Search

Background: Despite, being known as the sunshine vitamin, there is a widespread deficiency of vitamin D. Mushrooms upon exposure to sunlight or UV radiations can synthesize vitamin D2 due to the presence of its precursor, ergosterol. The most common mushroom to be consumed worldwide is the button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus). These mushrooms possess a high nutritional value and have many therapeutic benefits. Objectives: This review aims to comprehend the potential of button mushrooms as a source of vitamin D2 and the possibilities of making value added products by incorporating button mushrooms. Conclusion: As button mushrooms are grown in dark chambers, they have negligible amounts of vitamin D2, however, on exposure to sunlight or UV B radiation, nutritionally significant vitamin D2 can be generated in fresh, whole, sliced or dried powder. The synthesis of vitamin D2 is largely dependent on the type of UV radiation, its intensity, temperature and exposed surface area. As fresh button mushrooms are highly perishable, they are often preserved in the form of jams, sauce, pickles and candy. Dried button mushroom powder finds utility in formulating nutrient enriched cakes, breads, biscuits, cookies, soup powders and composite flours. With the ever- increasing demand for novel health foods, vitamin D enhanced button mushroom and its powder can be used in various forms in the diet as a sustainable non-animal substitute to supplements and pills to tackle vitamin D deficiency.

Elderly people suffer from a number of physical, psychological, and social changes which makes them vulnerable to malnutrition. These changes present the need to develop nutrient dense products which can be easily prepared by them. The present study was planned with the objective to prepare such a product. The ingredients for the ready to prepare (RTP) sweet cheela mix were subjected to various processing techniques to increase nutrient availability and digestibility. A combination of wheat, green gram whole, and finger millet (ragi) was used in different proportions (15%, 30%, 45%, and 60%) in the first stage of value addition. Value addition was carried out in the most acceptable variation from Stage 1, using processed mango, nuts, and oilseeds in different proportions (10%, 20%, and 30%). The RTP meetha cheela mix of the most acceptable variation was selected through sensory evaluation and then subjected to biochemical analysis and shelf life assessment. The results revealed MCF3 (30%) to be the most acceptable variation after Stage 2 value addition, which contained flours of malted finger millet, wheat, green gram along with dried ripe mango, almonds, raisins, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds. The prepared mix had statistically significant higher amount of fat, fiber, ash, carbohydrate, energy, Vitamin C, β carotene, Vitamin E, calcium, potassium, and total antioxidant activity. Low moisture levels and vacuum packaging provided the product a good shelf life till 3 months.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of nutritional counseling on biochemical parameters and nutrition knowledge of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 70 CKD patients, stages 3 and 4, between 25 and 80 years of age. The baseline data were collected from Fortis Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, using interview schedule, which included information on demographic profile, anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters, medical history, and dietary pattern of the patients. The nutritional counseling was conducted in two phases, the first phase included counseling that was imparted to patients on the basis of their biochemical parameters, followed by monitoring for 4 weeks. Thereafter, second phase counseling, based on results obtained from the first phase, was imparted. The data were once again collected and analyzed after a period of 12 weeks. Results and Conclusion: Hypertensive nephropathy was the most common cause of CKD, followed by diabetes mellitus and glomerulonephritis. Anthropometric measurements showed little change in mean body mass index of the patients, post counseling, however, nonsignificant. On the other hand, a significant decrease was observed in serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, serum potassium, and serum phosphorus levels. Nutritional counseling exhibited a strong positive impact on nutrition knowledge of CKD patients.

Background: Oratosquilla woodmasoni is one of the marine squilla species, which is found in the entire Asia-Pacific region. This current study assesses the species as the main basis of both ACEi and antioxidant peptide. Objective: To isolate the ACEi peptide derived from O. woodmasoni and examine its ACE inhibition along with antioxidant potential. Materials and Methods: The squilla muscle protein was hydrolysed using alcalase and trypsin enzymes for 12 hours and tested for DH. The hydrolysates were examined for their ACEi activity and then the best hydrolysate was sequentially purified in various chromatographical methods. The purified peptide was studied for anti-oxidant and functional properties, followed by amino acid sequencing. The purified peptide was also evaluated for its toxicity by in vitro cell viability assay. Results: The DH% was found to be 47.13 ± 0.72% and 89.43 ± 2.06% for alcalase and trypsin, respectively. The alcalase 5th-hour hydrolysate was detected with potent activity (65.97 ± 0.56%) using ACEi assay and was primarily fractionated using ultrafiltration; the maximum inhibitory activity was found with 77.04 ± 0.52% in 3-10 kDa fraction. Subsequently, the fraction was purified using IEC and GFC, in which the AC1-A2 fraction had higher antihypertensive activity (70.85 ± 0.78%). The non-toxic fraction showed hexapeptide HVGGCG with molecular weight 529 Da with great potential of antioxidant activity along with functional property. Conclusion: This peptide could be developed as a potential ACE-inhibitory and antioxidant agent.

