Photoinduced Dynamic Ligation in Metal-Organic Frameworks.

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs), a class of porous crystalline materials consisting of metal-based nodes and organic linkers, have emerged as a promising platform for photocatalysis due to their ultrahigh functional surface area, customizable topologies, and tunable energetics. While interesting photochemistry has been reported, the related photoinduced structural dynamics of MOFs remains unclear. The consensus is that the coordination bonds between MOF nodes and linkers are considered static during photoexcitation, while the open-metal sites on the nodes are taken as the key active sites for catalysis. In this work, through a complementary time-resolved visible and infrared (IR) spectroscopic investigation, along with computational studies, we report for the first time light-induced structural bond dissociation (COO-M) and reformation in an iron-oxo framework, MIL-101(Fe). The probed excited state displayed ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) characteristics and exhibited a ca. 30 µs lifetime. The incredibly long excited-state lifetime led us to probe potential structural rearrangements that facilitated charge separation in MIL-101(Fe). By probing the vibrational fingerprints of the carboxylate linker upon LMCT photoexcitation, we observed the reversible transition of the carboxylate-Fe bond from a bidentate bridging mode to a monodentate mode, indicating the partial dissociation of the carboxylate ligand. Importantly, the bidentate configuration is recovered on the same time scale of the excited state lifetimes as probed via visible transient absorption spectroscopy. The elucidated photoinduced configurational dynamics provides a foundation for an in-depth understanding of MOF-based photocatalytic mechanisms.

Melatonin and strigolactone mitigate chromium toxicity through modulation of ascorbate-glutathione pathway and gene expression in tomato.

Chromium (Cr) is considered one of the most hazardous metal contaminant reducing crop production and putting human health at risk. Phytohormones are known to regulate chromium stress, however, the function of melatonin and strigolactones in Chromium stress tolerance in tomato is rarely investigated. Here we investigated the potential role of melatonin (ML) and strigolactone (SL) on mitigating Chromium toxicity in tomato. With exposure to 300 µM Cr stress a remarkable decline in growth (63.01%), biomass yield (50.25)%, Pigment content (24.32%), photosynthesis, gas exchange and Physico-biochemical attributes of tomato was observed. Cr treatment also resulted in oxidative stress closely associated with higher H2O2 generation (215.66%), Lipid peroxidation (50.29%), electrolyte leakage (440.01%) and accumulation of osmolytes like proline and glycine betine. Moreover, Cr toxicity up-regulated the transcriptional expression profiles of antioxidant, stress related and metal transporter genes and down-regulated the genes related to photosynthesis. The application of ML and SL alleviated the Cr induced phytotoxic effects on photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange parameters and restored growth of tomato plants. ML and SL supplementation induced plant defense system via enhanced regulation of antioxidant enzymes, ascorbate and glutathione pool and transcriptional regulation of several genes. The coordinated regulation of antioxidant and glyoxalase systems expressively suppressed the oxidative stress. Hence, ML and SL application might be considered as an effective approach for minimizing Cr uptake and its detrimental effects in tomato plants grown in contaminated soils. The study may also provide new insights into the role of transcriptional regulation in the protection against heavy metal toxicity.

Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Leaf Extract of Cucumis melo L. and Their In Vitro Antidiabetic and Anticoccidial Activities.

In this study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized using Cucumis melo L. leaf extract via a green synthesis approach and their potential against diabetes and coccidiosis was tested under in vitro conditions. The phytochemical components in the leaf extract reacted with silver nitrate in solution and yielded C. melo-silver nanoparticles (Cm-AgNPs). The synthesis of AgNPs was confirmed via UV-visible spectroscopy by obtaining a peak at 440 nm. The nanoparticles were characterized by their morphology, crystallinity, and the presence of functional groups. In vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays were carried out at different concentrations in the range of 20 to 100 µg/mL of Cm-AgNPs. The Cm-AgNPs exhibited enzyme inhibitory activity in a concentration-dependent manner. As the concentration of Cm-AgNPs increased the inhibitory activities were also increased linearly and the highest inhibition was observed at 100 µg/mL. The effectiveness of Cm-AgNPs against Eimeria tenalla was assessed by an in vitro 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay using Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cell lines. The results revealed that the viability of the oocysts and further sporulation were decreased with the increased concentration of Cm-AgNPs. The AgNPs synthesized from the C. melo leaf extract have shown promising potential against diabetes and coccidiosis, and they could be used in biomedical applications.

