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Many plant species of family Iridaceae like Crocus, Gladiolus, Iris and Freesia are grown worldwide for their commercially valued flowers and flowering product. All these plants along with other cultivated members are known to get diseases from multiple pathogens. This leads to greater damage in yield causing huge economic losses to farmers and growers. To understand the disease cycle, their cause and prophylactic measures on broader scale, fungal and bacterial pathogens causing corm rot diseases, blight diseases, leaf spot, wilt diseases and viral diseases are discussed. The survey of the reported literature and their analysis revealed that corm and rhizome rot is most devastating disease in all commercially valued species from this family, worldwide. Fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum found to be pathogen of major concern. Viral and bacterial disease is equally recurring problem. Yet, suitable and recommended agronomic practices along with use of fungicides and bactericides have potential in preventing spread of pathogens and diseases to nearby fields. The endeavour of the article is to provide summarised information with potential to be utilised by stakeholders for better disease management and prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Amoebiasis is parasitic infection occur due to protozoan parasite, Entamoeba histolytica in human being. It commonly resides in large intestine but can invade to other organs Amoebic Liver Abscess (ALA) is the most common complication of invasive amoebiasis. Aim and Objective: The present study was planned to determine the demographic profile and symptoms of liver abscess with Iron deficiency Anemia. Materials and Method: The present study was conducted on 50 confirmed liver abscess cases on the basis of radiological images, which were above 20 years of age were considered for the study. The estimations of the hemoglobin, serum ferritin, serum iron, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) by cell counter and ELISA method. Results: The study has shown that the value of mean and standard division serum ferritin (11.17 ± 2.57), serum Iron (42.45 ± 3.69), MCV (79.69 ± 21.57), and Hb (12.11 ±1.67) is significantly low as compared to serum TIBC (816 ± 155.19) in liver abscess patient. Conclusion: ALA presents itself through various non-specific symptoms and signs. Confirmation of the diagnosis is made possible with the help of radiological and microbiological attributes. Early diagnosis and prompt iron profile treatment may decline the overall mortality/morbidity associated with the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pectin, also known as pectic compounds, is a fundamental component of plant cell walls that imparts rigidity and structure. Pectin lyases have a unique β-elimination mechanism of directly degrading pectin polymers to 4, 5-unsaturated oligogalacturonides, while other pectinases have preferences for sequential degradation. Members of the pectin lyase family have characteristic Pec_Lyase_C domain and β-helix structure. They have been successfully isolated and characterized from different bacteria, fungi, and yeast. Based on their biochemical properties, pectin lyase is one of the most important enzymes in the commercial sector. In the current biotechnological world, these enzymes play a massive role in juice processing industries, retting of fibres, biosurfactant production, and they possess a biocontrol effect. Pectin lyases are promising for the fruit juice industry as they maintain the typical odor of juice and do not form extremely harmful methanol as a by-product. Several recent innovations related to production, purification, and molecular insights have been reported since the last review published by our group in 2009. This review is an attempt to update the sources, production strategies, biochemical attributes, molecular and expression profiling, bioinformatics, and genomic-driven research exclusively in pectin lyases. • Pectin lyases have a unique β-elimination mechanism of directly degrading pectin. • Microbes are the major sources of Pectin lyases. • Pectin lyases are used in juice industries, retting of fibres, and biosurfactant production. • Productions, purifications, and molecular studies on pectin lyase attempted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fungal system holds morphological plasticity and metabolic versatility which makes it unique. Fungal habitat ranges from the Arctic region to the fertile mainland, including tropical rainforests, and temperate deserts. They possess a wide range of lifestyles behaving as saprophytic, parasitic, opportunistic, and obligate symbionts. These eukaryotic microbes can survive any living condition and adapt to behave as extremophiles, mesophiles, thermophiles, or even psychrophile organisms. This behaviour has been exploited to yield microbial enzymes which can survive in extreme environments. The cost-effective production, stable catalytic behaviour and ease of genetic manipulation make them prominent sources of several industrially important enzymes. Pectinases are a class of pectin-degrading enzymes that show different mechanisms and substrate specificities to release end products. The pectinase family of enzymes is produced by microbial sources such as bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, plants, and animals. Fungal pectinases having high specificity for natural sources and higher stabilities and catalytic activities make them promising green catalysts for industrial applications. Pectinases from different microbial sources have been investigated for their industrial applications. However, their relevance in the food and textile industries is remarkable and has been extensively studied. The focus of this review is to provide comprehensive information on the current findings on fungal pectinases targeting diverse sources of fungal strains, their production by fermentation techniques, and a summary of purification strategies. Studies on pectinases regarding innovations comprising bioreactor-based production, immobilization of pectinases, in silico and expression studies, directed evolution, and omics-driven approaches specifically by fungal microbiota have been summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eclipta alba plant is considered hepatoprotective, owing to its phytoconstituents wedelolactone. In the current study, effect of elevated