Low temperature desolventization: effect on physico-chemical, functional and structural properties of rice bran protein.

De-oiled rice bran is a good source of high-quality protein; however, the current practice of desolventization at high temperature (110-120 °C) denatures the protein, making its extraction difficult and uneconomical. The present study aims to investigate the effect of low temperature desolventization of de-oiled rice bran (LTDRB) on extraction, yield, and purity of protein and its comparison with protein obtained from high temperature desolventized de-oiled rice bran (HTDRB). The optimal conditions for preparation of protein from LTDRB were: extraction pH 11.00, extraction duration 52 min, and extraction temperature 58 °C resulting in an extraction efficiency, yield, and purity of 54.0, 7.23, and 78.70%, respectively. The LTDRB showed a positive impact on the color, solubility, foaming capacity and stability of protein whereas the absorption and emulsification properties were better for HTDRB protein. Significant decrease in enthalpy (ΔH) for denaturation was observed for LTDRB protein as compared to HTDRB protein. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that HTDRB protein was more compact than LTDRB protein. LTDRB protein had smaller particle size distribution than HTDRB. Study suggested that low temperature desolventization can result in higher protein extraction with better physico-chemical, structural, and functional properties of protein obtained from DRB.

Non-destructive determination of grass pea and pea flour adulteration in chickpea flour using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy and chemometrics.

BACKGROUND: In order to obtain more economic gains, some food products are adulterated with low-cost substances, if they are toxic, they may pose public health risks. This has called forth the development of quick and non-destructive methods for detection of adulterants in food. Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) has become a promising tool to detect adulteration in various commodities. We have developed rapid NIRS based analytical methods for quantification of two cheap adulterants (grass pea and pea flour) in a popular Indian food material, chickpea flour. RESULTS: The NIRS spectra of pure chickpea, pure grass pea, pure pea flour and adulterated samples of chickpea flour with grass pea and pea flour (1-90%) (w/w) were acquired and preprocessed. Calibration models were built based on modified partial least squares regression (MPLSR), partial least squares (PLS), principal component regression (PCR) methods. Based on lowest values of standard error of calibration (SEC) and standard error of cross-validation (SECV), MPLSR-NIRS models were selected. These models exhibited coefficient of determination (R2 ) of 0.999, 0.999, SEC of 0.905, 0.827 and SECV of 1.473, 1.491 for grass pea and pea, respectively. External validation revealed R2 and standard error of prediction (SEP) of 0.999 and 1.184, 0.997 and 1.893 for grass pea and pea flour, respectively. CONCLUSION: The statistics confirmed that our MPLSR-NIRS based methods are quite robust and applicable to detect grass pea and pea flour adulterants in chickpea flour samples and have potential for use in detecting food fraud. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles via endophyte Trichoderma viride and evaluation of their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

The biogenic method for synthesis of nanoparticles is preferred over the traditional strategies, on account of its ease, environmental friendliness, and cost-effectivity, wherein fungi endorse themselves to be the most appropriate precursor for the same. In recent times numerous metal nanoparticles have been reported to exhibit significant therapeutic activities, out of which Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) stand apart on account of their multidimensional nature. Thus, this study was carried out with an aim to biosynthesize ZnO NPs utilizing endophyte Trichoderma viride, isolated from the seeds of Momordica charantia. The physicochemical characterization of NPs was done via employing a combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The NPs were found to have a hexagonal shape and possessed an average particle size of around 63.3 nm. The antimicrobial activity of NPs was evaluated against multi-drug resistant organisms and it was observed to be an appreciable one whereas the antioxidant activity was deduced to be dose-dependent. Thus, these ZnO NPs can be considered as a probable active ingredient of any future therapeutic conceptualization after undertaking a thorough toxicological assessment.

Prediction of maize flour adulteration in chickpea flour (besan) using near infrared spectroscopy.

