Conjoint application of nano-urea with conventional fertilizers: An energy efficient and environmentally robust approach for sustainable crop production.

One of the biggest challenges to be addressed in world agriculture is low nitrogen (N) use efficiency (<40%). To address this issue, researchers have repeatedly underlined the need for greater emphasis on the development and promotion of energy efficient, and environmentally sound novel fertilizers, in addition to improved agronomic management to augment nutrient use efficiency for restoring soil fertility and increasing farm profit. Hence, a fixed plot field experiment was conducted to assess the economic and environmental competency of conventional fertilizers with and without nano-urea (novel fertilizer) in two predominant cropping systems viz., maize-wheat and pearl millet-mustard under semi-arid regions of India. Result indicates that the supply of 75% recommended N with conventional fertilizer along with nano-urea spray (N75PK+nano-urea) reduced the energy requirement by ~8-11% and increased energy use efficiency by ~6-9% over 100% nitrogen through prilled urea fertilizer (business as usual). Furthermore, the application of N75PK+ nano-urea exhibited ~14% higher economic yields in all the crops compared with N50PK+ nano-urea. Application of N75PK+nano-urea registered comparable soil N and dehydrogenase activities (35.8 µg TPF g-1 24 hrs-1 across all crops) over the conventional fertilization (N100PK). This indicates that application of foliar spray of nano-urea with 75% N is a soil supportive production approach. More interestingly, two foliar sprays of nano-urea curtailed nitrogen load by 25% without any yield penalty, besides reducing the greenhouse gases (GHG) emission from 164.2 to 416.5 kg CO2-eq ha-1 under different crops. Therefore, the application of nano-urea along with 75% N through prilled urea is an energy efficient, environmentally robust and economically feasible nutrient management approach for sustainable crop production.

Sequestration of histidine kinases by non-cognate response regulators establishes a threshold level of stimulation for bacterial two-component signaling.

Bacterial two-component systems (TCSs) consist of a sensor histidine kinase (HK) that perceives a specific signal, and a cognate response regulator (RR) that modulates the expression of target genes. Positive autoregulation improves TCS sensitivity to stimuli, but may trigger disproportionately large responses to weak signals, compromising bacterial fitness. Here, we combine experiments and mathematical modelling to reveal a general design that prevents such disproportionate responses: phosphorylated HKs (HK~Ps) can be sequestered by non-cognate RRs. We study five TCSs of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and find, for all of them, non-cognate RRs that show higher affinity than cognate RRs for HK~Ps. Indeed, in vitro assays show that HK~Ps preferentially bind higher affinity non-cognate RRs and get sequestered. Mathematical modelling indicates that this sequestration would introduce a 'threshold' stimulus strength for eliciting responses, thereby preventing responses to weak signals. Finally, we construct tunable expression systems in Mycobacterium bovis BCG to show that higher affinity non-cognate RRs suppress responses in vivo.

Sources, purification, immobilization and industrial applications of microbial lipases: An overview.

Microbial lipase is looking for better attention with the fast growth of enzyme proficiency and other benefits like easy, cost-effective, and reliable manufacturing. Immobilized enzymes can be used repetitively and are incapable to catalyze the reactions in the system continuously. Hydrophobic supports are utilized to immobilize enzymes when the ionic strength is low. This approach allows for the immobilization, purification, stability, and hyperactivation of lipases in a single step. The diffusion of the substrate is more advantageous on hydrophobic supports than on hydrophilic supports in the carrier. These approaches are critical to the immobilization performance of the enzyme. For enzyme immobilization, synthesis provides a higher pH value as well as greater heat stability. Using a mixture of immobilization methods, the binding force between enzymes and the support rises, reducing enzyme leakage. Lipase adsorption produces interfacial activation when it is immobilized on hydrophobic support. As a result, in the immobilization process, this procedure is primarily used for a variety of industrial applications. Microbial sources, immobilization techniques, and industrial applications in the fields of food, flavor, detergent, paper and pulp, pharmaceuticals, biodiesel, derivatives of esters and amino groups, agrochemicals, biosensor applications, cosmetics, perfumery, and bioremediation are all discussed in this review.

