Experimental and Computational studies on Intramolecular charge transfer, Terahertz and Two photon absorption of 3-[(4-Nitrophenyl Azo)]-9H-Carbazole-9-Ethanol (NPACE) from their Vibrational spectra for Optical limiting and NLO applications.

Non-linear optical (NLO) features of 3-[(4-Nitrophenyl Azo)]-9H-Carbazole-9-Ethanol (NPACE) chromophore were investigated by FT-IR, FT-Raman, and UV-visible spectra aided by Density Functional Theory (DFT) using the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) basis set of Gaussian 16 W package. It is observed from the DFT calculation that the slight increase in the endocyclic angle of C13 -C14 -C15 and the reduction in exocyclic angle of N40 -N39 -C14 and C15 -C14 -N39 ascertained by experimental XRD values indicating the intramolecular charge-transfer interaction between the carbazole and nitrophenyl group through the diazo bridge. The vibrational contribution to the linear electro-optic effect is 15% of the total hyperpolarizability being calculated at B3LYP/6-311++G (d, p) for the NPACE molecule. It is also observed that the 8a, 19a, and 19b modes of the carbazole ring and the 8a, 8b, and 19b modes of the phenyl ring are found to be simultaneously and intensely active in IR and Raman spectra explaining the charge transfer interactions throughout the molecule. The low value of the HOMO- LUMO energy gap (2.5843 eV) and the deviation between the measured absorption wavelength (3.36 eV) from the computed (3.87 eV), both these facts substantiate the intramolecular charge transfer. The polarizability and first-order hyperpolarizability were calculated as 6.48 × 10-24 and 3.8 × 10-29 esu, respectively. The second harmonic generation (SHG) measurement experiment of NPACE was carried out using the powder method. The SHG efficiency is measured in comparison with the urea standard. The calculated torsional mode at 20 cm-1 is in excellent quantitative agreement with the experimentally determined terahertz absorption peak. The two-photon absorption coefficient of NPACE was estimated to be 0.9 × 10-11 mW-1, which is mainly due to the D-π-A type of molecular structure, and the optical limiting threshold for NPACE was estimated to be 1.52 × 1013 Wm-2 enabling this material as a potential candidate for optical limiting applications.

Duration of seroprotection of the live attenuated SA-14-14-2 Japanese encephalitis vaccine in children in India.

BACKGROUND: Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) is a major public health concern in India, and the Japanese Encephalitis (JE) virus is the most common cause of viral encephalitis in Asia affecting children under the age of 15 years. In India, despite the introduction of the JE vaccine (SA-14-14-2) in the immunization programme, JE continues to account for 15-20% of AES cases to date. This study evaluates the immunogenicity of live attenuated SA-14-14-2 JE vaccine in terms of persistence of the humoral response after two doses. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 266 children belonging to one of the JE endemic regions of Uttar Pradesh, India. Blood samples were taken from children (2-10 years) and grouped according to the duration (in years) after two doses of the vaccine (5 groups with a class interval of 2 years). Informed written consent was obtained from the parents/guardians. All the samples collected were tested for the presence of anti-JEV-specific IgG antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and further confirmed by micro neutralization test (MNT) and immunofluorescence assays. RESULTS: Of the 266 samples tested by ELISA for anti-JEV-specific IgG antibodies, 260 (97.74%) were negative and 6 (2.26%) were equivocal. The geometric mean immune status ratio across the five groups, 0-2 years (n = 59), 2-4 years (n = 73), 4-6 years (n = 65), 6-8 years (n = 48) and 8-10 years (n = 21) post-two doses of SA-14-14-2 JE vaccine was 1.143, 1.059, 1.138, 1.075 and 1.130, respectively, and the geometric mean titre obtained from MNT across the five groups was 10.77, 8.400, 8.453, 9.517 and 9.674, respectively. CONCLUSION: The study showed a decreasing trend of anti-JEV specific IgG antibody titres across the five groups based on the duration following two doses of SA-14-14-2 vaccine. The results emphasize the significance of booster doses of vaccine for children living in endemic areas.

In-silico comparison of cytochrome P450 inhibitory and dopaminergic activity of Piperine, Curcumin and Capsaicin.