The present study was performed to develop Near-infrared spectroscopy based prediction method for the quantification of the maize flour adulteration in chickpea flour. Adulterated samples of Chickpea flour (besan) were prepared by spiking different concentrations of maize flour with pure Chickpea flour in the range of 1-90% (w/w). The spectra of pure Chickpea flour, pure maize flour, and adulterated samples of Chickpea flour with maize flour were acquired as the logarithm of reciprocal of reflectance (log 1/R) in the entire Visible-NIR wavelength range of 400-2498 nm. The acquired spectra were pre-processed by Ist derivative, standard normal variate, and detrending. The calibration models were developed using modified partial least square regression (MPLSR), partial least square regression and principal component regression. The optimal model was selected on the basis of highest values of the coefficient of determination (RSQ), one minus variance ratio (1-VR) and lowest values of standard errors of calibration (SEC), and standard error of cross-validation (SECV). MPLSR model having RSQ and 1-VR value of 0.999 and 0.996 having SEC and SECV value of 1.092 and 2.042 was developed for quantification of maize flour adulteration in chickpea flour. Cross validation and external validation of the developed models resulted in RSQ of 0.999, 0.997 and standard error of prediction of 1.117, and 2.075, respectively. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-022-05456-7.

Photoluminescence performance of green light emitting terbium (III) complexes with ß-hydroxy ketone and nitrogen donor ancillary ligands.

An efficient and cost-effective technique, solution precipitation approach is adopted to synthesize five bright green luminescent terbium (III) complexes by employing the main ß-hydroxy ketone ligand, 2-hydroxy-4-ethoxyacetophenone, and ancillary ligands like bathophenanthroline, 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 1,10-phenanthroline, and 2,2-bipyridyl. The elemental compositions and binding mode of ligand to terbium (III) ion can be validated by using energy dispersive X-ray analysis, elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The complexes are thermally stable up to 158°C and possess the cubic shaped particles as confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopic study, respectively. The band-gap energy (3.02-2.92 eV) of complexes is reckoned through diffuse reflectance spectra, which tailors them as potential candidates in the field of military radars. The photoluminescence studies unveil that the complexes exhibit the bright green luminescence corresponding to 5 D4 → 7 F5 transition of Tb3+ ion (548 nm) under the excitation wavelength of 395 or 397 nm. The Commission International de I'Eclairage chromaticity coordinates (x, y) and color purity substantiates the green emission of complexes. The energy transfer mechanism elucidates that the main ligand and ancillary ligands sensitize Tb3+ ion, which in turn enhances the luminescence efficiency of the emissive layer of white organic light emitting diodes. The results reveal that the complexes are considered as good contenders in the field of display devices and laser technology. Lastly, in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activity proclaim the potent antimicrobial and antioxidant actions of complexes via tube dilution and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assays, respectively.

A study to evaluate ocular changes in patients undergoing spine surgery in the prone position.

Background and Aims: AA present prospective study was conducted to evaluate ocular changes occurring in patients undergoing spine surgery in the prone position. Material and Methods: A total of 44 patients of either sex, belonging to American society of Anaesthesiology I and II (aged 18-60 years) scheduled for elective spine surgery in prone position were enrolled in the study. Baseline IOP and MAP measurement were taken prior to induction. After induction of anaesthesia patients were intubated using flexo-metallic tube of appropriate size. IOP and MAP were recorded after induction of anaesthesia, following completion of surgery and immediately after turning the patient supine and 30 min following extubation. Blood loss and duration of surgery was also noted. The OPP was derived using the formula (OPP = MAP-IOP). Ophthalmic examination was also performed using direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy on the day prior to surgery and on first post-operative day to rule out anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION), posterior ischemic optic neuropathy (PION), and retinal ischemia. Results: Mean IOP significantly increased (18.91 ± 3.56 mm Hg) (P < 0.001) at the end of surgery as compared to baseline value 12.85 ± 3.07 mm Hg. As a result mean OPP significantly reduced (75.12 ± 16.45) (P = 0.0018) at the end of the procedure. Conclusion: In patient's undergoing spine surgery in the prone position, careful patient positioning with no extrinsic pressure on the eyes, minimal surgical time and blood loss, and prevention of intraoperative hypotension, should be ensured to prevent the IOP rise and a reduction in OPP which can further prevent post-operative visual disturbance.

