EFFICACY OF AUTOLOGOUS STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION IN ADULT BURKITT/BURKITT-LIKE LYMPHOMA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.

BACKGROUND: Burkitt and Burkitt like lymphoma (BL/BLL) are highly proliferative germinal or post-germinal B cell tumors. Few studies have evaluated the impact of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) on disease outcomes. AIM: We performed a systematic review to analyze the efficacy of ASCT as frontline consolidation and for treatment of relapsed/refractory cases in adult BL/BLL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eligible studies with clear outcome measures on the efficacy of ASCT in adult patients with BL/BLL were identified through systematic search. The overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), complete response (CR), partial response (PR), and progression/relapse were used to assess the efficacy. RESULTS: For patients who underwent ASCT in first CR, 5-year PFS and OS ranged between 70-78% and 70-83% respectively. For relapsed/refractory disease, 5-year PFS and OS were 27% and 31%, respectively. Patients undergoing ASCT for chemoresistant disease fared poorly with 3-year OS of 7% vs 37% for chemosensitive disease (p ≤ 0.00001). The overall response rate to ASCT for patients transplanted in first CR ranged between 71% and 93% and was 37% for patients who were transplanted in disease status other than first CR. Disease progression/relapse was observed in 16-29% of the patients transplanted in first CR, and 55% to 60% in relapsed disease. CONCLUSION: We found insufficient evidence to support ASCT over chemotherapy alone in the first remission for adult BL/BLL. Evidence supports guidelines recommending ASCT for chemosensitive disease but suggests there is no benefit to ASCT for chemoresistant disease.

Fungal Planet description sheets: 1042-1111.

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Antarctica, Cladosporium arenosum from marine sediment sand. Argentina, Kosmimatamyces alatophylus (incl. Kosmimatamyces gen. nov.) from soil. Australia, Aspergillus banksianus, Aspergillus kumbius, Aspergillus luteorubrus, Aspergillus malvicolor and Aspergillus nanangensis from soil, Erysiphe medicaginis from leaves of Medicago polymorpha, Hymenotorrendiella communis on leaf litter of Eucalyptus bicostata, Lactifluus albopicri and Lactifluus austropiperatus on soil, Macalpinomyces collinsiae on Eriachne benthamii, Marasmius vagus on soil, Microdochium dawsoniorum from leaves of Sporobolus natalensis, Neopestalotiopsis nebuloides from leaves of Sporobolus elongatus, Pestalotiopsis etonensis from leaves of Sporobolus jacquemontii, Phytophthora personensis from soil associated with dying Grevillea mccutcheonii. Brazil, Aspergillus oxumiae from soil, Calvatia baixaverdensis on soil, Geastrum calycicoriaceum on leaf litter, Greeneria kielmeyerae on leaf spots of Kielmeyera coriacea. Chile, Phytophthora aysenensis on collar rot and stem of Aristotelia chilensis. Croatia, Mollisia gibbospora on fallen branch of Fagus sylvatica. Czech Republic, Neosetophoma hnaniceana from Buxus sempervirens. Ecuador, Exophiala frigidotolerans from soil. Estonia, Elaphomyces bucholtzii in soil. France, Venturia paralias from leaves of Euphorbia paralias. India, Cortinarius balteatoindicus and Cortinarius ulkhagarhiensis on leaf litter. Indonesia, Hymenotorrendiella indonesiana on Eucalyptus urophylla leaf litter. Italy, Penicillium taurinense from indoor chestnut mill. Malaysia, Hemileucoglossum kelabitense on soil, Satchmopsis pini on dead needles of Pinus tecunumanii. Poland, Lecanicillium praecognitum on insects' frass. Portugal, Neodevriesia aestuarina from saline water. Republic of Korea, Gongronella namwonensis from freshwater. Russia, Candida pellucida from Exomias pellucidus, Heterocephalacria septentrionalis as endophyte from Cladonia rangiferina, Vishniacozyma phoenicis from dates fruit, Volvariella paludosa from swamp. Slovenia, Mallocybe crassivelata on soil. South Africa, Beltraniella podocarpi, Hamatocanthoscypha podocarpi, Coleophoma podocarpi and Nothoseiridium podocarpi (incl. Nothoseiridium gen. nov.) from leaves of Podocarpus latifolius, Gyrothrix encephalarti from leaves of Encephalartos sp., Paraphyton cutaneum from skin of human patient, Phacidiella alsophilae from leaves of Alsophila capensis, and Satchmopsis metrosideri on leaf litter of Metrosideros excelsa. Spain, Cladophialophora cabanerensis from soil, Cortinarius paezii on soil, Cylindrium magnoliae from leaves of Magnolia grandiflora, Trichophoma cylindrospora (incl. Trichophoma gen. nov.) from plant debris, Tuber alcaracense in calcareus soil, Tuber buendiae in calcareus soil. Thailand, Annulohypoxylon spougei on corticated wood, Poaceascoma filiforme from leaves of unknown Poaceae. UK, Dendrostoma luteum on branch lesions of Castanea sativa, Ypsilina buttingtonensis from heartwood of Quercus sp. Ukraine, Myrmecridium phragmiticola from leaves of Phragmites australis. USA, Absidia pararepens from air, Juncomyces californiensis (incl. Juncomyces gen. nov.) from leaves of Juncus effusus, Montagnula cylindrospora from a human skin sample, Muriphila oklahomaensis (incl. Muriphila gen. nov.) on outside wall of alcohol distillery, Neofabraea eucalyptorum from leaves of Eucalyptus macrandra, Diabolocovidia claustri (incl. Diabolocovidia gen. nov.) from leaves of Serenoa repens, Paecilomyces penicilliformis from air, Pseudopezicula betulae from leaves of leaf spots of Populus tremuloides. Vietnam, Diaporthe durionigena on branches of Durio zibethinus and Roridomyces pseudoirritans on rotten wood. Morphological and culture characteristics are supported by DNA barcodes.

