evaluated in terms of weight of adsorbent, contact time, simulated gastric (SGF) and intestinal (SIF) fluid, and mercury concentration. In vivo removal efficacy of Spirulina for mercury was evaluated in mice. The mercury content in major tissues, urine and feces was estimated. The whole tissue retention and excretion of mercury after treatment with Spirulina were taken as a measure of its metal ions removal efficacy. Activated charcoal was taken as a standard adsorbent for comparative study. The maximum adsorption capacity of Spirulina and charcoal for mercury was found to be 66.667 and 158.730 mg g-1 in water, 83.33 and 94.340 mg g-1 in SGF and 125.0 and 133.33 mg g-1 in SIF, respectively. In mice, Spirulina and activated charcoal were significantly reduced the mercury deposition in tissues and facilitated their excretion through feces. Spirulina has shown good adsorption and removal efficacy like activated charcoal. Therefore, Spirulina can be used as a potential adsorbent to remove mercury from the body.

Assessment of the systemic toxicity of Laghu vishagarbha taila, an Ayurvedic medicated oil formulation after dermal exposure.

Laghu vishagarbha taila (LVT) is a medicated oil preparation used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine and applied topically for the treatment of painful musculoskeletal and inflammatory disorders. It contains some mildly poisonous phytoconstituents which may show untoward effects upon application. The present study evaluated the toxicity of LVT in the acute, subacute, and subchronic dermal toxicity study in Wistar rats. LVT was tested for its compliance using physicochemical and analytical parameters as per standard methods prescribed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, while acute, subacute, and subchronic toxicity studies were carried out as per OECD 402, 410, and 411 guidelines, respectively. In the acute dermal toxicity study, a single dose of LVT (2000 mg/kg) was applied topically to rats, while in subacute and subchronic dermal toxicity study, the rats were topically applied LVT (1000 mg/kg) up to 28 and 90 days, respectively. LVT did not cause any alterations in clinical signs and no mortality or moribund stage was observed. The change in weekly body weight was insignificant compared with the vehicle control group. In subacute and subchronic dermal toxicity study, there were no significant changes in behavior, body weight, feed consumption, biochemical and hematological parameters, organ weight, and histological parameters compared with vehicle control rats. Topical application of single and repeated doses of LVT in rats did not exhibit adverse effects and suggests that the LD50 of LVT is more than 2000 mg/kg in the acute dose and NOAEL is more than 1000 mg/kg/day in repeated dose application.

A randomized open label parallel group pilot study to evaluate efficacy of Ayurveda interventions in the management of asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 patients-experiences of a Lucknow based level 2 hospital of Uttar Pradesh, India.

BACKGROUND: SARS--CoV-2 has emerged as a global threat since its onset in December 2019. India has also been severely affected by the dreadful Corona Virus and is currently battling one of the worst pandemics of history. WHO and the world medical fraternity are putting their efforts to materialize a treatment or vaccine for this novel virus. A randomized open label parallel group study was designed in a Lucknow based level 2 COVID hospital to evaluate the efficacy of Ayurvedic interventions in the management of asymptomatic and mild COVID 19 patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of Ayurveda in the management of mildly affected COVID-19 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current trial was an open label randomized 10-day study. Total 120 asymptomatic and/or mild COVID-19 positive patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were randomly grouped into three. RT-PCR of all the patients were done on 5th, 7th and on 10th day respectively. The observations were noted and results were analyzed statistically. Kruskal-Wallis test and Wilcoxon Sign rank test were used for data analysis where applicable. RESULTS: Improvement in symptoms, enhancement in Agni and recovery from COVID infection was observed. The results obtained were encouraging and showed better viral clearance and control of symptom progression in the patients placed on Ayurvedic medications. CONCLUSION: The promising results in the study showed that an approach involving Ayurveda can be helpful for the management of the mild COVID-19 patients. Ayurveda can be used to limit community spread and check disease progression to a more appalling state. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial was registered with Clinical Trials Registry- India (CTRI registration number: CTRI/2020/06/025800.

Oral toxicity evaluation of gokshuradi guggulu, an ayurvedic formulation.