Catalytic and antioxidant activity of silver nanoparticles fabricated by Neolamarckia cadamba bark extract.

Plant parts have unfathomable potential in the synthesis of nanoparticles. The current study was designed for the photosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (NC-AgNPs) using bark extract of N. cadamba. Different analytical methods were used to characterize the synthesized nanoparticles. HR-TEM analysis identifies the formation of multi-shaped NC-AgNPs like spherical, quasi-spherical, rod-shaped, trigonal, square, pentagonal, and hexagonal with a size range of 18-91 nm. The crystallize size of NC-AgNPs was found to be 27.6 nm. The catalytic effectiveness of NC-AgNPs in degrading Crystal violet (CV) dye is remarkable. Important parameters such as the effect of catalyst dose and pH were investigated. Dose-dependentantioxidant activity of NC-AgNPs was determined by using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Low-cost synthesis and eco-friendly reagents were the salient features that made NC-AgNPs more attractive toward catalytic and antioxidant activities.

N. cadamba bark was used the first time as a green source for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles.The synthesis of different shapes of nanoparticles in one-step synthesis.The study of NC-AgNPs for their catalytic and antioxidant activities is reported for the first time.

Moringa oleifera L. leaf extract induces cell cycle arrest and mitochondrial apoptosis in Dalton's Lymphoma: An in vitro and in vivo study.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The present work is based on a wide spectrum of evidences available from scientific literature which reflects nutritional and medicinal values of natural products such as plants and their extracts. Moringa oleifera is one such popular plant species amidst indigenous tribal communities which is frequently used to treat ailments such as piles, sore throat, eye and ear infections and even poisonous bites of tropical fauna such as insects or snakes. Furthermore decoction of leaf and bark was used to cure fever and cough. Evidences further reveal that Moringa oleifera L. (Family Moringaceae), is widely distributed not only over the Indian sub-continent, but also over Philippines, Central America, Saudi Arabia and the Caribbean Islands and have been traditionally used to treat cancers since ancient times. However, therapeutic effects of Moringa oleifera on Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) are yet to be established. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aims to investigate the anti-cancer effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract against murine NHL Non-Hodgkin cells in vitro and in vivo. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The pharmacologically active compounds of Moringa oleifera leaf extract were identified by GC-HRMS analysis. Tests of Moringa oleifera leaf extract's cytotoxicity against DL cells were carried out using the MTT assay. Chromatin condensation along with other morphological alterations were visualized through Fluorescence microscopy. Changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), the cell cycle, and apoptosis were analysed through flow cytometer. We tried to identify proteins involved in apoptosis and cell cycle through Western blotting using BALB/c mice as a model organism. RESULTS: GC-HRMS study revealed that a methanol based leaf extract of Moringa oleifera (MOML) comprises of a variety of bioactive chemicals. Our results indicate that MOML successfully reduced the proliferation of DL cells by lowering ΔΨm, changing overall cell morphology. DL cells treated with MOML showed arrested cell cycle at the G2/M phase and substantially up-regulated the expression of p53 and p21. Elevated levels of Bax, Cyt-c, and Caspase-3 and lowered expression levels of Bcl-2 protein suggested induction of apoptosis. Mechanistically, the anticancer efficacy of MOML is attributed to MEK/ERK-mediated pathway inactivation in DL cells. It is also interesting to note that MOML-mediated inhibition of DL growth was accompanied by apoptosis induction and improvement in hematological parameters in DL-bearing mice. CONCLUSION: Our finding suggested that MOML induces apoptosis and abrogates the growth of Dalton's lymphoma both in vitro and in vivo.

Adsorption performance of Enterobacter cloacae towards U(VI) ion and application of Enterobacter cloacae/carbon nanotubes to preconcentration and determination of low-levels of U(VI) in water samples.

