ISOLATION OF ANTIBACTERIAL PROTEIN/PEPTIDE FROM FICUS GLOMERATA LEAF

Objective: To isolate the antibacterial proteins/peptides from Ficus glomerata leaf.Methods: Present study was designed to investigate antibacterial activity of proteins/peptides isolated from Ficus glomerata leaf. The isolated proteins/peptides were further checked for antibacterial activity against, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Salmonella entrica bacterial pathogens.Results: The results indicates that a 35kDa of protein were identified and exhibit good antibacterial activity against bacterial pathogen among all strains, Salmonella entrica and Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibit good results with a clear zone of inhibition.Conclusion: Ficus glomerata is popular for its medicinal properties against therapeutic potential. In the present study a novel protein with broad spectrum antibacterial activity. Microbes cause severe damage to plants which results in a large economic loss so; this protein can be use as an active agent in agriculture for plant protection and also in the development of novel therapeutic agents

SCREENING AND ISOLATION OF ANTIBACTERIAL PROTEINS/PEPTIDES FROM SEEDS OF MILLETS

Objective: To screen and isolate the antibacterial proteins/peptides from seeds of millets. Methods: Present study was designed to investigate antibacterial activity of proteins/peptides extracted from seeds of different varieties of millet (Finger Millet (PRM I, PRM II), Barnyard millet and Porso millet). The extracted proteins/peptides were checked for antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis (MTCC 441), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 424), Escherichia coli (MTCC 733) and Salmonella entrica (MTCC 739) bacterial pathogens. Results: Results indicated that finger millet variety (PRM I) have showed the highest antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa and S. entrica with a zone of inhibition 22.6±1.18 and 22.3±0.98 respectively. The seed extract of Porso millet has shown the least activity with the gram-positive bacteria with a zone of inhibition 15.6±0.27 mm. The finger millet variety (PRM I) with a molecular weight of 35kDa showed the highest antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a zone of inhibition 19 mm. Conclusion: Millet, a widely growing cereal crop in semi-arid regions, has been known for its medicinal importance to cure fungal and bacterial infections. Results obtained in the present study suggest that antibacterial peptides may be used as potential alternatives for the development of novel antibacterial agents

Ghost diffraction: A spatial statistical approach

We report the reconstruction of a transparency image in Ghost diffraction scheme using a statistical optics approach. This is implemented by using a static diffuser rather than a pseudo thermal light source with a rotating diffuser. The experimental implementation makes use of spatial ergodicity and spatial stationarity for spatially distributed random fields. A strategy to realize the Ghost diffraction scheme through spatial intensity correlation with a phase retrieval algorithm permits reconstruction of the transparency

Impact of Dapagliflozin Adjunctive Therapy on Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and CKD Stage 2–5: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This meta-analysis was conducted by searching PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Ovid till November 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that utilized dapagliflozin 10 mg as adjunctive therapy in patients with T2DM and CKD stage 2-5 and reported its renal efficacy in terms of mean change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) from baseline. From 1682 identified records, nine studies representing 13,057 patients were selected for this study. Pooled estimate of five studies showed that dapagliflozin did not affect eGFR but caused significantly less chronic eGFR decline than placebo in two studies [Mean difference (MD) +2.74 (95% CI: 1.55, 3.92; p < 0.00001)]. Pooled estimate of four studies showed that dapagliflozin significantly reduced UACR[-23.99 % MD (95% CI - 34.82, -13.15, p-value < 0.0001; = 0%)]. This confirms that long-term dapagliflozin use significantly attenuates eGFR decline and reduces albuminuria in T2DM and CKD stages 2-5 patients. Keywords: Chronic kidney disease, Dapagliflozin, Estimated GFR, eGFR, SGLT2 inhibitors, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Urine albumin to creatinine ratio, UACR