Gokshuradi guggulu is an important classical polyherbal formulation used in Ayurvedic system of medicine for the treatment of various chronic diseases like kidney stones and diabetes. However, no scientific attempts were made to evaluate its oral toxicity. Hence, the present study evaluated the acute and 28 days repeated dose sub-acute oral toxicities of gokshuradi guggulu in rats. Gokshuradi guggulu was tested for its compliance using physicochemical and analytical parameters as per standards prescribed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India. In acute oral toxicity study, Wistar rats were orally administered a single dose of gokshuradi guggulu (2700 mg/kg) and clinical signs and mortality or moribund stage were observed for 14 days along with weekly body weight. On day 15, the rats were euthanized and the gross morphology was carried out during necropsy. In sub-acute (repeated dose) oral toxicity study, the rats were orally administered gokshuradi guggulu (270, 1350 and 2700 mg/kg) once daily up to 28 days. Clinical signs and mortality or moribund stage, weekly body weight, weekly feed and water consumptions, biochemical and hematological investigations, urine analysis, and major organ weights and histopathology were carried out. In acute and sub-acute toxicity studies, gokshuradi guggulu administration did not show any alteration in parameters or any adverse effect as compared to vehicle treated group. There was no mortality or moribund state observed in any group in both studies. Administration of gokshuradi guggulu in acute and 28 days repeated doses did not exhibit any toxicity or adverse effect at the doses used and NOAEL was found to be 2700 mg/kg.

Impact of mobile phone dependence on behavior and academic performance of adolescents in selected schools of Uttarakhand, India.

BACKGROUND: Mobile phones are one of the excellent gifts of technology in the 21st century, which is most popular among adolescents. Today, mobile phones have infinite resources that have multiple benefits and applications. Its excessive use may impact adolescents in the form of behavioral changes and diminish the academic performance. This study explores the relationship between mobile phone usage with behavioral modifications and educational achievement among adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive correlational study was conducted among adolescents (n = 285 -male-210, female-75) at selected schools of Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India. The test of mobile dependence was used to assess the mobile phone dependence, and a behavioral Likert scale to evaluate the behavioral changes through the self-report method. The academic performance was observed by school records; percentage of the last two examination results was considered. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: The study shows that 156 (54.70%) participants had a low mobile dependency, 191 (67%) participants had negative behavioral changes, and 125 (43.90%) participants had shown reduced academic performance due to overuse of the mobile phone. A significant relationship was seen between mobile phone dependency with behavioral changes (P < 0.001) and academic achievement (P < 0.035) seen among adolescents. Regression analysis predicted 49% of the differences among adolescents with selected variables due to the overuse of mobile phones. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that mobile dependency changes adolescent's behavior as well as reduces their academic performance due to the overuse of the mobile phone.

Cellular and physiological approaches to evaluate the chelating effect of Chlorella on metal ion stressed lymphocytes.

Chlorella is a green alga consumed as dietary food supplement in pulverized form. In addition to its high nutritional value, it is reported as an excellent detoxifying agent. The pulverized Chlorella is partially soluble in water and insoluble portion has been reported for removal of mercury, cadmium and radioactive strontium from body. Chlorella contains a variety of metal-binding functional groups such as carboxyl, amino, phosphoryl, hydroxyl and carbonyl groups, which has high affinity towards various metal ions. The present study was envisaged to evaluate the chelating effect of water soluble fraction of Chlorella powder (AqCH) on metal ions. Fura-2 fluorescence ratio (F340/F380) was measured by fluorescence spectrometer (FS) after the exposure of chloride salt of metals viz., strontium, cobalt, barium, cesium, thallium and mercury to lymphocytes. Pretreatment of AqCH (0.1-20 mg mL-1) was given to evaluate the attenuating effect on fura-2 fluorescence ratio induced by metal ions. The intracellular levels of these metal ions were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) and fluorescence microscopy (FM). Pretreatment with AqCH significantly attenuated the metal induced fluorescence ratio in dose-dependent manner. The results of AAS and FM were found in coherence with fura-2 fluorescence ratio which emphasized that AqCH significantly prevented the metal ions internalization. The present study suggests AqCH chelates with these metal ions and prevents its interaction with cells thereby reducing the intracellular mobilization of Ca2+.