Identification of Missing Probes in rpoB gene in Rifampicin Resistant PTB and EPTB Cases Using Xpert MTB/RIF Assay in Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh.

INTRODUCTION: India has the highest number of TB (27%) and MDR/RR-TB (24%) cases among the notified TB patients. Xpert MTB/ RIF assay is a fully automated cartridge-based real-time PCR to detect MTB and resistance to rifampicin within two hours using three specific primers and five unique molecular probes to target the rpoB gene. This study was done to detect RR-TB cases and frequency of missing probes, which target mutations in rpoB gene, in the different groups of study population in Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. METHODS: All, pulmonary and extrapulmonary specimens, were processed for AFB microscopy and Xpert MTB/RIF assay to diagnose TB and RR-TB. RESULTS: Xpert detected MTBC in 721 patients. Using AFB microscopy, only 284 samples were positive. Of these MTB positive patients, 671 had pulmonary TB and 50 were EPTB cases. Resistance to RIF was detected in 31 (4.29%) cases of which resistance in presumptive tuberculosis group and presumptive drug resistant tuberculosis was 1.51% and 9.30% respectively. Twentyeight (4.17%) PTB cases and three (6%) EP-TB cases were resistant to RIF. The frequency of probe E was highest (77.41%) and mutation combination of probes C and D and E and D was 3.22%. CONCLUSION: Drug resistance in the MTBC is mainly conferred through point mutations in specific gene targets in the bacterial genome. Molecular assays like Genexpert gives rapid diagnosis and Rifampicin resistance. This study helps to provide baseline data of mutations with in the 81 bp of rpoB gene and stresses the need to further evaluate the mutation patterns in this part of the country.

Quality protein maize based muffins: influence of non-gluten proteins on batter and muffin characteristics.

Quality protein maize (QPM) is nutritionally improved maize which has twice the amount of lysine and tryptophan than normal maize. The present study evaluated the effect of different proteins namely egg white proteins (EWP), casein, whey protein isolate, soy protein isolate (SPI) on characteristics of gluten free QPM based muffins. QPM muffins without any added protein served as control and muffins prepared using wheat and EWP served as reference. Effect of addition of different proteins on pasting properties revealed that the thermal stability of QPM flour increased as indicated by decrease in breakdown viscosity. The effect of added proteins on QPM muffin-making properties was evaluated for rheology of batter and physicochemical, texture, color and sensory characteristics of muffins. Dynamic rheology showed that storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G″) of batter with SPI was the highest while batter with EWP showed lowest value. QPM-EWP muffins were softer, chewy and springier and had more specific volume than control muffins and were comparable to reference muffins. Inclusion of all proteins increased L* values (lightness) and decreased a* (redness/greenness) and b* (yellow/blueness) values of QPM based muffins. Sensory analysis revealed that gluten free QPM muffin prepared from EWP were acceptable with a sensory score of 7.97 which was comparable to reference muffins (8.03).

In Vitro Synergy Testing of Gentamicin, an Old Drug Suggested as Future Treatment Option for Gonorrhoea, in Combination With Six Other Antimicrobials Against Multidrug-Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae Strains.

BACKGROUND: Emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a serious concern and combination therapy has been recommended to delay the onset of treatment failures. Gentamicin, an old and inexpensive antibiotic, is recommended in combination with azithromycin for treatment failures cases with the first-line regimen as per the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sexually transmitted disease treatment guidelines. However, not much literature is available on in vitro and in vivo efficacy of this combination. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the in vitro synergy of gentamicin in combination with azithromycin and 5 other antimicrobials. METHODS: In vitro synergy of gentamicin in combination with cefixime, ceftriaxone, spectinomycin, azithromycin, moxifloxacin, and ertapenem was determined by Etest for 75 N. gonorrhoeae strains, of which 65 were MDR and one was XDR. Fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) of ≤0.5 and >4.0 denoted synergy and antagonism respectively. RESULTS: Maximum efficacy of gentamicin was observed in combination with ertapenem (geometric mean FICI, 0.56) followed by cefixime (FICI, 0.87). There was no antagonism for both these combinations. However, antagonism was demonstrated in 5.3%, 8%, 8%, and 10.7% strains when gentamicin was paired with spectinomycin (FICI, 1.34), ceftriaxone (FICI, 1.13), azithromycin (FICI, 1.49), and moxifloxacin (FICI, 1.30), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that gentamicin significantly enhances the in vitro therapeutic potency of ertapenem and cefixime which will be potentially effective to control the spread of MDR and XDR N. gonorrhoeae. The study warrants more in vitro studies and clinical trials for gentamicin + azithromycin and other 3 combinations because of considerable antagonism.