Marine fishes have long been known due to their nutritional and pharmaceutical importance. In this study, marine crab (C. natator) body muscle (CBM) was utilized for the separation, purification, and identification of anti-inflammatory peptide using enzymatic hydrolysis. The amino acid composition of CBM depicted the presence of inflammation suppressing amino acids such as serine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid. Furthermore, the CBM protein hydrolysates prepared using three enzymes (alcalase, trypsin, and papain) at different time intervals were analyzed for anti-inflammatory activity using albumin denaturation and membrane protection assays which exhibited 12th h papain with the highest denaturation inhibition (78.55 ± 1.36%) and membrane protection (69.02 ± 2.05%) activity. Moreover, separation of this active hydrolysate was performed by ultrafiltration using 10, 3 kDa cut-off membranes and gel chromatographic purification using Sephadex G-25 beads. The active peak (II) determined using anti-inflammatory assays was subjected to sequencing which revealed the peptide sequence of ESPVL (544 Da). Further, the functional aspects of the peptide were studied which showed increased stability and solubility of the peptide at varied pH range. Moreover, the effect of CBM derived peptide was studied on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The purified peptide was found to be non-cytotoxic and suppressed cytokine expression which was estimated using enzyme immunoassay and western blot analysis.

The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with metastatic melanoma generates clinical benefit, including improved survival. Yet disease resistance and immune-related adverse events persist as unmet needs. Sargramostim, a yeast-derived recombinant human GM-CSF, has shown clinical activity against diverse solid tumors, including metastatic melanoma. Here we review the use of sargramostim for treatment of advanced melanoma. Potential sargramostim applications in melanoma draw on the unique ability of GM-CSF to link innate and adaptive immune responses. We review preclinical and translational data describing the mechanism of action of sargramostim and synergy with immune checkpoint inhibitors to enhance efficacy and reduce treatment-related toxicity.Lay abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitors are medications that help the immune system to fight cancer. Side effects with these medicines may occur because the immune system may attack healthy cells. Sargramostim is a medication that is similar to a protein in the body (GM-CSF). Studies have shown that sargramostim can fight cancer, including melanoma. When sargramostim is used with immune checkpoint inhibitors, the body’s natural defense to fight cancer (the immune system) is boosted and some side effects are reduced. This article reviews how GM-CSF is thought to boost the immune system’s response against cancer in the laboratory and in animal models. We also review the use of sargramostim alone and combined with ipilimumab in patients with advanced melanoma.

Worldwide, the population of elderly persons is rising at a very fast rate. Elderly people have difficulties in performing day to day activities as the aging process deteriorates the normal functioning of their body. There is risk of inadequate nutrition because of difficulties in shopping for food, cooking a meal, chewing and putting food in mouth. Vision loss makes cooking, and even eating, more difficult. Some elderly people live alone or with their spouses. Cooking for one or two persons/s is not very stimulating. These changes have a great role to play in changing the eating habits of the elderly which may affect their nutrient intake. All these factors may cause nutritional deficiencies, malnutrition and other health problems among them. There are major opportunities to develop convenience food products in order to meet the changing needs of aging population. In order to get maximum product acceptance, it is important to combine the elements of convenience and affordability. While designing products for elderly, it is desirable to modify the food consistency to assist in swallowing, make it nutrient-dense and design it in a way that it can be easily handled and eaten. The packaging can be easy to open, information written in large fonts and contrasting colours to help in easy reading. The availability of nutritious ‘ready-meals’ can serve as an opportunity for elderly people who do not want to cook or have low interest in cooking. This can provide a variety of healthier food choices to them and help to reduce malnutrition. Access to nutritious convenience food products can facilitate a positive intervention to the aging consumers.

Haemoglobin (Hb) has been employed as naturally copious metal plagiaristic that attains the material with sustainable supercapacitance. Herein, a fabrication method in the course of interaction between macromolecule compound Hb with graphite has been reported over stainless steel electrode in the presence of sulphonated polysulphone (SPS) as a binder. The microstructure of fabricated Hb graphite stainless steel (SS) electrode has been ascertained through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrochemical capacitance of electrodes has been examined in KOH solution (1.0 M) with reference to Ag/AgCl at a scan rate 0.001 to 0.2 Vs−1. Developed electrode has shown highest capacitance of 158.43 at scan rate of 0.001 Vs−1 along with energy and power densities of 3.86 Whkg−1 and 237.92 Whkg−1 respectively. In multiple cycles electrode rendered quite slow decrease in electrocapacitive during the first 1000 cycles (at scan rate of 0.1 Vs−1) indicating good charge–discharge with improved electrochemical cyclic stability.