Nonlinear regression analysis and response surface modeling of Cr (VI) removal from synthetic wastewater by an agro-waste Cocos Nucifera: Box-Behnken Design (BBD).

In this study mixture of coconut shell and coir was used for Cr (VI) removal from synthetic wastewater and statistical tool Response Surface Modeling (RSM) was applied to optimize process parameters. The solution pH (2-6), reaction time (20-100 minutes) and adsorbent quantity (0.03-0.2 g) was optimized to find the maximum response of Cr (VI) removal using statistical Box-Behnken design (BBD) software. The equilibrium data obtained by the batch experiment were analyzed by ANOVA and found fitted in a second-order polynomial equation through multiple regression analysis. The optimum value of pH, adsorbent quantity and reaction time for 99% of Cr(VI) was found as 2, 0.1 g and 100 minutes, respectively. By using non-linear regression method it was found that Freundlich isotherm and Pseudo-second-order kinetic with high correlation coefficient (R2), low Chi-square (χ2) and root mean squares errors (RMSE), best describe the adsorption of Cr (VI) on mixture of coconut shell and coir (MCSC) surface. Positive enthalpy (ΔH°) and negative Gibbs free energy (ΔGo) values confirm the endothermic and spontaneous nature of adsorption process. Pre and post adsorption phenomenon was confirmed by characterization of adsorbent using AFM, FTIR, SEM, and EDX analysis. The adsorbent MCSC has regenerative property and can be reused 3-4 times after treating with alkaline medium (0.2 N NaOH) and offered more than 60% removal of Cr (VI) at the fourth cycle. It can be inferred based on this study that MCSC is an effective adsorbent for Cr (VI) removal and can be used on an industrial scale for social and environmental benefit. Novelty statement An agriculture waste mixture of coconut shell and coir (MCSC) without the addition of any chemical reagent, was used for Cr(VI) removal. As per literature survey and best of our knowledge, the adsorbent MCSC has not been reported for Cr (VI) removal. In the previous study, authors reported either coconut coir pith or coconut shell or coconut charcoal as adsorbent for Cr (VI) removal. The adsorbent MCSC is efficient even at very low doses (0.1 g) as compared to the reported adsorbent.

Can microRNA profiles predict corticosteroid responsiveness in childhood nephrotic syndrome? A study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: In last few years, several studies have revealed the remarkable stability of extracellular microRNAs (miRNAs) circulating in the blood or excreted in the urine and underscored their key importance as biomarkers of certain diseases. Since miRNA in urinary sediment is relatively stable and easily quantified, it has the potential to be developed as a biomarker for disease diagnosis and monitoring. Identification of serum and urinary levels of certain miRNAs may assist in the diagnosis and assessment of disease activity in patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS). The global expression profile of miRNAs in childhood NS in Indian population remains unknown. Hence, further research is warranted in this area. This study seeks to prospectively evaluate whether a multipronged multiomics approach concentrating on microRNA expression profiles in children with NS vis-a-vis normal healthy children is discriminant enough to predict steroid responsiveness in childhood NS. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: In this prospective multicentric cohort study, subjects will be recruited from general paediatric and paediatric nephrology outpatient departments (OPDs) in tertiary care level referral hospitals. Age-matched and sex-matched healthy individuals with normal renal function (as assessed by normal serum creatinine and normal ultrasound of kidneys, ureter and bladder) in 1:1 ratio between study and control groups will be recruited from among the healthy siblings of children presenting to the OPDs. Differential microRNA expression profiles in urine and serum samples of children with steroid-sensitive NS (SSNS) and steroid-resistant NS (SRNS) with healthy children will be compared in a two-phased manner: a biomarker discovery phase involving pooled samples across SSNS, SRNS and healthy siblings analysed in triplicate using next-generation sequencing, slide microarray and quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) arrays covering human miRNome followed by a validation phase with customised qRT-PCR primers based on the concordance in the discovery phase differential expression profiles and bioinformatics analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study is funded after dueInstitutional Ethics Committee (IEC) clearance, and results will be available as open access.

