Artemisinin production by plant hairy root cultures in gas- and liquid-phase bioreactors

Key message Alternative biotechnological protocol for large-scale artemisinin production was established. It featured enhanced growth and artemisinin production by cultivation of hairy roots in nutrient mist bioreactor (NMB) coupled with novel cultivation strategies. Artemisinin is used for the treatment of cerebral malaria. Presently, its main source is from seasonal plant Artemisia annua. This study featured investigation of growth and artemisinin production by A. annua hairy roots (induced by Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated genetic transformation of explants) in three bioreactor configurations—bubble column reactor, NMB and modified NMB particularly to establish their suitability for commercial production. It was observed that cultivation of hairy roots in a non-stirred bubble column reactor exhibited a biomass accumulation of 5.68 g/l only while batch cultivation in a custom-made NMB exhibited a higher biomass concentration of 8.52 g/l but relatively lower artemisinin accumulation of 0.22 mg/g was observed in this reactor. A mixture of submerged liquid-phase growth (for 5 days) followed by gas-phase cultivation in nutrient mist reactor operation strategy (for next 15 days) was adopted for hairy root cultivation in this investigation. Reasonably, high (23.02 g/l) final dry weight along with the artemisinin accumulation (1.12 mg/g, equivalent to 25.78 mg/l artemisinin) was obtained in this bioreactor, which is the highest reported artemisinin yield in the gas-phase NMB cultivation

Pulse spray gas metal arc welding of advanced high strength S650MC automotive steel

With an increasing demand for safer and greener vehicles, mild steel and high strength steel are being replaced by much stronger advanced high strength steels of thinner gauges. However, the welding process of advanced high strength steels is not developed at the same pace. The performance of these welded automotive structural components depends largely on the external and internal quality of weldment. Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) is one of the most common methods used in the automotive industry to join car body parts of dissimilar high strength steels. It is also recognized for its versatility and speed. In this work, after a review of GMAW process and issues in welding of advanced high strength steels, a welding experiment is carried out with varying heat input by using spray and pulse-spray transfer GMAW method with filler wires of three different strength levels. The experiment results, including macro-microstructure, mechanical properties, and microhardness of weld samples, are investigated in detail. Very good weldability of S650MC is demonstrated through the weld joint efficiency > 90%; no crack in bending of weld joints, or fracture of tensile test sample within weld joint or heat affected zone (HAZ), or softening of the HAZ. Pulse spray is superior because of thinner HAZ width and finer microstructure on account of lower heat input. The impact of filler wire strength on weldability is insignificant. However, high strength filler wire (ER100SG) may be chosen as per standard welding practice of matching strength

A REVIEW OF MEDICINAL PROPERTIES ON MUSTA (CYPERUS ROTUNDUS LINN.)

Ayurveda, the life science is chiefly based on herbal medicines. According to Ayurveda, the physician should have utmost knowledge regarding herbs to become successful in the field of treatment. These days herbal medicines are more popular than modern medicine because of their effectiveness, easy availability, low cost and for being comparatively devoid of side effects. So, these herbs are backbone of Ayurveda. Musta (Cyperus rotundus) belonging to Cyperaceae family is an important medicinal plant used in various Indian system of medicine. A detail description about this plant has been found from Vedic period to recent time in various Ayurvedic texts. The nut-grass is an erect, perennial glabrous herb 10-75cm long, distributed throughout the plains of India, as a weed in waste lands, gardens and roadsides from sea level 1,800m elevation. Musta is composed of various chemical constituents mainly Cyperene-1, Cyperene-2, β-selinene, Cyperenone, α-cyperone, Rotundome etc. which are responsible for the many therapeutical effects. Musta is having Tikta, Katu, Kashaya Rasa, Laghu, Ruksha Guna, Sita Veerya and Katu Vipaka with Kapha-Pittahara properties. It also posses pharmacological action likes anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-pyretic, anti-malarial, anti-Obesity, anti-diabetic etc. It  has Sthoulyahara, Dipana, Pachana, Grahi, Jwaraghna properties so has been indicated in Agnimandya, Jwara, Sangrahani, Swasa, Stanyavikara, Sutikaroga, Amavata etc. So, a detail review of this medicinal plant with various aspects is definitely a good step ahead in a new direction in herbal medicinal field