The master epigenetic regulator lysine acetyltransferase (KAT) p300/CBP plays a pivotal role in neuroplasticity and cognitive functions. Recent evidence has shown that in several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), the expression level and function of p300/CBP are severely compromised, leading to altered gene expression causing pathological conditions. Here, we show that p300/CBP activation by a small-molecule TTK21, conjugated to carbon nanosphere (CSP) ameliorates Aβ-impaired long-term potentiation (LTP) induced by high-frequency stimulation, theta burst stimulation, and synaptic tagging/capture (STC). This functional rescue was correlated with CSP-TTK21-induced changes in transcription and translation. Mechanistically, we observed that the expression of a large number of synaptic plasticity- and memory-related genes was rescued, presumably by the restoration of p300/CBP mediated acetylation. Collectively, these results suggest that small-molecule activators of p300/CBP could be a potential therapeutic molecule for neurodegenerative diseases like AD.

Mi-msp10 and Mi-msp23 effector genes play a significant role during Meloidogyne incognita parasitism on Arabidopsis roots. The role of these genes was confirmed by demonstrating the decrease of the level of susceptibility of Arabidopsis by the silencing of Mi-msp10 and Mi-msp23 genes using HD-RNAi technology. Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) are the most damaging pathogens severely affecting global food production. The sustainable options to minimize menace of nematode populations through economically feasible measures are limited. Thus, the development of innovative and target-specific strategies that aid in their management is imperative. RNAi technology has emerged as a sustainable and target-specific alternative to control phytonematodes. Here, we characterized two novel subventral gland and dorsal gland-specific effectors, Mi-msp10 and Mi-msp23, to determine their potential effectiveness in controlling M. incognita. Comparative developmental profiling using qRT-PCR revealed higher expression of both effectors in the adult nematode female. Furthermore, functional evaluation of Mi-msp10 and Mi-msp23 dsRNA cassettes was performed using host-delivered RNAi (HD-RNAi) in Arabidopsis. The transgenic lines were examined against M. incognita, and the phenotypic effect of HD-RNAi was evident with a 61% and 51% reduction in gall formation in the Mi-msp10 and Mi-msp23 RNAi lines, respectively. A significant drop in the nematode adult females by 59% for Mi-msp10 and 49% for Mi-msp23-RNAi lines was observed. Similarly, production in egg masses decreased significantly by 76% (Mi-msp10) and 60% (Mi-msp23) for the RNAi lines, which eventually decreased the reproductive factor by 92% and 75%, respectively. The gene expression analysis showed a significant decrease in the transcript level by up to 72% (Mi-msp10) and 66% (Mi-msp23) in M. incognita females feeding on RNAi lines, providing further evidence of effective gene silencing. Overall, our findings provide useful information and support further development of RNAi-based strategies to control M. incognita.

Biological waste from marine sources is discarded into various water bodies which leads to dramatic increase in the water pollution near coastal areas. This animal waste consists of bioactive compo...

Background: Green mussel Perna viridis is a bivalve mollusc which is native to the Indian coast and can be found in the Indo-Pacific as well as Asia-Pacific regions. This study evaluates the P. viridis foot (PVF) as a source of an anti-inflammatory peptide. Objective: To characterize and evaluate the possibility of pro-inflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide (NO) as well as cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 reduction in RAW264.7 cells and to analyze functional aspects of the derived peptide from PVF. Materials and Methods: The PVF was hydrolysed with different enzymes and the antiinflammatory activity of hour hydrolysates were evaluated using HRBC Membrane Stabilization (HMS) against hypotonicity induced haemolysis and Albumin Denaturation (AD) inhibition from induced heat assays. Later, the active hour hydrolysate was separated by ultrafiltration and purified using Size-Exclusion Chromatography (SEC). Further, the purified peptide’s sequence was identified using LC-MS/MS and functional properties were determined. Also, the peptide was observed for its anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells for pro-inflammatory cytokines, NO production and COX-2 activation. Results: Among the four enzymes 6th hour alcalase hydrolysate exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity and was sequentially fractioned with molecular weight cut-offs; further active fraction (30- 10 kDa) was purified. The active peak-II was identified as EGLLGDVF (849.435 Da) and exhibited decent functional aspects. The peptide successfully reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, NO and COX-2 activation; and down-regulated the iNOS and COX-2 protein expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Conclusion: Our study indicates that EGLLGDVF derived from PVF has potential antiinflammatory applications applicable in food and pharmaceutical industries.