In silico screening of natural compounds against COVID-19 by targeting Mpro and ACE2 using molecular docking.

OBJECTIVE: Currently, Coronavirus COVID-19 is spreading worldwide very rapidly and its control is very difficult because there is no effective vaccine or drugs available in markets. This virus can infect both animals and people and cause illnesses of the respiratory tract. WHO has declared Coronavirus as pandemic and the whole world is fighting against Coronavirus. Globally, more than 199,478 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19. As of March 18, 2020, more than 167 countries have been affected and more than 8000 deaths have been reported. The main country being affected is China followed by Italy, Iran, Spain, France, and the USA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since there are no effective drugs available against Coronavirus, we conducted virtual screening of phytochemicals to find novel compounds against this virus. Hence, we created a phytochemical library of 318 phytochemicals from 11 plants which have been reported as antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal activity. The phytochemical library was subjected to virtual screening against molecular targets; Main protease (Mpro) and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2). RESULTS: Top 10 compounds were selected from each target which had better and significantly low binding energy as compared to the reference molecule. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the binding energy score, we suggest that these compounds can be tested against Coronavirus and used to develop effective antiviral drugs.

Fungal Planet description sheets: 1112-1181.

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Australia, Austroboletus asper on soil, Cylindromonium alloxyli on leaves of Alloxylon pinnatum, Davidhawksworthia quintiniae on leaves of Quintinia sieberi, Exophiala prostantherae on leaves of Prostanthera sp., Lactifluus lactiglaucus on soil, Linteromyces quintiniae (incl. Linteromyces gen. nov.) on leaves of Quintinia sieberi, Lophotrichus medusoides from stem tissue of Citrus garrawayi, Mycena pulchra on soil, Neocalonectria tristaniopsidis (incl. Neocalonectria gen. nov.) and Xyladictyochaeta tristaniopsidis on leaves of Tristaniopsis collina, Parasarocladium tasmanniae on leaves of Tasmannia insipida, Phytophthora aquae-cooljarloo from pond water, Serendipita whamiae as endophyte from roots of Eriochilus cucullatus, Veloboletus limbatus (incl. Veloboletus gen. nov.) on soil. Austria, Cortinarius glaucoelotus on soil. Bulgaria, Suhomyces rilaensis from the gut of Bolitophagus interruptus found on a Polyporus sp. Canada, Cantharellus betularum among leaf litter of Betula, Penicillium saanichii from house dust. Chile, Circinella lampensis on soil, Exophiala embothrii from rhizosphere of Embothrium coccineum. China, Colletotrichum cycadis on leaves of Cycas revoluta. Croatia, Phialocephala