Molecular epidemiology of seborrheic dermatitis/dandruff associated Malassezia species from northern India.

Malassezia is a commensal that sometimes becomes pathogenic under the influence of diverse factors. Several species of Malassezia are difficult to culture, making traditional methods of identification challenging. The problem with molecular typing of Malassezia in association with seborrheic dermatitis/dandruff (SD/D) arises due to the unavailability of these fastidious yeast cultures. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between fluorescent amplified fragment length polymorphism (FAFLP) genotypes, disease state (SD/D), and the geographic distribution of M. globosa, M. restricta, and M. arunalokei. In total, 154 isolates representing M. globosa (n = 85), M. restricta (n = 55), and M. arunalokei (n = 14) from lesional/non-lesional areas of SD/D patients and healthy controls residing in the rural (n = 77) and urban (n = 77) areas of northern India were included. A strategy based on the FAFLP methodology was developed using two endonuclease enzymes (EcoRI and HindIII). M. globosa, M. restricta, and M. arunalokei formed 11, 3, and 2 FAFLP clusters, respectively. Disease-specific strains of M. restricta and M. arunalokei preferentially tend to cause SD/D. M. restricta and M. arunalokei showed less genetic variation. M.globosa showed higher genetic diversity. FAFLP clusters revealed the existence of geographically specific strains in M. restricta, M. arunalokei, and M. globosa. Our findings suggest that certain Malassezia strains are not only disease-specific but also geographically distinct.

The association of Malassezia with dandruff appears to be certain. Using the advanced technique, we determined that M. restricta and M. arunalokei are major species causing dandruff. There is also a difference in the specific molecular types affecting the rural and urban populations of India.

Evolutionarily conserved heat shock protein, HtpX, as an adjunct target against antibiotic-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

The emergence of multiple drug resistance and extreme drug resistance pathogens necessitates the continuous evaluation of the pathogenic genome to identify conserved molecular targets and their respective inhibitors. In this study, we mapped the global mutational landscape of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (an intracellular pathogen notoriously known to cause the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhoea). We identified highly variable amino acid positions in the antibiotic target genes like the penA, ponA, 23s rRNA, rpoB, gyrA, parC, mtrR and porB. Some variations are directly reported to confer resistance to the currently used front-line drugs like ceftriaxone, cefixime, azithromycin and ciprofloxacin. Further, by whole genome comparison and Shannon entropy analysis, we identified a completely conserved protein HtpX in the drug-resistant as well as susceptible isolates of N. gonorrhoeae (NgHtpX). Comparison with the only available information of Escherichia coli HtpX suggested it to be a transmembrane metalloprotease having a role in stress response. The critical zinc-binding residue of NgHtpX was mapped to E141. By applying composite high throughput screening followed by MD simulations, we identified pemirolast and thalidomide as high-energy binding ligands of NgHtpX. Following cloning and expression of the purified metal-binding domain of NgHtpX (NgHtpXd), its Zn2+ -binding (Kd = 0.4 µM) and drug-binding (pemirolast, Kd = 3.47 µM; and thalidomide, Kd = 1.04 µM) potentials were determined using in-vitro fluorescence quenching experiment. When tested on N. gonorrhoeae cultures, both the ligands imposed a dose-dependent reduction in viability. Overall, our results provide high entropy positions in the targets of presently used antibiotics, which can be further explored to understand the AMR mechanism. Additionally, HtpX and its specific inhibitors identified can be utilised effectively in managing gonococcal infections.

Scedosporium Infection in Recipients of Kidney Transplants from Deceased Near-Drowning Donor.

Scedosporium aurianticum infection developed in 2 recipients of kidney transplants in India, acquired from the same deceased near-drowning donor. Given the substantial risk for death associated with Scedosporium infection among solid-organ transplant recipients, safety protocols for organ transplantation from nearly drowned donors should be thoroughly revaluated and refined.

Clinical and Mycologic Characteristics of Emerging Mucormycosis Agent Rhizopus homothallicus.