flp 18is a neuropeptide coding gene of FMRFamide-like peptides family having important role in behavioural regulation such as locomotory, feeding and reproduction of nematodes. Genome annotation of the newly sequenced genome of seed gall nematode (Anguina tritici) has revealed the presence of flp 18 in their genome. flp 18 gene has been proven as effective target for management of Meloidogyne incognita. In view of importance of this gene here we analyse the significance of flp 18 gene in A. tritici in different nematode species through the In silico approach. Homologus nucleotide sequences in other nematode species for the gene flp 18 were obtained on performing nucleotide BLAST in WormBase Parasite database. Multiple sequence alignment, identity and phylogenetic analysis were performed on the retrived homologus sequences using CLUSTAL W programme. The BLAST result revealed the presence of flp 18 hits in different groups of plant parasitic nematodes with best hit (76) to Ditylenchus dipsaci. Based on the finding it has been suggested that the flp 18 of A. tritici is conserved with identical homologs, and might have functional similarity among different nematodes species.

We are learning that the host response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 ( SARS-CoV-2) infection is complex and highly dynamic. Effective initial host defense in the lung is associated with mild symptoms and disease resolution. Viral evasion of the immune response can lead to refractory alveolar damage, ineffective lung repair mechanisms, and systemic inflammation with associated organ dysfunction. The immune response in these patients is highly variable and can include moderate to severe systemic inflammation and/or marked systemic immune suppression. There is unlikely to be a “one size fits all” approach to immunomodulation in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We believe that a personalized, immunophenotype-driven approach to immunomodulation that may include anticytokine therapy in carefully selected patients and immunostimulatory therapies in others is the shortest path to success in the study and treatment of patients with critical illness due to COVID-19.

The complexity of the cellular proteome facilitates the control of a wide range of cellular processes. Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, greatly contribute to the repertoire of tools used by cells to orchestrate various functions. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) constitute a specific class of non-coding RNAs that have recently emerged as a widely generated class of molecules produced from many eukaryotic genes that play essential roles in regulating cellular processes in health and disease. This review summarizes current knowledge about circRNAs and focuses on the functions of AMOTL1 circRNAs and AMOTL1 protein. Both products from the AMOTL1 gene have well-known functions in physiology, cancer, and other disorders. Using AMOTL1 as an example, we illustrate how focusing on both circRNAs and proteins produced from the same gene contributes to a better understanding of gene functions.

In this paper, we report the reformulation of Maxwell equations for dyon in arbitrary media and it’s role in order to obtain the three set of solutions in terms of charge density $$\rho$$ , current density J, polarization P, and magnetization M. Present study determines the electric field E, electric displacement vector D, magnetic induction vector H, and magnetic field B as integrals of retarded charge density $$\rho$$ , current density J, polarization P and magnetization M, and their retarded spatial and temporal derivatives.

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) are devastating parasites that infect thousands of plants. As RKN infection is facilitated by oesophageal gland effector genes, one such effector gene, Mi-msp2, was selected for a detailed characterization. Based on domain analysis, the Mi-MSP2 protein contains an ShKT domain, which is likely involved in blocking K+ channels and may help in evading the plant defence response. Expression of the Mi-msp2 gene was higher in juveniles (parasitic stage of RKNs) than in eggs and adults. Stable homozygous transgenic Arabidopsis lines expressing Mi-msp2 dsRNA were generated, and the numbers of galls, females and egg masses were reduced by 52–54%, 60–66% and 84–95%, respectively, in two independent RNAi lines compared with control plants. Furthermore, expression analysis revealed a significant reduction in Mi-msp2 mRNA abundance (up to 88%) in female nematodes feeding on transgenic plants expressing dsRNA, and northern blot analysis confirmed expression of the Mi-msp2 siRNA in the transgenic plants. Interestingly, a significant reduction in the reproduction factor was observed (nearly 40-fold). These data suggest that the Mi-msp2 gene can be used as a potential target for RKN management in crops of economic importance.