Psychiatric disorders are a heterogeneous group of mental disorders that manifest as abnormal mental or behavioral habits that cause the individual discomfort or disability. Dopamine imbalance plays a major role in many psychiatric disorders. Piperine, Curcumin and Capsaicin are CYP P450 3A4 & 2D6 inhibitors. The objective of this study is to determine the dopaminergic activity of Piperine, Curcumin and Capsaicin and also to compare cytochrome P450 3A4 and 2D6 inhibition activity by in-silico methods. In this in-silico study, we utilised compounds such as Piperine, Curcumin and Capsaicin were subjected to Lipinski's rule of five, and ligands were also evaluated for toxicity profile and ADMET properties. Furthermore, the ligands were performed in docking studies. All three compounds were docked with three different targeted proteins (PDB IDs: 4D7D, 4WNW and 6LUQ). According to the docking result, Piperine has higher binding energy(-8.55 kcal/mol)(-8.1 kcal/mol)(-8.57 kcal/mol) when compared with Curcumin(-7.39 kcal/mol)(-5.61 kcal/mol)(-6.57 kcal/mol) and Capsaicin (-6.86 kcal/mol)(-6.57 kcal/mol)(-5.42 kcal/mol) and also with standard drug (-8.61 kcal/mol)(-7.65 kcal/mol)(-6.16 kcal/mol). The present study concluded that the bioactive compound Piperine has a better inhibitory activity of CYP 3A4, 2D6 enzymes and dopamine D2 receptor among the three compounds and also with the standard drug thioridazine.

Decorating MnO2 nanosheets on MOF-derived Co3O4 as a battery-type electrode for hybrid supercapacitors.

Metal-organic framework-derived materials are now considered potential next-generation electrode materials for supercapacitors. In this present investigation, Co3O4@MnO2 nanosheets are synthesized using ZIF-67, which is used as a sacrificial template through a facile hydrothermal method. The unique vertically grown nanosheets provide an effective pathway for rapidly transporting electrons and ions. As a result, the ZIF-67 derived Co3O4@MnO2-3 electrode material shows a high specific capacitance of 768 C g-1 at 1 A g-1 current density with outstanding cycling stability (86% retention after 5000 cycles) and the porous structure of the material has a good BET surface area of 160.8 m2 g-1. As a hybrid supercapacitor, Co3O4@MnO2-3//activated carbon exhibits a high specific capacitance (82.9 C g-1) and long cycle life (85.5% retention after 5000 cycles). Moreover, a high energy density of 60.17 W h kg-1 and power density of 2674.37 W kg-1 has been achieved. This attractive performance reveals that Co3O4@MnO2 nanosheets could find potential applications as an electrode material for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors.

Safety and Efficacy of Saroglitazar in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Patients With Diabetic Dyslipidemia-A Prospective, Interventional, Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Saroglitazar-a unique dual peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonist was approved marketing authorization in India in 2013 for diabetic dyslipidemia. Postmarketing studies have additionally shown improvement in liver parameters in diabetic dyslipidemia patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) who received saroglitazar. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of saroglitazar on liver function test, liver fibrosis score by FibroScan, lipid profiles, HbA1c in NAFLD patients with diabetic dyslipidemia in southern India. METHODOLOGY: A prospective, interventional, pilot study was performed to study the safety and efficacy of saroglitazar in NAFLD patients having type 2 diabetes mellitus. About 97 patients were screened, of which 85 patients were involved in the study based on the inclusion criteria. The clinical parameters and liver stiffness were measured at the baseline and also after 12 weeks of treatment with administration of saroglitazar 4 mg once daily. The change in the parameters at the baseline and after the end of the treatment was measured and was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS software. RESULTS: The recruited patients received saroglitazar and were followed up for a period of 12 weeks. The clinical parameters such as fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood sugar, HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, SGPT, and liver stiffness showed significant difference after 12 weeks of treatment when compared with the baseline values. No adverse drug reaction was reported in patients receiving saroglitazar during the study. CONCLUSION: Saroglitazar was found to show significant improvement in liver parameters in NAFLD patients with a significant reduction in liver fibrosis and triglycerides level.

Strong and nonspecific synergistic antibacterial/antibiofilm impact of nano-silver biosynthesized and decorated with active ingredients of Oscimum basilicum L.

In this study, Ocimum basilicum (a proven broad spectrum medicinal plant for broad-spectrum pharmacological activities) leaf extract was used as conjugates for the fabrication of silver nanoparticles (AgNP). Color change of the reaction mixture and UV-Visible spectrophotometry indicated the fabrication of silver nanoparticles, further X-ray diffraction (XRD) crystallography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopic images (TEM), and Selected area electron diffraction (SAED) confirms the purity, monodispersity, and morphology including size (22.4 nm) and conjugated functional group of Ocimum basilicum. The conjugation of functional OH, N-O, and C=O groups was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The engineered AgNP have shown significantly efficient antibacterial and antibiofilm activities (92.7% biofilm inhibition) on diverse clinical strains and thus showed its potential for use in clinical applications.