MiR-539-3p impairs osteogenesis by suppressing Wnt interaction with LRP-6 co-receptor and subsequent inhibition of Akap-3 signaling pathway.

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), an inheritable form of rickets is caused due to mutation in Phex gene. Several factors are linked to the disease's aetiology, including non-coding RNA molecules (miRNAs), which are key post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression and play a significant role in osteoblast functions. MicroRNAs sequence analysis showed differentially regulated miRNAs in phex silenced osteoblast cells. In this article, we report miR-539-3p, an unidentified novel miRNA, in the functional regulation of osteoblast. MiR-539-3p overexpression impaired osteoblast differentiation. Target prediction algorithm and experimental confirmation by luciferase 3' UTR reporter assay identified LRP-6 as a direct target of miR-539-3p. Over expression of miR-539-3p in osteoblasts down regulated Wnt/beta catenin signaling components and deteriorated trabecular microarchitecture leading to decreased bone formation in ovariectomized (Ovx) mice. Additionally, biochemical bone resorption markers like CTx and Trap-5b were elevated in serum samples of mimic treated group, while, reverse effect was observed in anti-miR treated animals along with increased bone formation marker P1NP. Moreover, transcriptome analysis with miR-539-3p identified a novel uncharacterized Akap-3 gene in osteoblast cells, knock down of which resulted in downregulation of osteoblast differentiation markers at both transcriptional and translational level. Overall, our study for the first time reported the role of miR-539-3p in osteoblast functions and its downstream Akap-3 signalling in regulation of osteoblastogenesis.

Cyclic di-GMP sensing histidine kinase PdtaS controls mycobacterial adaptation to carbon sources.

Cell signaling relies on second messengers to transduce signals from the sensory apparatus to downstream signaling pathway components. In bacteria, one of the most important and ubiquitous second messenger is the small molecule cyclic diguanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP). While the biosynthesis, degradation, and regulatory pathways controlled by c-di-GMP are well characterized, the mechanisms through which c-di-GMP controls these processes are not entirely understood. Herein we present the report of a c-di-GMP sensing sensor histidine kinase PdtaS (Rv3220c), which binds to c-di-GMP at submicromolar concentrations, subsequently perturbing signaling of the PdtaS-PdtaR (Rv1626) two-component system. Aided by biochemical analysis, genetics, molecular docking, FRET microscopy, and structural modelling, we have characterized the binding of c-di-GMP in the GAF domain of PdtaS. We show that a pdtaS knockout in Mycobacterium smegmatis is severely compromised in growth on amino acid deficient media and exhibits global transcriptional dysregulation. The perturbation of the c-di-GMP-PdtaS-PdtaR axis results in a cascade of cellular changes recorded by a multiparametric systems' approach of transcriptomics, unbiased metabolomics, and lipid analyses.

Investigations on substituted (2-aminothiazol-5-yl)(imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-yl)methanones for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease majorly affecting old age populations. Various factors that affect the progression of the disease include, amyloid plaque formation, neurofibrillary tangles, inflammation, oxidative stress, etc. Herein we report of a new series of substituted (2-aminothiazol-5-yl)(imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-yl)methanones. The designed compounds were synthesized and characterized by spectral data. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity was carried out for screening of anti-inflammatory potential of synthesized compounds. All the compounds were tested for acute inflammatory activity by using carrageenan induced acute inflammation model. Compounds 10b, 10c, and 10o had shown promising acute anti-inflammatory activity and they were further tested for formalin induced chronic inflammation model. Compound 10c showed both acute and chronic anti-inflammatory activity. Compound 10c also showed promising results in AlCl3 induced AD model. Studies on various behavioral parameters suggested improved amnesic performance of compound 10c treated rats. Compound 10c treated rats also exhibited excellent antioxidant and neuroprotective effect with inherent gastrointestinal safety.