The Meretrix meretrix is abundantly present in the Indian coastal areas which can be used as an important useful bioactive source for industrial applications. The M. meretrix visceral mass (MMV) was hydrolysed with four different enzymes and verified for anti-inflammatory activity with the help of HRBC membrane stabilization (HMS) and albumin denaturation (AD) assay. Among the hydrolysates, the tryptic 6th hour hydrolysate was selected for purification using ultrafiltration and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC). Further, the purified peptide was identified to have six amino acid sequence (HKGQCC, 675.582 Da). However, to confirm the anti-inflammatory effects of the purified peptide, it was investigated for nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), pro-inflammatory cytokines production as well as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and also evaluated for its functional properties. The in-vitro gastrointestinal digestion was performed on the peptide which cleaved the peptide into two i.e. MMV1 (HK, 284.1 Da) and MMV2 (GQCC, 410.1 Da). The data suggested that the MMV2 peptide have maximum activity and was found to be stable at high temperatures. The MMV2 peptide demonstrated abrupt localization throughout the adult zebrafish body and successfully downregulated the mRNA levels of inflammation-related genes in LPS-induced adult zebrafish. This study indicates that the peptide MMV2 possesses anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing the induced inflammation and can be a strong competitor against non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Biological waste from marine sources is discarded into various water bodies which leads to dramatic increase in the water pollution near coastal areas. This animal waste consists of bioactive compounds such as fatty acids, amino acids, and chitin which can be used in agricultural and pharmaceutical sectors. The aim of the current study was to extract chitosan (CS) from the discarded shells of

Background Haemoglobin (Hb)-doped polypyrrole (PPy) composites serving as energy storage material have rarely been premeditated. Methods In this perspective, a novel class of haemoglobin/polypyrrole composites (HPyCs) by doping metal derivative Hb into PPy matrix with concentrations (PPy, 1%, 2% and 3% Hb in w/w) has been synthesized by cationic surfactant assisted dilute polymerization method. The obtained samples were exemplified by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis-differential thermogravimetry (TG-DTA-DTG). Electrochemical capacitance (Cs, F/g) of electrodes fabricated from PPy and HPyCs over stainless steel in the presence of sulphonated polysulphone as binder has been investigated in KOH solution (1.0 M) with reference to Ag/AgCl at scan rate (V/s) ranging 0.001–0.2. HPyC3% has shown Cs of 445.75F/g along with energy and power densities of 14.37 Wh/kg and 596.54 Wh/kg respectively, which is greater as compared to 200.56F/g for PPy. Conclusion The composites show good charge-discharge with improved electrochemical cyclic stability of the HPyCs over PPy. This behaviour points out that fabricated HPyCs may dole out as prospective electrode materials for development of electrochemical supercapacitors.

The study aimed to identify bioactive peptide from Meretrix meretrix Linnaeus foot (MMF) and examine its potential of suppressing inflammation. In brief, the anti-inflammatory activity was identified by erythrocyte membrane protection and protein denaturation assay from MMF peptic 9th-h hydrolysate and was separated with three molecular weight cut-off units. The obtained four fractions were testified for activity and the fraction (10–3 kDa) with maximum activity was purified using gel permeation chromatography. Finally, the peptide sequence was identified as Asn–Pro–Ala–Gln–Asp–Cys (647.559 Da) by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The hexapeptide was characterised for functional properties at different pH range. The non-toxic hexapeptide was able to reduce the cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 activation, pro-inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) production significantly in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. The current results propose that the hexapeptide derived from MMF protein can act as an effective anti-inflammatory against pro-inflammatory cytokines, COX-2 and NO. Moreover, it could be used as an effective alternative source for drugs in pharma and also as an ingredient in food industries.

Green mussel Perna viridis is a bivalve mollusc which is native to the Indian coast and can be found in the Indo-Pacific as well as Asia-Pacific regions. This study evaluates the P. viridis foot (PVF) as a source of an anti-inflammatory peptide.To characterize and evaluate the possibility of pro-inflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide (NO) as well as cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 reduction in RAW264.7 cells and to analyze functional aspects of the derived peptide from PVF.The PVF was hydrolysed with different enzymes and the antiinflammatory activity of hour hydrolysates were evaluated using HRBC Membrane Stabilization (HMS) against hypotonicity induced haemolysis and Albumin Denaturation (AD) inhibition from induced heat assays. Later, the active hour hydrolysate was separated by ultrafiltration and purified using Size-Exclusion Chromatography (SEC). Further, the purified peptide's sequence was identified using LC-MS/MS and functional properties were determined. Also, the peptide was observed for its anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells for pro-inflammatory cytokines, NO production and COX-2 activation.Among the four enzymes 6th hour alcalase hydrolysate exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity and was sequentially fractioned with molecular weight cut-offs; further active fraction (30- 10 kDa) was purified. The active peak-II was identified as EGLLGDVF (849.435 Da) and exhibited decent functional aspects. The peptide successfully reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, NO and COX-2 activation; and down-regulated the iNOS and COX-2 protein expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells.Our study indicates that EGLLGDVF derived from PVF has potential antiinflammatory applications applicable in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Effect of NaCl-induced salinity stress was studied on three wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes (Platinum Lok 1, Eagle 135 and Kisan farmer). Seedling growth characteristics, chlorophyll contents, lipid peroxidation (MDA contents), proline, glycine betaine (GB) and the activities of catalase and peroxidase enzymes were evaluated at the seedling stage. The magnitude of reduction in growth parameters and chlorophyll contents was less in Platinum Lok 1 as compared to Kisan Farmer and Eagle 135. Platinum Lok 1 exhibited the highest increase in free proline and GB contents under NaCl stress as compared to the other two genotypes. Compared to Platinum Lok 1 and Eagle 135, Kisan Farmer accumulated more MDA contents under salinity stress. The enzyme activities were significantly higher in Platinum Lok 1 when compared to the other two genotypes. Therefore, these parameters could provide useful markers for the identification of salinity stress tolerant wheat genotypes at the seedling stage.