Keeping the high potential of some microorganisms in adsorption of radionuclides in view, the adsorption properties of Enterobacter cloacae towards uranium were attentively scrutinized, and then it was used for preconcentration of uranium in different samples, using Enterobacter cloacae/carbon nanotube composite. First, using ultrasonic agitation, the effects of operational factors on biosorption of uranium on the inactive Enterobacter cloacae were appraised and modeled by central composite design, and a comprehensive study was performed on the equilibrium, kinetics, thermodynamic, and selectivity aspects of biosorption. The optimization studies along with the evaluations of the adsorption properties revealed that Enterobacter cloacae have a high affinity for fast and selective biosorption of uranium ions, at pH 5.1. Second, the Enterobacter cloacae/carbon nanotube was synthesized, characterized, and utilized for preconcentration of uranium in different samples, using a mini-column packed with the composite. The optimization of operational factors on recovery of uranium, using the central composite design, showed that uranium can be quantitively adsorbed at a sample flow rate lower than 4.5 mL min-1 and the desorption could be accomplished with 3.0 mL HCl 0.6 M solution. Finally, the mini-column was exploited for preconcentration and determination of uranium in different samples. The results revealed the low detection limit (0.015 µg.L-1), high precision (RSDs ≤3.92%), and good accuracy of the proposed procedure.

In vivo therapeutic efficacy of Curcuma longa extract loaded ethosomes on wound healing.

Since ancient times, medicinal plants are widely accepted to promote the health and wellness of animals and mankind. The medicinal plant-based therapies have limitations of delayed onset of action, inconsistent absorption, low bioavailability, oxidation, and poor solubility. The encapsulation studies suggested improved efficacy. Therefore, the present study attempts to evaluate the efficacy of Curcuma longa extracts encapsulated in Ethosome on wound healing model compared to crude extract. The Curcuma longa extract swere prepared by cold percolation method and total curcuminoid content was determined by Reverse phase-HPLC. Three Ethosomal suspensions (ETS1, ETS2, and ETS3) were prepared and characterized for particle distribution, morphology, and absorption spectrum by Zetasizer, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and FTIR respectively. The Ethosomal suspension with the highest entrapment efficiency was applied topically at a varying concentrations (0.25, 0.5, and 1 g/cm2) on the surgically created wounds in rats. The efficacy of wound healing was evaluated by clinical observation, macroscopic evaluation of granulation tissue, colour digital image processing, and histology. The methanolic extract of Curcuma longa showed better antibacterial potential than ethanolic and aqueous. The total Curcuminoid content in the Curcuma longa rhizome was 4.03%. The size, PDI, zeta potential, and viscosity of Ethosomal suspension ranged from 34.8 to 371 nm, 0.236-1.178, 15.6-36.8mV, and 0.8460-0.8510, respectively. The ETS3 was found the most optimum combination with the highest entrapment efficiency and the topical application at a dose rate of 0.5 g/cm2 and 1.0 g/cm2 resulted in comparable wound contracture, pain score, histopathological score as compared to control groups.It was concluded that the Curcuma longa encapsulation in Ethosome resulted in improved wound appearance, granulation tissue score, and appearance with a shortened period of wound resolution at the cellular level as compared to crude extract.

A Systematic Review of the Bioactive Components, Nutritional Qualities and Potential Therapeutic Applications of Donkey Milk.

In addition to providing individualized, specific, and ample nutritional compounds, donkey milk (DM) offers immunological modulation during health and disease. Recently, DM has attracted major interest in preparing infant formulas due to its similarity to human milk in terms of high protein and lactose content and low-fat concentration. The antimicrobial, anti-inflammation, antioxidant, and hypo-allergenicity properties of DM in human infants are well-documented. The purpose of this review is to summarize the knowledge of studies done in characterizing the composition of DM, including bioactive macronutrient levels influenced by the lactation status. The manufacture of DM-based food products and promising therapeutic applications in humans will also be discussed. The beneficial health effects of DM have been extensively studied as a valuable alternative source to breast milk. DM has proven to be a suitable nutrient to relieve milk-related allergies in human infants as opposed to cow's milk. Factors that influence the levels of macronutrients in DM include lactation status, processing, and manufacturing techniques. A wide variety of dairy products have been prepared using DM, such as cheese, ice cream, milk powder, novel functional fermented beverages, and milk powder for infant formulas. The bioactive macromolecules of DM exhibit antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects as well as hypo-allergenicity, anti-inflammation, and antioxidant properties.