We retrospectively reviewed consecutive cases of mucormycosis reported from a tertiary-care center in India to determine the clinical and mycologic characteristics of emerging Rhizopus homothallicus fungus. The objectives were ascertaining the proportion of R. homothallicus infection and the 30-day mortality rate in rhino-orbital mucormycosis attributable to R. homothallicus compared with R. arrhizus. R. homothallicus accounted for 43 (6.8%) of the 631 cases of mucormycosis. R. homothallicus infection was independently associated with better survival (odds ratio [OR] 0.08 [95% CI 0.02-0.36]; p = 0.001) than for R. arrhizus infection (4/41 [9.8%] vs. 104/266 [39.1%]) after adjusting for age, intracranial involvement, and surgery. We also performed antifungal-susceptibility testing, which indicated a low range of MICs for R. homothallicus against the commonly used antifungals (amphotericin B [0.03-16], itraconazole [0.03-16], posaconazole [0.03-8], and isavuconazole [0.03-16]). 18S gene sequencing and amplified length polymorphism analysis revealed distinct clustering of R. homothallicus.

High expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 and tissue necrosis factor alpha may relate to chronic infection of buffalo mammary gland.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4A (HNF4A) are the putative mammary stem cell markers. Tissue necrosis factor alpha (TNFA) is involved in inflammation-associated carcinogenesis and cell proliferation. In this study, the gene expression profile of ALDH1, HNF4A and TNFA of buffalo mammary tissue using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Analysis of RT-qPCR data revealed that the relative expression (log2 fold change) of ALDH1 and TNFA during mastitis (vs. lactation) was increased (P < .05) by 2.98 and 4.71, respectively. The relative expression (log2 fold change; -7.39) of stem cell marker, HNF4A was decreased (P < .05) during mastitis. Histological analysis of mammary tissue during mastitis showed thickening of stroma and occasionally hyperplasia, predominantly in prepubertal and non-lactating animals. Although, the level of expression of these genes may vary, depending upon the physiological stage of the animals, however expression of ALDH1 and TNFA was high during mastitis. A systematic study on large samples of buffalo mammary tissue with appropriate comparisons needs to be evaluated with these markers for prognosis of buffalo mammary health.

Physico-chemical, hydration, cooking, textural and pasting properties of different adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) accessions.

Physico-chemical, hydration, cooking, textural and pasting properties of thirteen adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) accessions were studied. Protein and ash content ranged from 18.82 to 24.52% and 2.02 to 7.03%, respectively. Bulk density and seed weight of the adzuki seed ranged from 0.76 to 1.00 g/mL and 74.87 to 148.20 g/1000 seeds, respectively. Hydration capacity, swelling capacity and cooking time ranged from 0.05 to 0.12 g/seed, 0.04 to 0.15 mL/seed and 48.67 to 74.33 min, respectively. Different accessions showed significant variations in their physicochemical, cooking, hydration and texture properties. Swelling capacity showed significantly positive correlation with L* value. Hardness of soaked grain varied ranged between 68.67 and 120.25 N and had significant positive correlation with gumminess and chewiness. The springiness and chewiness of cooked seeds showed highly significant positive correlation. Peak viscosity, breakdown viscosity, final viscosity, setback viscosity and pasting temperature of adzuki bean flour ranged from 1979 to 2373 cP, 45 to 183 cP, 2954 to 4004 cP, 931 to 1666 cP and 75.02 to 78.27 °C, respectively. Peak viscosity and breakdown viscosity were negatively correlated to amylose content while setback viscosity showed positive correlation.

Characteristics of normal and waxy corn: physicochemical, protein secondary structure, dough rheology and chapatti making properties.

The physicochemical, protein secondary structure, dough rheological and chapatti making properties of normal and waxy corn types were evaluated. Waxy corn grains showed the highest L* and b* value, while red-pigmented corn grains had the highest a* value. Higher accumulation of K, Mg, Na and Ca minerals in corn was recorded, while Cu, Mn, Fe and Zn were present in trace. Meal prepared from waxy corn had higher L*, a* and b* values as well as ash, protein and fat content. A significant decrease in various mixograph parameters was observed with increase in water level during dough development. A decrease in dynamic rheological parameters (G', G'' and tan δ) of dough from all corn types was recorded with increase in water level. Dough developed from waxy corn meal had lower G' and G'' as compared to that from normal corn types. FTIR spectra of dough from different corn types at different water levels showed various peaks in amide-I region with most prominent peak at about 1650 cm-1 followed by 1640-1645 and 1610-1620 cm-1 regions. The peak intensities increased with increase in water level which was an indicative of the increase in intermolecular and antiparallel (IM + AP) ß-sheet as well as α-helix and ß-sheet structures. Dough developed from waxy corn showed change in peak intensities at high moisture level only. The chapatti made from normal (yellow) corn showed higher consumers' acceptability score, while that from waxy corn was poor.

