Cyt b gene as a valid molecular authentication marker of cow leathers.

Authentication of true (genuine) cow leathers is in high demand to promote merchandise and economic growth. The present study employs RT-PCR-based TaqMan assay to facilitate the identification. Species-specific primers and probes were designed utilizing the existing NCBI data on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genes, particularly the cytochrome b region (Cyt b). Mitochondrial DNA extracted from leather samples of both Bos taurus and Bos indicus and analyzed following the appropriate procedures. The RT-PCR results showed the designed primers and probes are exceptionally precise for cow leather samples. The established detection limit for the assay is estimated as 0.1 ng of DNA. In summary, the amplifiable mtDNA extracted from finished leather enables the identification of authentic cow leathers using the RT-PCR TaqMan assay, representing a pioneering report in this field.

Utility of Self-Reported Heat Stress Symptoms and NGAL Biomarker to Screen for Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Origin (CKDu) in Sri Lanka.

OBJECTIVE: We examined heat stress symptoms and urine markers of chronic kidney disease (CKDu) in Sri Lanka to assess differences between endemic vs. non-endemic regions and by occupation. SAMPLE AND METHODS: We assessed a total of 475 villagers. In the endemic region, 293 were agricultural workers and 67 were not working primarily in agriculture. In the non-endemic region, 76 were agricultural workers. Of the residents, 218 were assessed for neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), an early predictor of acute kidney injury, along with urine markers of chronic kidney disease. RESULTS: The mean (sd) age of the sample was 45.2 (12.6), with males comprising 52.7%; 7.2% reported kidney disease (n = 34), and 5.7% reported diabetes (n = 27). The heat stress index (mean (sd)) was highest among agricultural workers in the endemic region (8.05 (5.9)), intermediate in non-agricultural workers in the endemic region (4.61 (4.5)), and lowest among agricultural workers in the non-endemic region (3.85 (3.3)); p < 0.0001. Correlations were higher between NGAL and serum microalbumin in the endemic agricultural worker sample than in the other two samples (Spearman's r = 0.34 vs. 0.15 and 0.20). CONCLUSIONS: Both heat stress symptoms and NGAL values were higher among agricultural workers in endemic CKDu regions. Correlations between NGAL and microalbumin suggested a link between acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease in the more-exposed sample.

Adsorption and detoxification of pharmaceutical compounds from wastewater using nanomaterials: A review on mechanism, kinetics, valorization and circular economy.

Antibiotics overuse, inappropriate conduct, and discharge have led to adverse effects on various ecosystems. The occurrence of antibiotics in surface and drinking water is a matter of global concern. It is responsible for multiple disorders, including disruption of endocrine hormones and high chronic toxicity. The hospitals, pharmaceutical industries, households, cattle farms, and aquaculture are the primary discharging sources of antibiotics into the environment. This review provides complete detail on applying different nanomaterials or nanoparticles for the efficient removal of antibiotics from the diverse ecosystem with a broader perspective. Efforts have been made to focus on the degradation pathways and mechanism of antibiotic degradation using nanomaterials. More light has been shed on applying nanostructures in photocatalysis, which would be an economical and efficient solution. The nanoscale material or nanoparticles have incredible potential for mineralizing pharmaceutical compounds in aqueous solutions at low cost, easy handling characteristics, and high efficacy. Furthermore, nanoparticles can absorb the pharmaceutical by-products and wastes at a minimum cost as they can be easily recycled. With the increasing number of research in this direction, the valorization of pharmaceutical wastes and by-products will continue to expand as we progress from old conventional approaches towards nanotechnology. The utilization of nanomaterials in pharmaceutical wastewater remediation is discussed with a major focus on valorization, energy generation, and minimization and its role in the circular economy creating sustainable development.

Traditional Herbal Medicines for Diabetes Used in Europe and Asia: Remedies From Croatia and Sri Lanka.