Insights into the Research Trends on Bovine Colostrum: Beneficial Health Perspectives with Special Reference to Manufacturing of Functional Foods and Feed Supplements.

Bovine colostrum (BC) is the initial mammary secretion after parturition, which is nature's bountiful source consisting of nutritional and bioactive components present in a highly concentrated low-volume format. All mammalian newborns require colostrum to enhance physiological processes such as lifelong immunity, gastrointestinal development, and resistance to microbial infections. The genetic, environmental, and processing methods can all have an impact on the biochemical contents of BC and its supplements. BC and its derivatives have been intensively researched for their potential use in functional foods, medicines, and animal feed. Evidence from clinical studies suggests that BC products are well-tolerated, nontoxic, and safe for human ingestion. Functional foods, feed, and pharmaceutical formulations based on bovine colostrum are playing noteworthy roles in the development of innovative products for promoting health and the prevention of chronic illnesses. This systematic review sheds light on recent research on (a) the effects of processing techniques on BC components, (b) emerging techniques used in the isolation and identification of novel components, (c) BC-based functional foods for human consumption and animal feed supplements, and (d) the role of BC in current drug delivery, as well as future recommendations.

Formulation, Characterization, and In Vitro Mineral Absorption of Ficus Palmata Fruit Extract Nanoemulsion.

OBJECTIVE: Loss of vital bioactive components of Ficus palmata fruit extract during food processing is a major issue. Therefore, to retain the antioxidant potential and to increase the mineral bioavailability, gum arabic stabilized nanoemulsion of Fig fruit extract was prepared. METHOD: . Nanoemulsion was formulated using three different levels (1, 3, and 5%) of fig extract, however, to optimize the fig extract concentration, the amount of gum arabic and linoleic acid was kept constant. RESULTS: The average droplet size of nanoemulsion was observed in the range of 22.88-37.87 nm, whereas the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups in the emulsion system. Also, increased ionic concentration significantly (p < 0.05) increased the average droplet size and zeta potential of nanoemulsion during storage. Increased shear rate and temperature unveiled a slight decrease in apparent viscosity of the nanoemulsion. Non-significant (p < 0.05) difference in TBA value confirmed the oxidative stability of the emulsion. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher mineral bioavailability for calcium was observed as compared to iron and zinc. CONCLUSION: Our results manifested improved anti-oxidant activity, mineral bioavailability, and oxidative stability of Fig extract nanoemulsion, suggesting its potential use as a therapeutic alternative.

Decellularization of caprine esophagus using fruit pericarp extract of Sapindus mukorossi.

Biological detergents like sodium deoxycholate, sodium dodecyl sulphate and Triton X-100 impairs the collagenous and non-collagenous proteins, glycosaminoglycans and growth factors. Further, certain chemical and enzymes are responsible for residual cytotoxicity in the decellularized extracellular matrix. The main focus of this study was to explore the decellularization property of soap nut pericarp extract (SPE) for development of decellularized tubular esophageal scaffold. For this 2.5, 5.0 and 10% concentrations of SPE were used for decellularization of caprine esophageal tissues. Histological analysis of hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome stained tissue samples confirmed decellularization with preservation of extracellular matrix microarchitecture. Scanning electron microscopic images of luminal surface of decellularized esophageal matrix showed randomly oriented collagen fibres with large interconnected pores and cells were absent. However, the external surface was more textured with fibrous structures and collagen fibres were well preserved. DAPI stained decellularized tissues revealed complete removal of nuclear components, verified by DNA content measurement and SDS-PAGE. The FTIR spectra of decellularized esophagus shows absorption peaks of amide A, B, I, II and III. Elastic modulus of the decellularized esophagus scaffolds increased (P > 0.05) as compared to native tissues. Histological and scanning electron microscopic evaluation of in vitro seeded scaffolds showed attachment and growth of primary chicken embryo fibroblasts over and within the decellularized scaffolds. It was concluded that 5% SPE is ideal for preparation of cytocompatible decellularized caprine esophageal scaffold with well-preserved extracellular matrix architecture and, may be used as an alternative to biological detergents and other chemicals.

