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The present study is based on backcross introgression lines carrying high grain zinc (Zn) quantitative trait loci (QTL) introgressed from domestic einkorn wheat (Triticum monococcum L.) and wild einkorn wheat (T. boeoticum) in the background of high‐yielding wheat (T. aestivum L.) cultivars of India. Initially, individual trials each for BC1F3 and BC2F3 progenies from different cross combinations were evaluated for grain Zn concentration, yellow pigment content (YPC) and agronomic traits. Highly promising BC1F3 and BC2F3 progenies were identified and advanced in off‐season as ear to progeny rows. A total of 42 BC1F5 and 43 BC2F5 derivatives were evaluated in a single trial where the BC1F5 progenies from recipient parent WH1105 and tetraploid parent Donor 2 were recorded with highest grain Zn (64.1–67.9 ppm) showing up to 35.8% enhancement over recipient. The highest grain YPC (5.35 ppm) was observed for BC1F5 progenies from the cross involving PBW703 (3.34 ppm) as recipient and Donor 7 (6.32 ppm) as tetraploid donor parent. Monitoring of backcross derivatives with the marker YP7A‐2 linked to yellow pigment gene Psy‐A1, also revealed nine lines positive for high yellow pigment allele (Psy‐A1c) indicating introgression from durum wheat (T. durum Desf.). Nineteen high Zn derivatives were shortlisted and selfed for 2 yr (2017–2018 and 2018–2019) to get desirable homozygosity and preliminary yield evaluation was conducted for two consecutive years (2019–2020 and 2020–2021). Introgression lines in the background of PBW698 (IL8 and IL17) were recorded with the highest Zn concentration (51.37 and 51.30 ppm) indicating 55.90% increment over recipient parent with good agronomic performance. These biofortified introgression wheat lines can contribute to mitigating the malnutrition among the masses in developing countries. Core Ideas: Wheat introgression lines carrying 55.90% enhancement for grain Zn concentration were obtained.Nine introgression lines carrying high grain yellow pigment allele Psy‐A1c were identified.Molecular characterization of introgression lines for four rust resistance genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: The cryopreservation of sperm and oocyte are recent technology being developed to treat infertility. Cryopreservation is a technique in which sperms, eggs and embryos are frozen at a sub-zero temperature to preserve them for future when the need arises. AIM: The aim of the study is to assess the awareness and attitude regarding cryopreservation of sperm and oocyte among married couples residing in selected urban areas of Dera Bassi, district Mohali, Punjab. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A non-experiment, quantitative research approach and descriptive cross sectional survey research designs was used in present study. The sample of 80 married couples was selected by using convenience sampling technique. A structured questionnaire and 5 point Likert Scale was prepared to assess the awareness and attitude regarding cryopreservation of sperm and oocyte among married couples. RESULTS: The findings revealed that majority (66.25% husbands and 70% wives) of the married couples had average awareness and majority (57.50% husbands and 43.75% wives) had negative attitude regarding cryopreservation of sperm and oocyte. There is association of awareness regarding cryopreservation of sperm and oocyte among married couples with demographic variables number of children, education of wife, type of family and there is association of attitude regarding cryopreservation of sperm and oocyte among married couples with demographic variables age of wife, years of married life, number of children, religion, education of wives, type of family. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that majority of married couples had average awareness and negative attitude regarding cryopreservation of sperm and oocyte. Fertility preservation counseling needs to be required among married couples to increase the awareness and change the attitude regarding cryopreservation of sperm and oocyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report an environment friendly core-shell material based on Carbon Dot core and Molecularly Imprinted Polymer shell as sensor for highly selective fluorescence detection of ketoprofen. The Carbon Dots (CDs) were prepared by a hydrothermal method and the polymer layer around the CDs core was synthesised by sol-gel polymerisation. The prepared material was characterized by Fluorescence Spectroscopy, FT-IR Spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Spectroscopy (TEM). Fluorescence from the Carbon Dots- Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (CDs-MIP) was found to quench selectively in the presence of ketoprofen and quenching effect was found to be greater than for Non-Imprinted Polymer (CDs-NIP) which indicated the potential of CDs-MIP as a fluorescence sensing material for ketoprofen. The imprinting factor was obtained to be 2.35. Under optimized conditions, a linear response was obtained in the concentration range from 0.039 to 3.9 μM with a detection limit of 0.01 μM. The correlation coefficient was 0.999. The developed sensor was applied to determination of ketoprofen in human serum and urine samples with good recoveries ranging from 96 to 104% indicating successful application of the proposed sensor in biological fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions of glycine with sodium phosphate buffer have been investigated by volumetric and UV absorption studies. Densities have been measured for glycine in water of pH = (1.00, 7.40 and 13.40) and in 0.1 M, 0.5 M and 1 M aqueous sodium phosphate buffer (NaPB) solutions as a function of concentration at T = (288.15 to 328.15) K and at pH = (1.00, 7.40 and 13.40) by using digital density meter. Apparent molar volumes (V ∅ ) and partial molar volumes (V 2 o ) obtained from these density data have been used to calculate partial molar volumes of transfer ( ∆ tr V 2 o ) from water