Diabetes is a global pandemic where alternative means of combating the disease have been the focus of research in recent years. Herbal remedies for diabetes have proven to be a valuable alternative therapy given the fact that many of the existing synthetic drugs are incapable of curbing the disease progression. This review article serves as an appraisal of highlighting the variety and diversity of herbal remedies that are present around the world by looking at only 2 countries-Croatia and Sri Lanka-located in Europe and Asia, respectively. The following herbs were selected for review: from Croatia: (1) Cichorium intybus, (2) Olea europaea, (3) Taraxacum campylodes, (4) Urtica dioica, and (5) Vaccinium myrtillus; and from Sri Lanka: (1) Acacia catechu, (2) Allium sativum, (3) Aloe vera, (4) Cinnamomum zeylanicum, (5) Gymnema sylvestre, and (6) Zingiber officinale. The botanical origins, bioactive compounds, evidence-based studies on antidiabetic properties, as well as uses and applications of these herbs in various ailments, are included herein. A plethora of scientific evidence on the antidiabetic potency of these herbs exists to date, through which it is apparent that they could be promoted as alternative therapies for diabetes.

In vitro antibacterial activity of plumbagin isolated from Plumbago zeylanica L. against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Plumbagin (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-napthoquinone) is a bicyclic naphthoquinone, found in three major plant families viz. Plumbaginaceae, Ebenceae and Droseraceae. The phytochemical is reported to exhibit various pharmacological properties. In this study, plumbagin isolated from Plumbago zeylanica L. was investigated for its in vitro activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Against 100 MRSA isolates that included multi-drug-resistant phenotypes, plumbagin showed consistent activity with a narrow minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range of 4-8 µg ml-1 . The time-kill study revealed 99% kill of a reference MRSA strain, 8 h after exposure to plumbagin. In the combination MIC study using the reference MRSA strain, plumbagin showed synergistic effect with ciprofloxacin and piperacillin while additive or indifference effect with other commonly used antibiotics. The transmission electron micrograph of the reference MRSA strain treated with plumbagin confirmed cell wall and cytoplasmic changes. Our results demonstrated potent anti-MRSA activity of plumbagin which was not impacted by multi-drug resistance. This is a first ever study that evaluated in vitro anti-MRSA activity of plumbagin employing large number of MRSA isolates. The findings of this study support the need for the further investigation on this phytochemical agent for therapeutic application. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study revealed phytochemical plumbagin's potent and consistent in vitro antibacterial activity against clinically problematic methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) including multi-drug-resistant (MDR) phenotypes. The study results support further research to assess the clinical scope of plumbagin.

Hypochondriasis: Clinical Profile in a Tertiary Care Psychiatry and Neurosciences Hospital in Southern India - A Retrospective Chart Review.

BACKGROUND: Hypochondriasis is a complex disorder in the realm of psychosomatic medicine, yet understudied in India. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical profile of patients diagnosed with hypochondriasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review was done in a tertiary care psychiatry and neurosciences hospital in southern India. Medical records of adults diagnosed with hypochondriasis between 2000 and 2010 were analyzed. These patients were also rediagnosed retrospectively using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for illness anxiety disorder (IAD) and Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research (DCPR) criteria for health anxiety and illness phobia. Data were organized and analyzed using PSPP for descriptive statistics of different variables. RESULTS: There were 114 patients with hypochondriasis, with the most common belief being about dysmorphic appearance. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were the most commonly prescribed medications. The median follow-up duration was only 2 months. Five percent of the cases fulfilled the criteria for DCPR health anxiety and 20.4% for DCPR illness phobia. DSM-5 criteria for IAD were fulfilled by 45.6% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Dysmorphic appearance was the most common concern in patients with hypochondriasis and SSRIs the most common medications. The follow-up rate and the diagnostic concurrence with DSM-5 IAD and DCPR were low. Studies assessing the influence of psychopathology and culture on the presentation, course, and prognosis of hypochondriasis would be beneficial.