Evaluation of flavonoids from banana pseudostem and flower (quercetin and catechin) as potent inhibitors of α-glucosidase: An in silico perspective.

The amelioration of postprandial hyperglycemia in diabetic conditions could be accomplished by the inhibition of α-glucosidases, a set of intestinal carbohydrate digestive enzymes responsible for starch hydrolysis and its absorption. The ethnopharmacological profile of banana depicts the usage of different plant parts in conventional medicinal formulations. The antidiabetic studies of the plant have demonstrated their ability to inhibit α-glucosidase. Besides, our research group has reported the α-glucosidase inhibitory potential of the banana pseudostem and flower extracts in previous studies. In this study, we deliberate on the specific phytoconstituents of banana pseudostem and flower to evaluate their antidiabetic effects through an in silico perspective for the α-glucosidase inhibition. In this context, several phytoconstituents of banana pseudostem and flower identified through GC-MS analysis were retrieved from chemical databases. These phytochemicals were virtually screened through the molecular docking simulation process, from which only two flavonoids (catechin and quercetin) were selected based on their binding affinity and extent of interaction with the α-glucosidase target protein. The lower binding affinities of catechin and quercetin in comparison with that of acarbose as a control proved their binding efficiency with the target protein. In addition, acarbose showed subservient molecular interaction, forming an unfavourable acceptor-acceptor bond. The molecular dynamics simulations also depicted the effective binding and stability of the complexes formed with catechin and quercetin, in comparison with that of acarbose. Further, PASS analysis, druglikeliness, and pharmacokinetic assessments showed that both catechin and quercetin edge over acarbose in terms of drug-score and pharmacokinetic properties. With the positive results obtained from contemporary strategies, the two flavonoids from banana pseudostem and flower might be established as a considerable phototherapeutic approach to inhibit α-glucosidase. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Photocatalytic TiO2/CdS/ZnS nanocomposite induces Bacillus subtilis cell death by disrupting its metabolism and membrane integrity.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is widely characterized for its application in clinical diagnostics, therapeutics, cosmetics, nutrition, and environment management. Despite enormous potential, its dependence on ultraviolet (UV) light for photocatalytic activity limits its commercialization. Accordingly in the present study, a photo catalytically superior ternary complex of TiO2 with Cadmium sulfide/Zinc sulfide (CdS/ZnS) has been synthesized, as well as, characterized for photo-induced antimicrobial activity. The band gap of crystalline TiO2/CdS/ZnS nanocomposite has been reduced (2.26 eV) and nanocomposite has shown the optimal photo-activation at 590 nm. TiO2 nanocomposite has significant bactericidal activity in visible light (P < 0.01). Exposure of the TiO2 nanocomposite affected the cellular metabolism by altering the 1681 metabolic features (P < 0.001) culminating in poor cellular survivability. Additionally, photo-induced reactive oxygen species generation through nanocomposite disrupts the microbial cellular structure. The present study synthesized photocatalytic nanocomposite as well as unveiled the holistic cellular effect of theTiO2/CdS/ZnS nanocomposite. Additionally, the present study also indicated the potential application of TiO2/CdS/ZnS nanocomposite for sustainable environment management, therapeutics, and various industries. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12088-021-00973-z.

Development of decellularized aortic scaffold for regenerative medicine using Sapindus mukorossi fruit pericarp extract.