Effect of cobalt doping on the electrochemical performance of trimanganese tetraoxide.

Nanostructured transition metal oxides (TMO) are potential materials widely explored by researchers for energy storage applications. In this study, spinel trimanganese tetraoxide (Mn3O4) and cobalt doped trimanganese tetraoxide (Co-Mn3O4) was synthesized by using a simple solvent assisted hydrothermal route. Pure Mn3O4 and Co-Mn3O4 nanomaterials were characterized by an x-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). XRD analysis revealed the body centered tetragonal spinel structure of Mn3O4 and Co-Mn3O4 with a space group as l41/amd (141) and an approximate crystallite size of 45-33 nm. The presence of an Mn-O bond vibration was confirmed using FTIR and the band gap properties were analyzed through UV-DRS. Surface morphology and average grain size were examined using FESEM and HRTEM micrographs as nanosquares and nanospheres with diameter 126 nm and 118 nm, respectively. Electrochemical properties of Mn3O4 and Co-Mn3O4 were evaluated using cyclic voltammograms, charge-discharge curves, and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS). Pure Mn3O4 showed a specific capacitance of 971 F g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 current density while Co-Mn3O4 achieved relatively higher specific capacitance of 1852 F g-1 at the same current density. It is observed that the increased specific capacitance of Co-Mn3O4 mainly arises from the doping effect. Electrochemical analysis shows that the Co doped Mn3O4 nanomaterials can be a promising electrode material for supercapacitor.

Safety and efficacy of newer biologics DMARDs in the management of rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review.

Objective: To analyze the safety and efficacy of certain biologics DMARDs (Adalimumab, Baricitinib, Pefacitinib and Sirukumab) either used alone or as a combination with MTX for management of rheumatoid arthritis. Method: We conducted a systematic literature review on various phase 3 Randomized controlled trails, double blind, placebo controlled, parallel group clinical trials for 52 weeks from 2017 to 2019 conforming to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The primary efficacy endpoints were American College of Rheumatology 20 response rate improvement criteria, other secondary endpoints were American College of Rheumatology 50/70 response rates, Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index, Disease Activity Score-28 for rheumatoid arthritis with Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate/C Reactive Protein and Radiographic outcomes. Results: Finally, four studies were included for qualitative synthesis in which we observed improvement in ACR 20 response rate was found in the newer agents study group. SB5 (72.4%) at week 24, Baricitinib (70%) at week 12, Pefacitinib 100 mg and 150 mg (57.7% & 74.5%) at week 12 and Sirukumab 50 mg and 100 mg (55% & 54%) at week 16 respectively. ACR 50 and ACR 70 response rate at different point in time was also found to be higher in the study group which indicates their efficacy. Conclusion: In this systematic review, we observed an improvement in ACR 20 response rate and other secondary efficacy outcomes with an acceptable safety margin. From the evidence of RCTs, we have identified that newer therapeutic agents has beneficial effects when compared to existing therapy.

Serum siderocalin levels in patients with tuberculosis and HIV infection.

OBJECTIVES: Mycobacterium tuberculosis produces high-affinity siderophores that play essential roles in iron acquisition and tuberculosis (TB) pathogenesis. In response, host cells secrete a siderophore-binding protein, siderocalin, to limit the bacteria's access to iron. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the levels of siderocalin in patients with TB with or without HIV infection compared to controls. METHODS: Siderocalin levels were tested using a neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) ELISA kit in four populations: HIV-infected patients with TB (HIVpos, TBpos), non-HIV-infected patients with TB (HIVneg, TBpos), HIV-infected patients without TB (HIVpos, TBneg), and healthy controls (HIVneg, TBneg). RESULTS: Serum siderocalin levels were significantly elevated in patients with TB regardless of their HIV status (HIVneg, TBpos 920 (480-1050) pg/ml; HIVpos, TBpos 494 (166-1050) pg/ml), whereas lower levels of siderocalin were seen in HIV-positive patients (HIVpos, TBneg 268 (77-937) pg/ml; HIVneg, TBneg 453 (193-994) pg/ml). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that active TB leads to an up-regulation of serum siderocalin regardless of HIV status, whereas HIV infection leads to a down-regulation of serum siderocalin levels in both TB-negative and TB-positive individuals. Further studies are needed to evaluate siderocalin as a potential marker of active TB and to clarify its role in the pathogenesis of HIV-associated TB.