to aqueous sodium phosphate buffer solutions, which are positive for zwitterionic and deprotonated form of glycine. Interaction coefficients have been obtained from McMillan-Mayer's approach. Effect of temperature on these thermodynamic properties have been studied by determining the partial molar expansibilities (∂ V 2 o /∂T) P at infinite dilution and their second order derivative ( ∂ 2 V 2 o /∂T 2 ) P at different temperatures and at pH = (1.00, 7.40 and 13.40). Hydration number (n H ) of glycine at pH 7.40 have been determined from the V 2 o data. The results have been rationalized in terms of various interactions taking place in these systems. Further, absorption spectra have also been recorded for the present system with the help of UV–visible spectrophotometer at 298.15 K which is helpful in interpreting the possible molecular interactions between glycine and NaPB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions of glycine with sodium phosphate buffer have been investigated by volumetric and UV absorption studies. Densities have been measured for glycine in water of pH = (1.00, 7.40 and 13.40) and in 0.1 M, 0.5 M and 1 M aqueous sodium phosphate buffer (NaPB) solutions as a function of concentration at T = (288.15 to 328.15) K and at pH = (1.00, 7.40 and 13.40) by using digital density meter. Apparent molar volumes (V ∅ ) and partial molar volumes (V 2 o ) obtained from these density data have been used to calculate partial molar volumes of transfer ( ∆ tr V 2 o ) from water to aqueous sodium phosphate buffer solutions, which are positive for zwitterionic and deprotonated form of glycine. Interaction coefficients have been obtained from McMillan-Mayer's approach. Effect of temperature on these thermodynamic properties have been studied by determining the partial molar expansibilities (∂ V 2 o /∂T) P at infinite dilution and their second order derivative ( ∂ 2 V 2 o /∂T 2 ) P at different temperatures and at pH = (1.00, 7.40 and 13.40). Hydration number (n H ) of glycine at pH 7.40 have been determined from the V 2 o data. The results have been rationalized in terms of various interactions taking place in these systems. Further, absorption spectra have also been recorded for the present system with the help of UV–visible spectrophotometer at 298.15 K which is helpful in interpreting the possible molecular interactions between glycine and NaPB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let p be an odd prime, D2p be the dihedral group of order 2p, and F2 be the finite field with two elements. If * denotes the canonical involution of the group algebra F2D2p, then bicyclic units are unitary units. In this note, we investigate the structure of the group , generated by the bicyclic units of the group algebra F2D2p. Further, we obtain the structure of the unit group and the unitary subgroup , and we prove that both and are normal subgroups of . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Identification of an elite accession of W. somnifera with high withaferin A. • Enhanced shoot proliferation in W. somnifera using meta-Topolin. • Development of an efficient leaf-based in vitro regeneration for W. somnifera. • The genetic fidelity of regenerated plantlets was assessed using molecular markers. Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal is a popular medicinal herb used in traditional Ayurvedic medicines. The pharmacological properties of this plant are largely due to the presence of withanolides such as withanone, withanolide A, withanolide D and withaferin A. Among these, withaferin A has gained a lot of attention because of its anti-cancer activity against a number of cancer cell lines. The current study deals with the selection of an elite accession of W. somnifera with high withaferin A content and the establishment of aseptic cultures under in vitro conditions for clonal mass propagation. Here, a novel cytokinin meta-Topolin (m T) was used for the first time in W. somnifera for shoot proliferation. m T (2.5 μM) was recorded as an efficient cytokinin for successful shoot multiplication and their growth. Further, an effective and reproducible regeneration protocol using leaf explant of W. somnifera has been developed for in vitro mass propagation and genetic transformation studies. The best shoot regeneration frequency and the maximum number of shoot buds were recorded in MS medium amended with BAP (10.0 μM). Among various auxins such as IAA, IBA, and NAA, IAA (10.0 μM) was proved to be optimal for both shoot and root growth. The regenerated plants were transferred to the greenhouse for their hardening and a high rate of survival (80 %) was recorded. The genetic uniformity of in vitro regenerated shoots was verified with RAPD, ISSR, and SCoT markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amitriptyline.HCl (AMI) and clomipramine.HCl (CMI) react with eosin Y (EY) in pH 3.8 NaAc-AcH buffer solution to form ion association complex which results in quenching of fluorescence of EY and appearance of a new resonance Rayleigh scattering (RSS) spectrum at 620 nm. The spectral characteristics of absorption, fluorescence and RSS spectra have been investigated. The factors influencing the reaction were studied and optimum conditions for the reaction have been determined. Based on fluorescence quenching, a simple and sensitive spectrofluorimetric method for determination of AMI and CMI has been developed. The fluorescence quenching intensity was measured at 550 nm using an excitation wavelength of 310 nm. The calibration graph was found to be rectilinear in the range 0.08-2.0 μg mL with detection limit of 0.017 μg mL for AMI and 0.06-2.0 μg mL with detection limit of 0.015 μg mL for CMI. The method can be satisfactorily applied to the determination of AMI and CMI in tablets without interference from commonly occurring exicipients. The recovery and RSD values obtained indicate good accuracy and precision of the method. The mechanism of the reaction and fluorescence quenching has also been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An