The aim of this study is to develop a novel decellularization method using aqueous extract of soap nut pericarp (SPE) and its evaluation using hematoxylin-eosin staining, scanning electron microscopy, diamidino-2-phenylindol (DAPI) staining, mechanical testing, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and DNA quantification. The presently available decellularization agent raises some concerns due to the potential for presence of residual cytotoxic agents in the extracellular matrix. Histological analysis of hematoxylin and eosin and masson's trichrome stained processed aortic samples shows complete decellularization with preservation of extracellular matrix microarchitecture at 120 h. Further, staining of tissue samples with DAPI demonstrates complete removal of DNA fragments. Quantitative evaluation of DNA in the decellularized aorta tissues demonstrated a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in DNA content as compared to native tissues. Collagen quantification assay indicate no significant (P> 0.05) difference in its content between native and decellularized caprine aorta. Tensile strength of the decellularized scaffolds decreased non-significantly (P > 0.05) when compared to native tissues. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in young's modulus of elasticity, stiffness and stretch ratio between native aortic tissues and decellularized aortic scaffolds. Histological and scanning electron microscopic examination of in vitro cultured scaffold demonstrated the cell viability and proliferation of primary chicken embryo fibroblasts. SPE treatment is thus capable of producing cytocompatible decellularized caprine aorta scaffold with preservation of extracellular matrix architecture for vascular tissue engineering and could be applied widely as one of the decellularization agent.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection of the Spine Secondary to Oxygen - Ozone Therapy for Prolapse Intervertebral Disc: A Scoping Review.

Introduction: Ozone therapy is one of the evolving, yet far from conclusive, alternative minimally invasive treatment option in the management of herniated disc in the cervical and lumbar spine. It causes the decrease in the volume of herniated disc by dehydration. Case Report: We hereby present the first reported case of Mycobacterium infection of the spine secondary to ozone therapy with the aim to caution the surgeons regarding the complications of intradiscal ozone therapy. Conclusion: Lack of proper, adequate, and recommended precautions if not taken can inoculate the varied microorganisms into the intradiscal space leading to devastating and unforeseen complications.

A cross-sectional study of errors in physicians orders' of antiseizure medications among people with epilepsy from rural India.

AIMS: To enumerate and classify errors in physicians' orders of antiseizure medications (ASMs) to people with epilepsy presenting to neurology clinic. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the neurology clinic of a teaching hospital catering to a predominantly rural population. People in whom a diagnosis of epilepsy was confirmed and who presented for the first time with a prior prescription for antiseizure medication/s were included. Their immediate previous prescriptions were assessed for errors, enumerated and classified according to WHO guidelines for prescription writing. RESULTS: Hundred prescriptions of 334 patients screened were analyzed. The number of ASMs prescribed to a participant was 2 ±â€¯0.6 (mean ±â€¯SD). We identified a mean of 5 ±â€¯4 (median: 3; range: 1-7) errors in each order. These included superscription errors, e.g., missing information on seizure control and frequency (n = 90, 90%), generic name (n = 62, 62%), patient identifiers (n = 57, 57%), prescribers' identifiers (n = 29, 29%) and diagnosis or indication for prescribing the medication/s (n = 55, 55%). The most common inscription and subscription errors were dosing errors (22%) and pharmaceutical form errors (20%) followed by omission (13%), duplication (13%), substitution (12%), commission (9%) and frequency errors (8%). Errors were more common among prescriptions provided by primary-care and Ayurvedic, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) physicians compared to specialists (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Errors are common among medication orders provided by non-specialist and specialist physicians. Primary care and AYUSH are more liable to make errors underscoring the need to educate them in basic epilepsy treatment.

Leaf Extract of Aerva javanica Suppresses Excessive Growth of Granulation Tissue in Horses.

Wound healing in horses is complicated by the excessive growth of granulation tissue, commonly known as proud flesh and is similar to keloids in human beings. At present, there is no satisfactory treatment for proud flesh in horses. In this study, we, for the first time, demonstrated that leaf extract of Aerva javanica suppresses excessive growth of granulation tissue in horses. Many plant flavonoids are claimed to have antiproliferative properties. Kaempferol is a natural flavonoid containing 3-hydroxy flavone backbone found in many plants in its aglycone form and attached with various sugars. Ecdysteroids are steroidal analogs of invertebrate steroidal hormones found in plants. Both flavonoids and ecdysteroids accumulate more in plants during abiotic stress. We hypothesized that Aerva javanica may have high levels of ecdysteroids and kaempferols for surviving in stressful conditions of desert. Those kaempferols may suppress the growth of granulation tissue by their antiangiogenesis property. Ecdysteroids may control the larvae of habronema if associated with proud flesh. Extract was prepared using solvent-based fractionation and silica gel column flash chromatography. Application of the leaf extract in horses suppressed growth of granulation tissue along with restoration of normal skin function. Various purification steps and mass spectrometry were used to identify the active components in the study.

