Sensing and sensitive visualization of latent fingerprints on various surfaces using a versatile fluorescent aggregation-induced emission-based coumarin derivative.

The marked rise in criminal activity in society has made a difficult task for forensic scientists who aim to track any crime scene effectively, therefore visualization of latent fingerprints (LFPs) plays an increasingly vital role in forensics. In the present report, a highly sensitive solvatochromism, aggregation-induced emission-based 2-(4-nitrophenyl)-3H-benzocoumarin fluorescent dye (CFD) was fabricated using an ultrasonication protocol. The fluorescence properties of the CFD were analyzed using fluorescence spectrophotometer. The CFD produced a greenish yellow emission in solid and fluid states. An in-depth visualization of LFPs showed detailed ridge patterns under normal and ultraviolet light sources (254 and 365 nm) due to the excellent chemisorption of CFD onto the ridge patterns on the finger. All three types of ridge details were visualized without any background interference when using a simple and quick powder dusting method. Results revealed that, the present fluorescent dye can be used successfully for detection of latent fingerprints (LFPs) on various nonporous substrates surfaces, in organic light-emitting diodes applications (OLEDs), and for electrochemical sensing.

Crystal structure of 1-[(2S*,4R*)-6-fluoro-2-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetra-hydro-quinolin-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one.

In the title compound, C14H17FN2O, the 1,2,3,4-tetra-hydro-pyridine ring of the quinoline moiety adopts a half-chair conformation, while the pyrrolidine ring has an envelope conformation with the central methyl-ene C atom as the flap. The pyrrolidine ring lies in the equatorial plane and its mean plane is normal to the mean plane of the quinoline ring system, with a dihedral angle value of 88.37 (9)°. The bridging N-C bond distance [1.349 (3) Å] is substanti-ally shorter than the sum of the covalent radii (d cov: C-N = 1.47 Šand C=N = 1.27 Å), which indicates partial double-bond character for this bond, resulting in a certain degree of charge delocalization. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by N-H⋯O and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming sheets lying parallel to (10-1). These two-dimensional networks are linked via C-H⋯F hydrogen bonds and C-H⋯π inter-actions, forming a three-dimensional structure.

Crystal structure of cis-1-(2-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetra-hydro-quinolin-4-yl)azepan-2-one.

In the title compound, C16H22N2O, the azepan-2-one ring adopts a chair conformation, while the 1,2,3,4-tetra-hydro-pyridine ring adopts a half-chair conformation. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming supra-molecular chains propagated along [10-1], with weak C-H⋯O inter-actions occurring between the chains.

A prospective observational study on species differentiation and antifungal susceptibility pattern in patients with genital candidiasis.

Background: Candidial balanitis, balanoposthitis and vulvovaginitis can be diagnosed by direct microscopy, culture and treated with antifungals. Resistance to antifungals is emerging. Hence, we conducted a study to identify the causative species and antifungal susceptibility. Aim: To observe the species differentiation and antifungal susceptibility pattern in patients with genital candidiasis. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out that included 54 patients of age group (18-60 years) diagnosed clinically and direct microscopically (KOH) for genital candidiasis. Culture was done using Sabouraud dextrose agar. Species identification and antifungal susceptibility were tested. Descriptive data were expressed in the form of frequency and percentage. Results: Out of 54 patients, 41 had culture positive candidiasis. Among the isolated species, 68.3% were Candida albicans (28/41) and 31.7% were non- albicans Candida spp. Among non-albicans Candida species (13/41), Candida glabrata (19.5%), Candida tropicalis (7.3%), Candida guilliermondii (2.4%), Candida parapsilosis (2.4%) were identified. Antifungal susceptibility was tested for fluconazole (FLU), clotrimazole (CLTZ), itraconazole (ITZ), ketoconazole (KTZ), voriconazole (VOR), amphotericin-B (AMPH-B). Except C. glabrata and C.parapsilosis, all other species were sensitive to all tested antifungals. All isolated species were sensitive to KTZ, VOR, AMPH-B, and CLTZ. Nearly 22% of isolates were resistant to fluconazole. Conclusion: C. glabrata causes complicated, severe recurrent vulvovaginitis which is fluconazole resistant. Drug sensitivity prior prescribing antifungal agent identifies appropriate drug, decreases patient's disease morbidity and cross resistance.