S-allyl cysteine inhibits TNFα-induced skeletal muscle wasting through suppressing proteolysis and expression of inflammatory molecules.

BACKGROUND: Elevated levels of inflammatory molecules are key players in muscle wasting/atrophy leading to human morbidity. TNFα is a well-known pro-inflammatory cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of muscle wasting under diverse clinical settings. S-allyl cysteine (SAC), an active component of garlic (Allium sativum), has established anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in various cell types. However, the impact of SAC on skeletal muscle pathology remains unexplored. Owing to the known anti-inflammatory properties of SAC, we investigated whether pre-treatment with SAC has a protective role in TNFα-induced atrophy in cultured myotubes. METHODS AND RESULTS: C2C12 myotubes were treated with TNFα (100ng/ml) in the presence or absence of SAC (0.01mM). TNFα treatment induced atrophy in myotubes by up-regulating various proteolytic systems i.e. cathepsin L, calpain, ubiquitin-proteasome E3-ligases (MuRF1/atrogin1), caspase 3 and autophagy (Beclin1/LC3B). TNFα also induced the activation of NFκB by stimulating the degradation of IκBα (inhibitor of NFκB), in myotubes. The alterations in proteolytic systems likely contribute to the degradation of muscle-specific proteins and reduce the myotube length, diameter and fusion index. The SAC supplementation significantly impedes TNFα-induced protein loss and protects myotube morphology by suppressing protein catabolic systems and endogenous level of inflammatory molecules namely TNFα, IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14) and Nox. CONCLUSION AND GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings reveal anti-atrophic role for SAC, as it prevents alterations in protein metabolism and protects myotubes by regulating the level of inflammatory molecules and multiple proteolytic systems responsible for muscle atrophy.

Synthesis, Photoluminescence Behavior of Green Light Emitting Tb(III) Complexes and Mechanistic Investigation of Energy Transfer Process.

A series of five new terbium(III) ion complexes with 4,4-difluoro-1-phenylbutane-1,3-dione (HDPBD) and anciliary ligands was synthesized. The composition and properties of complexes were analyzed by elemental analysis, IR, NMR, powder X-ray diffaraction, TG-DTG and photoluminescence spectroscopy. These complexes exhibited ligand sensitized green emission at 546 nm associated with 5D4 → 7F5 transitions of terbium ion in the emission spectra. The photoluminescence study manifested that the organic ligands act as antenna and facilitate the absorbed energy to emitting levels of Tb(III) ion efficiently. The enhanced luminescence intensity and decay time of ternary C2-C5 complexes observed due to synergistic effect of anciliary ligands. The CIE color coordinates of complexes came under the green region of chromaticity diagram. The mechanistic investigation of intramolecular energy transfer in the complexes was discussed in detail. These terbium(III) complexes can be thrivingly used as one of the green component in light emitting material and in display devices. Graphical Abstract Illustrate the sensitization process of the Tb ion and intramolecular energy transfer process in the Tb3+ complex.

Impact of Additional Short Session of Video Training on Performance of Basic Life Support Skills in 2nd-Year Medical Students.