Magnetic spin structure and magnetoelectric coupling in BiFeO3-BaTiO3 multilayer

Magnetic spin structures in epitaxial BiFeO3 single layer and an epitaxial BaTiO3/BiFeO3 multilayer thin film have been studied by means of nuclear resonant scattering of synchrotron radiation. We demonstrate a spin reorientation in the 15 x[BaTiO3/BiFeO3] multilayer compared to the single BiFeO3 thin film. Where as in the BiFeO3 film, the net magnetic moment m→ lies in the (1–10) plane, identical to the bulk, m→ in the multilayer points to different polar and azimuthal directions. This spin reorientation indicates that strain and interfaces play a significant role in tuning the magnetic spin order. Furthermore, large difference in the magnetic field dependence of the magnetoelectric coefficient observed between the BiFeO3 single layer and multilayer can be associated with this magnetic spin reorientation

Investigation of the structural, chemical and magnetic state of the metal/oxide interface in composite multiferroics

Metal/oxide interface is a fundamental component in many devices such as magnetic sensors, piezoelectric transducers, and capacitors. The electrical properties of metal/oxide heterostructures are determined by the type of contact formed at the interface, i.e. Schottky or Ohmic contact. As devices are becoming smaller in size, interfaces are becoming even more important due to an increase in the surface to volume ratio. The metal/oxide interface is also a key component in composite multiferroics consisting of ferromagnetic metals and ferroelectric oxides. Recently, in search for multifunctional materials, the composite multiferroics are acquiring a lot of attention. These materials not only have two or more ferroic properties simultaneously (such as ferroelectricity, ferromagnetism) but there may also be a coupling between these ferroic orders, known as magnetoelectric (ME) coupling. Such a coupling allows control of magnetic properties via an electric field and control of electric properties via a magnetic field. Since the coupling originates at the interface between the two components, the composite properties are significantly influenced by interface characteristics. Therefore, in order to realize composite multiferroics with significant ME coupling as well as structurally stable interfaces for electronic device applications, it is important to understand metal/oxide interfaces and to identify the effect of an electric field on the interface structure and properties. The aim of this thesis work is to study the chemistry and magnetic spin structure of FM-metal/FE-oxide (multiferroic composite) interfaces and investigate the effect of an applied electric field on their structural, chemical and magnetic state. For this purpose, we use the unique possibilities offered by isotope sensitive techniques to selectively probe the interface chemistry and magnetism in different types of metal/oxide heterostructures before, during and after the application of an electric field. This is done by enriching the interface with 57Fe which is a Mössbauer active isotope. Two complementary characterization techniques (Mössbauer spectroscopy and nuclear resonant scattering of synchrotron radiation) are employed to investigate different types of metal/oxide interfaces such as Fe/BaTiO3, Fe/LiNbO3, Fe/SrTiO3, Fe/BiFeO3 and Fe/MgO. Based on the results, we propose a model for the electric field–induced modifications of the metal/oxide interface. A correlation between the oxide properties (such as the electrical permittivity, work function, and ferroelectric polarization) and the electric field-induced ion transport across the metal/oxide interface is established. The work function difference between the metal and the oxide determines the initial charge build-up at the interface. The electric permittivity and polarization of the FE-oxide are responsible for the electric field-induced ion transport across the interface. Application of an electric field above a threshold field value results in the formation of a thick intermixed interfacial layer and leads to an irreversible decrease of the magneto-electric coupling properties. Therefore, multiferroic studies on FM/FE heterostructures should be performed at electric fields below the threshold field value. The interface between the metal and a very high dielectric constant oxide can be oxidized or reduced depending on the polarity and magnitude of the applied electric field. The final state of the interface is determined by the polarization history of the heterostructure. These results provide a better understanding of electric field driven ion transport at metal/oxide interfaces and have important implications for the further development of composite multiferroic and complex oxide heterostructures in general.status: publishe

Effect of atorvastatin on high sensitivity c-reactive protein, pulmonary function, and quality of life in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - an open-labeled randomized control trial