Development of single-strand conformational polymorphism to screen for mutations in hotspot regions of beta-globin gene of beta-thalassemia patients of Sri Lanka.

Beta-thalassemia is prevalent in Sri Lanka and imposes a heavy economic and social burden in the country due to the patients' life-long need for regular blood transfusion and treatment with iron chelation therapy. Thus, there is a need to develop a rapid, reliable and effective population-based presymptomatic and prenatal screening method for beta-thalassemia. Single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) technique was developed as an adjunct for the previously developed allele-specific PCR (ASP) technique to screen the presence of mutations in beta-globin gene. A hotspot region of beta-globin gene containing 98% of known beta-thalassemia mutations was amplified from 24 clinically diagnosed beta-thalassemia patients and two normal individuals. Two overlapping amplicons of 238 bp and 268 bp were subjected to SSCP analysis. The SSCP banding patterns of these two fragments from beta-thalassemia patients were different from the corresponding regions of normal individuals. Sequence analysis of these regions revealed the presence of 4 mutations in the form of deletion and substitution that have not been reported previously from Sri Lanka. Therefore, the SSCP protocol developed in this study together with ASP should provide an appropriate screening approach for presymptomatic and parental diagnosis of beta-thalassemia in the Sri Lankan population.

Ethyl 5-bromo-naphtho-[2,1-b]furan-2-carboxyl-ate.

In the title compound, C(15)H(11)BrO(3), the dihedral angle between the naphtho-furan ring system (r.m.s. deviation = 0.022 Å) and the side chain is 4.50 (2)°. In the crystal, short Br⋯Br [3.4435 (7) Å] contacts propagating along [010] in a zigzag manner and weak π-π inter-actions [shortest centroid-centroid separation = 3.573 (2) Å] directedalong [100] are observed.

Follmann balanitis - A very rare presentation of primary syphilis.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum. The primary stage of the disease manifests as a chancre. Balanoposthitis as a presenting feature of primary syphilis is a very rare presentation. A 26-year-old male presented with asymptomatic erythematous plaques involving the glans and prepuce after unprotected intercourse with a known female. Routine investigations, serology, and dark field examination were normal. Fontana-Masson stain revealed spirochetes and a diagnosis of syphilitic balanitis of Follmann was entertained. This rare presentation accounts for only 0.3%-0.5% of cases of primary syphilis and hence is highlighted in this case report.

An efficient one-pot synthesis and photoinduced DNA cleavage studies of 2-chloro-3-(5-aryl-4,5-dihydroisoxazol-3-yl)quinolines.

4,5-Dihydroisoxazoles continue to attract considerable interest due to their wide spread biological activities. Here, we identify an efficient protocol for the preparation of 4,5-dihydroisoxazoles (2-isaxazolines) (4a-g) from quinolinyl chalcones. The nucleolytic activities of synthesized compounds were investigated by agarose gel electrophoresis. All these compounds were showed the remarkable DNA cleavage activity (concentration dependent) with pUC19 DNA at 365nm UV light. The DNA cleavage activity was significantly enhanced by the presence of iminyl and carboxy radicals of DIQ.

Synthesis and DNA cleavage studies of novel quinoline oxime esters.

New 2-chloro-3-formyl quinoline oxime esters were synthesized by the reaction of 2-chloro-3-formyl quinoline oximes with various benzoyl chlorides in the presence of triethyl amine and dichloromethane at 0°C. The DNA photo cleavage studies of some new oxime esters were investigated by neutral agarose gel electrophoresis at different concentrations (40µM and 80µM). Analysis of the cleavage products in agarose gel indicated that few of quinoline oxime esters (3d-i) converted into supercoiled pUC19 plasmid DNA to its nicked or linear form.

Ascophyllum nodosum enriched bread reduces subsequent energy intake with no effect on post-prandial glucose and cholesterol in healthy, overweight males. A pilot study.