Starting with the generalized Maxwell field equation of dyon, the matrix form of generalized Maxwell field equation is formulated in a compact manner. The Maxwell field equations and Lorentz force for dyon in term of the matrix are also derived in arbitrary media (material media). It represents an additional field, which shows polarization and magnetization for the electric and magnetic charge. Finally, the Continuity equation for dyon is also derived.

Objectives The present study attempts to understand the role of supraspinal nociceptive pain modulation in typical trigeminal neuralgia (TN) patients by using a conditioned pain modulation paradigm and estimation of plasma levels of two important neuromodulators; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide and β-endorphin. Methods Twenty TN patients and 20 healthy, age and gender-matched subjects participated in the study. The participants' hot pain thresholds (HPT) were measured over their affected side on the face. Testing sites were matched for healthy controls. For the conditioned pain modulation their contralateral foot was immersed in noxious cold (5 °C) water bath (conditioning stimuli) for 30 s and HPT (testing stimuli) was determined before, during and till 5 min after the immersion. Plasma Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide and β-endorphin levels were estimated to understand their role in disease pathogenesis and pain modulation. Results Change in HPT during foot immersion was significantly higher in healthy controls compared to TN patients (p Conclusions The results suggest that there is an impairment in supraspinal pain modulation also known as Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Controls in typical TN and that the reduced levels of β-endorphin may contribute to the chronic pain state experienced by patients.

Conducting polymers have recently been employed with metal derivative macromolecules that have led to great improvement in the field of supercapacitor materials. The current work reports on the synthesis of a novel class of haemoglobin/polyindole composites (HPCs) through doping of haemoglobin (Hb) into a polyindole (PIN) matrix. HPCs with enhanced electrocapacitive performance were prepared through a cationic surfactant-assisted dilute solution polymerization of indole (IN) in the presence of Hb at various concentrations ranging from 10 to 30% (w/w) and ferric chloride ( $$\hbox {FeCl}_{3}$$ ) as an oxidant. The HPCs were characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectra, scanning electron microscopy and simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis. Electrochemical capacitance ( $$C_{\mathrm{s}}$$ , $$\hbox {F g}^{-1}$$ ) of graphite-based electrodes fabricated from HPCs over stainless steel in the presence of sulphonated polysulphone as a binder has been investigated in KOH solution (1.0 M) with reference to Ag/AgCl at a scan rate ( $$\hbox {V s}^{-1}$$ ) ranging from 0.001 to 0.2. HPCs with 30% (w/w) of Hb have shown the highest $$C_{\mathrm{s}}$$ of 294.00 as compared with 112.00 for pure PIN at a scan rate of $$0.001 \hbox { V s}^{-1}$$ . Successive scans of HPC electrodes show a capacitive decline of $${\sim }2\%$$ during the first 1000 cycles at a scan rate of $$0.1 \hbox { V s}^{-1}$$ in KOH (1.0 M), which indicates the appreciable electrochemical cyclic stability of the HPCs over PIN. Thus, the fabricated HPCs may serve as potential electrode material for development of electrochemical supercapacitors.

IKAROS is required for the differentiation of highly proliferative pre-B-cell precursors, and loss of IKAROS function indicates poor prognosis in precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Here we show that IKAROS regulates this developmental stage by positive and negative regulation of superenhancers with distinct lineage affiliations. IKAROS defines superenhancers at pre-B-cell differentiation genes together with B-cell master regulators such as PAX5, EBF1, and IRF4 but is required for a highly permissive chromatin environment, a function that cannot be compensated for by the other transcription factors. IKAROS is also highly enriched at inactive enhancers of genes normally expressed in stem-epithelial cells. Upon IKAROS loss, expression of pre-B-cell differentiation genes is attenuated, while a group of extralineage transcription factors that are directly repressed by IKAROS and depend on EBF1 relocalization at their enhancers for expression is induced. LHX2, LMO2, and TEAD-YAP1, normally kept separate from native B-cell transcription regulators by IKAROS, now cooperate directly with them in a de novo superenhancer network with its own feed-forward transcriptional reinforcement. Induction of de novo superenhancers antagonizes Polycomb repression and superimposes aberrant stem epithelial cell properties in a B-cell precursor. This dual mechanism of IKAROS regulation promotes differentiation while safeguarding against a hybrid stem epithelial B-cell phenotype that underlies high-risk B-ALL. Funding Agencies|National Institutes of Health [R01CA162092, R21AI124326, R01CA090576, R01CA190964]