efficient molecularly imprinted solid phase extraction (MISPE)-spectrofluorimetric method was developed to sensitively determine danofloxacin (DAN) in milk samples. Solid phase extraction procedure using MISPE cartridges was first performed on milk samples and then spectrofluorimetric determination was done at 546nm using an excitation wavelength of 285nm in presence of terbium and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS). It was found that SDBS significantly enhanced the fluorescence intensity of the DAN–Tb3+ complex. Various factors affecting the fluorescence intensity of DAN–Tb3+–SDBS system were studied and conditions were optimized. The enhanced fluorescence intensity of the system (ΔF) showed a good linear relationship with the concentration of DAN over the range of 8.4×10−9–3.4×10−7 molL−1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.9996. The detection limit was determined as 2.0×10−9 molL−1 and the limit of quantification was determined as 6.5×10−9 molL−1. The MISPE-spectrofluorimetric procedure was successfully applied to the determination of DAN in milk samples. The method is simple, rapid, sensitive and allows interference free determination of DAN in complex fluorescent matrices like milk. The method can be used to determine whether the DAN residues in milk exceed MRLs or not. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A simple, rapid and sensitive constant wavelength synchronous fluorescence method is developed for the determination of danofloxacin (DAN) in pharmaceutical formulations and its residue in milk based on Al(III) enhanced fluorescence. The synchronous fluorescence intensity of the system is measured at 435 nm using ∆ λ = 80 nm and an excitation wavelength of 280 nm. A good linear relationship between enhanced fluorescence intensity and DAN concentration is obtained in the range of 3-100 ng mL( r = 0.9991). The limit of detection (LOD, S/N = 3) of the present method is 0.9 ng mL. The proposed method can be successfully applied to the determination of DAN in pharmaceutical formulations and in milk without serious interferences from common excipients, metal ions and other co-existing substances. The method can be used as a rapid screening to judge whether the DAN residues in milk exceed Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) or not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simultaneous determination of difloxacin and enrofloxacin using two chemometric methods, partial least squares regression (PLS) and direct orthogonal signal correction-partial least squares regression (DOSC-PLS) is described in this paper. The simultaneous determination of these drugs is difficult due to spectral interferences. The calibration graphs were linear in the range of 1-10 μg mL-1 and 1-9 μg mL-1 with detection limits of 0.52 and 0.15 μg mL-1 for difloxacin and enrofloxacin, respectively. The experimental calibration matrix was designed with 25 mixtures of these drugs. The PLS and DOSC-PLS were used for multivariate calibration of spectrophotometric data. The root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) for applying the two methods to 8 synthetic samples in the linear calibration ranges for difloxacin and enrofloxacin was 0.1499 and 0.2833 for PLS, 0.0753 and 0.0436 for DOSC-PLS respectively. The relative standard error of prediction (RSEP) for difloxacin and enrofloxacin was 3.5214 and 7.6757 with PLS, 1.7694 and 1.1809 for DOSC-PLS, respectively. The DOSC-PLS method was found to be more accurate than PLS method providing better recoveries and lower RMSEP and RSEP values. The DOSC-PLS method was successfully applied to simultaneous determination of difloxacin and enrofloxacin in urine samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan is a deacetylated product of chitin produced by chitin deacetylase, an enzyme that hydrolyses acetamido groups of Nacetylglucosamine in chitin. Chitosan is a natural polymer that has great potential in biotechnology and in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries. Commercially, it is produced from chitin via a harsh thermochemical process that shares most of the disadvantages of a multistep chemical procedure. It is environmentally unsafe and not easily controlled, leading to a broad and heterogeneous range of products. An alternative or complementary procedure exploiting the enzymatic deacetylation of chitin could potentially be employed, especially when a controlled and well-defined process is required. In this study, 20 strains of bacteria were isolated from soil samples collected from different beaches of Chennai, India. Of these 20 bacterial strains, only 2 strains (S3, S14) are potent degrader of chitin and they are also a good producer of the enzyme chitin deacetylase so as to release chitosan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluoroquinolones are an important and extensively studied group of compounds. Newer generations of fluoroquinolones are being developed to enhance the antimicrobial spectrum and pharmacological properties of these antimicrobials. Various analytical methods including chromatographic, voltametric, titrimetric, potentiometric, spectrophotometric, and so forth have been reported for analysis of these drugs. However luminescence and spectrofluorimetric methods continue to hold much significance as they are simple, economical, and sensitive as compared to most of the other methods. This led us to review the luminescence and spectrofluorimetric methods described for the analysis of this important class of drugs either per se, in dosage forms, or in biological fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