Implementation and results of an integrated data quality assurance protocol in a randomized controlled trial in Uttar Pradesh, India.

BACKGROUND: There are few published standards or methodological guidelines for integrating Data Quality Assurance (DQA) protocols into large-scale health systems research trials, especially in resource-limited settings. The BetterBirth Trial is a matched-pair, cluster-randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the BetterBirth Program, which seeks to improve quality of facility-based deliveries and reduce 7-day maternal and neonatal mortality and maternal morbidity in Uttar Pradesh, India. In the trial, over 6300 deliveries were observed and over 153,000 mother-baby pairs across 120 study sites were followed to assess health outcomes. We designed and implemented a robust and integrated DQA system to sustain high-quality data throughout the trial. METHODS: We designed the Data Quality Monitoring and Improvement System (DQMIS) to reinforce six dimensions of data quality: accuracy, reliability, timeliness, completeness, precision, and integrity. The DQMIS was comprised of five functional components: 1) a monitoring and evaluation team to support the system; 2) a DQA protocol, including data collection audits and targets, rapid data feedback, and supportive supervision; 3) training; 4) standard operating procedures for data collection; and 5) an electronic data collection and reporting system. Routine audits by supervisors included double data entry, simultaneous delivery observations, and review of recorded calls to patients. Data feedback reports identified errors automatically, facilitating supportive supervision through a continuous quality improvement model. RESULTS: The five functional components of the DQMIS successfully reinforced data reliability, timeliness, completeness, precision, and integrity. The DQMIS also resulted in 98.33% accuracy across all data collection activities in the trial. All data collection activities demonstrated improvement in accuracy throughout implementation. Data collectors demonstrated a statistically significant (p = 0.0004) increase in accuracy throughout consecutive audits. The DQMIS was successful, despite an increase from 20 to 130 data collectors. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of widely disseminated data quality methods and standards for large RCT interventions in limited-resource settings, we developed an integrated DQA system, combining auditing, rapid data feedback, and supportive supervision, which ensured high-quality data and could serve as a model for future health systems research trials. Future efforts should focus on standardization of DQA processes for health systems research. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT02148952 . Registered on 13 February 2014.

Bryophyllum pinnatum Leaf Extracts Prevent Formation of Renal Calculi in Lithiatic Rats.

BACKGROUND: Bryophyllum pinnatum, commonly known as Pattharcatta, is used traditionally in ethnomedicinal practices for the treatment of kidney stone and urinary insufficiency. AIM: The present study evaluated the effect of Bryophyllum pinnatum on ethylene glycol (EG)-induced renal calculi in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Renal calculi were induced in rats by administration of 0.75% EG in drinking water and co-treated orally with standard drug, Cystone (750 mg/kg), or alcoholic and hydro-alcoholic extracts in doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg for 28 days. Weekly body weights were recorded. On day 29, urolithiasis was confirmed by assessing the urinary parameters (urine volume, pH, uric acid, calcium, phosphorus, oxalate, magnesium and creatinine clearance), serum biochemical parameters (creatinine, uric acid, urea, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium), oxidative stress parameters and histology of kidney. RESULTS: Treatment with extracts attenuated the EG-induced decrease in body weight and elevation in urinary parameters (uric acid, calcium, phosphorus and oxalate) and serum biochemical parameters (creatinine, uric acid, urea, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium). Extract treatment also reversed EG-induced decrease in urine volume, pH, magnesium and creatinine clearance, oxidative and histological damages in kidneys. Results were comparable to standard drug, Cystone. Results indicated that EG administration caused renal calculi formation which is prevented by treatment with extracts. The observed antilithiatic effect may be attributed to the presence of high content of phenolics, flavonoids and saponins in the extracts. CONCLUSION: Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves showed preventive effect against renal calculi formation and validates its ethnomedicinal use in urinary disorders. It further supports its therapeutic potential for the treatment of urinary calculi.