It is well recognised that the consumption of seaweed isolates (such as alginate) successfully reduce energy intake and modulate glycaemic and cholesterolaemic responses. However, to date, the effect of adding whole seaweed to bread has not been widely investigated. Hence, this study aims to investigate the acceptability of Ascophyllum nodosum enriched bread as part of a meal, and measure its effect on energy intake and nutrient absorption in overweight, healthy males to see if it has a similar impact. Results from the acceptability study, (79 untrained sensory panellists) indicated that it is acceptable to incorporate seaweed (A. nodosum) into a staple food such as bread at concentrations of up to 4% per 400 g wholemeal loaf. A single blind cross over trial (n=12 males, aged 40.1±12.5 years; BMI 30.8±4.4 kg/m(2)) was used to compare energy intake and nutrient uptake after a breakfast meal using the enriched bread (4% A. nodosum) against the control bread (0% A. nodosum). Consumption of the enriched bread at breakfast led to a significant reduction (16.4%) in energy intake at a test meal 4 h later. Differences between treatment arms for area under the curve, peak values, and time of peak for blood glucose and cholesterol were not significant. Further investigation of potential mechanisms of action is warranted.

N-(Phenyl-sulfon-yl)naphtho-[2,1-b]furan-1-carboxamide.

In the title compound, C(19)H(13)NO(4)S, the mol-ecule is twisted at the S atom with a C-S-N-C torsion angle of -65.2 (2)° between the benzene ring and the -SO(2)-NH-C=O segment. The dihedral angle between the benzene and the naphtho-furan ring system is 83.3 (1)°. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds into chains running along the c axis. An intra-molecular N-H⋯O(furan) inter-action is also observed.

Antiproliferative, apoptotic, and antimutagenic properties of stem bark and seed fractions of Polyalthia cerasoides (Roxb.).

AIMS: The aim was to compare the anticancer and antimutagenic potency of Polyalthia cerasoides seeds and stem bark. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to investigate the antiproliferative, apoptotic, antioxidation to DNA, and antimutagenic activity of alcoholic (PS-1 and PS-3) and petroleum ether (PS-2 and PS-4) stem bark and seed fractions of P. cerasoides. METHODS: P. cerasoides stem bark and seeds were extracted with ethanol: water mixture (9:1 ratio v: v) and fractionated with petroleum ether. Fractions were investigated for antiproliferative effect using cell by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, a tetrazole assay (cell line used liver [HepG2] and cervical [HeLa] cancer cell lines), DNA damage protection using hydroxyl radical and antimutagenic effect using chromosome aberration test. RESULTS: PS-1 (IC50 10 µg/ml) and PS-3 (IC50 11 µg/ml) showed maximum antiproliferative activity against HepG2 cell lines, whereas, PS-1 (IC50 10 µg/ml), PS-2 (IC50 24 µg/ml), and PS-3 (IC50 11 µg/ml) showed better antiproliferative activity against HeLa cell lines. PS-3 and PS-4 were protective against oxidation to the supercoiled DNA molecule. Further, petroleum ether extract of both seed (PS-2) and stem bark (PS-4) showed good antimutagenicity as revealed by the less chromosomal aberrations compared to PS-1 and PS-3 fractions. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the beneficial effect of fractions against oxidation of DNA, antiproliferative, apoptotic, and antimutagenic activity. Probably, this property would be attributable by their phenolic and steroid constituents. Therefore, this plant could be used as a potential source of nutraceutical agents.

Aggregation induced emission based active conjugated imidazole luminogens for visualization of latent fingerprints and multiple anticounterfeiting applications.

Aggregation-induced emission based organic heterocyclic luminogens bearing conjugated electronic structures showed much attention due to its excellent fluorescence in aggregation state. In this communication, a novel conjugated blue light emitting imidazole molecule is synthesized by one pot multicomponent reaction route is reported for the first time. The prepared molecule exhibits a strong fluorescence in aggregation state with exceptional properties, such as high purity, inexpensive, eco-friendly, large scale production, high photostability, etc. By considering these advantages, a new fluorescence based platform has been setup for in-situ visualization of latent fingerprints and its preservation by spray method followed by Poly(vinyl alcohol) masking. A clear and well defined fluorescence fingerprint images are noticed on variety of surfaces by revealing level 1-3 ridge features upon ultraviolet 365 nm light exposure. The dual nature of binding specificity as well as excellent fluorescence properties permits the visualization of latent fingerprints for longer durations (up to 365 days) with superior contrast, high sensitivity, efficiency, selectivity and minimal background hindrance. We further fabricated unclonable invisible security ink for various printing modes on valuable goods for protection against forging. The developed labels are displaying uniform distribution of ink and exceptional stability under various atmospheric environments. The development of long preservative information using aggregation-induced emission based luminogen opens up a new avenue in advanced forensic and data security applications.