Protocol and rationale for the first South Asian 5-year prospective longitudinal observational cohort study and biomarker evaluation investigating the clinical course and risk profile of IgA nephropathy: GRACE IgANI cohort.

Background: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis and an important cause of end-stage kidney disease. Unlike the slowly progressive course seen among Caucasian and East Asian subjects (actuarial survival 80-85% over 10 years), in India about 30-40% of patients have nephrotic syndrome and renal dysfunction at presentation and a 10-year renal survival of 35%, as reported from a retrospective registry. These observations cannot be entirely attributed to a lack of uniform screening protocols or late referral and attest to the probability that IgAN may not be the same disease in different parts of the world. Methods: We will prospectively recruit 200 patients with IgAN (the GRACE IgANI- Glomerular Research And Clinical Experiments- Ig A Nephropathy in Indians-cohort) and stratify them into low and high risk of progression based on published absolute renal risk scores. We will test the validity of this risk score in an unselected Indian IgAN population over a 5-year follow-up period. In parallel, we will undertake extensive exploratory serum, urine, renal and microbiome biomarker studies, firstly, to determine if the underlying pathogenic pathways are the same in Indian IgAN compared to those reported in Caucasian and East Asian IgAN. Secondly, we will systematically assess the value of measuring selected biomarkers and adding this data to traditional measures of risk in IgAN to predict kidney failure. We ultimately hope to generate a composite IgAN risk score specific for the Indian population. Ethics and data dissemination: Approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board (Silver, Research and Ethics Committee) of the Christian Medical College, Vellore, India (Ref. No. IRB Min. No. 8962 [Other] dated 23.07.2014 and IRB Min. No. 9481 [Other] dated 24.06.2015). It is anticipated that results of this study will be presented at national and international meetings, with reports being published from late 2018.

Cefotaxime induced generalized bullous fixed drug eruption - A case report.

Fixed drug eruption (FDE) is the most common cutaneous adverse drug reaction. Cefotaxime, a broad-spectrum third-generation cephalosporin, appeared to be a safe and effective therapy in greater than 90% of infections including cellulitis, abscesses and necrotizing ulcers of the skin and subcutaneous tissues but here we report a rare case of 36 years old female patient developed generalized bullous FDE after intravenous administration of Cefotaxime.

Büchi's model based analysis of local anesthetic action in procaine hydrochloride: Vibrational spectroscopic approach.

The drug action of ester type local anesthetic (LA) procaine hydrochloride (PRC HCl) is activated by blocking Na+ ion flow when it binds to the ion channel in the ligand gated sodium ion channel protein. Büchi's model, explains binding action of ester type LA drug with receptor in terms of charge transfer, dipole-dipole, hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions through lipophilic, ester and hydrophilic moieties. The present work investigates molecular structural and vibrational spectral features of para amino benzoate group, ester part and tertiary amino group respectively belonging to lipophilic, ester and hydrophilic moieties, accountable for the binding of drug to sodium channel. The electron transport mechanism through the ring responsible for structural deviation from benzenoid to quinonoid form and consequent dipolar nature of carbonyl group have been investigated, based on the analysis of XRD, DFT computed molecular structure, 8a ring mode and NBO charges. The characteristic UV absorption peaks and vibrational marker bands of LA drugs have been identified and the charge transfer interaction responsible for lipophilic binding has been investigated. The blocking of Na+ in the ion channel has been probed using attractive and repulsive energy profile. The molecular polarizability has been computed to substantiate the correlation between the structure activity relationship of LA drug molecule and molecular polarizability. The low toxicity of PRC HCl was evaluated using in vitro cytotoxicity study, confirming it as a potential short acting local anesthetic.

CD133+ brain tumor-initiating cells are dependent on STAT3 signaling to drive medulloblastoma recurrence.

Medulloblastoma (MB), the most common malignant paediatric brain tumor, is currently treated using a combination of surgery, craniospinal radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Owing to MB stem cells (MBSCs), a subset of MB patients remains untreatable despite standard therapy. CD133 is used to identify MBSCs although its functional role in tumorigenesis has yet to be determined. In this work, we showed enrichment of CD133 in Group 3 MB is associated with increased rate of metastasis and poor clinical outcome. The signal transducers and activators of transcription-3 (STAT3) pathway are selectively activated in CD133+ MBSCs and promote tumorigenesis through regulation of c-MYC, a key genetic driver of Group 3 MB. We screened compound libraries for STAT3 inhibitors and treatment with the selected STAT3 inhibitors resulted in tumor size reduction in vivo. We propose that inhibition of STAT3 signaling in MBSCs may represent a potential therapeutic strategy to treat patients with recurrent MB.