melitaea on fallen branch of Pinus halepensis. Czech Republic, Geoglossum jirinae on soil, Pyrenochaetopsis rajhradensis from dead wood of Buxus sempervirens. Dominican Republic, Amanita domingensis on litter of deciduous wood, Melanoleuca dominicana on forest litter. France, Crinipellis nigrolamellata (Martinique) on leaves of Pisonia fragrans, Talaromyces pulveris from bore dust of Xestobium rufovillosum infesting floorboards. French Guiana, Hypoxylon hepaticolor on dead corticated branch. Great Britain, Inocybe ionolepis on soil. India, Cortinarius indopurpurascens among leaf litter of Quercus leucotrichophora. Iran, Pseudopyricularia javanii on infected leaves of Cyperus sp., Xenomonodictys iranica (incl. Xenomonodictys gen. nov.) on wood of Fagus orientalis. Italy, Penicillium vallebormidaense from compost. Namibia, Alternaria mirabibensis on plant litter, Curvularia moringae and Moringomyces phantasmae (incl. Moringomyces gen. nov.) on leaves and flowers of Moringa ovalifolia, Gobabebomyces vachelliae (incl. Gobabebomyces gen. nov.) on leaves of Vachellia erioloba, Preussia procaviae on dung of Procavia capensis. Pakistan, Russula shawarensis from soil on forest floor. Russia, Cyberlindnera dauci from Daucus carota. South Africa, Acremonium behniae on leaves of Behnia reticulata, Dothiora aloidendri and Hantamomyces aloidendri (incl. Hantamomyces gen. nov.) on leaves of Aloidendron dichotomum, Endoconidioma euphorbiae on leaves of Euphorbia mauritanica, Eucasphaeria proteae on leaves of Protea neriifolia, Exophiala mali from inner fruit tissue of Malus sp., Graminopassalora geissorhizae on leaves of Geissorhiza splendidissima, Neocamarosporium leipoldtiae on leaves of Leipoldtia schultzii, Neocladosporium osteospermi on leaf spots of Osteospermum moniliferum, Neometulocladosporiella seifertii on leaves of Combretum caffrum, Paramyrothecium pituitipietianum on stems of Grielum humifusum, Phytopythium paucipapillatum from roots of Vitis sp., Stemphylium carpobroti and Verrucocladosporium carpobroti on leaves of Carpobrotus quadrifolius, Suttonomyces cephalophylli on leaves of Cephalophyllum pilansii. Sweden, Coprinopsis rubra on cow dung, Elaphomyces nemoreus from deciduous woodlands. Spain, Polyscytalum pini-canariensis on needles of Pinus canariensis, Pseudosubramaniomyces septatus from stream sediment, Tuber lusitanicum on soil under Quercus suber. Thailand, Tolypocladium flavonigrum on Elaphomyces sp. USA, Chaetothyrina spondiadis on fruits of Spondias mombin, Gymnascella minnisii from bat guano, Juncomyces patwiniorum on culms of Juncus effusus, Moelleriella puertoricoensis on scale insect, Neodothiora populina (incl. Neodothiora gen. nov.) on stem cankers of Populus tremuloides, Pseudogymnoascus palmeri from cave sediment. Vietnam, Cyphellophora vietnamensis on leaf litter, Tylopilus subotsuensis on soil in montane evergreen broadleaf forest. Morphological and culture characteristics are supported by DNA barcodes.