CONTEXT: Basic life support (BLS) is a core life-saving skill which everyone should know, but knowledge of BLS is poor even among medical students. AIMS: The aim of our study was to assess the knowledge regarding BLS among medical students and see impact of training and also to know whether a short session of video training made an impact on their cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Ninety-two 2nd-year medical students were included in the study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Their baseline knowledge regarding BLS was assessed before workshop with pretest 1. Following workshop posttest 1 and 1 month later, posttest 2 was conducted. A short duration video training on BLS was done after posttest 2 and its impact was assessed 2 months later with performance of CPR skills on a mannequin. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data analysis was done using SPSS version 23.0. Pearson's Chi-square test was used to evaluate the differences between groups for categorized variables. Unpaired and paired t-test was used to calculate the difference of means for quantitative variables. RESULTS: There was significant improvement in knowledge regarding BLS after the workshop. Even after 1 month, though there was decline in knowledge, still it was significantly higher than the baseline. Short duration video training session did not lead to any improvement in BLS skills. CONCLUSIONS: BLS training should start early in medical curriculum with reinforcement at regular intervals. Single short duration video training session did not have any impact on improvement of skills.

Antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Global surveillance and a call for international collaborative action.

In a Policy Forum, Teodora Wi and colleagues discuss the challenges of antimicrobial resistance in gonococci.

Multidrug-resistant gonorrhea: A research and development roadmap to discover new medicines.

Emilie Alirol and colleagues discuss the development of new treatments for gonorrhea.

How Reliable Is Microscopy and Culture for the Diagnosis of Gonorrhea? An 11-Year Experience from INDIA.

Positivity of microscopy and culture was greater (P < 0.0001) in men with urethral discharge syndrome (65.8%) than in women with vaginal/cervical discharge (0.5%), indicating that basic diagnostic tests may not be cost-effective for diagnosis of vaginal/cervical discharge syndrome. Microscopy when compared with culture showed sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 95.4%, 77.6%, 84.6%, and 95.3%, in men, whereas in women, it was 77.8%, 99.9%, 92.1%, and 99.9%, respectively.

Evolution of nanostructured single-phase CoSb3 thin films by low-energy ion beam induced mixing and their thermoelectric performance.

Skutterudites are emerging as potential candidates that show high efficiency and thus provide an ideal platform for research. The properties of nanostructured films of skutterudites are different from those of the corresponding bulk. The present study reports the evolution of nanostructured single-phase CoSb3 fabricated by using low-energy ion irradiation of Co/Sb bilayer films and subsequent annealing at an optimized temperature and their Seebeck coefficients (S). The effects of ion beam parameters with annealing on the phase evolution and nanostructure modifications were studied. An increase in Xe+ ion fluence resulted in complete mixing of Co/Sb on postannealing forming flower-like nanostructures of single phase CoSb3. The temperature-dependent electrical resistivity (ρ) increases with the ion fluence because of defect creation which further increases on postannealing due to surface nanostructuring. The S of these films of CoSb3 is found to be higher and this is attributed to the formation of a uniform layer of nanostructured CoSb3 alloy thin film. The S and Hall coefficients of all these films are negative implying that they are n-type semiconductors.

Exploring quinolone resistance-determining region in Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates from across India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the causative agent of gonorrhoea, is a subject of worldwide attention. The present study was undertaken to examine the rates of ciprofloxacin resistance, to correlate mutations in gyrA and parC genes with the level of resistance and to look for a variation in mutation pattern, if any, in isolates from across the country. METHODS: A total of 113 isolates of N. gonorrhoeae collected from sexually transmitted infection patients in six centres during November 2010 to October 2013 were investigated. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination was done by E-test and results interpreted as per Calibrated Dichotomous Sensitivity criteria. DNA sequence analysis of gyrA and parC genes was done. RESULTS: Of the 113 isolates, only three (2.6%) were susceptible whereas eight (7.07%) were less susceptible, 32 [28.3%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 20.4-37.6%] resistant (MIC 1-3 µg/ml) and 70 (61.9%, 95% CI: 52.2-70.7%) exhibited high-level resistance (HLR) (MIC ≥4 µg/ml) to ciprofloxacin. A S91F substitution in gyrA gene was demonstrated in all ciprofloxacin non-susceptible isolates. All resistant and HLR isolates had a double mutation in gyrA gene. However, only 5.7 per cent of HLR isolates showed double mutations in parC gene. One isolate (MIC 32 µg/ml) had a previously undescribed G85D substitution in the parC gene. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: A S91F substitution in gyrA gene was seen in all non-susceptible isolates of N. gonorrhoeae. It may be used as a marker for ciprofloxacin resistance for molecular surveillance approaches to complement the culture-based methods.