ultraviolet-B (eUV-B) radiation was investigated on biochemical, phytochemical, and antioxidative enzymatic activities of E. alba (Bhringraj) plant. The UV-B exposure resulted in an increase in oxidative stress, which has caused an imbalance in phytochemical, biochemical constituents, and induced antioxidative enzymatic activities. It was observed that the UV-B exposure promoted wedelolactone yield by 23.64%. Further, the leaf extract of UV-B-exposed plants was used for the synthesis of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) using low cost, one-step hydrothermal technique and its biocompatibility was studied using in vitro MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay on HepG2 liver cell line. It revealed no toxicity in any treatment groups in comparison to the control. Both CQDs and leaf extract were orally administered to the golden hamster suffering from alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis. In the morphometric study, it was clearly observed that a combination of UV-B-exposed leaf extract and synthesized CQDs delivered the best result with maximum recovery of liver tissues. The present study reveals the positive impact of UV-B exposure on the medicinally important plant, increased yield of wedelolactone, and its enhanced hepatoprotective efficacy for the treatment of damaged liver tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pectin lyase is an industrially important enzyme, predominately used in fruit juice clarification and retting of fibers. It also promotes pathogenesis via the degradation of the pectin. The phytopathogen, Fusarium infects various crops and causes several diseases. Trichoderma sp. is a promising biocontrol agent that is vital in maintaining plant health and disease prevention. In the current study, a computational approach utilizing structure prediction, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and MM-PBSA analysis was used to analyze the potential role of bioactive compounds secreted by Trichoderma sp. in inhibiting the pectin lyase enzyme from Fusarium proliferatum, F. fujikuroi, F. graminearum, F. oxysporum and F. verticillioides. Molecular docking with secondary metabolites revealed that Viridiofungin A secreted by Trichoderma harzianum and Virone secreted by T. virens are bioactive compounds with immense potential to inhibit PNLs of Fusarium species. Further, the rigidity of the structure and stability of the docked complex were confirmed via Molecular dynamic simulations assessed through multiple parameters from the simulation trajectory data. Dual culture assay of T. harzianum and T. virens with F. proliferatum, F. fujikuroi, F. graminearum, F. oxysporum, and F. verticillioides showed variable mycelial inhibition. The research provides insight into the potential of the bioactive compounds secreted by Trichoderma species as an effective agent for the inhibition of pectin lyases produced by phytopathogens, especially Fusarium species. The proposed research can be used to develop bioformulations that function as biopesticides, offering a sustainable replacement for chemical products. [Display omitted] • In- silico studies to identify different bioactive compounds of Trichoderma species against Pectin lyase (PNL) • Viridiofungin A secreted by Trichoderma harzianum and Virone secreted by T. virens identified as inhibitors of PNL • Dual culture assay of T. harzianum and T. virens with F. proliferatum, F. fujikuroi, F. graminearum, F. oxysporum, and F. verticillioides showed variable mycelial inhibition • New insights for plant health and disease management by in-silico approach [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This article highlighted designed and efficient synthesis of diverse pyrano[3,2-c]pyrone based Glycohybrids. • This article also discussed how the natural chirality can be inherited and furnish the chirally enriched diverse scaffolds. • The developed synthesis has broad substrate scope. • This synthesis resulted in the formation of new C C and C O bonds. • Sixteen new glycohybrids have been synthesized in operationally simpler and reproducible manner. Selected glycohybrids were found to possess good binding affinity with anticancer target protein. This work is comprising of designing, efficient synthesis and molecular docking studies of pyrano[3,2- c ]pyrones based stereodivergent glycohybrids. The diverse pyrano[3,2- c ]pyrones based glycohybrids were efficiently prepared through condensation of 4-hydroxycoumarin derivatives and 4‑hydroxy-6-methyl-2 H -pyran-2-ones with various enantiopure 2,3-dideoxy- α,β -unsaturated carbohydrate enals using organo-catalyst, l -proline, in EtOAc at room temperature. 3,4,6-tri- O -acetyl- D -glucal derived acetyl-protected carbohydrate enals yielded highly diastereoselective glycohybrid products. Whereas, poor selectivity was observed with α,β -unsaturated carbohydrate enals obtained from 3,4,6-tri- O -acetyl- d -galactal. The in-silico investigations show the significant binding activity of the selected compounds in the active binding site of HCK protein (PDB : 1QCF) with the better docking score of −7.13 kcal/mol as compared to the co-crystallized ligand PP1 (−6.77 kcal/mol). Additionally, MM/GBSA was calculated using the Prime module to determine the binding energy of the ligands. Selected compounds showed the maximum binding affinity of −74.18 kcal/mol compared to the co-crystallized ligand PP1 (−70.40 kcal/mol). ADMET screening of these compounds predicts the low toxicity and better metabolic profile of the synthesized compounds inside the body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pectin lyase (PNL) is an important enzyme of the pectinases group which degrades pectin polymer to 4,5-unsaturated oligogalacturonides by a unique β-elimination mechanism and is used in several industries. The existence of multigene families of pectin lyases has been investigated by mining microbial genomes. In the present study, 52 pectin lyase genes were predicted from sequenced six species of Fusarium, namely F. fujikuroi, F. graminearum, F. proliferatum, F. oxysporum, F. verticillioides and F. virguliforme. These sequences were in silico characterized for several physico-chemical, structural and functional attributes. The translated PNL proteins showed variability with 344–1142 amino acid residues, 35.44–127.41 kDa molecular weight, and pI ranging from 4.63 to 9.28. The aliphatic index ranged from 75.33 to 84.75. Multiple sequence alignment analysis showed several conserved amino acid residues and five distinct groups marked as I, II, III, IV, and V were observed in the phylogenetic tree. The Three-dimensional Structure of five of these PNLs, each representing a distinct group of phylogenetic trees was predicted using I-TASSER Server and validated. The pectin lyase proteins of Fusarium species revealed close similarity with pectin lyase of Aspergillus niger PelA(1IDJ) and PelB(1QCX). Diversity in the structural motifs was observed among Fusarium species with 2 β-sheets, 1 β-hairpin, 7–12 β bulges, 18–25 strands, 6 -11 helices, 1 helix-helix interaction, 32–49 β turns, 2–6 γ turns and 2- 3 disulfide bonds. The unique Pec_lyase domain was uniformly observed among all PNL proteins confirming its identity. The genome-wide mining of Fusarium species was attempted to provide the diversity of PNL genes, which could be explored for diverse applications after performing cloning and expression studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and efficient synthesis of chirally enriched indole-chalcone based glycohybrids has been reported. This strategy afforded a series of twenty-seven new glycohybrids up to 97% yield with diverse stereochemistry. The anti-cancer potential of these synthesized glycohybrids against MCF-7, MDA-MB231, and MDA-MB453 cell lines and molecular docking reveal intriguing findings. [Display omitted] Indole based glycosides belong to the class of pharmacologically active molecules and found in diverse natural compounds. Herein, we report the synthesis of 1,2,3-triazole bridged chirally enriched diverse indole-chalcones based glycohybrids. Three series of glycohybrids were designed and efficiently synthesized using d -glucose, d -galactose and d -mannose derived 1-azido glycosides. The reactions sequence involved were, the synthesis of indole derived chalcones which were formed via Claisen–Schmidt condensation reaction and subsequently N -propargylation which leads to the production of N -propargylated indole-chalcones. The N -propargylated indole-chalcones get transformed into 1,2,3-triazole bridged indole-chalcone based glycohybrids by reacting with 1-azido sugar glycosides under click-chemistry reaction conditions. Further, the biological activity of synthesized glycohybrids (n = 27) was assessed in-vitro against MDA-MB231, MCF-7, MDA-MB453 cancer, and MCF-10A normal cell lines. The selected compounds showed potent anti-oncogenic properties against MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 breast cancer cell line with IC 50 values of 1.05 µM and 11.40 µM respectively, with very good selectivity index (SI > 161). The active compounds show better binding affinity as compared to co-crystallized inhibitor 1-(tert -butyl)-3-(p-tolyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4- d ]pyrimidin-4-amine (PP1) with HCK (PTKs) proteins in molecular docking studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The main aim of this research was to evaluate phytochemicals, antimicrobial, antiproliferative and antioxidant Activities of the essential Oil of Monarda citriodora growing in Kashmir (India). Materials and Methods: Essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation from the flowers of Monarda citriodora was analysed by a combination of capillary gas chromatographymass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) techniques. The essential oil was evaluated for its antimicrobial and antioxidant potential. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against two fungal and seven bacterial strains. The antiproliferative efficacy was evaluated by Sulphorhodamine-B assay. Results: A total of 13 components were identified constituting 99.4% of the total oil composition. Thymol (79.7%), P-cymene (7.7%), Tricyclene (4.5%) and carvacrol (3.0%) were found to be the major components. The oil composition was totally dominated by oxygenated monoterpenes constituting 83.2%. Additionally, potent and broad-spectrum of antimicrobial activities were shown by the essential oil. In vitro cytotoxic studies revealed concentration dependent growth inhibition of all target cancer cell lines in the 10-100 µg/ml dilution range, with IC50 values of 24.2µg/ml (THP-1), 55.5µg/ml (A-549), 31µg/ml (HEP-2) and 37.5µg/ml (Caco-2). Antioxidant studies of the essential oil evaluated by two complementary assays viz DPPH and hydroxyl radical assays confirmed that the oil exhibited potent and dose-dependent inhibition of the DPPH and hydroxyl radicals with IC50 values of 19.3µg/ml and 39.2µg/ml respectively. Conclusion: We concluded that the essential of Monarda citriodora growing in Kashmir is rich in chemical composition and possess significant antimicrobial, antioxidant and antiproliferative activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon quantum dots derived from banana leaves by a simple hydrothermal process has been used as an electron transport layer to fabricate Organic Light Emitting Diodes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Carbon QD utilized as an electron transport layer inOLED. Devices with multilayered structureITO/PEDOT: PSS/PFO/CQD/LiF/Al are fabricated on indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrates. Current‐Voltage (I−V) curves reveal that the turn‐on voltages are reduced from 8 V to 6 V as compared with pristine PFO device.Results show CQD as an ETL has enhanced the performance and efficiency of the OLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viscosities (η) and densities (ρ) of binary liquid mixtures of 1,4-dichlorobutane with cyclohexane, benzene, methylbenzene, 1,2-dimethylbenzene, 1,4-dimethylbenzene, and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene are measured over the whole concentration range at 308.15 K, 313.15 K, and 318.15 K. Excess molar volumes from density measurements and deviation in viscosities () from viscosity measurements have been estimated for all binary mixtures. Viscosity values increase with increase in mole fractions () of 1,4-dichlorobutane in the mixtures. values are negative and values are positive at the three experimental temperatures for all the binary mixtures except the mixture with 1,4-dichlorobutane + methylbenzene where is negative. The Redlich-Kister polynomial is fitted to and values, and standard deviations, and , have been determined. The correlating performances of several equations for viscosities show that the Hind-McLaughlin-Ubbelohde equation gives minimum value of standard deviation for interaction parameter at the three experimental temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acquired drug resistance of Plasmodium is a global issue for the treatment of malaria. There are various proteases in the genome of Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) including metacaspase-1 (Pf MCA-1) that are essential and are being considered as an attractive drug target. It is aimed to identify novel therapeutics against malaria and their action on Pf MCA-1 along with other apoptotic pathway events. High throughput virtual screening of 55,000 compounds derived from Maybridge library was performed against Pf MCA-1. Based on the docking score, sixteen compounds were selected for in vitro antimalarial screening against drug sensitive and resistant strains of P. falciparum using SYBR green-based assay. Subsequently, three lead molecules were selected and subjected to the evaluation of cytotoxicity, caspase like protease activity, mitochondrial membrane potential, ROS generation and DNA fragmentation via TUNEL assay. The in silico and in vitro approaches have brought forward some Maybridge library compounds with antiplasmodial activity most likely by enhancing the metacaspase activity. The compound CD11095 has shown better antimalarial efficacy, and KM06591 depicted higher caspase mediated killing, elevated TUNEL positive cells and moderate ROS generation. Mitochondrial membrane depolarization was augmented by RJC0069. Exposure of P. falciparum to CD11095, KM06591 and RJC0069 has ended up in parasite growth arrest via multiple mechanisms. It is proposed that the Maybridge molecules CD11095, KM06591 and RJC0069 have antimalarial activity. Their mechanism of action was found to be by enhancing the metacaspases-like protease activity, mitochondrial depolarization and DNA fragmentation which stipulates significant insights towards promising candidates for drug development. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The densities (ρ) and viscosities (η) for the six binary mixtures of 1,6-dichlorohexane with cyclohexane, benzene, methylbenzene, 1,2-dimethylbenzene, 1,4-dimethylbenzene and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene have been measured over the whole composition range and at 308.15, 313.15 and 318.15 K. The densities have been used to estimate the excess molar volumes (VE) of the binary mixtures at the three experimental temperatures. The experimental viscosities have been used to evaluate the deviations in viscosities (∆η) for the binary mixtures. The densities and viscosities increase as the mole fraction of 1,6-dichlorohexane increases in the binary mixtures. The excess molar volumes for the binary mixtures of 1,6-dichlorohexane with cyclohexane and with benzene are positive over the whole concentration range, at all the three experimental temperatures, while values for the binary mixtures of 1,6-dichlorohexane with methylbenzene, 1,2-dimethylbenzene, 1,4-dimethylbenzene, and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene are negative for the entire composition range at the three experimental temperatures except for a positive value of VE at lower mole fractions of 1,6-dichlorohexane for the binary mixtures of 1,6-dichlorohexanes with 1,2-dimethylbenzene at 313.15 K. The ∆η values are negative for all the six binary mixtures at the three experimental temperatures. The experimental data of excess molar volumes VE and deviations in viscosities ∆η have been fitted using the Redlich-Kister polynomial equation. However, VE values for binary mixtures of 1,6-dichlorohexane with 1,2-dimethylbenzene at 313.15 K have been fitted using the Myers and Scott equation. The standard deviations in excess molar volumes [σ (VE)] and in deviations in viscosities [σ (∆η)] have also been evaluated. The experimental values of viscosities have been correlated with several equations suggested by Grunberg and Nissan, Katti and Chaudhri, and Hind, Mclaughlin and Ubbelohde. The Hind-Mclaughlin-Ubbelohde equation was found to be most suitable for the viscosities for all the binary mixtures studied at the three experimental temperatures. The results are discussed in terms of molecular interactions between the components of binary mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to determine the gender difference on Emotional Competence in reference to CBT intervention among individuals with depression. Probability sampling technique was used and the sample was chosen by stratified random sampling method. A total sample of 200 subjects within the age-range of 18-40 years were selected, using Anxiety, depression and stress scale developed by Pallavi Bhatnagar (2011). Out of which 100 males and 100 females were subjected to CBT intervention based on REBT model. Emotional competence scale developed by Sharma and Bhardwaj(2007) was employed to measure emotional competence and its dimensions before and after CBT intervention. Results indicated that the significant difference between pre and post CBT intervention on the level of depression of both male and female subjects was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Numerous studies have shown that vitamins reduce the risk of cancers, but the relationship between serum vitamin levels of vitamin D and B12 in breast cancer is still controversial. In this study, we evaluated serum levels of vitamin D and B12 in Haryana, India among patients with carcinoma breast and investigated their association with clinical and laboratory parameters. Aims and Objectives: The study aimed to estimate and correlate the serum vitamin D and vitamin B-12 levels in patient with diagnosed carcinoma breast and in control subjects. Materials and Method: The present study comprises 60 subjects of both pre and post menopause women whom 30 are healthy controls and 30 are clinically confirmed cases of Breast Cancer, with an age group ranging from 38 to 70 years. Serum Vitamin D and B12 were estimated by ELISA Method. Results: The levels of vitamin D in serum was significantly (P > 0.05) low in clinically diagnosed breast Cancer patients (9.96 ± 2.45ng/dl) as compared to age and gender-matched healthy control subjects (24.54 ± 6.22ng/dl) and Serum vitamin B12 was significantly (P > 0.05) high in clinically diagnosed breast Cancer patients (1163.83 ± 135.77ng/dl) as compared to healthy control subjects (645.43 ± 134.22ng/dl). Conclusion: Many studies have shown that vitamin deficiency can be the primary cause of breast cancer. The current cogitation proved that raised serum Vitamin D and B12 are linked with the pathogenesis of autoimmune abnormal masses in Breast. It seems that Vitamin B12 level was no significant High and vitamin D levels are significantly low in the cases of Breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Protein Nano Dots (PNDs) were synthesized using Bovine Serum Albumin. • PNDs conjugated AuNP, poly-Lysine biointerface was electrochemically fabricated. • Fabricated biointerface manifested a ∼3-fold magnification for Melatonin sensing. • Developed sensor was used for assaying Mel in pharmaceutical tablet and Mung Bean. Attributed to the compromised charge transfer of Protein-derived nanomaterials, their beneficial traits as an extraordinarily selective and specific biorecognition element for the electrochemical sensors haven't been fully exploited. Here in this work, we report a facile approach to electrochemically fabricate a Protein Nanodots (PNDs) conjugated AuNP, poly-Lysine biointerface for the voltammetric estimation of Melatonin. Using bovine serum albumin, PNDs decorated with active functional groups were derived and further tailored with AuNP-poly Lysine to achieve the facilitated charge-transfer and specific interactions with Melatonin. After detailed topographical and chemical characterization of the fabricated surface, its ability to estimate Melatonin was probed in a linear concentration range of 0.1–200 µM. The fabricated biointerface manifested a ∼3-fold magnification in Mel peak current with a potential shift of ∼60 mV compared to the unmodified electrode. The potential shift was attributed to the synergistic effect of PNDs and Au-poly-Lysine layer leading to the electro-catalytic behavior and facilitated charge-transfer due to specific interactions between Melatonin/AuNP-PLL/PND. Consequently, sensor demonstrated a LOD of 31.6 nM without any substantial interference of Uric acid, Ascorbic acid, and Hypoxanthine. The estimation of Melatonin in commercial pharmaceutical formulation as well as food sample (Mung Beans) was carried out to investigate the practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to investigate the Emotional competence and behavioural deviance of adolescents in relation to anxiety. Total sample consisist of 100 school going boys and girls of Dehradun city, in the age range of 13-18 years. The 2x2 factorial design was used where two levels of anxiety was matched with two levels of sex. Stratified random sampling was used for sample selection. Anxiety scale developed by Sinha (1955) was used to assess the anxiety levels of the subjects. Emotional competence scale developed by Sharma and Bhardwaj(1995-2007) was used to measure the emotional competence and Behavioural deviance scale developed by Chauhan and SarojAurora (1989) was used to measure the Behavioural deviance of the subjects. Results suggested that high and low anxiety group differ significantly on adequate depth of feeling, adequate expression and control of emotions, and enhancement of positive emotions. The high and low anxiety subjects also showed significant difference on withdrawing deviance and rebellion deviance, the two dimensions of behavioural deviance. Significant gender difference was also found on adequate depth of feeling, enhancement of positive emotions, total behavioural deviance, withdrawing deviance, and rebellion deviance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to explore the effect of ICBT on alienation among individuals with depression of Type A/B personality types, for which 2x2x2 factorial design was made. The selected sample of 80 subjects of 18-40 years of age was equally divided on the basis of personality types and gender. The stratified random sampling was used for sample selection. ADSS scale developed by Pallavi Bhatnagar (2011) was administered for screening. Type A/B Behavioural pattern scale developed by Upinder Dhar and Manisha Jain (2001) was employed to measure personality types. For measuring Alienation Al-Scale (2010) developed by Hardeo Ojha was used. Each subject was introduced to internet based CBT intervention. Pre and post test were followed to measure the effect of ICBT on depression, and alienation. After data collection statistical analysis was done. The t-test and ANOVA was utilised to examine the outcome of the study. Results revealed that Type A and Type B personality differ significantly after ICBT intervention on depression and alienation. This difference was found to be higher on depression and alienation after ICBT intervention of subjects with type A personality. Results also revealed that male and female subjects differ significantly after ICBT intervention on depression and alienation. Pre post intervention on depression and alienation scores was also found to differ significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Antimalarial potential of FDA-approved drugs through therapeutic switching. • Drug repurposing of anticancer drugs, immunomodulators & antibiotics for malaria. • Idelalisib and 5-fluorouracil acquired superiority over regorafenib and tamoxifen. • Imiquimod, lenalidomide and leptin exhibited modest parasite suppression. • Moxifloxacin attained superiority over levofloxacin, roxithromycin and erythromycin. In the era of drug repurposing, speedy discovery of new therapeutic options for the drug-resistant malaria is the best available tactic to reduce the financial load and time in the drug discovery process. Six anticancer drugs, three immunomodulators and four antibiotics were selected for the repositioning against experimental malaria owing to their mode of action and published literature. The efficacy of existing therapeutics was evaluated against chloroquine-resistant in vitro and in vivo strains of Plasmodium falciparum and P. yoelii , respectively. All the pre-existing FDA-approved drugs along with leptin were primarily screened against chloroquine-resistant (Pf K1) and drug-sensitive (Pf 3D7) strains of P. falciparum using SYBR green-based antiplasmodial assay. Cytotoxic profiling of these therapeutics was achieved on Vero and HepG2 cell lines, and human erythrocytes. Percent blood parasitemia and host survival was determined in chloroquine-resistant P. yoelii N67 -infected Swiss mice using appropriate doses of these drugs/immunomodulators. Antimalarial screening together with cytotoxicity data revealed that anticancer drugs, idelalisib and 5-fluorouracil acquired superiority over their counterparts, regorafenib, and tamoxifen, respectively. ROS-inducer anticancer drugs, epirubicin and bleomycin were found toxic for the host. Immunomodulators (imiquimod, lenalidomide and leptin) were safest but less active in in vitro system, however, in P. yoelii -infected mice, they exhibited modest parasite suppression at their respective doses. Among antibiotics, moxifloxacin exhibited better antimalarial prospective than levofloxacin, roxithromycin and erythromycin. 5-Fluorouracil, imiquimod and moxifloxacin displayed 97.64, 81.18 and 91.77 % parasite inhibition in treated animals and attained superiority in their respective groups thus could be exploited further in combination with suitable antimalarials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils and their chemical constituents have been reported with well documented antimicrobial effects against a range of bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens. By definition, essential oils are a complex mixture of volatile organic compounds which are synthesized naturally in different parts of the plant as part of plants secondary metabolism. The chemical composition of the essential oils is dominated by the presence of a range of compounds including phenolics, terpenoids, aldehydes, ketones, ethers, epoxides and many others inferring that essential oils must be effective against a wide range of pathogens. This review article mainly focuses on the antiviral potential of essential oils and their chemical constituents especially against influenza and coronaviruses. Essential oils have been screened against several pathogenic viruses, including influenza and other respiratory viral infections. The essential oils of cinnamon, bergamot, lemongrass, thyme, lavender have been reported to exert potent antiviral effects against influenza type A virus. The essential oil of Citrus reshni leaves has been shown to be effective against H5N1 virus. The essential oil of Lippia species at a concentration of 11.1 μg/mL has been shown to induce 100% inhibition of yellow fever virus in Vero cells. Essential oils and oleoresins have been shown through in vitro and in vivo experiments to induce antiviral effects against Coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus. A study reported 221 phytochemical compounds and essential oils to be effective against severe acute respiratory syndrome associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) using a cell-based assay measuring SARS-CoV-induced cytopathogenic effect on Vero E6 cells. The main mechanism of antiviral effects of essential oils has been found to cause capsid disintegration and viral expansion which prevents the virus to infect host cells by adsorption via the capsid. Essential oils also inhibit hemagglutinin (an important membrane protein of various viruses) of certain viruses; this membrane protein allows the virus to enter the host cell. Many essential oils and their components could inhibit the late stages of viral life cycle by targeting the redox signalling pathway. Essential oils of Thymus vulgaris, cymbopogon citratus and Rosmarinus officinalis have been found to destabilize the Tat/TAR-RNA complex of HIV-1 virus, this complex being essential for HIV-1 replication. Being lipophilic in nature, essential oils can penetrate viral membranes easily leading to membrane disintegration. The current comprehensive review will facilitate researchers to find chemical entities from plant sources as possible inhibitory agents against various viruses. Image 1 • Large number of published studies report significant antiviral effects of essential oils. • Essential oils cause capsid disintegration and viral expansion making them ineffective. • Inhibition of hemagglutinin (membrane protein) of certain viruses has been reported by essential oils. • Essential oils destabilize the Tat/TAR-RNA complex of HIV-1 virus, which is essential for viral replication. • Being lipophilic in nature, essential oils can easily penetrate viral membranes leading to membrane disruption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ferrier rearrangement is a powerful tool to prepare 2,3-unsaturated glycopyranosides. We have reinvestigated SnCl 4 catalyzed Ferrier rearrangements through direct allylic substitution of the hydroxyl group at the C-3 position of glycals, resulting in the formation of stereoselective 2,3-unsaturated glycosides at 0 °C. The catalytic amount of SnCl 4 (0.1 equiv.) was successfully used to promote this transformation on 3,4,6-tri- O -acetyl-D-glucal, 3,4,6-tri- O -acetyl-D-galactal and 3,4-di- O -acetyl-D-arabinal using various nucleophiles viz alcohols, azide and thiols to form a variety of 2,3-unsaturated glycopyranosides (pseudoglycals). This straightforward process is notable for its strong anomeric selectivity, excellent yields and shorter reaction time. SnCl 4 catalyzed Ferrier rearrangement using 3,4,6-tri- O -acetyl-D-glycals with various nucleophiles such as alcohols, azide and thiols has been reinvestigated in this study. This procedure for the synthesis of 2,3-unsaturated glycopyranoside has several advantages, including mild reaction conditions, high yields, quick reaction time and better anomeric selectivity. [Display omitted] • This note highlighted, the efficacy and practicality of SnCl 4 as a catalyst in producing 2,3-unsaturated-O/N/S-glycosides. • This optimized reaction protocol works well with acetylated glycals (glucal, galactal and arabinal). • This straightforward process used in this note is notable, strong anomeric selectivity, excellent yields, and shorter reaction time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaria remains as a global life-threatening disorder due to the emergence of resistance against standard antimalarials. Consequently, there is a serious need to better understand the biology of the malaria parasite in order to determine appropriate targets for new interventions. Calcyclin binding protein (CacyBP) is a multi-functional and multi-ligand protein that is not well characterized in malaria disease. In this study, we have cloned CacyBP from rodent species Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis and purified the recombinant protein to carry out its detailed molecular, biophysical and immunological characterization. Molecular characterization indicates that Py CacyBP is a ∼27 kDa protein in parasite lysate and exists in monomer and dimer forms. Bioinformatic analysis of CacyBP showed significant sequence and structural similarities between rodent and human malaria parasites. CacyBP is expressed in all blood stages of P. yoelii nigeriensis parasite. In silico studies proposed the immunogenic potential of CacyBP. The r Py CacyBP immunized mice exhibited elevated levels of IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b and IgG3 in their serum. Notably, cellular immune response in splenocytes from immunized mice showed increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-12, IFN-γ and TNF-α. This CacyBP exhibited pro-inflammatory immune response in rodent host. These finding revealed that CacyBP may have the potential to boost the host immunity for protection against malaria infection. The present study provides basis for further exploration of the biological function of CacyBP in malaria parasite. [Display omitted] • Calcyclin binding protein (CacyBP), ∼27 kDa in size, is present in rodent malaria parasite. • Bioinformatic study reflects that CacyBP is multi-domain protein which might be involved in many cellular processes. • Recombinant CacyBP protein is present in both monomer (∼30 kDa) and dimer (∼60 kDa) form in malaria parasites. • CacyBP is expressed in all blood stages of the parasite. • CacyBP elicited both humoral and cellular immune response in rodent host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study attempts to explore psychosocial adjustment pattern of hearing impaired children in reference to speech therapy. The target population were deaf students of age range 9-16 years with severe to profound hearing loss, out of which 40 students were selected by random sampling technique. A 2x2 factorial design was used where before and after speech therapy was matched with level of sex. Pre and post therapy assessment was conducted with the help of selected tools - An audiometer was used to measure the type and degree of hearing loss. Psychosocial adjustment inventory developed by Pal (1995) was used to assess the social and emotional adjustment pattern of children. A hearing aid which provides amplification of distant sound to hearing impaired children was also used. After individual scoring, cumulative scores of all the respondents on each assessment tools before and after speech therapy were compiled and calculated. Results indicated that pre and post therapy group differ significantly on social, and emotional adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is an infertile perennial geophyte considered the most expensive spice in the world. Seasonal fluctuations and climate change have significant impact on the growth, development, and yield of saffron stigma, which is the economically valued part of plant. The stigma being part of the flower, the knowledge of phenotypic transition from dormant apical bud up to flowering is vital, yet, not explored properly. The complexity of flowering in C. sativus further accentuates by the lack of clear demarcation between flowering and non-flowering corms in terms of weight and sizes, as small corms are known to be vegetative only, while large ones produce flower. Therefore, chronological phenotyping on a weekly and quarterly basis of apical shoot and flowering primordia between June and October was carried out to understand the organogenesis sequentially. In large corms, the stamen was the first floral organ to initiate followed by the formation of tepal from the base of the stamen. The plants exhibited both synanthous and hysteranthous flowering. Untargeted metabolome analysis of dormant apical bud just before dormancy break from flowering buds from large corms as well as non-flowering buds from small corms identified the presence of many differentially accumulated metabolites including sphingosine and meglutol. Key metabolites such as phytosphingosine, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaric acid, 3-acetamidopropanal, 6-hydroxykynurenic acid, d-serine, and 1-d-myo-inositol 3-phosphate were also detected having associated with isoprenoid biosynthesis, lignin pathway regulation, and carbohydrate metabolism that participates in flowering. The integration of morphological, histological, and metabolomic data offers a comprehensive view of the flowering process that can be utilised in future biotechnological interventions in C. sativus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral malaria (CM) induced by Plasmodium falciparum is a devastating neurological complication that may lead the patient to coma and death. This study aimed to protect Plasmodium -infected C57BL6 mice from CM by targeting the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor, which is considered the common connecting link between hypertension and CM. In CM, AT-1 mediates blood–brain barrier (BBB) damage through the overexpression of β-catenin. The AT-1-inhibiting drugs, such as irbesartan and losartan, were evaluated for the prevention of CM. The effectiveness of these drugs was determined by the down regulation of β-catenin, TCF, LEF, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 in the drug-treated groups. The expression levels of VE-cadherin and vinculin, essential for the maintenance of BBB integrity, were found to be restored in the drug-treated groups. The pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were decreased, and the anti-inflammatory cytokine levels increased with the treatment. As a major highlight, the mean survival time of treated mice was found to be increased even in the absence of treatment with an anti-malarial agent. The combination of irbesartan or losartan with the anti-malarial agent α/β-arteether has contributed to an 80% cure rate, which is higher than the 60% cure rate observed with α/β-arteether alone treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary goal of this study is to highlight the rheological and mechanical properties of a new blend composed of naturally-derived hydrogel materials- psyllium husk (PH) and gelatin (G) for its potential use in three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. The mixtures were prepared at various weight ratios of 100PH, 75PH + 25G and 50PH + 50G. A suitable selection of the printable ink was made based on the preliminary screening steps of manual filament drop test and layer stacking by 3D printing. Printing of the common features such as hexagon and square grids helped evaluating shape fidelity of the chosen ink. Although 50PH + 50G blend was found meeting most of the criteria for an ideal 3D printable ink, rheological and mechanical characterizations have been performed for all the ratios of polymeric blends. This study documents the correlation between various factors of rheology that should be taken into account while categorizing any biomaterial as a printable ink. Yield stress was measured as 18.59 ± 4.21 Pa, 268.74 ± 13.56 Pa and 109.16 ± 9.85 Pa for 50PH + 50G, 75PH + 25G and 100PH, respectively. Similarly, consistency index (K) and flow index (n) were calculated using the power law equation and found as 49.303 ± 4.17, 530.59 ± 10.92, 291.82 ± 10.53 and 0.275 ± 0.04, 0.05 ± 0.005, 0.284 ± 0.04 for 50PH + 50G, 75PH + 25G and 100PH, respectively. The loss modulus (G″) was observed dominating over storage modulus (G′) for 50PH + 50G, that depicts its liquid-like property; whereas storage modulus (G′) was found dominating in case of 75PH + 25G and 100PH, indicating their solid-like characteristics. In addition, the loss tangent value (tan δ) of 50PH + 50G was observed exceeding unity (1.05), supporting its plastic behavior, unlike 75PH + 25G (0.5) and 100PH (0.33) whose loss tangent values were estimated less than unity revealing their elastic behavior. Also, 50PH + 50G was found to have the highest mechanical strength amongst the three blends with a Young's modulus of 9.170 ± 0.0881 kPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The light absorption and emission characteristics of DNA biodots (DNA-BD), along with biocompatibility, give them a high potential for use in various medical applications, particularly in diagnostic purpose. DNA, under high pressure and temperature, condenses to form luminescent biodots. The objective of this research is to develop DNA-biodots (BD) loaded and cetuximab conjugated targeted theranostic liposomes of etoposide for lung cancer imaging and therapy. Theranostic liposomes were prepared by using the solvent injection method and characterized for their particle size, polydispersity, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and pH-dependent in-vitro release, SEM, TEM AFM, EDX, and XRD. The t 50 % (time at which 50% of the drug releases from the preparation) of the formulations was pH-dependent, with a significant increase in the release at lower pH (5.5). To kill A549 adenocarcinoma cells, the etoposide (control) required significantly (p < 0.05) higher drug concentrations in comparison to non-targeted and; the non-targeted formulation required more concentrations in comparison to targeted liposomes. The in-vivo results demonstrated that CTX-TPGS decorated theranostic liposomes could be a promising carrier for lung theranostics due to their nano-size and selectivity towards EGFR overexpressed cells which provided an improved NSCLC targeted delivery of ETP in comparison to the non-targeted and control formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the pursuance of novel scaffolds with promising antiplasmodial and anti-inflammatory activity, a series of twenty-one compounds embraced with most promising penta-substituted pyrrole and biodynamic hydroxybutenolide in single skeleton was designed and synthesized. These pyrrole-hydroxybutenolide hybrids were evaluated against Plasmodium falciparum parasite. Four hybrids 5b , 5d , 5t and 5u exhibited good activity with IC 50 of 0.60, 0.88, 0.97 and 0.96 μM for chloroquine sensitive (Pf 3D7) strain and 3.92, 4.31, 4.21 and 1.67 μM for chloroquine resistant (Pf K1) strain, respectively. In vivo efficacy of 5b , 5d , 5t and 5u was studied against the P. yoelii nigeriensis N67 (a chloroquine-resistant) parasite in Swiss mice at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day for 4 days via oral route. 5u was found to show maximum 100% parasite inhibition with considerably increased mean survival time. Simultaneously, the series of compounds was screened for anti-inflammatory potential. In preliminary assays, nine compounds showed more than 85% inhibition in hu-TNFα cytokine levels in LPS stimulated THP-1 monocytes and seven compounds showed more than 40% decrease in fold induction in reporter gene activity analyzed via Luciferase assay. 5p and 5t were found to be most promising amongst the series, thus were taken up for further in vivo studies. Wherein, mice pre-treated with them showed a dose dependent inhibition in carrageenan induced paw swelling. Moreover, the results of in vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetic parameters indicated that the synthesized pyrrole-hydroxybutenolide conjugates abide by the required criteria for the development of orally active drug and thus this scaffold can be used as pharmacologically active framework that should be considered for the development of potential antiplasmodial and anti-inflammatory agents. [Display omitted] • 5a - 5u showed significant antiplasmodial and anti-inflammatory potential. • 5u was found most active in antimalarial assays (in vitro and in vivo). • 5p showed maximum potential in anti-inflammatory assays. • 5p showed reduction in phosphorylation of ERK and JNK MAP kinase proteins. • Both are pharmacokinetically stable and sufficiently bioavailable via oral route. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasingly, two-dimensional (2D) materials are being investigated for their potential use as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) active substrates. Hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN), a layered 2D material analogous to graphene, is mostly used as a passivation layer/dielectric substrate for nanoelectronics application. We have investigated the SERS activity of few-layer hBN film synthesized on copper foil using atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition. We have drop casted the probe molecules onto the hBN substrate and measured the enhancement effect due to the substrate using a 532 nm excitation laser. We observed an enhancement of ≈103 for malachite green and ≈104 for methylene blue and rhodamine 6G dyes, respectively. The observed enhancement factors are consistent with the theoretically calculated interaction energies of MB > R6G > MG with a single layer of hBN. We also observed that the enhancement is independent of the film thickness and surface morphology. We demonstrate that the hBN films are highly stable, and even for older hBN films prepared 7 months earlier, we were able to achieve similar enhancements when compared to freshly prepared films. Our detailed results and analyses demonstrate the versatility and durability of hBN films for SERS applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]