GC/MS and LC/MS Phytochemical Analysis of Vigna unguiculata L. Walp Pod.

Vigna unguiculata (L. Walp) or Cowpea pod methanolic extracts phytochemical analysis, total phenolic content (TPC), and secondary metabolite profiling were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis. GC/MS analysis revealed twenty compounds in the extract, while LC/MS analysis identified twenty-four compounds. GC/MS chromatogram analysis suggested the presence of opioid α-N-Normethadol a major constituent found in methanolic extract and fatty acid esters carotenoid is found second major constituent. LC/MS chromatogram and the mass spectral analysis demonstrated the presence of flavonoids, carotenoids, and alkaloids as major phytochemicals. We investigated the antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-oxidant activity of pod methanolic extract. The extract was found equally effective against E. coli, S. pyogenes, and P. aeruginosa with MIC 100 µg/mL similar to the standard Ampicillin (MIC 100 µg/mL). C. albicans were found to be most susceptible to Vign unguiculata pods methanolic extract with a MIC of 250 µg/mL. The pod extract showed significant DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 =78.38±0.15) which suggests its antioxidant potential.

Zygote morphogenesis but not the establishment of cell polarity in Plasmodium berghei is controlled by the small GTPase, RAB11A.

Plasmodium species are apicomplexan parasites whose zoites are polarized cells with a marked apical organisation where the organelles associated with host cell invasion and colonization reside. Plasmodium gametes mate in the mosquito midgut to form the spherical and presumed apolar zygote that morphs during the following 24 hours into a polarized, elongated and motile zoite form, the ookinete. Endocytosis-mediated protein transport is generally necessary for the establishment and maintenance of polarity in epithelial cells and neurons, and the small GTPase RAB11A is an important regulator of protein transport via recycling endosomes. PbRAB11A is essential in blood stage asexual of Plasmodium. Therefore, a promoter swap strategy was employed to down-regulate PbRAB11A expression in gametocytes and zygotes of the rodent malaria parasite, Plasmodium berghei which demonstrated the essential role of RAB11A in ookinete development. The approach revealed that lack of PbRAB11A had no effect on gamete production and fertility rates however, the zygote to ookinete transition was almost totally inhibited and transmission through the mosquito was prevented. Lack of PbRAB11A did not prevent meiosis and mitosis, nor the establishment of polarity as indicated by the correct formation and positioning of the Inner Membrane Complex (IMC) and apical complex. However, morphological maturation was prevented and parasites remained spherical and immotile and furthermore, they were impaired in the secretion and distribution of microneme cargo. The data are consistent with the previously proposed model of RAB11A endosome mediated delivery of plasma membrane in Toxoplasma gondii if not its role in IMC formation and implicate it in microneme function.

Rural Set Up Experience of Viper Bite Treatment with Special Reference to FFP in Venom Induced Consumption Coagulopathy.

Snake bite is one of the major public health problems in India. Venom induced consumption coagulopathy(VICC) is the commonest coagulopathy resulting from viper bites. Anti-snake venom(ASV) is the only mainstay therapy in the management of snake bite. Despite anti-venom being efficacious and bonding to multiple toxins in the venom, there are number of reasons it may not be effective. The most important being irreversible toxic effects cannot be reversed by antivenom to toxin after damage has occurred, such as clotting factor deficiencies resulting from VICC. This study was done to evaluate the efficacy of use of anti-snake venom and ASV with fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in haemotoxic snake bites in a tertiary care hospital. Total 500 patients admitted during period from January 2010- April 2017 with history of snake bite. vasculotoxic[278], neurotoxic[126], localtoxic[64] and nontoxic[32]. Overall outcome in term of time recovery, renal complications, and death better in ASV plus FFP group. The complications due to snake bite were minimum, if anti snake venom was administered within first 4 hours.

Regioselective and efficient enzymatic synthesis of antimicrobial andrographolide derivatives.

Labdane diterpene andrographolide (1) is a major constituent of Andrographis paniculata and known to exhibit wide spectrum of biological activities. In this study, regioselective monoesters of (1) have been synthesized by using Amano lipase AK (Pseudomonas fluorescens) as a biocatalyst. Amano lipase AK was able to execute highly efficient esterification of hydroxyl group attached to C-14 carbon of (1) in presence of acyl donors. Among the various synthesized derivatives including two novel compounds such as andrographolide-14-propionate (3) and andrographolide-14-caproate (5) displayed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with low minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) 4 µg/mL and 16 µg/mL respectively. Furthermore, they have shown low hemolysis activity at their respective MIC and increase in the permeability of the bacterial cell membrane as delineated by FITC uptake and SEM imaging studies.