Dysregulation of miR-146a by periodontal pathogens: A risk for acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is a polymicrobial, chronic inflammatory disease leading to loss of tooth-supporting structures. The bacteremia, endotoxemia, and systemic low-grade inflammation associate periodontitis with systemic illnesses such as diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease. Periodontal pathogens have been detected from atheromatous plaque by amplification of the genetic material by using specific oligonucleotide primers in polymerase chain reaction. Though the association between periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases has been ascertained by systematic reviews and meta-analyses, its pathophysiology is not lucid. MicroRNAs are currently implicated in the regulation of many cellular processes including inflammation and may play a vital role in our understanding of this disease association. In this case-control study, we explored the role of the inflammatory microRNA, miR-146a, in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) subjects with and without chronic periodontitis (CP) and its regulation of the innate immune host response to periodontal pathogens. METHODS: Three groups each comprising 66 patients each, namely group 1 (ACS patients without CP), group 2 (ACS patients with CP) and group 3 (CP only) formed the study population. Subgingival plaque samples and serum samples were subjected to quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) for detection of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a keystone pathogen and to assess the levels of circulating miR-146a and associated proinflammatory cytokines. RESULTS: miR-146a associated significantly in group 2 subjects with an odds ratio 1.434, 95% confidence interval 1.013-2.030, P < 0.042, and a predictive percentage of 83.3% and group 1 with a predictive percentage of 76.0.% The associated cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-1ß also showed an upregulation with statistical significance (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: microRNA-146a is a key molecule associating periodontitis with acute coronary syndrome.

Isolation and identification of Pseudomonas from wastewater, its immobilization in cellulose biopolymer and performance in degrading Triclosan.

Triclosan (TCS) is a well-known emerging contaminant got wide use in daily use products of domestic purpose, which provides the way to enter the ecological cycle, and is preferably detected in sewage treatment plants. In this study, TCS degrading bacteria (TDB) was isolated and identified from a wastewater treatment plant at the National Institute of Technology-Karnataka, Surathkal (NITK), India. The isolate was reported as Pseudomonas strain by performing 16S RNA Sequencing using BLAST analysis. Bacterial growth depends upon several environmental factors. Hence its growth optimization was carried out by response surface method (RSM) based central composite design (CCD) and validated by the artificial neural network (ANN). The Parameters or inputs used for optimization are pH, time (days), agitation (rpm) and sorbent dosage (µg/L). Experiments were conducted in batch mode to achieve optimum growth of bacteria based on RSM trial runs. The RSM model predictions were in better agreement with the experimental results and it was confirmed by ANN. The deviation lies within ±10% with experimental results compared to ANN for maximum trials. Hence optimized parameters were established and arrived at pH - 7, time - 13 days, agitation - 150 rpm, dosage - 1.5 µg/L presented 69% removal of TCS. Minimum inhibitory assay of isolated strain was conducted to identify the degradation capacity of TCS and it was found out to be lesser than 0.025 mg of TCS. Later the strain was immobilized in two different matrices. One is biopolymer extracted from cellulose (Water Hyacinth) along with sodium alginate and second is free bacteria with sodium alginate and was made in the form of beads. The removal of TCS by TDB-cellulose-alginate (BCA) and TDB-Alginate (BA) beads were 58% and 30% respectively. Hence it was concluded that BCA beads showed effective removal compared to BA beads. Therefore, isolate can degrade TCS when the concentration ranges from 0.025 mg/L to 5.5 ng/L.

Structurally modified bacteriorhodopsin as an efficient bio-sensitizer for solar cell applications.