Management of Type 2 Diabetes: Current Strategies, Unfocussed Aspects, Challenges, and Alternatives.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accounts for >90% of the cases of diabetes in adults. Resistance to insulin action is the major cause that leads to chronic hyperglycemia in diabetic patients. T2DM is the consequence of activation of multiple pathways and factors involved in insulin resistance and ß-cell dysfunction. Also, the etiology of T2DM involves the complex interplay between genetics and environmental factors. This interplay can be governed efficiently by lifestyle modifications to achieve better management of diabetes. The present review aims at discussing the major factors involved in the development of T2DM that remain unfocussed during the anti-diabetic therapy. The review also focuses on lifestyle modifications that are warranted for the successful management of T2DM. In addition, it attempts to explain flaws in current strategies to combat diabetes. The employability of phytoconstituents as multitargeting molecules and their potential use as effective therapeutic adjuvants to first line hypoglycemic agents to prevent side effects caused by the synthetic drugs are also discussed.

Acetylation of Response Regulator Protein MtrA in M. tuberculosis Regulates Its Repressor Activity.

MtrA is an essential response regulator (RR) protein in M. tuberculosis, and its activity is modulated after phosphorylation from its sensor kinase MtrB. Interestingly, many regulatory effects of MtrA have been reported to be independent of its phosphorylation, thereby suggesting alternate mechanisms of regulation of the MtrAB two-component system in M. tuberculosis. Here, we show that RR MtrA undergoes non-enzymatic acetylation through acetyl phosphate, modulating its activities independent of its phosphorylation status. Acetylated MtrA shows increased phosphorylation and enhanced interaction with SK MtrB assessed by phosphotransfer assays and FRET analysis. We also observed that acetylated MtrA loses its DNA-binding ability on gene targets that are otherwise enhanced by phosphorylation. More interestingly, acetylation is the dominant post-translational modification, overriding the effect of phosphorylation. Evaluation of the impact of MtrA and its lysine mutant overexpression on the growth of H37Ra bacteria under different conditions along with the infection studies on alveolar epithelial cells further strengthens the importance of acetylated MtrA protein in regulating the growth of M. tuberculosis. Overall, we show that both acetylation and phosphorylation regulate the activities of RR MtrA on different target genomic regions. We propose here that, although phosphorylation-dependent binding of MtrA drives its repressor activity on oriC and rpf, acetylation of MtrA turns this off and facilitates division in mycobacteria. Our findings, thus, reveal a more complex regulatory role of RR proteins in which multiple post-translational modifications regulate the activities at the levels of interaction with SK and the target gene expression.

Pharmacological investigation of quinoxaline-bisthiazoles as multitarget-directed ligands for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent disease of old age leading to dementia. Complex AD pathogenesis involves multiple factors viz. amyloid plaque formation, neurofibrillary tangles and inflammation. Herein we report of a new series of quinoxaline-bisthiazoles as multitarget-directed ligands (MTDLs) targeting BACE-1 and inflammation concurrently. Virtual screening of a library of novel quinoxaline-bisthiazoles was performed by docking studies. The most active molecules from the docking library were taken up for synthesis and characterized by spectral data. Compounds 8a-8n showed BACE-1 inhibition in micro molar range. One of the compounds, 8n showed BACE-1 inhibition at IC50 of 3 ±â€¯0.07 µM. Rat paw edema inhibition in acute and chronic models of inflammation were obtained at 69 ±â€¯0.45% and 55 ±â€¯0.7%, respectively. Compound 8n also showed noteworthy results in AlCl3 induced AD model. The treated rats exhibited excellent antiamnesic, antiamyloid, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Behavioural parameters suggested improved cognitive functions which further validates the testimony of present study. Moreover, compound 8n was found to have inherent gastrointestinal safety. This new string of quinoxaline-bisthiazoles were identified as effective lead for the generation of potent MTDLs and compound 8n was found to showcase qualities to tackle AD pathogenesis.

In vitro and in vivo anticancer efficacy potential of Quercetin loaded polymeric nanoparticles.