Diagnostic accuracy of high-resolution attenuation-corrected Anger-camera SPECT in the detection of coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: There is limited data on diagnostic accuracy of recently introduced high-resolution Anger (HRA) SPECT incorporating attenuation correction (AC), noise reduction, and resolution recovery algorithms. We therefore studied 54 consecutive patients (excluding those with prior MI or cardiomyopathy) who had HRA-AC SPECT and coronary angiography (CA) ≤ 30 days and no change in symptoms. METHODS: The HRA-AC studies were acquired in 128 × 128 matrix (3.2 mm pixel) format with simultaneous Gd-153 line-source AC. Measured variables were image quality, interpretive certainty, sensitivity and specificity for any CAD, sensitivity for single- and multivessel CAD, and the influence of gender, body mass index (BMI), and stress modality. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 66 ± 11 years with a BMI of 32 ± 7 kg·m(-2). Mean interpretive certainty score was 2.7 on a 3-point scale and mean image quality score was 3.3 on a 4-point scale. Stress perfusion defects were detected in 34 of 38 patients with obstructive CAD [sensitivity 89%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 76%-95%]. The specificity was 75% (CI 51%-90%) and overall diagnostic accuracy was 85% (CI 73%-92%). Accuracy did not differ for females vs males, for BMI ≤30 vs >30, or for pharmacologic vs exercise SPECT. Sensitivity for single-vessel disease was 88% (CI 69%-96%) and for multivessel disease was 93% (CI 69%-99%). CONCLUSION: New Anger technology incorporating innovative improvements results in high image quality with excellent interpretive certainty and high diagnostic accuracy.

Increased intrathoracic and hepatic visceral adipose tissue independently correlates with coronary artery calcification in asymptomatic patients.

BACKGROUND: Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is associated with cardiac events, but it is not clear which, if any of the various measures of VAT independently correlate with coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: We studied 400 patients undergoing computed tomography to determine coronary artery calcium (CAC) score. VAT was measured in the form of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume and thickness, intrathoracic adipose tissue volume (ITAV), and hepatic steatosis. RESULTS: Of the 400 subjects, the average CAC score was 112.2 ± 389.3. When each measure of VAT (EAT volume and thickness, ITAV, hepatic steatosis) was added to the traditional model (they were independently associated with greater risk of CAC score ≥100 AU as measured by IDI/NRI (P < .05). On univariable logistic regression analysis, each of the 4 measures of VAT showed association with greater risk of a CAC score of ≥100 AU (OR > 1). CONCLUSIONS: Each measure of VAT is a strong correlate of CAC score ≥100 AU in asymptomatic subjects-these VAT assessments correlate more significantly than do traditional CAD risk factors. This incremental power in the predictive models is likely the result of measurement of a fundamental expression of the metabolic syndrome and consequent proatherogenic derangements.

A Case of Parathyroid Adenoma with Bilateral Subtrochanteric Pathological Femur Fracture - A Rare Case Report.

Introduction: Primary hyperparathyroidism is a commonly occurring endocrine disorder that is characterized by elevated calcium levels, decreased phosphate levels, and high levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH). The condition can lead to significant bone resorption and pathological fractures. Case Report: We report a case of a 44-year-old female who presented with bilateral thigh pain after a trivial fall at home. Radiological investigations revealed a subtrochanteric fracture of the bilateral femur that was deemed pathological. Biochemical testing indicated severe hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia with elevated levels of serum PTH and an increased alkaline phosphatase level. Ultrasound and computed tomography scans confirmed a parathyroid adenoma, which was treated through excision and histopathological examination. The patient underwent orthopedic intervention for bilateral subtrochanteric femur fracture, and follow-up investigations showed normal biochemical markers and fracture union within 6 months. Conclusion: Primary hyperparathyroidism should be kept in mind when dealing with bone lesions connected to hypercalcemia, even in asymptomatic individuals and individuals presenting with a trivial mode of trauma. The diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma requires a combination of radiological and biochemical investigations, and a multidisciplinary approach is recommended for the best possible outcome.

Antimicrobial flavonoid: in silico targeting Escherichia coli DNA gyrase adeptly.