Structurally modified bacteriorhodopsin (BR) was prepared by simple surfactant treatment using Cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (cationic; CTAB), Sodium dodecyl sulphate (anionic; SDS) and Triton X-100 (nonionic; TX-100). In the UV-visible absorption spectrum, the characteristic absorption band of native BR at 560 nm is hyperchromically (CTAB, due to induced aggregation), bathochromically (SDS, BR solubilisation and partial unfolding) and hypsochromically (TX-100, BR monomerizes) shifted after chemical treatment and the structural modifications were further confirmed by Raman spectra. Theoretical calculations based on optical absorption support an enhancement of BR optical and electrical conductivity via structural modification. Bio-sensitized solar cells (BSSCs) with structurally altered BR as sensitizer were fabricated and their photovoltaic performance was measured. We obtained the maximum short-circuit photocurrent and photoelectric conversion efficiency with TX-100-treated BR (0.93 mA cm-2, 0.47%), with a quasi-Fermi level and a 124-ms lifetime of photogenerated electrons in TX-100-treated BR-sensitized BSSCs, two times higher than that observed in BSSCs with native BR. A single-diode equivalent circuit model reveals favorable BSSC parameters such as high reverse saturation current (I0 = 55 nA), low series resistance (Rs = 22.9 Ω) and high shunt resistance (Rsh = 3765.5 Ω) with TX-100-treated BR-based BSSCs. As TX-100 does not alter the BR carboxyl terminus during its monomerization, maximum anchoring to the BSSC occurs which results in enhanced photocurrent generation. Thus, monomerized BR-sensitized BSSCs with their excellent photovoltaic parameters suggest the possibility of replacing native BR with TX-100 BR and this opens up the possibility of reduced cost manufacture of bio-sensitized solar cells.

Plasma Fatty Acid Composition and Estimated Desaturase Activities Reflect Dietary Patterns in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome.

Changes in plasma fatty acid (FA) composition and desaturase activities are observed in metabolic syndrome (MS). However, whether these changes are a reflection of dietary intakes of fats and FAs is not well established. The current study was aimed at assessing plasma FA composition and desaturase enzyme activities as biomarkers of dietary intakes in subjects with MS. Case control study was done on 41 MS patients and was compared with age matched 45 controls. Dietary intakes, anthropometric and clinical parameters were measured. FA composition was analysed using gas chromatography-flame ionisation detector and desaturase enzyme activities were estimated as ratios of product to precursor FAs. Higher levels of 14:0, 16:0, 16:1, 18:1, D9D-18 activity and lower levels of 18:0 and 18:2 n-6 were seen in MS group when compared to controls (p < 0.05). Strong positive correlations were seen between plasma triglyceride (TG) levels and 14:0, 16:0, 16:1, 18:1, total saturated fatty acid, total monounsaturated fatty acid, and D9D activities, while 18:0, 18:2 n-6 and total polyunsaturated fatty acid were negatively correlated with TG. Positive correlations were seen between plasma 14:0, 18:1 and D9D-18 activity with total energy intake and carbohydrate (CHO) intakes but not with fat intake. Plasma FA profile appears to be a better index of total energy intake and CHO intake than fat intake, suggesting it might be a good reflection of endogenous FA metabolism. Changes in FA composition may therefore serve as an early index of dysregulation of FA metabolism, resulting in increased risk of MS.

Tunable photovoltaic performance of preferentially oriented rutile TiO2 nanorod photoanode based dye sensitized solar cells with quasi-state electrolyte.

Photoanodes made of highly oriented TiO2 nanorod (NR) arrays with different aspect ratios were synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal technique. Preferentially oriented single crystalline rutile TiO2 was confirmed by the single peak in an XRD pattern (2θ = 63°, (0 0 2)). FESEM images evidenced the growth of an array of NRss having different geometries with respect to reaction time and solution refreshment rate. The length, diameter and aspect ratio of the NRs increased with reaction time as 4 h (1.98 µm, 121 nm, 15.32), 8 h (4 µm, 185 nm, 22.70), 12 h (5.6 µm, 242 nm, 27.24) and 16 h (8 µm, 254 nm, 38.02), respectively. Unlike a conventional dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) with a liquid electrolyte, DSSCs were fabricated here using one-dimensional rutile TiO2 NR based photoanodes, N719 dye and a quasi-state electrolyte. The charge transport properties were investigated using current-voltage curves and fitted using the one-diode model. Interestingly the photovoltaic performance of the DSSCs increased exponentially with the length of the NR and was attributed to a higher surface to volume ratio, more dye anchoring, and channelized electron transport. The higher photovoltaic performance (Jsc = 5.99 mA cm-2, Voc = 750 mV, η = 3.08%) was observed with photoanodes (16 h) made with the longer, densely packed TiO2 NRs (8 µm, 254 nm).