δ subunit-containing γ-aminobutyric acid, type A (GABAA)-receptors are expressed extrasynaptically and mediate tonic inhibition. In cerebellar granule cells, they often form receptors together with α1 and/or α6 subunits. We were interested in determining the architecture of receptors containing both subunits. We predefined the subunit arrangement of several different GABAA receptor pentamers by concatenation. These receptors composed of α1, α6, β3, and δ subunits were expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Currents elicited in response to GABA were determined in the presence and absence of 3α,21-dihydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one (THDOC) or ethanol, or currents were elicited by 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]-pyridin-3-ol (THIP). Several subunit configurations formed active channels. We therefore conclude that δ can assume multiple positions in a receptor pentamer made up of α1, α6, β3, and δ subunits. The different receptors differ in their functional properties. Functional expression of one receptor type was only evident in the combined presence of the neurosteroid THDOC with the channel agonist GABA. Most, but not all, receptors active with GABA/THDOC responded to THIP. None of the receptors was modulated by ethanol concentrations up to 30 mM. Several observations point to a preferred position of δ subunits between two α subunits in α1α6β3δ receptors. This property is shared by α1β3δ and α1β3δ receptors, but there are differences in the additionally expressed isoforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of two fluoroquinolone drugs, ofloxacin and lomefloxacin in biological fluids has been developed. The method is based on native fluorescence of these drugs in micellar medium of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The wavelengths of excitation and maximum emission were 295 nm and 485 nm for ofloxacin, and 285 nm and 449 nm for lomefloxacin, respectively. The method allows the determination of 10-1,000 ng mL-1 of ofloxacin and 20-2,000 ng mL-1 of lomefloxacin in a 0.1 M acetic acid-sodium acetate buffer solution of pH 6. The SDS concentration of 0.01 M was selected for both the drugs. The method was successfully applied to determination of the two drugs in human urine and serum samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delta (δ) subunit containing GABAA receptors are expressed extra-synaptically and mediate tonic inhibition. In cerebellar granule cells, they often form a receptor together with α6 subunits. We were interested to determine the architecture of these receptors. We predefined the subunit arrangement of 24 different GABAA receptor pentamers by subunit concatenation. These receptors (composed of α6, β3 and δ subunits) were expressed in Xenopus oocytes and their electrophysiological properties analyzed. Currents elicited in response to GABA were determined in presence and absence of 3α, 21-dihydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one and to 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]-pyridin-3-ol. α6-β3-α6/δ receptors showed a substantial response to GABA alone. Three receptors, β3-α6-δ/α6-β3, α6-β3-α6/β3-δ and β3-δ-β3/α6-β3, were only uncovered in the combined presence of the neurosteroid 3α, 21-dihydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one with GABA. All four receptors were activated by 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]-pyridin-3-ol. None of the functional receptors was modulated by physiological concentrations (up to 30 mM) of ethanol. GABA concentration response curves indicated that the δ subunit can contribute to the formation of an agonist site. We conclude from the investigated receptors that the δ subunit can assume multiple positions in a receptor pentamer composed of α6, β3 and δ subunits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three chemometric methods; partial least squares regression (PLS), principal component regression (PCR) and least-squares support vector machines (LS-SVM) were applied for simultaneous determination of carbidopa and levodopa in synthetic mixtures and real samples. The simultaneous determination of these drugs is a difficult problem due to spectral interferences. The proposed methods were used for multivariate calibration of the spectrophotometric data. The calibration graphs were linear in the ranges of 1-30 μg mL-1 for both carbidopa and levodopa. The relative standard error of prediction (RSEP %) for applying the three methods to 8 synthetic samples in the linear calibration ranges for carbidopa and levodopa was 11.747 and 7.783 for PLS, 14.764 and 9.869 for PCR, 0.229 and 0.170 for LS-SVM respectively. The root mean square errors of prediction (RMSEP) for carbidopa and levodopa with PLS, PCR and LS-SVM were 1.900, 2.388, 0.037 and 1.314, 1.667, 0.029 respectively. The LS-SVM methods were successfully applied for determination of these drugs in commercial pharmaceutical preparations and human urine samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GABAA receptors mediate inhibitory neurotransmission in the mammalian brain via synaptic and extrasynaptic receptors. The delta (δ)-subunit-containing receptors are expressed exclusively extra-synaptically and mediate tonic inhibition. In the present study, we were interested in determining the architecture of receptors containing the δ-subunit. To investigate this, we predefined the subunit arrangement by concatenation. We prepared five dual and three triple concatenated subunit constructs. These concatenated dual and triple constructs were used to predefine nine different GABAA receptor pentamers. These pentamers composed of α[sub1]-, β[sub3]-, and δ-subunits were expressed in Xenopus oocytes and maximal currents elicited in response to 1 mM GABA were determined in the presence and absence of THDOC (3α, 21-dihydroxy-5α-pregnane-20-one). β[sub3]-α[sub1]-δ/α[sub1]-β[sub3] and β[sub3]-α[sub1]-δ/β[sub3]-α[sub1] resulted in the expression of large currents in response to GABA. Interestingly, the presence of the neurosteroid THDOC uncovered α[sub1]-β[sub3]-α[sub1]/β[sub3]-δ receptors, additionally. The functional receptors were characterized in detail using the agonist GABA, THDOC, Zn[sup2+], and ethanol and their properties were compared with those of non-concatenated α[sub1]β[sub3] and α[sub1]β[sub3]δ receptors. Each concatenated receptor isoform displayed a specific set of properties, but none of them responded to 30 mM ethanol. We conclude from the investigated receptors that δ can assume multiple positions in the receptor pentamer. The GABA dose-response properties of α[sub1]-β[sub3]-α[sub1]/β[sub3]-δ and β[sub3]-α[sub1]-δ/α[sub1]-β[sub3] match most closely the properties of non-concatenated α[sub1]β[sub3]δ receptors. Furthermore, we show that the δ-subunit can contribute to the formation of an agonist site in α[sub1]-β[sub3]-α[sub1]/β[sub3]-δ receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Protocol for the long term in vitro shoot multiplication in W. somnifera. • Auxin independent system has been developed for better rooting and shoot growth. • Stringent micropropgation protocol was developed to maintain genetic and phytochemical uniformity. Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal is an important medicinal plant that has gained a lot of attention since ancient times due to its immense pharmaceutical potential. Scientific validations of its therapeutic potential against many diseases have immensely increased its demand in the domestic and international market. Thus, to narrow down the huge gap between its demand and supply, alternative strategies to conventional cultivation are required. In vitro propagation system provides a feasible option for the production of large-scale healthy, genetically and phytochemically uniform W. somnifera plants to boost the herbal industry and facilitate pre-clinical studies. However, the major challenge in in vitro propagation of W. somnifera is to maintain a high rate of shoot multiplication for prolonged periods in cytokinin containing MS medium. In the current investigation, for prolonged maintenance of in vitro shoots, a multi-step protocol involving the rotational subculture of Withania shoots in the auxin-cytokinin containing culture medium has been developed to minimize the adverse effects of cytokinin. In vitro shoots after prolonged subculture were checked for genetic uniformity and stable pharmaceutically important constituents. Furthermore, in vitro rooting was initiated either in an auxin-dependent or auxin-independent manner through modulation of ammonium nitrate strength. Hence, the protocol developed for in vitro propagation of W. somnifera is cost-effective and can be efficiently used for the industrial production of withanolides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of quinolones of clinical use belong to the subset of fluoroquinolones, which have a fluoro group attached the central ring system, typically at the 6-position. Fluoroquinolones are widely used in human and veterinary medicine. In recent times there has been significant development in the field of fluoroquinolones and many new analogues have been synthesized. The clinical and pharmaceutical analysis of these drugs requires effective analytical procedures for quality control and pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies. In this review article, various spectrophotometric methods used for determination of fluoroquinolones have been covered. The methods include visible spectrophotometry, which is based on formation of ion-pair or charge transfer complexes, UV spectrophotometry and derivative spectrophotometry. The application of these methods for the determination of fluoroquinolones in pharmaceutical and real samples has also been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are promising materials for analytical applications because of their structural predictability and recognition specificity. However, the applications of conventional MIPs suffer in a practical sense due to several defects (e.g., deeply embedded cavities, incomplete removal of the template, non-uniform distribution of binding sites, and slow rebinding kinetics). Core-shell nanoparticles coated with MIPs can be an attractive alternative to overcome such limitations. The core-shell structure offers a high surface area with a uniform distribution of binding sites to facilitate the removal of the template molecule and subsequent rebinding of the target molecule at high mass transfer efficiency. This work provides a comprehensive review of the classes of core-shell MIPs such as solid single, solid composite, and hollow core forms. The utility of novel and emerging core-shell MIPs is described for applications in optical, electrochemical, and piezoelectric sensors along with the associated challenges and opportunities. Image 1 • Core-shell molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) exist in single/composite/hollow forms. • The applications of core-shell MIPs are explored w.r.t. diverse sensing principles and strategies. • The superiority of core-shell MIP sensors is supported by high sensitivities and selectivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the solvation and hydration behavior of glycine, viscosity measurements have been carried out for glycine in water of pH = (1.00, 7.40 and 14.00) and in different concentrations (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0) M of aqueous potassium/sodium phosphate buffer (KPB/NaPB) solutions of pH = (1.00, 7.40 and 14.00) at different temperatures, T = (298.15, 308.15, 310.15 and 318.15) K. Viscosity B-coefficients for glycine in water and in aqueous buffer solutions have been obtained at different temperatures using Jones-Dole equation. Viscosity B-coefficients of transfer (∆ tr B) values have been calculated from viscosity B-coefficient data. Both positive and negative viscosity B-coefficients of transfer have been observed in the studied system. The Gibbs energies of activation for viscous flow per mole of solvent (∆μ 1 o) and per mole of solute (∆μ 2 o) have been calculated and discussed in terms of transition state theory. Solvation (S n) and hydration (n H) numbers have also been calculated from these data. The results have been discussed in terms of solute-solvent and solute-solute interactions in these systems. The structure-making/breaking ability of glycine has been discussed in terms of the sign of dB/dT. UV absorption spectra