Quercetin (QCT) is a flavonoid, abundantly present in plants and has gained considerable interest for its antioxidant property and chemo preventive activity. Bioavailability of QCT is very low due to its poor aqueous solubility and instability. Researchers are working on the application of nanotechnology to target chemotherapeutic drugs to the tumour site. The aim of the present study was to develop quercetin loaded chitosan nanoparticles (QCT-CS NPs) with enhanced encapsulation efficiency and sustained release property. We prepared biocompatible NPs with small size (<200 nm) and encapsulation efficiency of 79.78%. In vitro drug release study exhibited a cumulative amount of 67.28% release of QCT over a period of 12 h. at pH 7.4. In vitro cytotoxicity assay showed significantly reduced IC50 value of QCT-CS NPs as compared to free QCT (p < 0.05). Intra venous treatment of QCT-CS NPs in tumour xenograft mice with A549 and MDA MB 468 cells exerted significant reduction of tumour volume in comparison to disease control groups (p < 0.05). Serum anti oxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) level markedly increased in QCT-CS NPs treated tumour bearing mice than free QCT treated group. In summary, the recent investigations reported successful encapsulation of QCT in chitosan (CS) NPs to target the tumour microenvironment and exhibited enhanced efficacy of QCT-CS NPs in cancer therapy.

Potential synergistic effects of quercetin with other phytoconstituents of Costus pictus (insulin plant) extract in the control of hyperglycemia and prevention of NSAID-induced gastroenteropathy in diabetic rats.

There is a need of multifactorial management to treat T2DM. Till date, no clinically simulated animal model and therapy for NSAID-induced gastroenteropathic damage (NSAID-iGD) in T2DM patients. T2DM was developed using high-fat diet plus multiple low doses of streptozotocin (30 mg/kg, IP). Rats treated with ethanolic extract of Insulin plant (EIP; 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg, PO; b.i.d.)/Quercetin (QCT; 50 mg/kg)/vehicle for total 10 days. Diclofenac sodium (DCF; 7.5 mg/kg, PO, b.i.d.) administered for final five days of EIP/vehicle administration. Rats fasted after last dose on the 9th day; water was provided ad libitum. 12 h after the last dose on 10th day, GI tracts assessed for haemorrhagic damage, XO activity, LPO, intestinal permeability, luminal pH alterations along with haematological, biochemical and histological parameters. The evidence suggested that DCF administration caused significant gastroenteropathic damage. In presence of T2DM, NSAID-iGD significantly exacerbated. Whereas, QCT/EIP treatment significantly attenuated T2DM dependent exacerbation of NSAID-iGD, and also efficiently managed T2DM in a dose-dependent manner. Low amount of QCT in EIP(190.96 ±â€¯7.5 ng/mg) than its effective dose(50 mg/kg) indicates that EIP's other phytoconstituents (e.g. Kaempferol, Ascorbic acid, Lupeol, Diosgenin, ß-sitosterol, Stigmasterol, ß-amyrin, etc.) giving synergistic actions. Costus pictus/QCT has potential to be promising candidate to treat patient with T2DM and NSAID-gastroenteropathy in T2DM.

Thiazolyl-thiadiazines as Beta Site Amyloid Precursor Protein Cleaving Enzyme-1 (BACE-1) Inhibitors and Anti-inflammatory Agents: Multitarget-Directed Ligands for the Efficient Management of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with multiple neuropathological events including ß-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme-1 (BACE-1) inhibition and neuronal inflammation, ensuing degeneracy, and death to neuronal cells. Targeting such a complex disease via a single target directed treatment was found to be inefficacious. Hence, with an intention to incorporate multiple therapeutic effects within a single molecule, multitarget-directed ligands (MTDLs) have been evolved. Herein, for the first time, we report the discovery of novel thiazolyl-thiadiazines that can serve as MTDLs as evident from the in vitro and in vivo studies. These MTDLs exhibited BACE-1 inhibition down to micromolar range, and results from the in vivo studies demonstrated efficient anti-inflammatory activity with inherent gastrointestinal safety. Moreover, compound 6d unveiled noteworthy antioxidant, antiamyloid, neuroprotective, and antiamnesic properties. Overall, results of the present study manifest the potential outcome of thiazolyl-thiadiazines for AD treatment.

Curcumin, a component of turmeric, efficiently prevents diclofenac sodium-induced gastroenteropathic damage in rats: A step towards translational medicine.