Objective: Beneficial effects of statins on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been projected in many retrospective studies, but prospective studies were lacking. Hence, this study was done to study the efficacy of atorvastatin in improving the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP levels), pulmonary functions, and quality of life in COPD patients. Materials and Methods: This was an open-labeled interventional study conducted on sixty stable COPD patients who were having abnormal lipid profile. The patients were randomized into two groups of thirty patients each – one receiving medications for COPD and another receiving 20 mg atorvastatin along with other medications for COPD. The outcome measures were change in hs-CRP levels, pulmonary function test, and health-related quality of life after 12 weeks. Results: A total of sixty participants with COPD were enrolled for the study and divided into two equal groups of thirty patients. There were two and one drop outs in atorvastatin and without atorvastatin group. After 12 weeks follow-up in the atorvastatin group, there was a significant improvement in the levels of hs-CRP levels from 4.82 ± 0.77 to 2.81 ± 0.73 (P < 0.05) as compared to other group without atorvastatin (4.34 ± 0.97–4.04 ± 0.63). Mean force expiratory value in 1 s as a percent of predicted value was similar in the atorvastatin and group without atorvastatin after 12 weeks: 54.2 ± 18.1–55.6 ± 17.9 (P = 0.54) and 55.7 ± 19.1–56.1 ± 18.1 (P = 0.58), respectively. Both treatments had similar improvement in St. George Respiratory Questionnaire total score. No adverse effect was observed in the atorvastatin group. Conclusion: Atorvastatin at a daily dose of 20 mg for 12 weeks has a significant beneficial effect on the levels of hs-CRP in COPD patient in comparison with the other group not receiving atorvastatin. There was no effect on the pulmonary function test and quality of life scores

Human papilloma virus: A new risk factor in a subset of head and neck cancers

Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide. Tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption are two well known behavioral risk factors associated with head and neck cancer. Recently, evidence is mounting that infection with human papilloma virus, most commonly human papilloma virus-16 is responsible for a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma especially tumors of tonsillar origin. The molecular pathway used by human papilloma virus to trigger malignant transformation of tissue is different from that of other well known risk factors, i.e. smoking and alcohol, associated with squamous cell carcinoma. Apparently, these subsets of patients with human papilloma virus positive tumor are more likely to have a better prognosis than human papilloma virus negative tumor. Considering this fact, the human papilloma virus infection should be determined in all oropharyngeal cancers since it can have a major impact on the decision making process of the treatment

Febuxostat: A novel agent for management of Hyperuricemia in gout

Gout is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated uric acid levels in the body, associated with painful arthritis, tophi and nephropathy. The most frequently used pharmacologic urate lowering strategies involve reducing urate production with a xanthine oxidase inhibitor and enhancing urinary excretion of uric acid with a uricosuric agent. Urate lowering agents are limited in number, availability and effectiveness. The emergence of a new medication, febuxostat, to lower serum urate levels is welcome as no new drug have been approved since the introduction of allopurinol, in 1964, and the drugs that are available have limitations owing to inefficacy or toxicity. Febuxostat is a novel, nonpurine selective inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, is a potential alternative to allopurinol for patients with hyperuricemia and gout

Synthesis, characterisation and catalytic activities of vanadium complexes containing ONN donor ligand (E)-4-[(2-(dimethylamino)ethylimino] methyl-5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylpyridin-3-ol

1562-1573Reaction between [VIVO(acac)2] and the ONN donor ligand (E)-4-[(2-(dimethylamino)ethylimino]methyl-5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylpyridin-3-ol (Hpydx-dmen) results in the formation of the complex [VIVO(acac)(pydx-dmen)] (1). In (1), the vanadium center adopts a distorted six-coordinated octahedral geometry where the ligand coordinates through one O and two N atoms; the oxo and two Oacac atoms complete the coordination sphere. The poorly stable oxidoperoxidovanadium(V) complex [VVO(O2)(pydx-dmen)] (2) has been prepared by the treatment of (1) with aqueous 30 % H2O2. Its formation has also been demonstrated in solution by treating (1) with H2O2 in methanol. Treatment of the ligand with vanadium(IV)–exchanged zeolite-Y followed by aerial oxidation gives the dioxidovanadium(V) complex encapsulated in the nano-cavity of zeolite-Y, [VVO2(pydx-dmen)]-Y (3). The encapsulated complex, [VVO2(pydx-dmen)]-Y (3), catalyses the oxidation of styrene, methyl phenyl sulfide, diphenyl sulfide and cyclohexene using H2O2 as oxidant in good yield