for glycine in aqueous KPB solutions has been recorded. All the viscometric and spectroscopic parameters have been used to explore various interactions that may arise in presently investigated ternary solutions. • Glycine acts as structure breaker at zwitterionic form and structure maker at deprotonated from. • Mainly pair wise interactions between glycine and aqueous buffer solutions. • Hydration numbers increase with concentration (of KPB/NaPB). • Hyperchromic shift is observed for glycine in aqueous buffer solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is a major abiotic stress worldwide limiting chickpea yield drastically. Low heritability and high genotype × environment interactions make the trait-based breeding strategy an unreliable approach. This study was planned to identify the drought-tolerant lines by evaluating yield-based selection indices in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from an inter-specific cross between drought-tolerant genotype GPF 2 (Cicer arietinum L.) and drought-sensitive accession ILWC 292 (C. reticulatum) at two locations in India (Ludhiana and Faridkot). A total of six yield-based selection indices were calculated and significant variation was observed in the RILs and their parents for yield-based selection indices at both locations. A holistic approach across association analysis and principal component analysis identified drought tolerance index, mean productivity, geometric mean productivity and harmonic mean productivity as key selection indices, which could be used for indirect selection of drought-tolerant lines. Overall, on the basis of these approaches, a total of 15 promising RILs were identified for their use in chickpea breeding programme for developing drought-tolerant cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Outer retinal degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in the developed world. A new study now demonstrates that ectopic expression of human rhodopsin in the inner retina, mediated by viral gene therapy, can restore light sensitivity and some vision to mice blind from outer retinal degeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photopharmacological control of neuronal activity using synthetic photochromic ligands, or photoswitches, is a promising approach for restoring visual function in patients suffering from degenerative retinal diseases. Azobenzene photoswitches, such as AAQ and DENAQ, have been shown to restore the responses of retinal ganglion cells to light in mouse models of retinal degeneration but do not recapitulate native retinal signal processing. Here, we describe diethylamino-azo-diethylamino (DAD), a third-generation photoswitch that is capable of restoring retinal ganglion cell light responses to blue or white light. In acute brain slices of murine layer 2/3 cortical neurons, we determined that the photoswitch quickly relaxes to its inactive form in the dark. DAD is not permanently charged, and the uncharged form enables the photoswitch to rapidly and effectively cross biological barriers and thereby access and photosensitize retinal neurons. Intravitreal injection of DAD restored retinal light responses and light-driven behavior to blind mice. Unlike DENAQ, DAD acts upstream of retinal ganglion cells, primarily conferring light sensitivity to bipolar cells. Moreover, DAD was capable of generating ON and OFF visual responses in the blind retina by utilizing intrinsic retinal circuitry, which may be advantageous for restoring visual function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The apparent molar volume ( V ∅ ) of glycine in water and in 100, 500 and 1000 mM aqueous potassium phosphate buffer (KPB) solutions have been obtained from density measurements at different temperatures (288.15 to 328.15 K, including physiological temperature) and at different pH values (1.00, 7.40 and 14.00) by using vibrating-tube digital density meter. The estimated partial molar volumes at infinite dilution ( V 2 o ) have been used to obtain the corresponding transfer volume ( ∆ tr V 2 o ) from water to aqueous potassium phosphate buffer solutions. Interaction parameters have been calculated from ∆ tr V 2 o data. The partial molar expansibilities (∂ V 2 o | ∂ T ) P at infinite dilution and (∂ 2 V 2 o | ∂ T 2 ) P values have also been determined from the V 2 o data at different temperatures. The hydration numbers (n H ) of glycine at pH 7.4 have been determined from the V 2 o data in the presence of KPB at different temperatures. The results have been discussed in terms of various interactions operating in these systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple synchronous fluorescent chemosensor 3-hydroxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4H-chromen-4-one (3-HC) has been synthesized for the selective analysis of Al3+. On the addition of Al3+, 3-HC displayed a redshift with a change in wavelength of emission maximum from 436 to 465 nm along with enhancement in fluorescence intensity, which formed the basis for its sensitive detection. Under optimized conditions, 3-HC was applied for the determination of Al3+ in the concentration range of 1 × 10–7-1 × 10–6 M. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values were found out to be 1.69 × 10–8 and 5.07 × 10–8 M respectively. Further, the developed method was applied for the analysis of Al3+ in real water samples (tap water, bottled water, and tube well water) which showed good recovery values in the range of 95–99.7% with RSD less than 4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroinflammation is a major risk factor associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed but their long term use is associated with adverse effects. Thus, herbal based medicines are attracting major attraction worldwide as potential therapeutic candidates. Tylophora indica (Burm. f) Merrill is a valuable medicinal plant well known in Ayurvedic practices for its immunomodulatory, anti-oxidant, anti-asthmatic and antirheumatic activities. The present study aimed to elucidate the anti-neuroinflammatory potential of water and hydroalcoholic leaf extracts of micropropagated plants of T. indica using BV-2 microglia activated with lipopolysaccharide as an in vitro model system and development of an efficient reproducible protocol for its in vitro cloning. Non cytotoxic doses of the water and hydroalcoholic extracts (0.2μg/ml and 20μg/ml, respectively) were selected using MTT assay. α-Tubulin, Iba-1 and inflammatory cascade proteins like NFκB, AP1 expression was studied using immunostaining to ascertain the anti-neuroinflammatory potential of these extracts. Further, anti-migratory activity was also analyzed by Wound Scratch Assay. Both extracts effectively attenuated lipopolysaccharide induced microglial activation, migration and the production of nitrite via regulation of the expression of NFκB and AP1 as the possible underlying target molecules. An efficient and reproducible protocol for in vitro cloning of T. indica through multiple shoot proliferation from nodal segments was established on both solid and liquid Murashige and Skoog's (MS) media supplemented with 15μM and 10μM of Benzyl Amino Purine respectively. Regenerated shoots were rooted on both solid and liquid MS media supplemented with Indole-3-butyric acid (5–15μM) and the rooted plantlets were successfully acclimatized and transferred to open field conditions showing 90% survivability. The present study suggests that T. indica may prove to be a potential anti-neuroinflammatory agent and may be further explored as a potential therapeutic candidate for the management of neurodegenerative diseases. Further, the current study will expedite the conservation of T. indica ensuring ample supply of this threatened medicinal plant to fulfill its increasing demand in herbal industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Content-based image retrieval (CBIR) system generally retrieves images based on the matching of the query image from all the images of the database. This exhaustive matching and searching slow down the image retrieval process. In this paper, a fast and effective CBIR system is proposed which uses supervised learning-based image management and retrieval techniques. It utilizes machine learning approaches as a prior step for speeding up image retrieval in the large database. For the implementation of this, first, we extract statistical moments and the orthogonal-combination of local binary patterns (OC-LBP)-based computationally light weighted color and texture features. Further, using some ground truth annotation of images, we have trained the multi-class support vector machine (SVM) classifier. This classifier works as a manager and categorizes the remaining images into different libraries. However, at the query time, the same features are extracted and fed to the SVM classifier. SVM detects the class of query and searching is narrowed down to the corresponding library. This supervised model with weighted Euclidean Distance (ED) filters out maximum irrelevant images and speeds up the searching time. This work is evaluated and compared with the conventional model of the CBIR system on two benchmark databases, and it is found that the proposed work is significantly encouraging in terms of retrieval accuracy and response time for the same set of used features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computed Tomography (CT) is considered as a significant imaging tool for clinical diagnoses. Due to low-dose radiation in CT, the projection data is highly affected by Gaussian noise which may lead to blurred images, staircase effect, loss of basic fine structure and detailed information. Therefore, there is a demand for an approach that can eliminate noise and can provide high-quality images. To achieve this objective, this paper presents a new statistical image reconstruction method by proposing a suitable regularization approach. The proposed regularization is a hybrid approach of Complex Diffusion and Shock filter as a prior term. To handle the problem of prominent Gaussian noise as well as ill-posedness, the proposed hybrid regularization is further combined with the standard Maximum Likelihood Expectation Maximization (MLEM) reconstruction algorithm in an iterative manner and has been referred to as the proposed CT-Reconstruction (CT-R) algorithm here after. Besides, considering the large sizes of image data sets for medical imaging, distributed storage for images have been employed on Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS) and the proposed MLEM algorithms have been deployed for improved performance.The proposed method has been evaluated on both the simulated and real test phantoms. The final results are compared with the other standard methods and it is observed that the proposed method has many desirable properties such as better noise robustness, less computational cost and enhanced denoising effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A restricted access medium magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer (RAM-MMIP) is made. • The RAM-MMIP is used to quantify phthalates (PTHs). • The RAM-MMIP exhibits rapid kinetics and a high adsorption capacity for PTHs. • The RAM-MMIP is feasible for the adsorption-based quantification of PTHs in food products. A highly effective approach has been established for the selective identification and isolation for a list of phthalates (PTHs: e.g., dimethyl phthalate, dipropyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate, and dioctyl phthalate) based on restricted access medium magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer (RAM-MMIP). The RAM-MMIP has been synthesized by a surface imprinting method using: (i) Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 as the support material, (ii) diethyl phthalate and dicyclohexyl phthalate as dual dummy templates, and (iii) (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane as the silane coupling agent to impart hydrophilic properties to the polymer. The adsorption kinetic and isotherm studies confirm the good