Adaptogenic and in vitro antioxidant activity of flavanoids and other fractions of Argyreia speciosa (Burm.f) Boj. in acute and chronic stress paradigms in rodents.

Argyreia speciosa (sweet) (Burm.f.) Boj. is an Ayurvedic rasayana plant used as an adaptogen. The present study reports the investigations done on the adaptogenic property of ethanol (EtAS; 100 and 200 mg/kg; po), ethyl acetate (EAAS; 100 and 200 mg/kg; po) fraction and flavanoids such as quercetin and kaempferol (25 mg/kg; po) of the root. Immobilization induced acute stress (AS; 3 days) and chronic stress (CS; 7 days) and swimming induced stress models were used to screen the anti-stress effect of the plant fractions and isolated flavanoids. The tested doses of EtAS and isolated flavanoids were able to produce significant effects in normalizing altered serum biochemical parameters and the severity of ulcer in both AS and CS models. Higher dose of EtAS, quercetin and kaempferol (25 mg/kg; po) were found to be significant in restoring the hypertrophy of adrenal gland and atrophy of spleen and thymus gland only in CS model. Greater swimming time was noted in the mice pretreated with tested doses of flavanoids and EtAS. In addition, levels of adrenal ascorbic acid and cortisol were restored compared to stress control group. EtAS exhibited significant scavenging effect of DPPH, hydroxyl radical and LPO. Thus, EtAS, quercetin and kaempferol are capable of increasing the capacity to tolerate non-specific stress in experimental animals, as evident from restoration of large number of parameters in the stress models studied. Bioactivity of EtAS may be due to the synergetic action of isolated flavanoids. Improvement in stress markers may be due its prolong effect of resistance to stress and partly due to free radical scavenging activity.

Ethyl 3-oxo-3H-benzo[f]chromene-2-carboxyl-ate.

In the title compound, C(16)H(12)O(4), the chromene ring system is almost planar [maximum deviation = 0.026 (1) Å] and makes dihedral angles of 1.24 (9) and 26.5 (2)° with the fused benzene ring and the plane of the ethyl carboxyl-ate group, respectively.

Crystal structure and photoluminescent properties of bis-(4'-chloro-2,2':6',2''-terpyrid-yl)cobalt(II) dichloride tetra-hydrate.

In the title hydrated complex, [Co(C15H10ClN3)2]Cl2·4H2O, the complete dication is generated by symmetry. The CoN6 moiety shows distortion from regular octa-hedral geometry with the trans bond angles of two N-Co-N units being 160.62 (9)°. In the crystal, O-H⋯Cl and C-H⋯O inter-actions link the components into (001) sheets. The title compound exhibits blue-light emission, as indicated by photoluminescence data, and a HOMO-LUMO energy separation of 2.23 eV was obtained from its diffuse reflectance spectrum.

Antimicrobial activity of flavanoid sulphates and other fractions of Argyreia speciosa (Burm.f) Boj.