Ultrasound assisted extraction of polyphenols and their distribution in whole mung bean, hull and cotyledon.

In this study, extraction of polyphenols using different solvents (acetone, ethanol, methanol and water) with ultrasound and conventional method from whole mung bean (WMB), hull and cotyledon was conducted. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), total antioxidant activities (TAA), ferric reducing power (FRP) and DPPH radical scavenging activity were determined. Ultrasound treated extracts exhibited higher TPC, TFC, TAA, FRP and DPPH in different mung bean fractions than CSE. Among the solvents, acetone showed better TPC, TFC, TAA, FRP and DPPH. Hull had significantly higher TPC, TFC, TAA, FRP and DPPH than WMB and cotyledon. Sinapic acid (SA) was the major polyphenol in different fractions. Acetone extract of hull showed high polyphenol content. SA, ferulic acid, catechin, p-coumaric acid, resveratrol, quercetin and luteolin were the major contributors to antioxidant activity of acetone extract. Mung bean hull contained the maximum polyphenols and acetone was observed to be the best extraction medium for polyphenols in combination with ultrasound.

Comparison of color, anti-nutritional factors, minerals, phenolic profile and protein digestibility between hard-to-cook and easy-to-cook grains from different kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) accessions.

The present study was aimed to evaluate the differences among anti-nutritional factors in relation to mineral absorption and protein digestibility of Easy-to-cook (ETC) and Hard-to-cook (HTC) grains from different kidney bean (KB) accessions.HTC grains showed lower a* (redness to yellowness) and b* (greenness to blueness) values and L* value than ETC grains. HTC grains had significantly higher Ca and Zn and lower Cu, Mn and Fe than ETC grains. ETC and HTC grains showed significant variation in mineral, total phenolic content (TPC), tannin and phytic acid content. TPC and tannin content were significantly higher for HTC grains, on the contrary phytic acid content was lower than counterpart ETC grains. Protein and in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) also varied significantly between HTC and ETC grains and was found to be lower for HTC grains. Majority of phenolic compounds (PCs) were present in bound state in both ETC and HTC grains. Moreover, HTC grains showed higher amount of chlorogenic acid and catechin content than ETC grains in bound form. ETC and HTC grains from dark color accessions showed higher catechin content.

Metabolism and disposition of [(14)C]dimethylamine borane in male Harlan Sprague Dawley rats following gavage administration, intravenous administration and dermal application.

1. Dimethylamine borane (DMAB) is used as a reducing agent in the manufacturing of a variety of products and in chemical synthesis. National Toxicology Program is evaluating the toxicity of DMAB in rodents following dermal application. The objective of this study was to evaluate the metabolism and disposition of DMAB in male Harlan Sprague Dawley (HSD) rats. 2. Disposition of radioactivity was similar between gavage and intravenous administration of 1.5 mg/kg [(14)C] DMAB, with nearly 84%-89% of the administered radioactivity recovered in urine 24 h post dosing. At 72 h, only 1% or less was recovered in feces, 0.3% as CO2, and 0.5%-1.4% as volatiles and 0.3%-0.4 % in tissues. 3. The absorption of [(14)C]DMAB following dermal application was moderate; percent dose absorbed increased with the dose, with 23%, 32% and 46% of dose absorbed at 0.15, 1.5 and 15 mg/kg, respectively. Urinary and fecal excretion ranged from 18%-37% and 2%-4% of dose, respectively, and 0.1%-0.2% as CO2, and 1%-3% as volatiles. Tissue retention of the radiolabel was low ∼1%, but was higher than following the gavage or intravenous administration. 4. Following co-adminsitration of DMAB and sodium nitrite by gavage, N-nitrosodimethylamine was not detected in blood or urine above the limit of quantitation of the analytical method of 10 ng/mL. 5. Absorption of DMAB in fresh human skin in vitro was ∼41% of the applied dose: the analysis of the receptor fluid shows that the intact DMAB complex can be absorbed through the skin.

The Salmonella typhi Cell Division Activator Protein StCAP Impacts Pathogenesis by Influencing Critical Molecular Events.