A phytochemical investigation of Leucas aspera involved the isolation of flavones and steroids, along with triterpenoids. The identified chemical constituents were characterized as baicalein, baicalein-7-O-ß-D-glucuronide, lup-20(29)-ene-3α,23-diol, ß-sitosterol, and stigmasterol. Notably, baicalein (4) and baicalein-7-O-ß-D-glucuronide (5) demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity at a low minimum inhibitory concentration against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Escherichia coli. Meanwhile, lup-20(29)-ene-3α,23-diol, ß-sitosterol, and stigmasterol displayed moderate antimicrobial activity against all the screened microorganisms. Further analysis showed that baicalein-7-O-ß-D-glucuronide had a strong docking score of -5.78 kcal/mol, indicating its robust interaction with E. coli DNA gyrase, which aligns with the in vitro findings. Additionally, baicalein-7-O-ß-D-glucuronide exhibited in silico ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolites, and excretion) properties similar to those of tetracycline.

Comparative Prognostic Value of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) in Supratentorial and Infratentorial Stroke Patients in Western India.

Background Acute coronary syndrome is the most common cause of mortality; cerebral vascular accident ranks second. Stroke is the fourth most common cause of disability worldwide, with nearly 20 million people suffering a stroke every year around the world and an estimated five million dead. Slightly more than 85.5% of stroke-related deaths take place in developing countries. In short, blockage (thrombus or emboli) and decreased blood supply for cerebral tissues lead to a stroke that permanently damages brain tissue. A stroke is clinically defined as rapidly developing clinical symptoms of focal cerebral dysfunction lasting >24 hours or leading to death, as characterized by the World Health Organization (WHO). Objective The present study was designed to compare the efficacy of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) in determining the prognosis of supratentorial and infratentorial stroke. Methods This observational prospective study was performed on over 100 patients admitted to Bharati Hospital, Sangli, who had cerebrovascular accidents from February 2018 to June 2019. Eligibility criteria were adults more than 18 years of age with clinical and computed tomography/magnet resonance imaging (CT/MRI) evidence consistent with acute stroke. Trauma and concomitant supra- and infratentorial strokes were excluded. GCS and NIH stroke scale scores were measured daily, and scores were noted on the first and last day of hospitalization. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22 (Released 2013; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States), including mean, standard deviation, paired t-test, and Chi-square test. Results Out of 100 patients, 77% had suffered supratentorial strokes, and thus the other 23% had infratentorial strokes. Alcohol consumption was associated with a higher risk of infratentorial strokes, while smoking was linked to a higher risk of supratentorial strokes. Diabetes and hypertension did not differ statistically between the two groups. Compared to patients with supratentorial strokes, those who suffered from infratentorial strokes had a greater death rate and less favorable recovery results. Patients with supratentorial strokes who recovered completely or partially showed considerable improvements in their GCS scores, but patients with infratentorial strokes showed minimal to no improvement. On the other hand, the NIHSS score significantly improved in patients who achieved both complete or partial recovery and no improvement or mortality in both supratentorial and infratentorial stroke. NIHSS is preferred over GCS because it provides a better insight into morbidity and neurological outcomes of both types of strokes in comparison with GCS, which is more useful in predicting mortalities. Conclusion According to this study, supratentorial strokes were more common, whereas infratentorial strokes had a worse prognosis. Alcohol ingestion and smoking may have an impact on the location of a stroke. Compared to GCS, the NIHSS score provided a more thorough evaluation of stroke recovery, indicating its potential for better patient care.

Divergent effects of various diabetes drugs on cardiovascular prognosis.

This review discusses the current data on various antidiabetic medications and their effects on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Diabetes mellitus is a potent independent risk factor for MACE, and this risk increases in proportion to the elevation of hemoglobin A1c. Available data suggest that tight glycemic control in patients with diabetes reduces microvascular complications, but has limited effect or may even increase the risk of MACE and other macrovascular complications. For individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) drugs that reduce postprandial glucose (α-glucosidase inhibitors, incretin mimetics, quick-acting bromocriptine, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, and colesevelam) are associated with a decrease in MACE. Drugs that directly reduce insulin resistance (pioglitazone and metformin) are also associated with lesser but still significant decreases in MACE. Insulin, rosiglitazone (but not pioglitazone), and sulfonylureas (especially with glyburide and particularly the glyburide + metformin combination) are associated with increases in MACE. In summary, drugs that reduce postprandial glucose and improve insulin resistance without predisposing patients to hypoglycemia appear to both control hyperglycemia and improve cardiovascular prognosis. However, many of the traditional agents used for treating T2DM, such as insulin and sulfonylureas, do not improve cardiovascular prognosis despite improving hyperglycemia.