Homogeneous hydrogenation of CO2 to methyl formate utilizing switchable ionic liquids.

Combined capture of CO2 and subsequent hydrogenation allows for base/methanol-promoted homogeneous hydrogenation of CO2 to methyl formate. The CO2, captured as an amidinium methyl carbonate, reacts with H2 with no applied pressure of CO2 in the presence of a catalyst to produce sequentially amidinium formate, then methyl formate. The production of methyl formate releases the base back into the system, thereby reducing one of the flaws of catalytic hydrogenations of CO2: the notable consumption of one mole of base per mole of formate produced. The reaction proceeds under 20 atm of H2 with selectivity to formate favored by the presence of excess base and lower temperatures (110 °C), while excess alcohol and higher temperatures (140 °C) favor methyl formate. Known CO2 hydrogenation catalysts are active in the ionic liquid medium with turnover numbers as high as 5000. It is unclear as to whether the alkyl carbonate or CO2 is hydrogenated, as we show they are in equilibrium in this system. The availability of both CO2 and the alkyl carbonate as reactive species may result in new catalyst designs and free energy pathways for CO2 that may entail different selectivity or kinetic activity.

Catalytic chromium reduction using formic acid and metal nanoparticles immobilized in a metal-organic framework.

Highly dispersed metal nanoparticles were immobilized in the pores of a metal-organic framework (MOF), MIL-101, using a double solvents method. The resulting composites were investigated in the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) using formic acid, showing that the Pt and Pd catalysts were active with the Pt nanoparticles immobilized in MOF exhibiting the best performance.

Luminescent N,O-chelated chroman-BF2 complexes: structural variants of BODIPY.

The synthesis and characterization of 5-(chromen-4-one)-dipyrromethane (1), 5-(6-methyl-chromen-4-one)-dipyrromethane (2), 5-(6-isopropyl-chromen-4-one)-dipyrromethane (3) and the respective chromans, 7-[2-pyrrolo]-pyrrole[1,2-a]12H pyrrolino[2,3-b]chroman-4-one (4), 4-methyl-7-[2-pyrrolo]-pyrrole[1,2-a]12H pyrrolino[2,3-b]-chroman-4-one (5) and 4-isopropyl-7-[2-pyrrolo]-pyrrole[1,2-a]12H pyrrolino[2,3-b]-chroman-4-one (6) have been described. Chroman derivatives 4-6 have been used in the synthesis of highly stable, fluorescent, borondifluoride complexes (7-9). All the compounds have been fully characterised by various physicochemical techniques viz., elemental analyses, IR, HRMS, NMR ((1)H, (13)C), electronic absorption, emission (solution and solid state), electrochemical and thermal studies. Crystal structures of dipyrromethanes 1 and 2, chroman derivative 6 and boron complexes 7-9 have been determined by X-ray single crystal analyses. Structural studies revealed that the formation of 4-6 takes place by DDQ mediated C-N coupling. The higher stability of 4-6 relative to their respective dipyrrins has been supported by theoretical studies.

Molecular characterization of unusual bovine group A rotavirus G8P[14] strains identified in western India: emergence of P[14] genotype.

A total of 78 fecal specimens were collected from both apparently healthy (n=71) and diarrheic (n=7) cattle from an organized farm in Pune, western India in December 2007-January 2008. Three specimens tested positive for group A rotavirus (RV) by antigen capture ELISA were subjected to RT-PCR for amplification of entire coding regions of three structural (VP4, VP6 and VP7) and one nonstructural (NSP4) genes. All three strains were genotyped as G8P[14]. Phylogenetic analysis of the VP7 and VP4 genes showed clustering of the VP7 gene with G8 strains of bovine origin and VP4 gene with P[14] strains of human origin. The identification of VP6 and NSP4 genes to have I2 (subgroup I) and E2 (genotype A) specificity, respectively of bovine and human origin indicated independent segregation of genes in bovine RV strains. This study indicates circulation of a rare RV genotype, G8P[14] in western India. To our knowledge, this is the second report on RV G8[14] isolated from bovine species after bovine group A RV strain, SUN9 from Japan.