Conserved molecular signatures in multidrug-resistant Salmonella typhi can serve as novel therapeutic targets for mitigation of infection. In this regard, we present the S. typhi cell division activator protein (StCAP) as a conserved target across S. typhi variants. From in silico and fluorimetric assessments, we found that StCAP is a DNA-binding protein. Replacement of the identified DNA-interacting residue Arg34 of StCAP with Ala34 showed a dramatic (15-fold) increase in Kd value compared to the wild type (Kd 546 nm) as well as a decrease in thermal stability (10 °C shift). Out of the two screened molecules against the DNA-binding pocket of StCAP, eltrombopag, and nilotinib, the former displayed better binding. Eltrombopag inhibited the stand-alone S. typhi culture with an IC50 of 38 µM. The effect was much more pronounced on THP-1-derived macrophages (T1Mac) infected with S. typhi where colony formation was severely hindered with IC50 reduced further to 10 µM. Apoptotic protease activating factor1 (Apaf1), a key molecule for intrinsic apoptosis, was identified as an StCAP-interacting partner by pull-down assay against T1Mac. Further, StCAP-transfected T1Mac showed a significant increase in LC3 II (autophagy marker) expression and downregulation of caspase 3 protein. From these experiments, we conclude that StCAP provides a crucial survival advantage to S. typhi during infection, thereby making it a potent alternative therapeutic target.

Effects of spore purity on the wet heat resistance of Clostridium perfringens, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis spores.

Heat resistance of spores of Clostridium perfringens 8238 (Hobbs Serotype 2), Bacillus cereus NCTC 11143 (4810/72), and Bacillus subtilis PS533, an isogenic derivative of strain PS832 (a 168 strain) was determined in ground beef at 95 °C. Spore purification was by centrifugation and washing with sterile distilled water (dH2O), followed by sonication and then Histodenz centrifugation for B. subtilis and C. perfringens, and centrifugation and washing with sterile dH2O followed by Histodenz centrifugation for B. cereus. Bags containing inoculated beef samples were submerged in a temperature-controlled water bath and held at 95 °C for predetermined lengths of time. Surviving spore populations were enumerated by plating on mannitol egg yolk polymyxin agar (MYP) agar plates for B. cereus and B. subtilis, and on tryptose-sulfite-cycloserine agar (TSC) agar plates for C. perfringens. Survivor curves were fitted to linear, linear with tail, and Weibull models using the USDA Integrated Pathogen Modeling Program (IPMP) 2013 software. The Weibull model provided a relatively better fit to the data since the root mean square error (RMSE), mean square error (MSE), sum of squared errors (SSE), and Akaike information criterion (AIC) values were lower than the values obtained using the linear or the linear with tail models. Additionally, the Weibull model accurately predicted the observed D-values at 95 °C for the three spore-formers since the accuracy factor (Af) values ranged from 1.03 to 1.08 and the bias factor (Bf) values were either 1.00 or 1.01. Times at 95 °C to achieve a 3-log reduction decreased from 206 min for C. perfringens spores purified with water washes alone to 191 min with water washes followed by sonication and Histodenz centrifugation, from 7.9 min for B. cereus spores purified with water washes alone to 1.4 min with water washes followed by Histodenz centrifugation, and from 20.6 min for B. subtilis spores purified with water washes alone to 6.7 min for water washes followed by sonication and Histodenz centrifugation. Thermal-death-time values reported in this study will assist food processors to design thermal processes to guard against bacterial spores in cooked foods. In addition, clearly spore purity is an additional factor in spore wet heat resistance, although the cause of this effect is not clear.

Complete Second Branchial Fistula: A Rare Entity.

Second branchial anomalies like branchial cyst, sinus or fistula are common lateral neck masses in pediatric age group but it is rare to encounter complete branchial fistula with external as well as internal openings. We present a case of 16 yrs old female patient with complete Branchial fistula which was diagnosed with the help of CT fistulogram and thereafter taken up for surgical excision of fistula under general anaesthesia. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of branchial fistula. In case of lateral neck mass with external opening in pediatric age group strong possibility of diagnosis of branchial fistula should be kept, timely management of the case improves the quality of life.