There is a need to find/discover novel leads to treat complex and/or multi-factorial disease(s). Curcumin (CUR) is one of the promising lead molecules which need its further evaluation against NSAID-induced gastroenteropathy. Hence, the aim of the present study was to explore the pharmaco-mechanistic efficacy of CUR against NSAID-induced gastroenteropathy. Rats were treated twice daily with CUR (25, 50 and 100 mg kg-1 peroral) or vehicle for 10 days. In some experiments, diclofenac sodium (DIC; 9 mg kg-1) was administered orally twice daily for the final 5 days of CUR/vehicle administration. After the last dose on 9th day, rats were fasted. 12 h after the last dose on 10th day, rats were euthanized and their GI tracts were assessed for haemorrhagic lesions, lipid peroxidation, intestinal permeability and GI luminal pH alterations along with haemato-biochemical estimations. The macroscopic, biochemical, haematological and histological evidences suggested that co-administration of CUR resulted in dose dependent attenuation of the NSAID-induced gastroenteropathic damage and the mechanisms may be related to its ability to prevent the NSAID-induced alterations in the GI luminal pH, lipid peroxidation/oxidative stress, GI blood loss and intestinal permeability alteration. Based on these pharmaco-mechanistic results we propose it as a promising lead to treat NSAID-gastroenteropahty.

Overcoming the exacerbating effects of ranitidine on NSAID-induced small intestinal toxicity with quercetin: Providing a complete GI solution.

There is a need to find/discover novel leads to treat complex and/or multi-factorial-pathogenic disease(s) like Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)-induced gastroenteropathy or gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity as it has emerged as an important medical and socioeconomic problem. There is no approved therapeutic strategy to prevent NSAID-induced enteropathic damage and highly effective gastro-protective drugs such as ranitidine hydrochloride (RAN) exacerbate it. In this purview, the multi target drug discovery approach (MTDD), combination approach and hit to lead strategies based on the foundation of ethnopharmacology and/or reverse pharmacology holds strong potential. Hence, the primary objectives of the current study were to explore the mechanism behind the preventative/curative effects of quercetin (QCT) on RAN exacerbated diclofenac sodium (DIC)-induced enteropathic damage and to assess the effects of co-administration of QCT and RAN on DIC-induced gastropathic damage in rats. Rats were treated twice daily with QCT (35, 50 and 100 mg kg-1 PO) and/or RAN (15 mg kg-1 PO) or vehicle for a total of 10 days. In some experiments, DIC (9 mg kg-1) was administered orally twice daily for the final 5 days of RAN/QCT + RAN/vehicle administration. Rats in all the groups were fasted after the last dose on 9th day (free access to water). 12 h after the last dose on 10th day, rats were euthanized and their GI tracts were assessed for haemorrhagic damage, alteration in xanthine oxidase (XO) activity, lipid peroxidation, intestinal permeability and GI luminal pH alterations along with haematological and biochemical estimations. The macroscopic, haematological, biochemical and histological evidences suggested that, though, RAN prevented the DIC-induced gastric injury, it exacerbated enteropathic damage. However, QCT not only significantly attenuated the RAN-induced exacerbation of enteropathic damage caused by DIC at the doses of 50 and 100 mg kg-1, but, this combination provided complete GI safety against the toxic effects of DIC too. The mechanisms behind the gastro-enteroprotective ability of QCT may be related to its ability to inhibit XO activity thus, preventing enhanced oxidative stress on GI tissues, prevent lipid peroxidation, IP alteration and alteration in GI luminal pH. The preventative effects of QCT on NSAID-induced gastroenteropathy were ably supported by the QCT induced prevention of GI blood loss and serum protein loss. These pharmaco-mechanistic results of QCT are aligning to combination based MTDD approach and hence we propose it as a promising lead to treat NSAID-gastroenteropahty and related complications.

Biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticle by using secondary metabolites from Pseudomonas aeruginosa DM1 and its anti-algal effect on Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorella pyrenoidosa.

Biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using extracellular metabolites from the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa DM1 offers an eco-friendly and sustainable way of metal nanoparticle synthesis. The present work highlights the biotransformation of silver nitrate solution into AgNP, mediated by extracellular secondary metabolite pyoverdine, a siderophore produced by P. aeruginosa. The bioreduction of silver ions into AgNPs by using pyoverdine was recorded in terms of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis and color change in the reaction mixture (AgNO3 + pyoverdine) from pale yellow to dark brown with absorption maxima at 415 nm. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of AgNPs showed its crystalline face-centered cubic structure. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) pictures of AgNPs showed spherical morphology of AgNP in the range of 45-100 nm, with tendency of agglomerations. The energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis of particles provided strong signal of elemental silver with few minor peaks of other impurities. The present approach offers a unique in vitro method of metal nanoparticle synthesis by exogenously produced bacterial secondary metabolites, where direct contact between the toxic metal and biological resource material can be avoided. The biologically synthesized AgNPs are found to have anti-algal effects against two species of Chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorella pyenoidosa), as indicated by zone of growth inhibition on algal culture plates. Further results exhibit concentration-dependent progressive inhibition of chlorophyll content in the algal cells by AgNPs, confirming the algicidal effect of AgNPs.

Co-administration of quercetin with pantoprazole sodium prevents NSAID-induced severe gastroenteropathic damage efficiently: Evidence from a preclinical study in rats.

Management of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced gastroenteropathy has emerged as a major medical and socioeconomic problem mainly because the highly efficacious gastroprotective drugs i.e. proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like pantoprazole sodium (PTZ), worsen the NSAID-induced enteropathic damage and lack of approved therapeutic strategies/interventions to prevent this damage. Hence, the primary objective of the current study was to assess whether we can protect the GI mucosa against gastroenteropathic damage caused by diclofenac sodium (DIC) in rats by co-administration of PTZ and quercetin (QCT). Rats were treated twice daily with QCT (35, 50 and 100mgkg-1 peroral) and/or PTZ (4mgkg-1) or vehicle for a total of 10 days. In some experiments, DIC (9mgkg-1) was administered orally twice daily for the final 5days of PTZ/QCT+PTZ/vehicle administration. Rats in all the groups were fasted after the last dose on 9th day, but, water was provided ad libitum. 12h after the last dose on 10th day, rats were euthanized and their GI tracts were assessed for haemorrhagic damage, lipid peroxidation, intestinal permeability and GI luminal pH alterations along with haematological and biochemical estimations. The experimental evidences suggested that co-administration of QCT with PTZ significantly attenuated the exacerbation of NSAID-induced enteropathic damage in a dose dependent manner. The combination of PTZ 4mgkg-1 and QCT at the doses of 50 or 100mgkg-1 was found to effective in preventing the DIC-induced gastroenteropathy. The present report focuses on the gastroenteroprotective ability of QCT and the mechanisms may be related to its ability to prevent GI blood loss, the lipid peroxidation, intestinal permeability alteration and alteration in GI luminal pH.

Biogenic synthesis and spatial distribution of silver nanoparticles in the legume mungbean plant (Vigna radiata L.).

The present investigation aimed to study the in vivo synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the legume Vigna radiata. The level of plant metabolites such as total phenolics, lipid, terpenoids, alkaloids and amino acid increased by 65%, 133%, 19%, 67% and 35%, respectively, in AgNO3 (100 mg L-1) treated plants compared to control. Whereas protein and sugar contents in the treated plants were reduced by 38% and 27%, respectively. FTIR analysis of AgNO3 (20-100 mg L-1) treated plants exhibited changes in the IR regions between 3297 and 3363 cm-1, 1635-1619 cm-1, 1249-1266 cm-1 and that corresponded to alterations in OH groups of carbohydrates, OH and NH groups of amide I and II regions of protein, when compared with the control. Transmission electron micrographs showed the spatial distribution of AgNPs in the chloroplast, cytoplasmic spaces, vacuolar and nucleolar plant regions. Metal quantification in different tissues of plants exposed to 20-100 mg L-1 AgNO3 showed about a 22 fold accumulation of Ag in roots as compared to shoots. The phytotoxic parameters such as percent seed germination and shoot elongation remained almost unaltered at low AgNO3 doses (20-50 mg L-1). However, at higher levels of exposure (100 mg L-1), the percent seed germination as well as root and shoot elongation exhibited concentration dependent decline. In conclusion, synthesis of AgNPs in V. radiata particularly at lower doses of AgNO3, could be used as a sustainable and environmentally safe technology for large scale production of metal nanoparticles.

Clinical importance of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug enteropathy: the relevance of tumor necrosis factor as a promising target.