Segment-2 sequence analysis and cross-neutralization studies on some Indian bluetongue viruses suggest isolates are VP2-variants of serotype 23.

Sequence analysis of segment 2 (seg-2) of three Indian bluetongue virus (BTV) isolates, Dehradun, Rahuri and Bangalore revealed 99% nucleotide identity amongst them and 96% with the reference BTV 23. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the isolates in 'nucleotype D'. The deduced amino acid (aa) sequence of the Bangalore isolate showed a high variability in a few places compared to other isolates. B-cell epitope analyses predicted an epitope that is present exclusively in the Bangalore isolate. Two-way cross serum neutralization confirmed that Bangalore isolate is antigenically different from the other two isolates. The results of this study suggest that these three isolates are VP2 variants of BTV 23. This signifies that non-cross-neutralizing variants of the same BTV serotype should be included in vaccine preparation.

First examples of homo-/heteroleptic bi-/tri-nuclear complexes containing 5-ferrocenyldipyrromethene.

The first examples of homo- and heteroleptic complexes containing 5-ferrocenyldipyrromethene (fcdpm) [Cu(fcdpm)2] (1) [Cu(fcdpm)(acac)] (2), [Ni(fcdpm)(acac)] (3) and [Zn(fcdpm)2] (4) (acac = acetylacetonato) are described. Formation of the asymmetric metal complexes has been followed by electronic absorption and infrared spectroscopy. The complexes have been characterised by elemental analyses and spectral studies. Structures of [Cu(fcdpm)2] (1), [Cu(fcdpm)(acac)] (2) and [Ni(fcdpm)(acac)] (3) have been determined crystallographically. Structural data revealed that the metal centre in the copper complexes [Cu(fcdpm)2] (1), [Cu(fcdpm)(acac)] (2) and the nickel complex [Ni(fcdpm)(acac)] (3) adopts a distorted square planar geometry.

Heteroleptic arene ruthenium complexes based on meso-substituted dipyrrins: synthesis, structure, reactivity, and electrochemical studies.

First examples of heteroleptic arene ruthenium complexes containing dipyrrin ligands with the general formulations [(eta(6)-arene)RuCl(L)] [(arene = C(6)H(6), C(10)H(14); L = 5-(4-cyanophenyl)-dipyrromethene, cydpm; 5-(4-nitrophenyl)-dipyrromethene, ndpm and 5-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-dipyrromethene, bdpm] have been synthesized. The complexes [(eta(6)-C(10)H(14))RuCl(L)] (L = ndpm and cydpm) reacted with NaN(3) and NH(4)SCN to afford neutral mononuclear complexes [(eta(6)-C(10)H(14))Ru(N(3))(L)] and [(eta(6)-C(10)H(14))Ru(SCN)(L)]. Their reactions with EPh(3) (E = P, As) and exobidentate ditopic P-P and N-N donor ligands, namely, bis-(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm) and 4,4'-bipyridine (bpy) in the presence of AgSO(3)CF(3) afforded cationic mono- and binuclear complexes [(eta(6)-C(10)H(14))Ru(L)(EPh(3))]SO(3)CF(3), [{(eta(6)-C(10)H(14))Ru(L)}(2)(mu-dppm)](SO(3)CF(3))(2), and [{(eta(6)-C(10)H(14))Ru(L)}(2)(mu-bpy)](SO(3)CF(3))(2), respectively. The reaction products have been characterized by analytical and spectral studies. Molecular structures of the representative complexes [(eta(6)-C(10)H(14))RuCl(cydpm)], [(eta(6)-C(6)H(6))RuCl(cydpm)], [(eta(6)-C(10)H(14))RuCl(ndpm)], [(eta(6)-C(10)H(14))Ru(N(3))(ndpm)], and [(eta(6)-C(10)H(14))Ru(PPh(3))(ndpm)]SO(3)CF(3) have been determined crystallographically. Redox behavior of the complexes has been investigated by electrochemical studies. Emission spectral studies at room temperature suggested that the complexes under study are non-emissive.