The visceral mass of the gastropod, Harpa ventricosa was hydrolysed using trypsin, alcalase and pepsin for 12 h to produce protein hydrolysates. Subsequently, the active hydrolysate was observed in the 3rd hour of tryptic hydrolysate (29.17 ± 0.62 and 34.85 ± 0.55 %) using human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization and albumin denaturation (AD) assays. The active hydrolysate was fractionated by membrane filtration unit, where

The aim was to drive the ACE-I inhibitory peptide from the dumped waste of O. woodmasoni muscle protein hydrolysate after 12 h of hydrolysis using thermolysin and pepsin. The degree of hydrolysis (DH) was observed till 12th hr and the maximum ACE-I inhibition activity was recorded in 2nd and 5th hr (73.51 ± 0.25% & 68.93 ± 0.23%) for thermolysin and pepsin respectively. Further, the higher active thermolysin hydrolysate was separated using ultrafiltration membrane unit and 10-3 kDa fraction showed chief ACE-I inhibition activity (IC50 value: 0.47 mg/mL). The active fraction was purified by consecutive chromatographic techniques using ion exchange chromatography (IEC) & gel filtration chromatography (GFC) using fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC). Finally, the fraction TH1-A1 evaluated by ACE-I inhibition assay and showed 77.09 ± 2.18% inhibitions. The non-toxic peptide against MCF-7 cells was further characterized for functional properties at pH 2 to 10. The active purified fraction also exhibited antioxidant activity analyzed with various assays and found to have 5 amino acid sequence (Asn-Gly-Val-Ala-Ala) with molecular weight 431 Da through LC-MS/MS. In conclusion, the identified low molecular weight peptide from by catch O. woodmasoni waste has both ACE-I inhibition and antioxidant properties. Therefore, this peptide might be a better alternative nutraceutical and functional food after few more investigations.

The root-knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne incognita is considered one of the most damaging pests among phytonematodes. The majority of nematode oesophageal gland effector genes are indispensable in facilitating M. incognita parasitization of host plants. We report the effect of host-delivered RNAi (HD-RNAi) silencing of four selected M. incognita effector genes, namely, Mi-msp3, Mi-msp5, Mi-msp18 and Mi-msp24, in Arabidopsis thaliana. Mi-msp5, Mi-msp18 and Mi-msp24, which are dorsal gland genes, were found to be maximally expressed in the adult female stage, whereas Mi-msp3, which is a sub-ventral gland gene, was maximally expressed in an earlier stage. In transgenic plants expressing dsRNA, the reduction in the number of galls on roots was 89 %, 78 %, 86 % and 89 % for the Mi-msp3, Mi-msp5, Mi-msp18 and Mi-msp24 RNAi events, respectively. Moreover, gene transcript abundance was significantly reduced in RKN females feeding on dsRNA-expressing lines by up to 60 %, 84 %, 31 % and 61 % for Mi-msp3, Mi-msp5, Mi-msp18 and Mi-msp24, respectively. Furthermore, the M. incognita reproduction factor was reduced up to 71-, 344-, 107- and 114-fold in Arabidopsis plants expressing Mi-msp3, Mi-msp5, Mi-msp18 and Mi-msp24 dsRNA constructs, respectively. This study provides a set of potential target genes to curb nematode infestation in economically important crops via the HD-RNAi approach.

Marine organisms provide an intriguing number of bioactive compounds. These bioactive compounds show immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Crabs rank third after shrimps and lobster as seafood delicacies and provide major health benefits when consumed due to presence of proteins, vitamins and unsaturated essential fatty acids. Due to their diverse biological activities, the peptides derived from marine sources may treat various diseases such as migraine, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis etc. In this study the Crab Leg (CL) muscle was isolated and further hydrolysed using trypsin, alcalase and papain to produce enzymatic hydrolysates. The results obtained from degree of hydrolysis showed that the enzymes significantly cleave the proteins. Furthermore, the HPLC analysis for amino acid compositions of CL showed the sample contained both essential and non-essential amino acids where histidine (%) was highest. In vitro assays for anti-inflammatory activity like Albumin Denaturation (AD) and HRBC Membrane Stabilization (HMS) assay helped to determine the active hour hydrolysate showing the trypsin 3rd hr hydrolysate as having highest activity in CL (90.57 ± 0.95% and 49.94 ± 1.52%). This active hour hydrolysate was purified using gel filtration chromatography and the fractions were determined using AD and HMS assay which resolved fraction Ⅰ to be more active in CL. The low molecular weight peptide sequence was found to be L-G-L-G-A-A-V-L (713.456 Da) by using LC-MS/MS. Further, cell proliferation assay and ELISA were performed for the purified peptide to test the suppression of LPS-mediated induction of COX-2 in RAW264.7 macrophage cells.