Antimicrobial activity of flavanoid sulphates and different fractions of A. speciosa root was studied against bacteria, fungi and Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37 Rv sensitive strain by in vitro and in vivo assays. Flavanoid sulphates such as quercetin 3'7 di-O methyl 3- sulphate and kaempferol 7-O methyl 3-sulphate were isolated from the n-butanol fraction of 80% methanolic extract of the plant. The structures of the isolated flavanoids were confirmed by spectral studies. Ethyl acetate (EAAS) fraction and flavanoid sulphates inhibited the growth of M. tuberculosis Rv sensitive strain at MIC values 50 and 25 microg/ml, respectively. Ethanolic fraction (EtAS) showed significant inhibition of gram positive organism with a MIC of 31.25 microg/ml. More inhibition was observed with a less MIC (2 microg/ml) for flavanoid sulphates against Klebsiella pneumoniae, a gram negative organism and it is almost comparable with the standards. Interestingly, chloroform fraction alone exhibited significant antifungal activity with a MIC of 100 microg/ml. A synergistic effect between flavanoids sulphates and commercially available antitubercular drugs was observed with FIC index of 0.443 +/- 0.245, 0.487 +/- 0.247 for isoniazid and 0.468 +/- 0.333, 0.417 +/- 0.345 for rifampicin, whereas EAAS fraction showed partial synergistic effect. A synergistic effect was observed for EAAS fraction and flavanoids sulphates with FIC index < 0.5 with antibiotics. Hemolysis assay on RBCs suggested that EAAS and flavanoids sulphates exhibited least cellular toxicity to erythrocytes as compared to chloramphenicol. In vivo studies in mice infected with K. pneumoniae demonstrated that on day 10 post treatment of different fractions and isolated compounds of A. speciosa, about 60% of the animals treated with EAAS, 70% of animals treated with flavanoids sulphates and 40% of animals treated with EtAS were survived.

New design of highly sensitive AIE based fluorescent imidazole derivatives: Probing of sweat pores and anti-counterfeiting applications.

A novel aggregation induced emission based 2-(1-(3, 5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl) phenol (4) (IMD) fluorescent tags (FTs) was designed by simple acid catalyzed five-member N-heterocyclic ring forming reaction process. Powder X-ray diffraction results showed mechanofluorochromic properties of IMD FTs are easily reversible under external force due to the decrease in crystallinity. These IMD FTs also exhibits strong cyan-blue luminescence in solid state with high quantum efficiency. Detailed investigation of latent fingerprints (LFPs) showed permanent, immutable and unique pores that are distributed on the ridges. The visualization of such sweat pores opens new avenue in the field of forensic science. Hence, the prepared IMD FTs exhibit excellent Lipophicity (LP) properties, which endorse its possible applications for the visualization of sweat pores present in the LFPs. The LFPs visualized by IMD FTs exhibit excellent efficiency, sensitivity, selectivity, low background hindrance and less toxicity. The obtained result evident that the prepared FT and followed technique opens possible applications for the visualization of LFPs on various porous/semi-porous/non-porous surfaces under UV 365 nm light.

Antioxidant, cytotoxic and genotoxic evaluation of alcoholic extract of Polyalthia cerasoides (Roxb.) Bedd.

Antioxidative potential of alcohol extract of Polyalthia cerasoides was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl radical, superoxide anion scavenging, and reducing power assays were performed. The extract showed significant reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity in all in vitro antioxidant assays and contained high level of total phenolic content. For in vivo genotoxic evaluation, Swiss albino mice were treated with alcohol extract at the concentration of 40mg/kg body weight. Frequency of aberration was compared with control. Both the sets did not showed genotoxic effect. Further the extract was subjected to cytotoxic study using 3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphynyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, the extract confirmed to show moderate cytotoxicity against L929 cell line.

Evaluation of an enzyme-linked immunoassay for the detection of Cryptosporidium antigen in fecal specimens of HIV/AIDS patients.

Cryptosporidium parvum, a protozoan parasite, causes severe diarrhea in immunodeficient hosts like HIV/AIDS patients, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis of the Cryptosporidium oocyst in the stool of these patients by conventional microscopy is labor intensive and time consuming. Therefore, we planned to evaluate the usefulness of a stool ELISA test in detecting Cryptosporidial antigen. About 89 stool specimens obtained from HIV-seropositive patients with diarrhea were subjected to an ELISA test and modified acid-fast staining (gold standard), on both direct and formol ether-concentrated specimens. The prevalence of Cryptosporidial diarrhea was found to be 12.4% (11/89). Other enteric pathogens detected were Isospora belli (3), Giardial cyst (3), Entamoeba coli cyst (2), and Entamoeba histolytica cyst (1). Dual infection with Cryptosporidium and Isospora belli was seen in two patients. Concentration technique improved identification by microscopy. The sensitivity and specificity for stool ELISA were found to be 90.9% and 98.7% respectively. The results of stool ELISA indicate that this simple, rapid, reliable, and standardized immunoassay test is sensitive and specific for routine diagnosis and may be useful for large-scale epidemiological studies of Cryptosporidiosis.