One-pot fluorescent labeling protocol for complex hydroxylated bioactive natural products.

Tagging of small bioactive molecules with a fluorophore is a highly sensitive method to trace their cellular activities through real-time visual information. Here we disclose a 7-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD)-based, high-yielding, one-pot labeling protocol for hydroxylated molecules using Yamaguchi coupling as the key reaction. This methodology was successfully applied on several sensitive and complex hydroxylated bioactive compounds including 7-deacetylazadiradione, simvastatin, camptothecin, andrographolide, cinchonine, ß-dihydroartemisinin, and azadirachtin A. Further, utility of this protocol was illustrated on the cytotoxic activity of azadiradione derivatives against several cancer cell lines through cell imaging of two qualified fluorescent probes.

Regadenoson pharmacologic stress for myocardial perfusion imaging: a three-way comparison between regadenoson administered at peak exercise, during walk recovery, or no-exercise.

BACKGROUND: Regadenoson (Reg) is being administered with increasing frequency either at peak exercise (ExPeak-Reg) or during a slow-down/walking recovery state (ExRec-Reg) rather than at rest (Rest-Reg). The aim of this study was to compare the clinical response of ExPeak-Reg, ExRec-Reg, and Rest-Reg. METHODS: We compared 531 patients divided equally between Rest-Reg, ExPeak-Reg, and ExRec-Reg matched for age, sex, and BMI. RESULTS: The average systolic blood pressure (SBP) rise following Reg was modest, but there was considerable heterogeneity and the ExPeak-Reg group had a higher percentage of patients who had a SBP rise of 40 mm Hg or a fall of 20 mm Hg than either the ExRec-Reg or the Rest-Reg groups (≥40 mm Hg rise 6.8%, 1.7%, and 1.7%, respectively) (P < .02) (≥20 mm Hg fall 15.8%, 13.0%, and 7.3%, respectively) (P < .05). Chest discomfort, nausea, dizziness, and interfering abdominal radiotracer activity were less common in both exercise Reg groups compared to Rest-Reg (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Regadenoson injected at peak of symptom-limited exercise was generally well tolerated, but some patients had a significant rise or drop in SBP. There is no apparent advantage of administering regadenoson at peak exercise rather than during walk recovery, and the latter approach may have a greater safety margin.

Prevalence of grade II and III obesity among patients hospitalized with cardiovascular diagnoses in 2002 v. 2009.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity has increased markedly over the past four decades; however, some reports suggest a recent plateau. There is little information available regarding recent changes in obesity prevalence among patients hospitalized with cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVE: To define obesity trends among patients hospitalized with cardiovascular disease between 2002 and 2009 at an academic medical center. METHODS: This is a retrospective database analysis of patients admitted with cardiovascular diagnoses in 2002 versus 2009. Using ICD-9 codes, the study population was generated. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared (Quetelet index). Patients were assigned to 1 of 5 BMI categories: normal weight (BMI < 19-24.99), overweight (BMI 25-29.99), Grades I obesity (BMI 30-34.99), Grade II obesity (BMI 35-39.99), and Grade III obesity (BMI > 40). Patient demographics are compared with Student's T-tests for continuous data and chi2 tests for categorical data. Logistic regression models were developed in the overall cohort to ascertain differences in obesity grades I, II & III between the two time points with age, gender, race and primary ICD-9 code included as covariates. The logistic regression models were then repeated for each primary ICD-9 code. RESULTS: Patients admitted with cardiovascular diagnoses in 2002 (n = 1271) and 2009 (n = 1576) were stratified by BMI categories. Over this period of nine years, obesity prevalence increased significantly from 28.5% to 38.4% of patients. In particular, Grades II and III obesity increased markedly from 2002 to 2009 (7.6% versus 9.9%, and 2.7% versus 7.5%; unadjusted p = 0.04, p < 0.001 and adjusted p = 0.09 and p < 0.0001 respectively). Individuals with Grade III obesity had a higher incidence of arrhythmias, coronary heart disease, and valvular heart disease. CONCLUSIONS: Grade II and III obesity has markedly increased among patients admitted to our hospital with major cardiovascular diagnoses in the period 2002 to 2009. With respect to hospitalized patients, the obesity epidemic is still on a steeply rising trajectory, especially for the extremely obese categories.

Cardiovascular damage resulting from chronic excessive endurance exercise.

