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This study focused on the evaluation of fungal compound for their anti-pathogenic potential against respiratory pathogens. Soil samples were collected from various geographical regions in Madurai, fungal strain was isolated and identified as Aspergillus terreusDMTMGK004 (MGK004). Secondary metabolites were extracted and evaluated for antioxidant potential. It exhibited significantly high anti-proliferative property against gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cell lines. Antimicrobial activity against Gram positive (Streptococcus pneumoniae) and Gram negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae) respiratory pathogens were analysed and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined. Furthermore, the time-killing assay illustrated that the metabolite eliminates 50% of the vegetative cells within few hours of the treatment. From the spectral data, the major functional groups present in the compound were determined as carbonyl group and phenolic hydroxyl group which contribute towards its bioactivity. The compound significantly depreciates the production of extracellular polysaccharides which results in the weakening of biofilm architecture and resistance towards serum killing and phagocytosis. It also induced cell membrane damage which leads to protein and nucleic acid leakage. Hence, the results of the present study could provide a better insinuation towards the formulation of new drug targeting respiratory pathogens. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The ubiquitous fungi Aspergillus terreus is well known for its secondary metabolite production. The fungus was evaluated for production of antagonistic molecule to reduce the growth of infectious agents causing respiratory infections. It exhibited the biological means of antioxidant, anti-proliferative and anti-pathogenic compound production. The compound exhibits killing effect against respiratory pathogens within two hours. It induced cell membrane damage leading to protein and nucleic acid leakage. It significantly reduced the production of extracellular polysaccharides. The results provide needed information to design innovative strategies for targeting pathogenic factors of the respiratory pathogens instead of killing it precisely., (© 2018 The Society for Applied Microbiology.)

This study reports the glycemic as well as insulinemic response of seven types of Indian vegetarian mixed meals (MMs). Each of the seven MMs was given at weekly intervals to both normal and type 2 diabetic subjects on the same day to reduce variations in food preparations. In this Indian study, each MM consisted of five to six food items with a low glycemic index (GI) ranging from 28.98 to 46.12%, glycemic load ranging from 15.58 to 23.8 g and energy value (calculated) from each test meal ranging from 403 to 502 kcal. All the seven meals were found to have postprandial glycemic control in normal subjects which ranged from 86 to 102.4 mg%, and a good postprandial glycemic control in type 2 diabetic subjects which ranged from 132.8 to 148.4 mg%, and hence appropriate for routine consumption by diabetic subjects. The glycemic and insulinemic pattern of all these MMs was similar in normal and diabetic subjects. Sustained intake of such low GI MMs by diabetic can result in good glycemic control.

The purpose of this study is to determine the glycaemic index of seven traditional Indian snacks modified in composition and preparation and to determine their glycaemic and insulinaemic response in type II diabetics. Blood glucose and insulin level at fasting, postprandial - 1 hour and 2 hours in ten normal healthy volunteers were analysed after oral administration of 50 g pure glucose and later at weekly intervals with each of the test snack. Area under curve was calculated and compared for pure glucose and each test snack to determine the glycaemic index. Each of the test snack was administered in ten type II diabetics and the glycaemic and insulinaemic response was determined at fasting, postprandial - 1 hour, 2 hours and compared with that of the normal volunteers. Changes in blood glucose and insulin levels (mean +/- SD) at fasting and two time Intervals in normal and diabetics were analysed using Student's paired 't' test, and between the two groups using Student's unpaired 't' test for each test snack. Sensory evaluation and satiety factor were obtained using five-point hedonic and visual assessment scale. Area under curve for each test snack was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than that of pure glucose and hence all the snacks are confirmed as having low glycaemic index which ranged from 31 to 47%. The significant rise at postprandial - 1 hour (p < 0.001) and fall at postprandial - 2 hours (p < 0.001) in blood glucose levels and sustained Insulin levels at postprandial - 2 hours was similar in normal and diabetics for each of the test snack. Sensory evaluation and satiety factor were similar for traditional and modified snacks. The seven modified traditional Indian snacks have low glycaemic index and do not have a hyperglycaemic effect in type II diabetics. Besides, their low glycaemic index status, high acceptability, and satiety factor makes these modified snacks most suitable for sustained consumption by type II diabetics and hence better glycaemic control.

Background: Long-term therapy with antiepileptic drugs (AED) may be associated with increased total serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels and reduced serum calcium, inorganic phosphorous, and vitamin D levels. These adverse biochemical alterations have an adverse effect on bone health., Objective: To determine (a) onset of derangements in serum total ALP and its isoenzymes (liver, bone), calcium and 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD) concentrations after initiation of treatment with phenytoin or valproic acid monotherapy and (b) the effect of simultaneous supplementation with calcium and 25-OHD at recommended daily allowance (RDA) dosage, on these biochemical parameters., Materials and Methods: Study was a prospective, case-controlled study in adults. Serum biochemical parameters were estimated at baseline, 30, 60, and 90 days of starting AED treatment in the study subjects: Groups--A (only calcium supplementation) and Group B (both calcium and 25-OHD supplementation)., Statistical Analysis: Mean+/-SD, and students' paired t test (between groups A and B) unpaired students' t test (drug-wise)., Results: At 60 days of AED therapy Group A showed a significant increase in serum total ALP (78.83+/-11.04 to 101.75 +/- 9.56 IU/l) (P < 0.001), ALP-liver isoenzyme, (41.97+/- 10.81 to 68.83 +/-7.81 IU/L) (P < 0.001), significant decrease in calcium (9.30 +/- 0.36 to 8.80 +/- 0.38 mg%) (P < 0.001), ALP-bone isoenyzme (36.84 +/- 5.01 to 32.92 +/- 6.46 IU/L) (P < 0.001), and a significant decrease in 25-OHD (25.19 +/- 5.98 to 19.76 +/- 5.35 ng/ml) (P < 0.001) at 90 days. In contrast Group B, at 60 days, showed a significant decrease in serum total ALP (81.92 +/- 19.63 to 54.77. +/- 11.53 IU/L) (P < 0.0001), ALP-liver isoenzyme (48.01. +/- 13.53 to 28.12. +/- 5.88 IU/L) (P < 0.0001), significant increase in calcium ((9.24 +/- 0.31 to 9.93 +/- 0.26 mg%) (P < 0.001) and ALP-bone isoenzyme levels (33.93 +/- 12.2 to 26.25 +/- 8.23 IU/L). In Group B, 25-OHD levels showed a significant increase at 90 days (24.36 +/- 3.42 to 31.53 +/- 327 ng/ml) (P < 0.0001)., Conclusion: Biochemical derangements in calcium metabolism involving the bone are seen by 60 days after starting AED monotherapy, indicating predisposition to development of osteomalacia in these patients. This is preventable by simultaneous oral supplementation with calcium and 25-OHD.