A molecular technique to explore the relationship between Porphyromonas gingivalis and severity of chronic periodontitis: A clinical approach.

Relationship between clinical severities of periodontal disease and the expression of the associated pathogens serve as good indicators of real time disease activity and progression. A double blind study using Image J software carried out to assess the density of the amplified band for Porphyromonas gingivalis in periodontally healthy and disease subjects. Results on image densities of P. gingivalis showed a statistical significance (p < 0.005) between healthy and diseased subjects and also within the various groups of periodontal disease severity. Thus, assessment of relative gel image density can be a simple yet valuable tool to monitor real time periodontal disease activity.

Citrus maxima (Pomelo) juice mediated eco-friendly synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles: Applications to photocatalytic, electrochemical sensor and antibacterial activities.

In the present work, Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO Nps) have been successfully prepared through a simple, effective and low cost solution combustion method using Zn (NO3)2·6H2O as an oxidizer, chakkota (Common name=Pomelo) fruit juice as novel fuel. X-ray diffraction pattern indicates the hexagonal wurtzite structure with average crystallite size of ~22nm. ZnO Nps were characterized with the aid of different spectroscopic techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, Photoluminescence and UV-Visible spectroscopy. FTIR shows characteristic ZnO vibrational mode at 393cm-1. SEM images show that the particles are agglomerated. TEM image shows the size of the particles are about 10-20nm. Further, in order to establish practical applicability of the synthesized ZnO Nps, photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye as a model system was studied in presence of UV (665nm) light. In addition to this, the antibacterial activity was screen against 3 bacterial strains and electrochemical sensor performance towards the quantification of dopamine at nano molar concentrations was also explored.

Effect of a Diet Enriched with Fresh Coconut Saturated Fats on Plasma Lipids and Erythrocyte Fatty Acid Composition in Normal Adults.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the effects of increased saturated fatty acid (SFA) (provided by fresh coconut) versus monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) intake (provided by a combination of groundnuts and groundnut oil) on plasma lipids and erythrocyte fatty acid (EFA) composition in healthy adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-eight healthy volunteers, randomized into 2 groups, were provided standardized diet along with 100 g fresh coconut or groundnuts and groundnut oil combination for 90 days in a Yoga University. Fasting blood samples were collected before and after the intervention period for the measurement of plasma lipids and EFA profile. RESULTS: Coconut diet increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels significantly. In contrast, the groundnut diet decreased total cholesterol (TC), mainly due to a decrease in HDL levels. There were no differences in the major SFA of erythrocytes in either group. However, coconut consumption resulted in an increase in C14:0 and C24:0 along with a decrease in levels of C18:1 n9 (oleic acid). There was a significant increase in levels of C20:3 n6 (dihomo-gamma linolenic acid, DGLA). CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of SFA-rich coconut for 3 months had no significant deleterious effect on erythrocytes or lipid-related factors compared to groundnut consumption. On the contrary, there was an increase in the anti-atherogenic HDL levels and anti-inflammatory precursor DGLA in erythrocyte lipids. This suggests that coconut consumption may not have any deleterious effects on cardiovascular risk in normal subjects.

Design and regioselective synthesis of trifluoromethylquinolone derivatives as potent antimicrobial agents.

Three series of new trifluoromethyl substituted quinolone derivatives were synthesized (4a-f, 6a-f and 8a-f) from corresponding substituted anilines by multi-step reactions. The regioselective alkylation with different alkyl halides were carried out by approaching two different routes to get the final products in good yield. Newly synthesized compounds were characterized by spectral study and also by C, H, N analyses. Three dimensional structure of 2b and 4b were also confirmed by single crystal X-ray studies. The final compounds (4a-f, 6a-f and 8a-f) were screened for their in-vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity by well plate method (zone of inhibition). The results revealed that, compounds 4a, 6b, 6c and 8e showed significant antibacterial activity as compared to the standard drug Ciprofloxacin. The compound 8a was found to be a potent antifungal agent.