A prospective observational study on bolus administration of high-dose nitroglycerin in treating sympathetic collapsing acute pulmonary oedema

Background: Sympathetic crashing causes sudden cardiac failure in minutes or hours. Early diagnosis and treatment may avoid acute heart failure fatalities. Sympathetic crashing reduces afterload, shifting fluid into the pulmonary circulation and causing pulmonary edema. The usual strategy of progressively increasing vasodilator dosage has increased preload. Treating SCAPE with large doses of nitroglycerin and non-invasive breathing is helpful. High doses of nitroglycerin boost afterload and eliminate ICU admissions. In this study, a standard protocol for the treatment of patients with sympathetic crashing acute pulmonary edema is assessed for its effectiveness. Methods: An observational study was conducted prospectively at Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital in Balangir, Odisha, India over the course of a year. The patients presenting with SCAPE symptoms were treated according to standard protocol. The outcomes were subjected to statistical analysis to derive a correlation between treatment and response. Results: The mean initial bolus given to all the patients was 836 µg. The total cumulative dose of nitroglycerin used in each patient was 36 mg. The symptoms of most of the patients resolved within the first 6 hours of treatment. Conclusions: The standard protocol developed at the institute, which included a high dose of nitroglycerine along with non-invasive ventilation, was efficient in treating acute heart failure due to sympathetic crashing and acute pulmonary edema. Nitroglycerin, along with non-invasive ventilation, should be used in the management of sympathetic crashing pulmonary edema and acute heart failure

The clinical features and prognosis of COVID-19 in diabetic patients

Background: It is well-recognized that uncontrolled glycemia reflects the severity and mortality rates of respiratory virus epidemics. The aim of the study was to report the features and course of therapy of diabetic individuals admitted to a tertiary care facility with COVID-19 infection. Additionally, we tried to assess how hyperglycemia affected the clinical results. Methods: This study used observational methods to conduct a retrospective chart review of 125 cases from October 2021 to March 2022 at a single center. Results: Males made up 94.6% of the 125 examined cases. Within the age range of 21 to 78 years, the study group's average age was 49.6±10.4 years. Of the patients, 66.4% had prior knowledge of diabetes. When compared to pre-existing diabetes individuals with the newly diagnosed diabetes individuals, the latter had a higher death rate (p=0.03) and needed mechanical breathing (p=0.02). Conclusions: Hyperglycemia that is uncontrolled harms COVID-19-infected patients. There is an increased risk of hyperglycemia problems that have been discovered or unknown.to screen for cases of undiscovered diabetes in hospital patients, which may be especially relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic, optimal glycemia optimization is essential

Drug utilization pattern of antimicrobials in intensive care unit of a tertiary care teaching hospital

Background: The intensive care unit is a setting where the multiple medications are prescribed to patients. Antimicrobials are heavily prescribed in the ICUs, which in turn enhance the risk of antimicrobial resistance, increase the side effects and increases the cost of treatment. Drug utilization study is a component of medical auditing that aims to monitor and evaluate the drug prescription patterns and to suggest necessary modifications in the prescribing practices to achieve rational therapeutic practice.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which data of patients admitted to ICU during the period from June 2019 to August 2019 was collected from the Medical Record Section of the hospital. Drug utilization pattern of antimicrobials in ICU was analyzed.Results: Out of 90 patients, 60 were males and 30 were females. The average duration of stay in ICU was 7.53 days. The most common antibiotic prescribed was ceftriaxone followed by piperacillin and tazobactam with DDD/100 bed days of 24.2 and 17.3 respectively.Conclusions: In this study, the results appeared to be similar to those reported in previous studies. However, prescription protocols need to be addressed to guide appropriate use of antimicrobials in the ICU setting. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct drug utilization research to understand the drug consumption and for implementation of protocols to improve the quality of healthcare.

Kliničko-biokemijske promjene u bivola hranjenih samo suhom krmom.

The clinical signs of inappetance, poor body condition, pityriasis and decubital skin lesions in 22 stall-fed buffaloes of 18 to 20 months of age warranted the present clinical investigation. The animals were clinically examined and history was collected on feeding and management conditions. The animals had been held on wheat straw based diet supplemented with 0.5 to 0.8 kg concentrate (devoid of vitamin premix) without access to green forage for the last seven months. Six animals had skin sloughing, rough coat, abrasion and two buffaloes were on sternal recumbency and were unable to get up. Blood samples were collected by jugular venepuncture from eight randomly selected from the 22 affected buffaloes, with varying degrees of clinical signs, and from five control buffaloes of a similar age group, who were provided with ad lib green fodder to serve as control. Serum samples were analyzed for blood glucose, total protein, albumin, urea, uric acid, creatinine, calcium, and phosphorous. Aspartate animo-transferase (AST) and alanine amino-transferase (ALT) activities were significantly (P<0.01) lower in serum from affected animals, indicating reduced hepatic function. Alkaline phosphatase activities (AP), along with serum cholesterol level were also significantly (P<0.05) lower in zero-green fed animals compared to the controls. Blood copper and zinc concentrations were statistically comparable in both the groups, but the mean values for cobalt and iron were significantly lower in affected animals. Mean plasma level of vitamin A, ß-carotene and α-tocopherol was significantly (P<0.01) lower in affected animals than in the controls. This is the first report documenting the combined deficiency of vitamin A and its precursor ß- carotene along with α-tocopherol, and the affected animals had reduced hepatic function. The present investigation strongly suggests provision of green fodder or supplementation of vitamins in the diet of buffaloes to avoid poor health and clinical signs associated with deficiency.U 22 stajski hranjena bivola, čija se dob kretala između 18 do 20 mjeseci, zabilježeni su klinički znakovi gubitka apetita, opadanja kondicije, te suhog ljuštenja i dekubitalnih oštećenja kože. Životinje su klinički pregledane i prikupljeni su podatci vezani za hranidbu i uvjete držanja. Osnovu obroka činila je pšenična slama kojoj je dodavano od 0,5 do 0,8 kg koncentrata (bez vitaminskoga premiksa). Bivolima je uskraćena mogućnost pristupa svježoj zelenoj krmi tijekom posljednjih sedam mjeseci. Šest životinja imalo je grubu kožu s pojavama ljuštenja i guljenja, a u dva bivola utvrđeno je ležanje na prsima s nemogućnošću ustajanja. Uzorci krvi iz jugularne vene prikupljeni su od 8 slučajno odabranih bivola zahvaćenih različitim stupnjem kliničkih promjena, te od 5 bivola koji su bili u približno istoj dobi i poslužili su kao kontrolna skupina hranjena svježom zelenom krmom po volji. U uzorcima seruma analizirani su glukoza, ukupni protein, albumin, mokraćevina, mokraćna kiselina, kreatinin, kalcij i fosfor. Aktivnosti aspartat amino-transferaze (AST) i alanin amino-transferaze (ALT) bile su značajno (P<0,01) niže u serumu životinja sa zahvaćenim promjenama što upućuje na smanjenu funkciju jetara. Aktivnost alkalne fosfataze (AP), zajedno s razinom serumskog kolesterola, bila je također značajno (P<0,05) snižena u životinja hranjenih suhom krmom u usporedbi sa životinjama kontrolne skupine. Koncentracije bakra i cinka u krvi bivola obje skupine bile su slične, a srednje vrijednosti za kobalt i željezo bile su značajno snižene u životinja zahvaćenih promjenama. Srednja razina vitamina A, β-karotena i α-tokoferola bila je značajno (P<0,01) niža u životinja zahvaćenih promjenama u odnosu na životinje u kontrolnoj skupini. Ovo je prvo izvješće koje potvrđuje da udruženi nedostatak vitamina A i njegova prekusora β-karotena, zajedno s nedostatkom α-tokoferola, u životinja zahvaćenih promjenama dovode do smanjene funkcije jetara. Kako bi se izbjeglo slabljenje zdravlja i pojave kliničkih znakova povezanih s navedenim deficijencijama, predlaže se u krmni obrok bivola dodavati svježu zelenu krmu ili vitamine

A CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSIS OF INTENTIONALLY SELF-INFLICTED POISONING AMONG HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS.

Aim: This cross-sectional study aims to comprehensively investigate the prevalence, patterns, and underlying factors of deliberate self-poisoning among patients admitted to a tertiary healthcare center in India. The study contributes valuable insights into demographic characteristics, toxicological agents, and contextual factors influencing intentional self-poisoning in this specific healthcare setting. Methodology: The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design, selecting 200 adult female participants from Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital in India through purposive sampling. Inclusion criteria involved adult females with deliberate self-poisoning history, while ethical considerations were addressed with clearance from the hospital's Ethical Review Committee. Data analysis utilized SPSS, ensuring a meticulous and ethically sound investigation into deliberate self-poisoning among adult females. Results: The study, conducted in the Department of Medicine at Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital in Balangir, Odisha, India, included 200 admitted female participants. Most participants were in the 21-29 age group (56%), with 69% below 30 years. Self-poisoning incidents were more common in rural areas and joint families. Insecticide was the predominant poison material, and family disharmony and romantic disappointment were the primary reasons for self-poisoning. Most participants recovered completely, with a higher fatality rate observed in rodenticide poisoning (66.6%).  Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive understanding of deliberate self-poisoning in a tertiary healthcare center in India, shedding light on demographic patterns, toxicological agents, and contextual factors. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address the specific challenges posed by intentional self-poisoning in this healthcare setting.  Recommendation: Implement targeted preventive strategies addressing demographic vulnerabilities, toxicological agent accessibility, and mental health awareness to reduce deliberate self-poisoning in Indian tertiary healthcare centers based on the findings of this cross-sectional study

Kliničko-biokemijske promjene u bivola hranjenih samo suhom krmom.