Polyalthia longifolia leaves methanolic extract targets entry and budding of viruses-an in vitro experimental study against paramyxoviruses.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Synthetic antiviral drugs have several limitations including high cost. Thus research on antiviral property of medicinal plants is continuously gaining importance. Polyalthia longifolia possesses several medicinal properties and has been used in traditional ayurvedic medicine for treatment of dermatological ailments as kushta, visarpa/herpes virus infection and also to treat pyrexia of unknown origin as mentioned in Visarpa Chikitsa. AIM OF THE STUDY: Keeping in view the cytotoxic, anti-cancer activity and antiviral efficacy of Polyalthia longifolia against herpes, present study was undertaken to evaluate the in vitro antiviral activity of methanolic extract of Polyalthia longifolia leaves, if any, and to unravel the possible target(s)/mechanism of action. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Antiviral activity of Polyalthia longifolia methanolic extract was studied using Vero cell lines against paramyxoviruses, namely-peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV). Cytotoxicity of the test extract was evaluated employing MTT assay. Virucidal activity, and viral-attachment, virus entry and release assays were determined in Vero cells using standard experimental protocols. The viral RNA in the virus-infected cells was quantified by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: At non-cytotoxic concentration, methanolic extract of Polyalthia longifolia leaves was found to inhibit the replication of PPRV and NDV at viral entry and budding level, whereas other steps of viral life cycle such as attachment and RNA synthesis remained unaffected. CONCLUSIONS: Polyalthia longifolia leaves extract possesses promising antiviral activity against paramyxoviruses and acts by inhibiting the entry and budding of viruses; and this plant extract evidently possesses excellent and promising potential for development of effective herbal antiviral drug.

A Highly Unusual Clinical Presentation and Imaging Appearance of a Rare Diseases: Melorheostosis.

INTRODUCTION: Melorheostosis, on its own, is an extremely uncommon disease. It is non-hereditary, sclerosing bone lesion affecting the adjacent soft tissues. Long bones are commonly involved. About 50% of the cases are evident before 20 years of age. It is gradually progressive and involves the adjacent soft tissues resulting in pain, fibrosis, joint contractures, and limb length discrepancies. Various forms of clinical presentation such as hemimelic, monomelic, mono-ostotic, and polyostotic have been described in the literature. Similarly there are different radiological varients like classical, osteoma , osteopathic striatae , and myositis ossificans.. Treatment is mainly palliative. CASE REPORT: We describe a highly unusual and extensive involvement of the lower limb in a Melorheostotic patient of 35 years of age with a deformity and limb length discrepancy. X-rays are like that of myositis ossificans and mixed type of pattern with extensive involvement from the pelvis to the toe. There is also intra-articular extension of melorheostosis mimicking synovial chondromatosis. The patient is in our close follow-up and physiotherapy guidance. Such an extensive involvement, along with para-articular and intra-articular involvement, is very rare. CONCLUSION: Melorheostosis can extensively involve the whole of the limb right from the pelvis to the digits. It can also extend into the joints producing intra-articular loose bodies. Para-articular soft-tissue masses are also common. Radiologically, it can have a mixture of patterns described in the literature. Close follow-up of the patient is essential so as to provide palliative treatment, deal with the deformities, and to assess the progression of the diseases.

Structural and physicochemical properties of Rheum emodi mediated Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles and their antibacterial and cytotoxic potential.

In the present investigation, Rheum emodi roots extract mediated magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles [Mg(OH)2 NPs] through the bio-inspired experimental technique were synthesised. Mg(OH)2 NPs were characterised by using various characterisation techniques such as field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The formation of Mg(OH)2 NPs was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The structural analysis confirmed the hexagonal crystal symmetry of Mg(OH)2 NPs with space group P-3m1 and space group no. 164 using the Rietveld refinement technique. TEM micrographs illustrated the nano-size formation of Mg(OH)2 NPs of spherical shape and size ∼14.86 nm. With the aid of FTIR data, plant metabolites such as anthraquinones have been identified as a stabilising and reducing agent for the synthesis of biogenic Mg(OH)2 NPs. The synthesised Mg(OH)2 NPs showed antimicrobial and cytotoxic potential against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria such as Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines.