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Utility of pyrazoles and their derivatives in constructing ordered porous materials with physicochemical characteristics such as chemosensors has undoubtedly created much interest in developing newer frameworks. A variety of pyrazole based chemosensors are known for their remarkable photophysical, pH sensitivity, solvatochromic, ion detection, high quantum yields and nonlinear optical behavior. Many of the transition metals have shown beneficial biological effects in biological systems. There is always a need of continuous monitoring to maintain an adequate range of all and specifically for the toxic ones like mercury. Pyrazoline nanoparticle probes have been reported for sensing/detection of Hg2+ions. Pyridinyl pyrazoline and benzimidazolyl pyrazole derived sensors are more selective and sensitive towards Zn2+and Fe3+ ions respectively. Pyrazole derived metal organic frameworks (MOF's) have been reported for environmental monitoring and biological imaging. Keeping in view of the enormous synthetic and biological importance of pyrazoles, herein, we are presenting an overview on applications of pyrazoles in transition metal chemosensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The lack of stable-high yielding and direct-seeded adapted varieties with better germination ability from deeper soil depth and availability of molecular markers are major limitation in achieving the maximum yield potential of rice under water and resource limited conditions. Development of high-throughput and trait-linked markers are of great interest in genomics-assisted breeding. The aim of present study was to develop and validate novel KASP (Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR) markers associated with traits improving germination and seedling vigor of deep sown direct seeded rice (DSR). Results: Out of 58 designed KASP assays, four KASP assays did not show any polymorphism in any of the eleven genetic backgrounds considered in the present study. The 54 polymorphic KASP assays were then validated for their robustness and reliability on the F1s plants developed from eight different crosses considered in the present study. The third next validation was carried out on 256 F3:F4 and 713 BC3F2:3 progenies. Finally, the reliability of the KASP assays was accessed on a set of random 50 samples from F3:F4 and 80–100 samples from BC3F2:3 progenies using the 10 random markers. From the 54 polymorphic KASP, based on the false positive rate, false negative rate, KASP utility in different genetic backgrounds and significant differences in the phenotypic values of the positive (desirable) and negative (undesirable) traits, a total of 12 KASP assays have been selected. These 12 KASP include 5 KASP on chromosome 3, 1 on chromosome 4, 3 on chromosome 7 and 3 on chromosome 8. The two SNPs lying in the exon regions of LOC_Os04g34290 and LOC_Os08g32100 led to non-synonymous mutations indicating a possible deleterious effect of the SNP variants on the protein structure. Conclusion: The present research work will provide trait-linked KASP assays, improved breeding material possessing favourable alleles and breeding material in form of expected pre-direct-seeded adapted rice varieties. The marker can be utilized in introgression program during pyramiding of valuable QTLs/genes providing adaptation to rice under DSR. The functional studies of the genes LOC_Os04g34290 and LOC_Os08g32100 possessing two validated SNPs may provide valuable information about these genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ongoing large-scale shift towards direct seeded rice (DSR) necessitates a convergence of breeding and genetic approaches for its sustenance and harnessing natural resources and environmental benefits. Improving seedling vigour remains key objective for breeders working with DSR. The present study aims to understand the genetic control of seedling vigour in deep sown DSR. Combined genome-wide association mapping, linkage mapping, fine mapping, RNA-sequencing to identify candidate genes and validation of putative candidate genes were performed in the present study. Results: Significant phenotypic variations were observed among genotypes in both F3:4:5 and BC2F2:3 populations. The mesocotyl length showed significant positive correlation with %germination, root and shoot length. The 881 kb region on chromosome 7 reported to be associated with mesocotyl elongation. RNA-seq data and RT-PCR results identified and validated seven potential candidate genes. The four promising introgression lines free from linkage drag and with longer mesocotyl length, longer root length, semi-dwarf plant height have been identified. Conclusion: The study will provide rice breeders (1) the pre breeding material in the form of anticipated DSR adapted introgression lines possessing useful traits and alleles improving germination under deep sown DSR field conditions (2) the base for the studies involving functional characterization of candidate genes. The development and utilization of improved introgression lines and molecular markers may play an important role in genomics-assisted breeding (GAB) during the pyramiding of valuable genes providing adaptation to rice under DSR. Our results offer a robust and reliable package that can contribute towards enhancing genetic gains in direct seeded rice breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixteen new benzimidazole hybrids containing 1,2,3-triazole and piperazine scaffolds have been synthesized by click reaction. The synthesized hybrids were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques like IR, NMR and HRMS, and further examined in-vitro for their α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential. The hybrid 5p was active against α-amylase with IC50 value of 0.0327 µmol/mL and hybrids 5h, 5o and 5p were active against α-glucosidase with IC50 values of 0.0154, 0.0156 and 0.0144 µmol/mL, respectively, comparable to acarbose. Docking analysis of α-glucosidase with 5o and 5p showed effective binding to hydrophobic cavity and form hydrogen bonding with the His348 and Arg439 residues. DFT and molecular electrostatic potential studies supported in-silico and in-vitro biological screening results. The pharmacological profile revealed that 5o and 5p might be the possible lead compounds for the treatment of diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current research work, a new series of benzimidazole-1,2,3-triazole-indoline derivatives (5a–r) were designed and synthesized by employing click reaction between substituted N-propargylated benzimidazole derivatives and in situ formed substituted 2-azido-1-(indolin-1-yl)ethanone derivatives in moderate to good yields. The structure of the prepared compounds was confirmed with the help of 1D, 2D-NMR, FTIR and HRMS. The synthesized compounds have been evaluated for their biocidal effects against four bacterial and two fungal strains. The obtained results indicate stronger inhibitory effect of compound 5o against E. coli, while compound 5r showed good inhibition against all the tested strains except B. subtilis. In vitro α-glucosidase inhibition of all synthesized derivatives identified 5p (IC50 value = 0.015 ± 0.0003 μmol/mL) and 5r (IC50 value = 0.018 ± 0.0008 μmol/mL) as potent inhibitors of α-glucosidase, even better than standard drug Acarbose. Molecular modelling studies into the binding sites of α-glucosidase indicate the stable anchoring of 5p and 5r with favourable binding interactions. In addition, pharmacokinetic/dynamic attributes of compounds were estimated by using the ADMET profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the current study is to evaluate the prospective of liquisolid formulation to improve the dissolution rate of ketoprofen and thereby the bioavailability. Different batches of liquisolid were prepared using polyethylene glycol 200 as a solvent, microcrystalline cellulose, and aerosil 200 as carrier and coating material, respectively. Central composite design (32) was utilized to examine the effects of independent variables (load factor and excipient ratio) on dependent variables (solubility and % in vitro drug release). Differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy techniques were employed for characterization of optimized batch (LS-10) of liquisolid formulation. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for in vitro anti-inflammatory activity for liquisolid formulation exhibited a higher anti-inflammatory effect than ketoprofen and physical mixture. The statistical analysis of in vivo (anti-inflammatory and analgesic) activities data demonstrated that the test (optimized formulation) treatment group resulted in quick pharmacological response in Wistar rats and Albino mice when compared with standard (pure drug) and control treatment groups. The results obtained in the present study illustrated that the liquisolid formulation could be a propitious approach to increase the bioavailability of ketoprofen and could be used in oral therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present piece of research work is framed for improving the solubility of ketoprofen by forming co-crystal using fumaric acid as a coformer. Co-crystal of ketoprofen and fumaric acid was prepared by simple solvent-assisted grinding method, containing drug and coformer as independent variables and solubility and % drug release were assumed to be dependent variables. Differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to characterize the preparation of optimized batch of co-crystal and further, evaluated for in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Based on results of solubility and dissolution rate studies the formulation showed magnified improvement in both the properties on co-crystallization. The values of Gibbs free energy are negative at all levels of carrier demonstrating spontaneity of the drug solubilization process. The IC50 value of optimized batch of co-crystal formulation and the pure drug was observed as 327.33 μg/ml and 556.11 μg/ml, respectively, demonstrating that co-crystal formulation possesses more percentage protection against protein denaturation than the drug ketoprofen. In vivo (anti-inflammatory and analgesic) activities revealed that optimized batch of co-crystal formulation delivered a rapid pharmacological response in Wistar rats and albino mice when compared with standard drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, ketoprofen-p-aminobenzoic acid (KP-PABA) co-crystal was prepared, to advance solubility and dissolution rate of drug, by solvent evaporation technique employing central composite experimental design. The optimized batch as recommended by the experimental design was characterized by FTIR, DSC, XRD, SEM, and NMR studies and further, evaluated for in-vitro and in-vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. The solubility and % drug release of different batches of co-crystal was found to be between 34.20–60.11 µg/ml and 68.11–93.45%, respectively. Physical characterization by X-ray diffraction spectra and differential scanning calorimetric studies confirmed the crystallinity of prepared co-crystal. The IC50 value of optimized batch of co-crystal formulation and pure drug was observed as 248.79 µg/ml and 524.40 µg/ml, respectively, displaying that co-crystal formulation possesses more percentage protection against protein denaturation than the drug ketoprofen. The results of in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity carried out by rat paw edema method revealed that the optimized batch of co-crystal preparation provided a significant % inhibition in paw volume in contrast to standard drug in wistar rats. Hence, the crystalline molecular complex of ketoprofen with p-aminobenzoic acid was documented that set out an improvement in solubility and also in anti-inflammatory activity of the drug in wistar rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO2 reduction is an attractive way for the production of sustainable environment-friendly chemicals. Using the density functional theory employed by DMol3, we calculated the electronic properties of α-sulfur-modified surface of TiO2 (111). We report α-sulfur-TiO2 composite material for selective CO2 reduction to methanol. The α-sulfur-TiO2 catalyst showed higher adsorption for CO2 molecule (reactant) and lower adsorption for methanol (product) as compared to TiO2 catalyst. The introduction of the α-sulfur molecule in the TiO2 catalyst leads to redistribution of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) and the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO). The DFT studies showed that the α-sulfur-TiO2 catalyst reduced the band gap to 2.06 eV from 2.88 (α-sulfur) and 3.2 eV (TiO2). The experimental study was done using photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction. The sulfur-TiO2 catalyst showed higher methanol production (17 mM/h) under visible light as compared to α-sulfur catalyst (8.5 mM/h). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar energy is one of the major sources of renewable energy which contributes for environmental protection and pollution reduction. Methods and technologies to utilize concentrated solar energy have been the subject of research and development for a number of decades. In the present study, experimental investigations were carried out for improving the performance of small-scale solar paraboloidal dish–thermoelectric generator (SPD-TEG) system. For this, SPD collector was fabricated using a satellite dish antenna fitted with aluminum foil as concentrating surface. The receiver unit consists of TEG module was modified for realistic outdoor conditions by using low-cost waste materials. The performance of two different TEG modules, i.e., TEC1-12706 and SP1848-27145, was evaluated and compared in terms of absorber plate (hot side) temperature, power output, and efficiency obtained with SPD-TEG system during the months of May and June. It was observed that the temperature difference between receiver plate and heat sink is significantly affecting the power output. With TEC1-12706 module, voltage and power was obtained as 1.9 V and 0.665 W, respectively, whereas these values were 3.4 V and 1.836 W, respectively, in case of SP1848-27145 module. The efficiency of the SPD was obtained up to 44.16% and 52.1% in the months of May and June, respectively. The combined efficiencies of the SPD-TEG system with TEC1-12706 module and SP1848-27145 module were found up to 0.23% and 0.63%, respectively. The improvement in performance of SPD-TEG system was observed due to increment in temperature difference between hot side and cold side of TEG modules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aims at the synthesis of γ-propylsilatrane, possessing 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole (H2dmtd) moiety tethered to γ- position of propyl chain derived from γ-chloropropylsilatrane via nucleophilic substitution of chloro group with monoanionic Hdmtd−. The linkage of 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole with γ-methylene carbon of propyl chain through N atom was confirmed from spectroscopic studies (1H and 13C NMR) elemental analyses, mass spectrometry and thermogravimetric analyses. UV-Vis spectroscopy, coupled with cyclic voltammetry was used to investigate the receptor action of the silatrane. The successful recognition ability of the synthesized molecule towards acetate, thioaceate and lead ions can be attributed to the presence of N-H and C=S system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of different Schiff base substituted silatranes (1c-4c) was carried out from the corresponding organotrimethoxysilanes (OTMS) (1b-4b) under anhydrous atmospheric conditions. The title compounds were scanned by spectroscopic analytical studies like NMR (1H, 13C) and IR which confirm their formation. The fluorescence studies performed indicate that two of the silatranes (1c and 4c) can act as ‘dual-ion fluorescent sensors’ selectively for Mn2+ and Fe3+ cations. The structural arrangement of these silatranes allowed the metals to bind and form five/six membered stable ring which is not possible in non-active silatranes (2c and 3c). Antibacterial studies of silatranes were also performed which produced much better results than already reported cefepime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental investigation of solar assisted ground source heat pump system has been carried out to understand performance variation during space heating for continuous eight hours operation from morning to evening for Indian winter climatic conditions. Heat extraction rate from solar collector and ground exchanger were monitored from 9 AM to 5 PM on hourly basis by measuring the inlet and outlet temperatures of heat transfer fluids. A detailed thermodynamic energy balance carried out on hourly basis indicates maximum heat loss is observed at 12 noon at which maximum heat extraction from solar collector and ground heat exchanger was obtained. Maximum COP of the SAGSHP system is observed at 12 noon for all the three mass flow rates, however, the COP decreases up to 3 % with increase in severity of winter due to increase in heat loss. About 44 % increase in mass flow rate of heat carrying fluids has enhanced the heat extraction rate up to 18 %, resulting in about 3 % increase in room temperature. The SAGSHP system was able to maintain the room temperature at about 20 to 21 °C when the ambient temperature was at about 12 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influence of carbon content, sintering temperature and cooling rate on microstructure and mechanical properties of a Fe-Cr-Mo alloy has been investigated. Graphite powder with varying wt% (0.4 and 0.8) was mixed with Fe-Cr-Mo prealloyed powder. The green preform compacts of 32 mm diameter were prepared by pressing in a cylindrical die at 650 MPa. The compacts were sintered for 1 h in a flowing gas mixture of 90% N +10% H. Two different sintering temperatures (1120 and 1200 °C) were used. The sintered compacts were cooled at 3.5 °C/min or 6.0 °C/min. It was found that the higher sintering temperature of 1200 °C resulted in improved mechanical properties. Ferrite with pearlite was mostly observed in alloy with 0.4 wt% C while in 0.8 wt% C alloy, a carbide network was also observed. Graphite particles were observed at the prior particle boundaries in some of the alloys. The Fe-Cr-Mo-0.4C alloy processed at 1200 °C with 6.0 °C/min exhibited best strength and ductility. The observed properties were correlated with the microstructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Induction hardening of dense Fe-Cr/Mo alloys processed via the powder-metallurgy route was studied. The Fe−3Cr−0.5Mo, Fe−1.5Cr−0.2Mo, and Fe−0.85Mo pre-alloyed powders were mixed with 0.4wt%, 0.6wt%, and 0.8wt% C and compacted at 500, 600, and 700 MPa, respectively. The compacts were sintered at 1473 K for 1 h and then cooled at 6 K/min. Ferrite with pearlite was mostly observed in the sintered alloys with 0.4wt% C, whereas a carbide network was also present in the alloys with 0.8wt% C. Graphite at prior particle boundaries led to deterioration of the mechanical properties of alloys with 0.8wt% C, whereas no significant induction hardening was achieved in alloys with 0.4wt% C. Among the investigated samples, alloys with 0.6wt% C exhibited the highest strength and ductility and were found to be suitable for induction hardening. The hardening was carried out at a frequency of 2.0 kHz for 2-3 s. A case depth of 2.5 mm was achieved while maintaining the bulk (interior) hardness of approximately HV 230. A martensitic structure was observed on the outer periphery of the samples. The hardness varied from HV 600 to HV 375 from the sample surface to the interior of the case hardened region. The best combination of properties and hardening depth was achieved in case of the Fe−1.5Cr−0.2Mo alloy with 0.6wt% C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present research, the effect of TaC addition as ternary carbide on the microstructure and mechanical properties of dense Ti(CN)-WC-Ni/Co cermets processed via powder metallurgy route by conventional and SPS sintering technique was investigated. XRD patterns of SPS sintered cermets revealed peak broadening confirming evolution of refined carbide size during sintering. Sintered cermets showed Ti(CN) core and (Ti,W)(CN)/(Ti,W,Ta)(CN) rim solid solution. Least contiguity (C) of the ceramic particles and largest mean free path (λ) of the binder phase was observed for the cermet having TaC and Ni-Co addition. Hardness and fracture toughness of the TiCN based cermets prepared via conventional sintering varied from 14-16 GPa and 8.75-9.25 MPa m and via SPS technique varied from 15-17 GPa and 8.79-9.51 MPa m. Nano hardness of different phases varied from 9.83 to 26.01 GPa for sintered cermets. Refined carbide size and least fraction of adjacent ceramic phase resulted in improved properties of TaC added TiCN-WC-Ni/Co cermet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate apigenin (5,7,4-trihydroxyflavone), a dietary flavonoid with proteasome-inhibitory activity (desired for the management of multiple types of cancers), against FDA-approved anticancer proteasome inhibitor bortezomib in context to its effects on the tumor suppressor estrogen receptor-beta (ER-β) in prostate cancer cells. Methods: Prostate cancer (PC-3) cells were treated with either apigenin or bortezomib, and proliferation inhibition was correlated with proteasomal biochemistry, ER-degradation and cell apoptosis. Results: Apigenin specifically inhibited only chymotrypsin-like activity of proteasome without affecting trypsin and caspase-like activities, which was in contrast to the non-specific inhibition of all the three activities by bortezomib. Apigenin selectively increased the protein levels of ER-β at 1.8 and 10.0 µM (without affecting mRNA levels) and preferentially accumulated ubiquitinated ER-β over ER-α in PC-3. Apigenin-treated cells exhibited increased ER-β interactions with ubiquitin-protein ligase E6AP, downregulated PSMA5 (α-5 subunit for assembly of 20S proteasome) without affecting PSMB1 (β-1 subunit), PSMB2 (β-2 subunit) and PSMB5 (β-5 subunit, whose overexpression by bortezomib causes drug resistance) of proteasome at mRNA levels. Caspase-3 activation in PC-3 by apigenin was dependent on caspase-8 activity but independent of mitochondrial membrane depolarization. The deubiquitinase USP14 activity, which antagonizes degradation of proteins via proteasome, was significantly increased by apigenin treatment. Conclusions: Apigenin selectively inhibits proteasomal degradation of tumor suppressor ER-β by specifically inhibiting chymotrypsin-like activity of proteasome, preventing its assembly via PSMA5 and inhibiting USP14 enzyme activity in prostate cancer cells, resulting in cancer cell apoptosis. Unlike bortezomib, apigenin's actions are subtle, precise, mechanistically distinct and capable of abstaining drug resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis of cis ( E)-1-(5-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1 H-pyrazol-4-yl)-3-phenyl/aryl/heteroarylprop-2-en-1-ones from 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-acetylpyrazol-5-one was achieved in good yield. s-cis ( E)-1-(5-Hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1 H-pyrazol-4-yl)-3-arylprop-2-en-1-ones were isomerized to s-trans ( E)-4-(3-(phenyl/aryl/heteroaryl)acryloyl)-5-methyl-2-phenyl-1 H-pyrazol-3(2 H)-ones using iodobenzene diacetate in dichloromethane at room temperature in excellent yield. The structure and geometry of these α, β-unsaturated ketones (pyrazolyl ketones) were established with the help of NMR, 2D NMR and HRMS techniques. The cytotoxicity of pyrazolyl chalcones showed that s-cis(E) 1-(5-Hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-3-(4-methylphenyl)-prop-2-en-1-one is active at very low concentrations (IC 13.3 μM) against colon cancer cell line (HCT-116). The in vitro anti-microbial studies of pyrazolyl chalcones were also tested against gram-positive ( B. subtilis, S. aureus) and gram-negative bacteria ( E. coli) and for anti-fungal activity against C. albicansand A. niger. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

s- cis-( E)-1-(5-Hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1 H-pyrazol-4-yl)-3-arylprop-2-en-1-ones (pyrazolyl chalcones), prepared from 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-acetylpyrazol-5-one and aromatic aldehydes, were oxidatively cyclized to pyrano[2,3- c]pyrazoles using iodine in excellent yield (90-98 %). The structure of pyrano[2,3- c]pyrazoles was established using NMR, 2D NMR, and HRMS techniques. Among the synthesized pyrano[2,3- c]pyrazoles, 6-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-methyl-1-phenylpyrano[2,3- c]pyrazol-4(1 H)-one and 6-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-1 H-pyrazol-4-yl]-3-methyl-1-phenylpyrano[2,3- c]pyrazol-4(1 H)-one displayed significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylcococcus aureus having MIC 0.46 × 10 and 0.32 × 10 µM, respectively. Graphical Abstract: Graphics for use in the Table of Contents[Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal properties of hypervalent iodine reagents (iodobenzene diacetate, bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodobenzene, [hydroxyl(mesyloxy)]iodobenzene, [hydroxy(tosyloxy)] iodobenzene) and polymer-supported hypervalent iodine reagents (polystyrene-supported iodobenzene diacetate, polystyrene-supported bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodobenzene, polystyrene-supported[hydroxyl(mesyloxy)]iodobenzene, polystyrene-supported [hydroxy(tosyloxy)] iodobenzene) were investigated using thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The polystyrene-supported iodobenzene diacetate, synthesized from polystyrene, was a precursor to other three polymer-supported hypervalent iodine reagents (PS-HTIB, PS-HMIB and PS-BTI). The TG curves of hypervalent iodine reagents and their polymer analogues show mainly one-step mass loss behaviour, whereas enthalpy change (∆ H) and onset temperature were calculated from a DSC curve which that shows hypervalent iodine reagents and their polymer analogues decompose endothermically. The results suggest that the polymer-supported hypervalent iodine reagents are more stable than hypervalent iodine reagents and therefore may be used in reactions without decomposition up to 350-410 °C in comparison to the polymer-supported hypervalent iodine reagents that are stable up to 132-160 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and diagnostic potential of interferon- gamma release assays QuantiFERON-TB Gold® In Tube (QFT-TB-IT) for the detection of gamma interferon against the antigen ESAT-6, CFP-10, TB 7.7(p4) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and compare the reactivity with other methods (smear, culture and IS6110 targeting PCR).Methods: The study was carried out on children with pulmonary and extra pulmonary tuberculosis along with matching and PPD+ controls (82 cases, 48 matching controls and 20 PPD+ controls).Results: QFT-TB-IT showed a significantly higher sensitivity (51.2%) as compared with LJ medium culture method (11.0%; p < 0.001), BacT/Alert 3D system (12.1%; p < 0.001), ZN staining (19.5%; p < 0.001) and PCR (45.1%; p < 0.05). Specificity of QFT-TB-IT was 48.0%.Conclusions: Less specificity of this assay may be due to high endemicity of tuberculosis. However, further studies are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular detection of HCV RNA by using primers from the 5′ noncoding region (5′NCR) is universally accepted and preferred for diagnosis; however, insufficient sequence variation limits its usefulness for differentiating various subtypes—such as 1a/1b and newer subtypes, such as 1c—which cannot be distinguished by analysis of this region alone. Determination of genotypes and subtypes has important implications in the clinical management and epidemiologic investigations. The present study was designed to develop a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay using degenerate primers from the 5′ noncoding-core region (5′NCR-core region) for detecting as well as subtyping HCV isolates. 5′NCR-core region and 5′NCR were amplified by nested PCR. Genotyping of HCV isolates was carried out using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay from the 5′NCR-core region using restriction enzymes AccI, MboI, and BstNI. The accuracy of the RFLP method was also evaluated using direct sequencing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytokines play a key role in regulation of immunity and inflammation. The aim of the study was to detect serum levels of TGF-beta, IL-10, and sTNFalphaRII in patients with type C chronic liver disease (CLD) and to correlate these with biochemical and histopathological parameters used to assess the severity of the disease. Blood samples were aseptically collected from 90 CLD patients. Cytokine levels were also followed up in 39 chronic hepatitis cases. Levels of the cytokines in 90 CLD patients were significantly higher than in controls. In the follow up patients, 12 were non-responders and the serum levels of cytokines were still elevated after therapy whereas in 27 responders cytokine levels were significantly reduced after therapy and correlated well with biochemical and histopathological parameters. It is inferred that cytokine levels reflect the level of inflammation in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and can be used as indirect markers to assess the severity of liver disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a sporadic case of progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH) in a 10-year-old male child who developed progressive ossification of the skin and deep connective tissue. The condition needs to be distinguished from other causes of childhood heterotopic ossification, such as fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, pseudohypoparathyroidism, and pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism. The cause of POH is an inactivating GNAS1 (guanine nucleotide-binding protein alpha-stimulating activity polypeptide 1) mutation caused only by paternal inheritance of the mutant allele. Most cases are sporadic and only 2 instances of familial transmission have been documented, suggesting an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance with possible somatic mosaicism. The condition is associated with progressive superficial to deep ossification, progressive restriction of range of motion, bleak prognosis, and recurrence if excised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to develop a bio-safe synthetic peptide ELISA for the detection of antibodies against the infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) using a novel multiple antigenic peptide approach (MAP). After initial ELISA optimization, diagnostic sensitivity (DSn) and specificity (DSp) for the linear peptides were determined using receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis. The peptide IBVP1 showed 90.44% DSn and 88.64% DSp at ROC cut off 22.8% while IBVP2 showed 88.24% DSn and 85.23% DSp at ROC cut off 23.05%. The multimerization of linear peptides to MAP design resulted in the improvement of the diagnostic efficiency up to 94.85% DSn and 92.05% DSp for IBVM1 with 19.95% cut off. A similar improvement in the performance was also observed with 92.65% DSn and 90.91% DSp for IBVM2 at 20.72% cut off. All the peptides were tested for diagnostic specificity and did not show the cross-reactivity with Newcastle disease virus and infectious bursal disease virus positive serum samples. In addition, repeatability testing for all linear and multimeric peptide showed that the coefficient of variation for intra-assay was within the expected limits, ranging from 2.4 to 10.4% and inter-assay coefficient of variation was ranging from 5.56 to 14.3%. In a nutshell, the present study used predicted B cell epitope, the synthetic peptide in linear and multimeric design for IBV antibody detection. The study also highlights peptide antigen with modified scaffold design could be a safe alternative to whole virion-based ELISA for IBV antibody detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]