Neurophysiological evidence of impaired attention and working memory in untreated hematologic cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: Neuroimaging studies of hematologic cancer patients report altered activity in dorsal attention and central executive networks. To determine the consequences of these altered brain networks, we evaluated neurophysiological correlates of attention and working memory in hematologic cancer patients prior to initiating treatment. METHODS: Hematologic cancer patients (19-80 years) were excluded for premorbid cognitive impairment, prior non-hematologic cancer diagnosis, and prior chemotherapy. Attention was manipulated by presenting an irrelevant spatial cue prior to visual search displays. Working memory was manipulated by presenting irrelevant distractors within memory displays. Electroencephalogram was recorded during task performance. RESULTS: Patients (n = 28) and controls (n = 15) were balanced on age, gender, and education. Spatial cues evoked larger N2pc amplitudes, a correlate of spatial attention, in patients than controls (p < .05; Cohen's d > 0.7). Memory distractors evoked larger contralateral delay activity amplitudes, a correlate of working memory load, in patients (p = .028; Cohen's d = 1.1) but not controls (p = .64). CONCLUSIONS: Prior to initiating treatment, hematologic cancer patients demonstrated poor control over spatial attention and working memory, consistent with altered dorsal attention and central executive network activity. SIGNIFICANCE: Hematologic cancer patients may be at a higher risk for selecting, processing, and storing distracting information that would compete with more immediate goal-related behaviors.

Urinary Albumin Excretion, Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate, and Prevalence of Microalbuminuria in Obese Nondiabetic and Nonhypertensive Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

CONTEXT: Obesity even in absence of diabetes and hypertension increases the risk for microalbuminuria (MAU), glomerular hyperfiltration, and therefore nephropathy. AIMS: This study aims to assess the urinary albumin excretion (UAE), prevalence of MAU, and values of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in obese nondiabetic and nonhypertensive patients, vis a vis thin healthy subjects, and attempts to correlate anthropometric measurements with UAE and eGFR. SETTING AND DESIGN: Cross-sectional analytical study on 60 cases who were obese according to Asia Pacific guidelines and 60 nonobese controls. Patients with diabetes, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and established renal disease were excluded. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Albuminuria was assessed in each patient by quantitative immunoturbidimetry method on a spot urine sample. eGFR was calculated by Cockcroft-Gault formula. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data was analyzed using SPSS (2015 version). Mann-Whitney U-test, Fisher Exact test, and Spearman's correlation coefficient was used for various variables. RESULTS: The mean age of cases was 31.90 ± 6.32 years. About 78.33% were in class 1 and 21.66% in class 2 obese groups. The mean UAE at 21.20 ± 26.82 mg/g creatinine was higher in the case group. The prevalence of MAU was 11.66% and 3.33% in case and control groups, respectively. The cases had a significantly higher mean eGFR of 123.29 ± 20.49 mL/min/kg as compared with controls who had a mean eGFR of 106.59 ± 10.15 mL/min/kg. There was moderate correlation between anthropometric measurements and eGFR. CONCLUSION: Younger, class 1 obese patients had a higher UAE, eGFR, and three times higher MAU prevalence, even in absence of diabetes and hypertension, with a correlation between anthropometry and eGFR as compared with nonobese individuals.

Phytochemical analysis and mode of action against Candida glabrata of Paeonia emodi extracts.