Correlations of Insulin Resistance and Serum Testosterone Levels with LH:FSH Ratio and Oxidative Stress in Women with Functional Ovarian Hyperandrogenism.

Functional ovarian hyperandrogenism (FOH) is a form of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) characterized by elevated circulating levels of androgens derived from the ovary. Insulin resistance (IR) is the most common etiological factor in women with FOH. IR causes the generation of increased oxidative stress (OS) and diminished antioxidant status. OS is directly correlated with both IR and testosterone levels, which consequently contribute to endocrine and biochemical alterations in FOH women. In the current study, elevations in total testosterone, free testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels accompanied by a decrease in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level leading to higher LH:FSH ratio were the prominent endocrine changes observed in women with FOH. A significant increase in fasting blood levels of glucose and insulin, as well as an elevated IR were also seen in FOH women, as compared to their age matched controls. Women with FOH have higher pro-oxidant and lower anti-oxidant levels in blood than their age matched controls. In FOH women, elevations in LH:FSH ratio and OS are correlated more with hyperandrogenemia than with IR. Of the androgens, free rather than total testosterone has better positive correlations with elevated LH:FSH ratio and OS, and hence, the former is a better predictive marker for the development of biochemical PCOS in women with FOH.

Association of insulin resistance with adipocytokine levels in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) results from the derangement of adipocyte physiology and carbohydrate metabolism. Obesity and insulin resistance (IR) are integral features of MetS. The adipokine alterations in MetS often correlate with IR and body fat content. High adipose tissue content is associated with a decreased production of adiponectin and excessive production of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), all of which induce IR. The present study evaluated the adipokine alterations in MetS and their association with IR. The findings of the current study indicate that MetS is associated with significant decrease in adiponectin and increase in TNF-α and IL-6. The present study also found that the adipocyte derived inflammatory adipokines, TNF-α and IL-6 correlate with IR while the anti-inflammatory adipokines, adiponectin does not correlate with the degree and severity of IR.

Triple insecticide resistance in Anopheles culicifacies: A practical impediment for malaria control in Odisha State, India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: In Odisha State, the control of malaria vectors has become dependent on synthetic pyrethroids, which are used for treatment of all approved long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). The vast use of just one class of insecticide has led to the problem of resistance to insecticides in malaria vectors. One of the major malaria vectors in Odisha State is Anopheles culicifacies Giles. The aim of this study was to determine the resistance status of An. culicifacies to deltamethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid and other common insecticides used by the National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme (NVBDCP) for indoor residual spraying in Odisha State. METHODS: Mosquitoes were collected during April 2014 - June 2014 from 15 randomly selected villages in five p0 lasmodium falciparum endemic southern districts of Odisha State. The blood-fed wild caught females were exposed to the diagnostic dosage of DDT (4.0%), malathion (5.0%) and deltamethrin (0.05%) for one hour. Mortality was recorded at 24 h after the exposure. RESULTS: Results indicated that An. culicifacies was resistant to all the three insecticides used in the malaria control programme in the five districts of Odisha State. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Resistance management strategy by appropriate rotation of different groups of insecticides including carbamates and incorporating a synergist with synthetic pyrethroids for treating mosquito nets should be considered for the control of malaria vectors in the area, especially where An. culicifacies is predominant. Periodical monitoring of susceptibility/resistance status of An. culicifacies to different insecticides is warranted.

Effect of house spraying with lambdacyhalothrin 10 per cent capsule suspension (CS) formulation in comparison with 10 per cent wettable powder (WP) against malaria vector in Malkangiri district, Odisha, India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Selection of an insecticide and its appropriate formulation is a prerequisite of formulating any chemical control strategy against vectors. A hut scale field trial was carried out to study the effectiveness of house spraying with capsule suspension (CS) formulation of lambdacyhalothrin in comparison with its wettable powder (WP) formulation on mortality, density and behaviour of malaria vector in Malkangiri district, Odisha, India. METHODS: The two formulations were tested at 20 and 30 mg (a.i.)/m 2 for their effectiveness in terms of deterrence, excito-repellency, blood-feeding success, mortality and residual activity against Anopheles fluviatilis, the major malaria vector, in experimental huts in Malkangiri district, Odisha State, India. RESULTS: Both CS and WP formulations prevented the entry of An. fluviatilis in to the sprayed huts by >90 per cent for >6 months, the entire peak malaria transmission season in the area. The exit rate increased (90-99%) with different treatments and the feeding rate was reduced (91-97%). There was no significant difference between WP 30, CS 20 and CS 30 mg/m 2 in these respects. However, WP 20 mg/m 2 caused a lesser effect than the other three groups. The formulations or the dosages differed only in causing vector mortalities. Overall, the total mortality rate of An. fluviatilis was higher in the huts sprayed with CS 30 (58%) than the huts sprayed with CS 20 (48%), WP 20 (37%) and WP 30 mg/m 2 (47%). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Considering the duration of residual action and the effect on entry, exit, feeding and mortality of An. fluviatilis, the dosage 20 mg/m 2 of CS formulation of lambdacyhalothrin could be considered for further use.