A daily routine of physical activity is highly beneficial in the prevention and treatment of many prevalent chronic diseases, especially of the cardiovascular (CV) system. However, chronic, excessive sustained endurance exercise may cause adverse structural remodeling of the heart and large arteries. An evolving body of data indicates that chronically training for and participating in extreme endurance competitions such as marathons, ultra-marathons, Iron-man distance triathlons, very long distance bicycle racing, etc., can cause transient acute volume overload of the atria and right ventricle, with transient reductions in right ventricular ejection fraction and elevations of cardiac biomarkers, all of which generally return to normal within seven to ten days. In veteran extreme endurance athletes, this recurrent myocardial injury and repair may eventually result in patchy myocardial fibrosis, particularly in the atria, interventricular septum and right ventricle, potentially creating a substrate for atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Furthermore, chronic, excessive, sustained, high-intensity endurance exercise may be associated with diastolic dysfunction, large-artery wall stiffening and coronary artery calcification. Not all veteran extreme endurance athletes develop pathological remodeling, and indeed lifelong exercisers generally have low mortality rates and excellent functional capacity. The aim of this review is to discuss the emerging understanding of the cardiac pathophysiology of extreme endurance exercise, and make suggestions about healthier fitness patterns for promoting optimal CV health and longevity.

Phytochemical analysis by GC-MS, LC-MS complementary approaches and antimicrobial activity investigation of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. leaves.

Consumption of legumes has long been linked to their nutritional and medicinal benefits. Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. (Cowpea) is a legume plant in the Fabaceae family and is a rich source of nutrients also is known for its beneficial effects for diseases treatment. In terms of phytochemicals analysis and bioactivities evaluations the major research has focused on the Cowpea seeds, whereas leaves and pods are remained understudied. Herein we have highlighted leaves methanolic extract phytochemicals identification, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity assessment. Cowpea leaves methanolic extract Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis first time revealed the presence of α-hederin, which is a putative novel SARS-COV-2 inhibitor and Zearlenone mycotoxin. Leaves methanolic extract exhibited strong activity against Streptococcus pyogens and Candida albicans. The Cowpea leaves extract is a potent DPPH inhibitor with an IC50 of 62.04 ± 0.08 µg/mL. The bioactive compounds identification in this work supports the plant's nutritional and medicinal uses.

Functionalized non-woven surfaces for combating the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The worldwide outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infection has necessitated mandatory use of face masks, personal protective equipment and intake of a healthy diet for immunity boosting. As per WHO's recommendation, continuous use of masks has been proven effective in decreasing the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate. The present study reports on the bacterial filtration efficacy (BFE) of a novel 4-ply functionalized non-woven face mask. We synthesized a polypropylene-based fabric with inner layers of melt-blown fine fibres coated with polylactic acid and immune-boosting herbal phytochemicals. Experimental studies on the synthesized face mask demonstrated a BFE of greater than 99% against Staphylococcus aureus (a bacterium species frequently found in mammalian respiratory tract). A thorough computational analysis using LibDock algorithm demonstrated an effective docking performance of herbal phytochemicals against harmful virus structures. More importantly, the face mask also showed sufficient and stable breathability as per regulatory standards. A breathing resistance of 30 Pa at an aerosol flow rate of 30 l h-1 was reported under standard temperature and pressure conditions, indicating a high potential for real-world applications.

Prevalence and subtypes of hypertension in normal-weight and obese Indian adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence, stages, subtypes of hypertension, and the associated risk factors in adolescent school children in Western India. We screened 2,644 adolescents, from 10 different private and government schools in urban and rural areas for hypertension, as defined by the 2017 Clinical Practice Guidelines. The association of stages and subtypes with age, gender, body mass index, type of school, and place of residence was analysed. 197 children (7.5%) had hypertension; 170 (6.4%) had stage I, 27 (1%) had stage II and 76 (2.9%) had elevated blood pressure (EBP). The risk of EBP was higher in children > 15 years of age (p = 0.006). Compared with normal-weight children, obese, and overweight children had a higher risk of hypertension [odds ratio (OR) 9 (5.84, 13.88) and 3.77 (2.59, 5.48) respectively], whereas underweight children had a lower risk [OR 0.39 (0.16, 0.98)]. Normal-weight hypertension was seen in 5.2% and was higher in children from government schools (9.4%). Systolic-diastolic hypertension (SDH) was the most common subtype, seen in 136 (5.1%). SDH was more common in girls, in rural children, and in those with stage II hypertension. Isolated diastolic hypertension, seen in 51 (1.9%), was more common in boys, in urban children, and in those with EBP.