The clinical signs of inappetance, poor body condition, pityriasis and decubital skin lesions in 22 stall-fed buffaloes of 18 to 20 months of age warranted the present clinical investigation. The animals were clinically examined and history was collected on feeding and management conditions. The animals had been held on wheat straw based diet supplemented with 0.5 to 0.8 kg concentrate (devoid of vitamin premix) without access to green forage for the last seven months. Six animals had skin sloughing, rough coat, abrasion and two buffaloes were on sternal recumbency and were unable to get up. Blood samples were collected by jugular venepuncture from eight randomly selected from the 22 affected buffaloes, with varying degrees of clinical signs, and from five control buffaloes of a similar age group, who were provided with ad lib green fodder to serve as control. Serum samples were analyzed for blood glucose, total protein, albumin, urea, uric acid, creatinine, calcium, and phosphorous. Aspartate animo-transferase (AST) and alanine amino-transferase (ALT) activities were significantly (P<0.01) lower in serum from affected animals, indicating reduced hepatic function. Alkaline phosphatase activities (AP), along with serum cholesterol level were also significantly (P<0.05) lower in zero-green fed animals compared to the controls. Blood copper and zinc concentrations were statistically comparable in both the groups, but the mean values for cobalt and iron were significantly lower in affected animals. Mean plasma level of vitamin A, ß-carotene and α-tocopherol was significantly (P<0.01) lower in affected animals than in the controls. This is the first report documenting the combined deficiency of vitamin A and its precursor ß- carotene along with α-tocopherol, and the affected animals had reduced hepatic function. The present investigation strongly suggests provision of green fodder or supplementation of vitamins in the diet of buffaloes to avoid poor health and clinical signs associated with deficiency.U 22 stajski hranjena bivola, čija se dob kretala između 18 do 20 mjeseci, zabilježeni su klinički znakovi gubitka apetita, opadanja kondicije, te suhog ljuštenja i dekubitalnih oštećenja kože. Životinje su klinički pregledane i prikupljeni su podatci vezani za hranidbu i uvjete držanja. Osnovu obroka činila je pšenična slama kojoj je dodavano od 0,5 do 0,8 kg koncentrata (bez vitaminskoga premiksa). Bivolima je uskraćena mogućnost pristupa svježoj zelenoj krmi tijekom posljednjih sedam mjeseci. Šest životinja imalo je grubu kožu s pojavama ljuštenja i guljenja, a u dva bivola utvrđeno je ležanje na prsima s nemogućnošću ustajanja. Uzorci krvi iz jugularne vene prikupljeni su od 8 slučajno odabranih bivola zahvaćenih različitim stupnjem kliničkih promjena, te od 5 bivola koji su bili u približno istoj dobi i poslužili su kao kontrolna skupina hranjena svježom zelenom krmom po volji. U uzorcima seruma analizirani su glukoza, ukupni protein, albumin, mokraćevina, mokraćna kiselina, kreatinin, kalcij i fosfor. Aktivnosti aspartat amino-transferaze (AST) i alanin amino-transferaze (ALT) bile su značajno (P<0,01) niže u serumu životinja sa zahvaćenim promjenama što upućuje na smanjenu funkciju jetara. Aktivnost alkalne fosfataze (AP), zajedno s razinom serumskog kolesterola, bila je također značajno (P<0,05) snižena u životinja hranjenih suhom krmom u usporedbi sa životinjama kontrolne skupine. Koncentracije bakra i cinka u krvi bivola obje skupine bile su slične, a srednje vrijednosti za kobalt i željezo bile su značajno snižene u životinja zahvaćenih promjenama. Srednja razina vitamina A, β-karotena i α-tokoferola bila je značajno (P<0,01) niža u životinja zahvaćenih promjenama u odnosu na životinje u kontrolnoj skupini. Ovo je prvo izvješće koje potvrđuje da udruženi nedostatak vitamina A i njegova prekusora β-karotena, zajedno s nedostatkom α-tokoferola, u životinja zahvaćenih promjenama dovode do smanjene funkcije jetara. Kako bi se izbjeglo slabljenje zdravlja i pojave kliničkih znakova povezanih s navedenim deficijencijama, predlaže se u krmni obrok bivola dodavati svježu zelenu krmu ili vitamine

Nitrification Rates Are Affected by Biogenic Nitrate and Volatile Organic Compounds in Agricultural Soils

The processes regulating nitrification in soils are not entirely understood. Here we provide evidence that nitrification rates in soil may be affected by complexed nitrate molecules and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) produced during nitrification. Experiments were carried out to elucidate the overall nature of mVOCs and biogenic nitrates produced by nitrifiers, and their effects on nitrification and redox metabolism. Soils were incubated at three levels of biogenic nitrate. Soils containing biogenic nitrate were compared with soils containing inorganic fertilizer nitrate (KNO3) in terms of redox metabolism potential. Repeated NH4–N addition increased nitrification rates (mM NO31- produced g-1 soil d-1) from 0.49 to 0.65. Soils with higher nitrification rates stimulated (p &lt; 0.01) abundances of 16S rRNA genes by about eight times, amoA genes of nitrifying bacteria by about 25 times, and amoA genes of nitrifying archaea by about 15 times. Soils with biogenic nitrate and KNO3 were incubated under anoxic conditions to undergo anaerobic respiration. The maximum rates of different redox metabolisms (mM electron acceptors reduced g-1 soil d-1) in soil containing biogenic nitrate followed as: NO31- reduction 4.01 ± 0.22, Fe3+ reduction 5.37 ± 0.12, SO42- reduction 9.56 ± 0.16, and CH4 production (μg g-1 soil) 0.46 ± 0.05. Biogenic nitrate inhibited denitrificaton 1.4 times more strongly compared to mineral KNO3. Raman spectra indicated that aliphatic hydrocarbons increased in soil during nitrification, and these compounds probably bind to NO3 to form biogenic nitrate. The mVOCs produced by nitrifiers enhanced (p &lt; 0.05) nitrification rates and abundances of nitrifying bacteria. Experiments suggest that biogenic nitrate and mVOCs affect nitrification and redox metabolism in soil