Optimization of ingredients for noodle preparation using response surface methodology.

In the present investigation, the composite flour combinations using whole wheat flour (X1), tapioca flour (X2) and defatted soy flour (X3) for the noodle preparation were made through central composite rotatable design (CCRD). The analyzed responses were bulk density (BD), proximate composition, water uptake ratio (WUR), cooking volume expansion (VE), water absorption capacity (WAC), swelling capacity (SC), gruel solid loss (GSL), and sensory characteristics. A second order quadratic polynomial equation was fitted to the data of all responses for prediction. The maximum protein content of 16 g% was achieved by the combination of 75.54 g of whole wheat flour, 10 g of tapioca flour and 19.78 g of defatted soy flour. Since the inclusion of defatted soy flour >10 g resulted negative influence on good quality determining responses, the Chinese salted noodles of excellent quality with maximum WAC, WUR, VE, SC, protein, carbohydrate, ash and minimum GSL, BD, fat, moisture could be made from ratio of combination of three independent variables at 77.33 g (X1): 22.19 g (X2): 8.92 g (X3) respectively. The cost of production per kg of noodles with optimum level of ingredient was Rs.75.50/-.

Comparison of efficacy of five types of long-lasting insecticidal nets against Anopheles fluviatilis, the primary malaria vector in east-central India.

Five types of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LNs), namely, Olyset, Netprotect, PermaNet, DuraNet, and Interceptor, were tested after 20 washes for efficacy in terms of mortality, deterrence effect, blood-feeding inhibition, and induced exophily of the malaria vector Anopheles fluviatilis in experimental huts in Malkangiri district of Odisha State, India. Efficacy of the three synthetic pyrethroids (SPs) used in the LNs was also analyzed. Use of LNs reduced the entry of An. fluviatilis into the huts by 73.3-83.2%, and the five LNs were comparable in terms of deterrence. The exit rate of An. fluviatilis from the huts with untreated net was 56.3%, and relative to this, Olyset followed by DuraNet induced significantly a higher exophily. In contrast, the exit rate was significantly lower with Interceptor. Among the three SPs, permethrin induced significantly greater exophily relative to the untreated control, and as a result of this, permethrin-treated Olyset produced a lower mortality. Blood-feeding rate of An. fluviatilis was significantly lower with all the five LNs than the control. Similarly, all the three SPs significantly inhibited blood feeding compared with the control. Interceptor and DuraNet, both alphacypermethrin-treated LNs, caused relatively a higher mortality of An. fluviatilis than the other LNs. The five brands of LNs and three SPs tested in the current study were equally effective in terms of deterrence and blood-feeding inhibition; only exiting and killing effect differed among them. Permethrin-treated LNs induced greater exophily, while, overall, alphacypermethrin-treated LNs killed more An. fluviatilis that entered the huts. Advantage of deterrence, excito-repellent, and killing effects of LNs and appropriate selection of SP for net treatment are discussed in this paper.

Altered DNA repair, oxidative stress and antioxidant status in coronary artery disease.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a multifactorial disease caused by the interplay of environmental risk factors with multiple predisposing genes. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the role of DNA repair efficiency and oxidative stress and antioxidant status in CAD patients. Malonaldehyde (MDA), which is an indicator of oxidative stress, and mean break per cell (b/c) values, which is an indicator of decreased DNA repair efficiency, were found to be significantly increased in patients compared to normal controls (P less than 0.05) whereas ascorbic acid and GSH were found to be lower among patients than the control group. It has been found that elevated oxidative stress decreased antioxidant level and decreased DNA repair efficiency can contribute to the development of CAD. This study also showed that high MDA, low ascorbic acid and GSH were significantly associated with high b/c value.