Gentamicin Susceptibility among a Sample of Multidrug-Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates in India.

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 258 Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates by Etest determined that 60.1% were multidrug resistant (MDR), while 5% of the strains had decreased susceptibility to currently recommended extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs). Among these, 84.5% of MDR strains and 76.9% of strains that had decreased susceptibility to ESCs were susceptible to gentamicin. No MDR isolate was resistant to gentamicin. These in vitro results suggest that gentamicin might be an effective treatment option for the MDR strains and in dual therapy for gonorrhea. However, further research regarding the clinical treatment outcomes is essential.

Gentamicin in vitro activity and tentative gentamicin interpretation criteria for the CLSI and calibrated dichotomous sensitivity disc diffusion methods for Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

OBJECTIVES: XDR Neisseria gonorrhoeae imposes the threat of untreatable gonorrhoea. Gentamicin is considered for future treatment; however, no interpretation criteria for the CLSI and calibrated dichotomous sensitivity (CDS) disc diffusion (DD) techniques are available for N. gonorrhoeae. We investigated the in vitro gentamicin activity by MIC and DD methods, proposed DD breakpoints and determined DD ranges for 10 international quality control (QC) strains. METHODS: Gentamicin susceptibility of 333 N. gonorrhoeae isolates, including 323 clinical isolates and 10 QC strains, was determined. MIC determination (Etest) and DD methods (CLSI and CDS) were performed. The relationship between MIC, inhibition zone diameter and annular radius was determined by linear regression analysis and the correlation coefficient (r) was calculated. RESULTS: Gentamicin MICs for the QC strains were within published ranges. Of the 323 clinical isolates, according to published breakpoints 75.9%, 23.5% and 0.6% were susceptible, intermediately susceptible and resistant, respectively. Based on error minimization with MICs of ≤4, 8-16 and ≥32 mg/L, breakpoints proposed are susceptible ≥16 mm, intermediately susceptible 13-15 mm and resistant ≤12 mm for the CLSI method and susceptible ≥6 mm, less susceptible 3-5 mm and resistant ≤2 mm for the CDS technique. CONCLUSIONS: Low resistance to gentamicin was identified and gentamicin might be a future treatment option for gonorrhoea. Tentative gentamicin zone breakpoints were defined for two DD methods and QC ranges for 10 international reference strains were established. Our findings suggest that in resource-poor settings where MIC testing is not a feasible option, the DD methods can be used to indicate gentamicin resistance.

In-silico Hierarchical Approach for the Identification of Potential Universal Vaccine Candidates (PUVCs) from Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

OBJECTIVES: Resistance to the currently recommended extended-spectrum cephalosporins, which is used to treat Gonorrhea, is increasing continuously and leading to a threat of untreatable infection. It is, therefore, becoming extremely essential to search for new therapeutic strategies to control Gonorrhea. Vaccination may be considered as an effective control measure to control this disease, which is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. METHODS: In-silico hierarchical approach was used to help identify candidate proteins of N. gonorrhoeae that might contribute significantly in vaccine research. In contrast to the conventional vaccine research which requires at least 10-12 years, the present approach would reduce the time period drastically and help to identify Potential Universal Vaccine Candidates (PUVCs). These proteins were further analyzed for the presence of T-cell and linear B-cell epitopes, by using HLAPred and ABCpred servers respectively, in order to facilitate the identification of Multi Epitope Peptide Vaccine Constructs. RESULTS: We have identified 23 non-host candidate proteins, using the proteomic information of four sequenced strains of N. gonorrhoeae namely FA 1090, TCDC_NG08107, NCCP11945 and MS11 and labeled them as PUVCs. Since all these identified 23 PUVCs contained both T cell and B cell epitopes, these have been further reiterated as PUVCs which could be used as promising leads for vaccine development. CONCLUSIONS: This hierarchical approach is the first comprehensive study to identify potential vaccine candidates which once utilized for vaccine development would surely serve as promising tools for effective control of Gonorrhea.