Molecular modeling, simulation and docking of Rv1250 protein from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Computational prediction and protein structure modeling have come to the aid of various biological problems in determining the structure of proteins. These technologies have revolutionized the biological world of research, allowing scientists and researchers to gain insights into their biological questions and design experimental research much more efficiently. Pathogenic Mycobacterium spp. is known to stay alive within the macrophages of its host. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an acid-fast bacterium that is the most common cause of tuberculosis and is considered to be the main cause of resistance of tuberculosis as a leading health issue. The genome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis contains more than 4,000 genes, of which the majority are of unknown function. An attempt has been made to computationally model and dock one of its proteins, Rv1250 (MTV006.22), which is considered as an apparent drug-transporter, integral membrane protein, and member of major facilitator superfamily (MFS). The most widely used techniques, i.e., homology modeling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation in the field of structural bioinformatics, have been used in the present work to study the behavior of Rv1250 protein from M. tuberculosis. The structure of unknown TB protein, i.e., Rv1250 was retrived using homology modeling with the help of I-TASSER server. Further, one of the sites responsible for infection was identified and docking was done by using the specific Isoniazid ligand which is an inhibitor of this protein. Finally, the stability of protein model and analysis of stable and static interaction between protein and ligand molecular dynamic simulation was performed at 100 ns The designing of novel Rv1250 enzyme inhibitors is likely achievable with the use of proposed predicted model, which could be helpful in preventing the pathogenesis caused by M. tuberculosis. Finally, the MD simulation was done to evaluate the stability of the ligand for the specific protein.

Long Term Health-Related Quality of Life with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer in Goiter Endemic Area.

Health related quality of life (HRQOL) is a multidimensional concept that encompasses the patient's perceptions of his or her physical, emotional, social, and cognitive functions. Despite DTC patients' long survival, HRQOL has been shown to be lower than in the general population. There is a scarcity of data on HRQOL in thyroid cancer in the Indian population and especially goiter endemic area. As a result, the authors conducted a health-related quality of life survey in patients managed at their center in Northern India's Sub-Himalayan region using two widely accepted questionnaires. Adults with differentiated thyroid cancer who had surgery with or without radio-iodine ablation and had recovered for at least 6 months were assessed using health quality of life surveys, the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-THY34 of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Group. The survey was completed by 57 adults with a mean age of 45.64 ± 15.64 years. The average time between the survey and treatment was 13.3 ± 10.8 months. After surgery, the QLQ-C30 found a significant reduction in insomnia, appetite loss, constipation, diarrhea, and financial difficulties, whereas radio-iodine ablation significantly improved global health status. The QLQ-THY34 found a significant increase in symptoms such as voice concerns, hair problems, dry mouth, shoulder functioning, tingling, and worrying after surgery, with a significant improvement in swallowing and job impact symptoms. The surgical extent had no impact. The quality of life for people with differentiated thyroid cancer in goiter-endemic areas is similar to that of other areas. However, the limited number of subjects in the study warrants further large sample size longitudinal study to understand the exact Health-related quality of life in thyroid cancer in endemic area.

Covid 19 Associated Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension and Acute Vision loss.

Headache is a frequent complaint in COVID-19 while intracranial hypertension leading to acute vision loss is unusual. A 49-years-old female presented with persistent headache and vision loss and was found Covid 19 positive. Investigations suggested Covid 19 associated intracranial hypertension. She improved with medical management but again presented with acute vision loss. The visual loss was managed by endoscopic optic nerve fenestration surgery. She had significant recovery in vision during follow up period. Persistent headache in Covid 19 should have a high index of suspicion for idiopathic intracranial hypertension to avoid irreversible vision loss.

Advances in multi-omics based quantitative microbial risk assessment in the dairy sector: A semi-systematic review.

With the increasing consumption of packaged and ready-to-eat food products, the risk of foodborne illness has drastically increased and so has the dire need for proper management. The conventional Microbial Risk Assessment (MRA) investigations require prior knowledge of process flow, exposure, and hazard assessment throughout the supply chain. These data are often generated using conventional microbiological approaches based either on shelf-life studies or specific spoilage organisms (SSOs), frequently overlooking crucial information such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), biofilm formation, virulence factors and other physiological variations coupled with bio-chemical characteristics of food matrix. Additionally, the microbial risks in food are diverse and heterogenous, that might be an outcome of growth and activity of multiple microbial populations rather than a single species contamination. The uncertainty on the microbial source, time as well as point of entry into the food supply chain poses a constraint to the efficiency of preventive approaches and conventional MRA. In the last few decades, significant breakthroughs in molecular methods and continuously progressing bioinformatics tools have opened up a new horizon for risk analysis-based approaches in food safety. Real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and kit-based assays provide better accuracy and precision with shorter processing time. Despite these improvements, the effect of complex food matrix on growth environment and recovery of pathogen is a persistent problem for risk assessors. The dairy industry is highly impacted by spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, this review discusses the evolution and recent advances in MRAmethodologies equipped with predictive interventions and "multi-omics" approach for robust MRA specifically targeting dairy products. It also highlights the limiting gap area and the opportunity for improvement in this field to ensure precision food safety.