The pathogenesis of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) enteropathy is still unclear, and consequently, there is no approved therapeutic strategy for ameliorating such damage. On the other hand, molecular treatment strategies targeting tumor necrosis factor (TNF) exerts beneficial effects on NSAID-induced intestinal lesions in rodents and rheumatoid arthritis patients. Thus, TNF appears to be a potential therapeutic target for both the prevention and treatment of NSAID enteropathy. However, the causative relationship between TNF and NSAID enteropathy is largely unknown. Currently approved anti-TNF agents are highly expensive and exhibit numerous side effects. Hence, in this review, the pivotal role of TNF in NSAID enteropathy has been summarized and plant-derived polyphenols have been suggested as useful alternative anti-TNF agents because of their ability to suppress TNF activated inflammatory pathways both in vitro and in vivo.

A novel model for NSAID induced gastroenteropathy in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Progress in management of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) induced gastrointestinal toxicity requires the availability of appropriate experimental animal models that are as close to humans as feasible. Our objective was to develop a rat model for NSAID-induced gastroenteropathy and also to simulate the common clinical scenario of co-administration of NSAID and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to explore if PPI contribute to exacerbation of NSAID-enteropathy. METHODS: Rats were treated twice daily with pantoprazole sodium (PTZ; 10mg/kg peroral) or vehicle for a total of 10days. In some experiments, Diclofenac sodium (DCF; 9mg/kg) or vehicle was administered orally twice daily for the final 5days of PTZ/vehicle administration. After the last dose on 9th day, rats in all the groups were fasted but water was provided ad libitum. 12h after the last dose on 10th day, rats in all the groups were euthanized and their gastrointestinal tracts were assessed for haemorrhagic lesions, lipid peroxidation, intestinal permeability and gastrointestinal luminal pH alterations. Changes in haemoglobin, haematocrit and serum levels of albumin, total protein, ALT and bilirubin were calculated. RESULTS: The macroscopic and histological evidence suggested that administration of DCF resulted in significant gastroenteropathic damage and co-administration of PTZ resulted in significant exacerbation of NSAID enteropathy, while attenuation of NSAID induced gastropathy was observed. Our results were further supported by the significant decrease in haemoglobin and haematocrit levels and serum levels of albumin and total proteins, an increase in oxidative stress and intestinal permeability with the use of DCF either alone or in combination with PTZ. CONCLUSIONS: This model was developed to simulate the human clinical situation during NSAID therapy and indeed the present DCF regimen caused both gastric and small bowel alterations, such as multiple erosive lesions, together with a decrease in haemoglobin, haematocrit, serum albumin, serum total protein levels and IP alteration, known to occur in patients receiving NSAIDs. Additionally, this paper provides yet another evidence for PPI induced exacerbation of NSAID enteropathy.

Distinction and characterisation of salinity tolerant and sensitive rice cultivars as probed by the chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics and growth parameters.

Soil salinity is a major abiotic stress that limits rice productivity worldwide. The problem is intense - particularly in areas with extremely dry and hot climatic conditions. Designing an effective phenotyping strategy requires thorough understanding of plant survival under stress. The investigation was conducted using 12 rice cultivars differing in salinity tolerance. Among these cultivars, seedling survival on day 10 of salt treatment (12dSm-1) was above 85% during wet season and 75% during dry season in FL478, AC39416, Pokkali and Kamini. Highly salt-tolerant cultivars maintained greater proportion of green leaf and chlorophyll content under salt stress. Unlike sensitive cultivars, tolerant cultivars taken up less Na+ and more K+, resulting in lower Na+:K+ ratio in leaf and sheath. Normalised chlorophyll a fluorescence data revealed that the Fv/Fm and PIABS values decreased on days 3 and 7, respectively, of salt stress in susceptible rice cultivar. Salinity factor index (SFI) calculated by giving different weights to relative PIABS values after variable days of salinity stress clearly distinguished the level of tolerance among rice cultivars. The SFI can be used for grouping of moderately to highly salt-tolerant cultivars based on their tolerance level. We conclude that maintenance of greater proportion of green leaf, and restricted transport of Na+ to sheath and leaf helps the plant to counteract adverse effects of salinity on rice growth.