match of experimental results with the Langmuir and pseudo-second order model. The RAM-MMIP exhibits great selectivity toward PTHs and recyclability for up to seven cycles. It has been applied for the extraction of PTHs from foods packaged in plastic (bottled water, juice, and milk samples) via magnetic solid phase extraction coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (recovery: 88.53–121.57 % (RSD% = 1.30–5.15 %) and LOD (0.01–0.03 ng/mL)). The overall results of this study suggest that the RAM-MMIP is a highly recommendable option for efficient extraction and quantitation of PTHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Withania somnifera is a highly valued medicinal plant in traditional home medicine and is known for a wide range of bioactivities. Its commercial cultivation is adversely affected by poor seed viability and germination. Infestation by various pests and pathogens, survival under unfavourable environmental conditions, narrow genetic base, and meager information regarding biosynthesis of secondary metabolites are some of the other existing challenges in the crop. Biotechnological interventions through organ, tissue, and cell culture provide promising options for addressing some of these issues. In vitro propagation facilitates conservation and sustainable utilization of the existing germplasms and broadening the genetic base. It would also provide means for efficient and rapid mass propagation of elite chemotypes and generating uniform plant material round the year for experimentation and industrial applications. The potential of in vitro cell/organ cultures for the production of therapeutically valuable compounds and their large-scale production in bioreactors has received significant attention in recent years. In vitro culture system further provides distinct advantage for studying various cellular and molecular processes leading to secondary metabolite accumulation and their regulation. Engineering plants through genetic transformation and development of hairy root culture system are powerful strategies for modulation of secondary metabolites. The present review highlights the developments and sketches current scenario in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Altered expression of the E3 ubiquitin ligase UBE3A, which is involved in protein degradation through the proteasome-mediated pathway, is associated with neurodevelopmental and behavioral defects observed in Angelman syndrome (AS) and autism. However, little is known about the neuronal function of UBE3A and the pathogenesis of UBE3A-associated disorders. To understand the in vivo function of UBE3A in the nervous system, we generated multiple mutations of ube3a, the Drosophila ortholog of UBE3A. We found a significantly increased number of total boutons and satellite boutons in conjunction with compromised endocytosis in the neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) of ube3a mutants compared to the wild type. Genetic and biochemical analysis showed upregulation of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling in the nervous system of ube3a mutants. An immunochemical study revealed a specific increase in the protein level of Thickveins (Tkv), a type I BMP receptor, but not other BMP receptors Wishful thinking (Wit) and Saxophone (Sax), in ube3a mutants. Ube3a was associated with and specifically ubiquitinated lysine 227 within the cytoplasmic tail of Tkv, and promoted its proteasomal degradation in Schneider 2 cells. Negative regulation of Tkv by Ube3a was conserved in mammalian cells. These results reveal a critical role for Ube3a in regulating NMJ synapse development by repressing BMP signaling. This study sheds new light onto the neuronal functions of UBE3A and provides novel perspectives for understanding the pathogenesis of UBE3A-associated disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background: Universal vaccination against hepatitis A virus (HAV) has been recommended for children because of the changing epidemiological pattern of HAV. Vaccination has also been advised for patients with chronic liver disease as HAV superinfection in these patients can result in severe or even fatal disease. In India, the indications for HAV vaccination are not clear due to contradictory seroepidemiological data in children and lack of data on HAV seroprevalence in patients with chronic liver disease. Methods: Sera were collected from children studying in two government-run schools and from patients with chronic liver disease attending the Liver Clinic at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). The sera were tested for anti-HAV antibodies. The incidence of HAV-induced acute hepatitis and acute liver failure at AIIMS over the last 10 years was also assessed. Results: A total of 93.2% (1328/1424) of the school children between 4–18 years of age who were included in the study had anti-HAV antibody in their sera. Eighty percent of the children had antibodies against HAV in their sera by the age of 5 years, whereas all the children above 16 years were positive for anti-HAV antibody. A total of 256 patients with chronic liver disease (94 with cirrhosis of the liver, 160 with chronic hepatitis) were tested for the presence of anti-HAV antibody. Of them, 97.6% (248/254) had anti-HAV antibody in their sera. The annual frequency of HAV-induced acute viral hepatitis and acute liver failure at AIIMS during the last 10 years did not show any change. Conclusion: Mass vaccination against HAV is not required in north India because of the presence of protective antibodies against HAV in the majority of the population. © 2003 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluates the seroprevalence of antibodies against hepatitis A virus (HAV) in a sample of school children above ten years of age and determines the prevalence of HAV-induced hepatitis in adults at a tertiary care hospital in northern India between January 1992 and December 2000. Prevalence of anti-HAV bodies in various age groups; Lack of a need for mass HAV vaccination.