Urate has emerged as a promising target for neuroprotection based on epidemiological observations, preclinical models, and early clinical trial results in multiple neurologic diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD). This study investigates the astrocytic mechanism of urate's neuroprotective effect. Targeted biochemical screens of conditioned medium from urate- versus vehicle-treated astrocytes identified markedly elevated glutathione (GSH) concentrations as a candidate mediator of urate's astrocyte-dependent neuroprotective effects. Urate treatment also induced the nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) protein and transcriptional activation of its key target genes in primary astrocytic cultures. Urate's neuroprotective effect was attenuated when GSH was depleted in the conditioned media either by targeting its synthesis or release by astrocytes. Overall, these results implicate GSH as the extracellular astrocytic factor mediating the protective effect of urate in a cellular model of PD. These results also show that urate can employ a novel indirect neuroprotective mechanism via induction of the Nrf2 signaling pathway, a master regulator of the response to oxidative stress, in astrocytes.

India is one of the largest producers and exporters of sesame seeds. Sesame is an oilseed with high nutritional quality. With a rich, nutty flavor, it is a common ingredient in cuisines across the ...

The regulation of innate immune responses to pathogens occurs through the interaction of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) with pathogen-associated molecular patterns and the activation of several signaling pathways whose contribution to the overall innate immune response to pathogens is poorly understood. We demonstrate a mechanism of control of murine macrophage responses mediated by TLR1/2 heterodimers through c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) activity. JNK controls tumor necrosis factor alpha production and TLR-mediated macrophage responses toBorrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, and the TLR1/TLR2-specific agonist PAM3CSK4. JNK1, but not JNK2, activity regulates the expression of thetlr1gene in the macrophage cell line RAW264.7, as well as in primary CD11b+cells. We also show that the proximal promoter region of the humantlr1gene contains an AP-1 binding site that is subjected to regulation by the kinase and binds two complexes that involve the JNK substrates c-Jun, JunD, and ATF-2. These results demonstrate that JNK1 regulates the response to TLR1/2 ligands and suggest a positive feedback loop that may serve to increase the innate immune response to the spirochete.

Notch receptors are processed by gamma-secretase acting in synergy with T cell receptor signaling to sustain peripheral T cell activation. Activated CD4+ T cells differentiate into T helper type 1 (TH1) or TH2 subsets. Molecular cues directing TH1 differentiation include expression of the TH1-specific transcription factor T-bet, encoded by Tbx21. However, the regulation of Tbx21 remains incompletely defined. Here we report that Notch1 can directly regulate Tbx21 through complexes formed on the Tbx21 promoter. In vitro, gamma-secretase inhibitors extinguished expression of Notch, interferon-gamma and Tbx21 in TH1-polarized CD4+ cells, whereas ectopic expression of activated Notch1 restored Tbx21 transcription. In vivo, administration of gamma-secretase inhibitors substantially impeded TH1-mediated disease progression in the mouse experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model of multiple sclerosis. Thus, using gamma-secretase inhibitors to modulate Notch signaling may prove beneficial in treating TH1-mediated autoimmunity.

The partial molal volume (Vφ,s) of several surfactants viz. sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS) and sodium tetradecylsulfate (STS), tetraethylammonium bromide (Tea-Br), Span-80, 60, 40, 20 in 2-pyrrolidinone have been determined at concentration below 0.80 mol kg−1 at 30 and 40 °C. The partial molal isentropic compressibility (Kφ,s) of micellar solutions of surfactants SDS, STS, Span-80, 60, 40, 20 have been calculated from ultrasonic velocity measurements at 30 °C. The infinite dilution values of Vφ,s and Kφ,s of the solubilizates in 2-pyrrolidinone are also estimated. The critical micellization concentration (cmc) values for the systems are taken at a concentration where a clear and well defined break is observed in the concentration dependence of the ultrasonic velocity. The cmc data has been utilized to compute standard free energy of micellization (ΔGmo). The results have been interpreted in terms of transfer of surfactant monomer from dispersed to aggregated state. Limiting parameters have been used to explain the solvation of surfactant molecules.