In the present study, we have evaluated the antifungal activity of the seed, root and leaf of Paeonia emodi (commonly known as Himalayan peony) in four common solvents (acetone, chloroform, methanol and water) against six fungal strains. The methanolic seed extract (MSE) showed promising antifungal activity against Candida albicans (6.25mg/mL), Candida glabrata (3.12mg/mL) and Candida parapsilosis (12.50mg/mL) among all the fungal strains tested. Combination of the MSE with the well-known commercial antifungal drugs amphotericin B (Amp B), nystatin (NYS) and fluconazole (FLC) resulted in the killing of C. glabrata at non-inhibitory concentrations, i.e., 0.35µg/mL for Amp B, 0.55µg/mL for NYS and 1.19µg/mL for FLC. Notably, MSE caused cell wall damage of C. glabrata cells, as confirmed by confocal microscopy, flowcytometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The MSE was fractionated by thin layer chromatography (TLC). TLC-bioautography was used to determine the active compounds present in the MSE. Column chromatography was used to separate the potential active compounds from the MSE. Furthermore, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) andfourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to identify the phytocomponents of the MSE. These experiments revealed 13-docosenamide/9-octadecenamide/trans-13-docosenamide (89.70%) as being the predominant compound using a chloroform/methanol solvent system for the separation. Interestingly, the MSE also exhibited less significant cytotoxicity at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against mammalian cells (HeLa and HEK293). This study suggests that the MSE of P. emodi can be used for the treatment of C. glabrata infection.

Is complement blockade an acceptable therapeutic strategy for hematopoietic cell transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy?

Diagnosis and management of hematopoietic cell transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) are very complex and controversial, given multiple ongoing issues and comorbidities in sick transplant recipients. Complement activation via classic and alternative pathways is emerging as a potential pathogenetic mechanism in the development of TA-TMA. Complement-centric diagnostic strategy using functional and genetic tests may possibly support diagnosis, enhance molecular understanding and direct drug development. Complement blockade using eculizumab has shown some promising rates of hematologic responses, however, survival may still be poor. Early discontinuation of calcineurin inhibitor where feasible, use of eculizumab, aggressive infection prophylaxis, close monitoring and early treatment of potential complications including GvHD and organ failure may improve outcomes. A number of complement inhibitors are in the development and may change treatment paradigm. Future studies are important to better understand TA-TMA as a disease process and may aim to confirm the role of complement activation in TA-TMA, enhance diagnostic strategy, determine therapeutic approaches and strategies to reduce the risk of other complications particularly infection and GvHD.

Autoimmune hemolysis and immune thrombocytopenic purpura after cord blood transplantation may be life-threatening and warrants early therapy with rituximab.

Autoimmune hemolysis (AH) and immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) are recognized complications after cord blood transplantation (CBT). We evaluated the incidence and characteristics of AH/ITP after double-unit CBT in a day 100 landmark analysis of 152 patients (median age 36 years, range 0.9-70 years) transplanted for hematologic malignancies with myeloablative or nonmyeloablative conditioning and calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)/mycophenolate mofetil. With a median 5.2-year (range 1.6-9.7 years) survivor follow-up, 10 patients developed autoimmune cytopenias (8 AH, 1 ITP, 1 both) at a median of 10.4 months (range 5.8-24.5) post CBT for a 7% cumulative incidence 3 years after the day 100 landmark. Six patients presented with severe disease (hemoglobin ⩽6 g/dL and/or platelets <20 × 109/L). All AH patients were direct antiglobulin test positive. All 10 cases developed during immunosuppression taper with 8 having prior acute GVHD. All 10 patients received rituximab 2-18 days after diagnosis, and corticosteroids combined with rituximab within <7 days was the most effective. No patient died of AH/ITP. AH/ITP occurs infrequently after CBT but may be life-threatening requiring emergency therapy. Rituximab combined with corticosteroids at diagnosis is warranted in patients with severe disease.

Enzyme assays using sensor arrays based on ion-selective carbon nanotube field-effect transistors.