Silica binding and toxicity in alveolar macrophages.

Inhalation of the crystalline form of silica is associated with a variety of pathologies, from acute lung inflammation to silicosis, in addition to autoimmune disorders and cancer. Basic science investigators looking at the mechanisms involved with the earliest initiators of disease are focused on how the alveolar macrophage interacts with the inhaled silica particle and the consequences of silica-induced toxicity on the cellular level. Based on experimental results, several rationales have been developed for exactly how crystalline silica particles are toxic to the macrophage cell that is functionally responsible for clearance of the foreign particle. For example, silica is capable of producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) either directly (on the particle surface) or indirectly (produced by the cell as a response to silica), triggering cell-signaling pathways initiating cytokine release and apoptosis. With murine macrophages, reactive nitrogen species are produced in the initial respiratory burst in addition to ROS. An alternative explanation for silica toxicity includes lysosomal permeability, by which silica disrupts the normal internalization process leading to cytokine release and cell death. Still other research has focused on the cell surface receptors (collectively known as scavenger receptors) involved in silica binding and internalization. The silica-induced cytokine release and apoptosis are described as the function of receptor-mediated signaling rather than free radical damage. Current research ideas on silica toxicity and binding in the alveolar macrophage are reviewed and discussed.

Effect of Extrusion on Physicochemical Properties, Digestibility, and Phenolic Profiles of Grit Fractions Obtained from Dry Milling of Normal and Waxy Corn.

Extrusion behavior of grits obtained from 3 successive reductions of dry milling of 2 normal corn types and 1 waxy corn was studied at different extrusion temperatures (ET). The grit from each reduction stage (RS) showed the presence of base-hydrolyzed bound protocatechuic acid, p-coumaric acid, sinapic acid, ferulic acid, and quercetin, and the concentrations of these decreased after acid hydrolysis and that of gallic acid increased. African tall grit from all RSs showed the highest average specific mechanical energy (SME) and torque, while waxy corn grit had the lowest. Corn extrudates showed an increase in water solubility index (WSI) and a decrease in water absorption index (WAI), as well as in expansion ratio (ER) with an increase in ET. Extrudates from each corn type showed an increase in rapidly digestible starch (RDS) and a decrease in slowly digestible starch (SDS) and resistant starch with an increase in ET. Most of the phenolics were present in bound form in extrudates, and quercetin, and catechin observed in grit were not present in extrudates. Frying of extrudates showed lower L* and higher a* and b* when compared to color parameters of raw extrudates. Lower expansion of fried extrudates from waxy corn than those from other corn types may be related to its higher protein and fat contents and to lower amylose content.

ct-DNA Binding and Antibacterial Activity of Octahedral Titanium (IV) Heteroleptic (Benzoylacetone and Hydroxamic Acids) Complexes.

Five structurally related titanium (IV) heteroleptic complexes, [TiCl2(bzac)(L(1-4))] and [TiCl3(bzac)(HL(5))]; bzac = benzoylacetonate; L(1-5) = benzohydroximate (L(1)), salicylhydroximate (L(2)), acetohydroximate (L(3)), hydroxyurea (L(4)), and N-benzoyl-N-phenyl hydroxylamine (L(5)), were used for the assessment of their antibacterial activities against ten pathogenic bacterial strains. The titanium (IV) complexes (1-5) demonstrated significant level of antibacterial properties as measured using agar well diffusion method. UV-Vis absorption spectroscopic technique was applied, to get a better insight into the nature of binding between titanium (IV) complexes with calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA). On the basis of the results of UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, the interaction between ct-DNA and the titanium (IV) complexes is likely to occur through the same mode. Results indicated that titanium (IV) complex can bind to calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) via an intercalative mode. The intrinsic binding constant (K b ) was calculated by absorption spectra by using Benesi-Hildebrand equation. Further, Gibbs free energy was also calculated for all the complexes.