In the fields of clinical diagnostics and point-of-care diagnosis as well as food and environmental monitoring there is a high demand for reliable high-throughput, rapid and highly sensitive assays for a simultaneous detection of several analytes in complex and low-volume samples. Sensor platforms based on solution-processable electrolyte-gated carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNT-FETs) are a simple and cost-effective alternative for conventional assays. In this work we demonstrate a selective as well as direct detection of the products of an enzyme-substrate interaction, here the for metabolic processes important urea-urease system, with sensors based on spray-coated CNT-FETs. The selective and direct detection is achieved by immobilizing the enzyme urease via certain surface functionalization techniques on the sensor surface and further modifying the active interfaces with polymeric ion-selective membranes as well as pH-sensitive layers. Thereby, we can avoid the generally applied approach for a field-effect based detection of enzyme reactions via detecting changes in the pH value due to an on-going enzymatic reaction and directly detect selectively the products of the enzymatic conversion. Thus, we can realize a buffering-capacity independent monitoring of changes in the substrate concentration.

Comprehensive transcriptome profiling of squamous cell carcinoma of horn in Bos indicus.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of horn is frequently observed in Bos indicus affecting 1% of cattle population and accounting 83.34% of total tumours found. The transcriptome profile of horn cancer (HC) tissue and the matched normal (HN) tissue were analysed by RNA-seq using Roche 454 sequencing. A total of 1 504 900 reads comprising of 612 MB data were used to identify differentially expressed genes using CLC Genomic Workbench. These include up-regulation of KRT6A, KRT6B, KRT6C, KRT14, SFN, KRT84, PI3, COL17A1, ANLN, SERPINB5 and down-regulation of BOLA, SCGB1A1, CXCL17, KRT19, BPIFB1, NR4A1 and TFF3 in HC, which are involved in regulation of gene transcription, cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell survival and metabolic pathways. The qPCR analysis of several targets suggested concordance of gene expression profile with RNA-seq analysis. The present findings would provide basis for further screening of genes and identification of markers for early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention of HC.

Autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in follicular lymphoma.

INTRODUCTION: High-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) improve survival in follicular lymphoma; however, relapse remains the most common cause of death. The lower risk of relapse with allogeneic SCT (alloSCT) is offset by a high transplant-related mortality (TRM). AREAS COVERED: English articles indexed in the MEDLINE database were reviewed to discuss the role of graft purging, rituximab maintenance after ASCT, reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) alloSCT, T-cell depletion, donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) and alternate donor sources. EXPERT OPINION: Optimal salvage consolidation strategy may utilize ASCT following non-total body irradiation-based conditioning regimen in second remission. Rituximab maintenance after ASCT may improve molecular remission but is not yet shown to improve overall survival. RIC alloSCT permits its use in older and less-fit patients. Studies with T-cell depleted graft failed to reduce TRM despite a decline in graft-versus-host disease; however, these studies did demonstrate a therapeutic role of DLI in post-transplant relapses. In recent years, haploidentical and umbilical cord blood donors have emerged as alternative donor sources, with outcomes comparable to matched unrelated donor SCT. In the future, incorporation of novel therapeutic agents, improved risk-adapted treatment strategies, and advancement of transplant techniques may provide a better chance of survival.

Efinaconazole topical solution, 10%: formulation development program of a new topical treatment of toenail onychomycosis.

Transungual drug delivery of antifungals is considered highly desirable to treat common nail disorders such as onychomycosis, due to localized effects, and improved adherence resulting from minimal systemic adverse events. However, the development of effective topical therapies has been hampered by poor nail penetration. An effective topical antifungal must permeate through, and under the dense keratinized nail plate to the site of infection in the nail bed and nail matrix. We present here the formulation development program to provide effective transungual and subungual delivery of efinaconazole, the first topical broad spectrum triazole specifically developed for onychomycosis treatment. We discuss the important aspects encompassing the formulation development program for efinaconazole topical solution, 10%, focusing on its solubility in a number of solvents, in vitro penetration through the nail, and in vivo efficacy. Efinaconazole topical solution, 10% is a stable, non-lacquer, antifungal with a unique combination of ingredients added to an alcohol-based formulation to provide low surface tension and good wetting properties. This low surface tension is believed to affect effective transungual delivery of efinaconazole and believed to provide a dual mode of delivery by accessing the nail bed by wicking into the space between the nail and nail plate.

Effect of Liverubin™ on hepatic biochemical profile in patients of alcoholic liver disease: a retrospective study.

Liverubin™ is an available drug in the Indian market that contains silymarin, the major active complex extracted from the medicinal plant milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.). The study retrospectively tracked and analyzed the data of 602 patients, out of which 230 were alcohol induced; 131 with alcohol-induced liver damage (ALD), 13 with liver cirrhosis, and 86 with fatty liver; to assess the effects of water soluble Silymarin (Liverubin™) on important hepatic biochemical parameters. The data was collected from 32 major cities treated by 72 physicians across India who were observed for the specified treatment duration of 11 months. Data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics. At the end of the treatment the hepatic biochemical profile was appreciably improved: the mean % of change in the levels of important hepatic biochemical parameters was observed as follows: total bilirubin 63.48% (direct bilirubin: 64.96%; indirect bilirubin: 61.63%). The serum SGOT and SGPT changed at a mean % of 65.43 and 69.31 respectively while serum alkaline phosphatase was changed at a mean % rate of 39.81. Liverubin™ proved to be safe & well-tolerated among the studied population and no significant treatment related adverse events were reported during the study. Liverubin™ treatment is found to bring about effective lowering of abnormally elevated hepatic biochemical parameters. Liverubin™, water soluble active Silymarin, in the popularly prescribed doses of 140-mg tid is observed to be a promising safe and effective drug in cases of alcoholic liver disease.

Metagenomic analysis of buffalo rumen microbiome: Effect of roughage diet on Dormancy and Sporulation genes.

Buffalo rumen microbiome experiences a variety of diet stress and represents reservoir of Dormancy and Sporulation genes. However, the information on genomic responses to such conditions is very limited. The Ion Torrent PGM next generation sequencing technology was used to characterize general microbial diversity and the repertoire of microbial genes present, including genes associated with Dormancy and Sporulation in Mehsani buffalo rumen metagenome. The research findings revealed the abundance of bacteria at the domain level and presence of Dormancy and Sporulation genes which were predominantly associated with the Clostridia and Bacilli taxa belonging to the phyla Firmicutes. Genes associated with Sporulation cluster and Sporulation orphans were increased from 50% to 100% roughage treatment, thereby promoting sporulation all along the treatments. The spore germination is observed to be the highest in the 75% roughage treatment both in the liquid and solid rumen fraction samples with respect to the decrease in the values of the genes associated with spore core dehydration, thereby facilitating spore core hydration which is necessary for spore germination.

Genome Sequence of Salt-Tolerant Bacillus safensis Strain VK, Isolated from Saline Desert Area of Gujarat, India.

Bacillus safensis strain VK was isolated from the rhizosphere of a cumin plant growing in the saline desert of Radhanpar, Gujarat, India. Here, we provide the 3.68-Mb draft genome sequence of B. safensis VK, which might provide information about the salt tolerance and genes encoding enzymes for the strain's plant growth-promoting potential.

Complete Genome Sequence of Escherichia Phage ADB-2 Isolated from a Fecal Sample of Poultry.

Escherichia phage ADB-2 was isolated from a chicken fecal sample. It is a virulent phage and shows effective inhibition of Escherichia coli strains. Here we announce the completely sequenced genome of Escherichia phage ADB-2, and major findings from its annotation are described.

Whole-genome shotgun sequencing of the extremophile Alkalibacillus haloalkaliphilus C-5, of Indian origin.

Alkalibacillus haloalkaliphilus C-5 is a haloalkaliphilic bacterium that was isolated from a soil sample from the salty Sambhar Lake, Rajasthan, India. The organism is capable of alkaline protease production under conditions of pH 10 and 10% (wt/vol) salt. We sequenced and have reported the whole genome of Alkalibacillus haloalkaliphilus C-5, of Indian origin, for the first time.