Serum Prolidase Activity and Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Nephropathy and End Stage Renal Disease: A Correlative Study with Glucose and Creatinine

Association of oxidative stress and serum prolidase activity (SPA) has been reported in many chronic diseases. The study was aimed at evaluating the correlation of glucose and creatinine to SPA and oxidative stress in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN) and end stage renal disease (ESRD) concerned with T2DM. 50 healthy volunteers, 50 patients with T2DM, 86 patients with DN, and 43 patients with ESRD were considered as control-1, control-2, case-1, and case-2, respectively. Blood glucose, creatinine, SPA, total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured by colorimetric tests. SPA, TOS, and OSI were significantly increased in case-1 and case-2 than control-1 and control-2, while TAS was significantly decreased (P<0.001). Blood glucose was linearly correlated to SPA, TOS, TAS, and OSI in control-2, case-1 and case-2 (P<0.001). Serum creatinine was linearly correlated with SPA, TOS, TAS and OSI in control-2 and case-1 (P<0.001). In case-2, serum creatinine was significantly correlated with SPA only (P<0.001). Thus, the study concluded that SPA and oxidative stress significantly correlated with blood glucose and creatinine. SPA, TOS, TAS, and OSI can be used as biomarkers for diagnosis of kidney damage

EFFECT OF METHYL SUBSTITUTION IN FLAVONES ON ITS LOCALIZATION AND INTERACTION WITH DPPC MODEL MEMBRANE: IMPLICATIONS FOR ANTI-PROLIFERATIVE ACTIVITY

Objective: Flavones are an important class of naturally occurring molecules possessing multiple pharmacological activities. The anti-proliferative activity is associated with the ability of flavones to influence membrane–dependent processes. We have investigated the localization and interaction of the synthesized flavones: 4΄–methylflavone (4MF) and 4΄–methyl–7–hydroxy flavone (4M7HF) with 1,2–dipalmitoyl–sn–glycero–3–phosphocholine (DPPC) model membrane. Methods: Diferential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and multi nuclear NMR were used to study the interactions with DPPC model membrane. The extent of interaction of these compounds has been compared with the parent molecules: flavone (FLV) and 7–hydroxy flavone (7HF). Results: Results of DSC and NMR indicate that FLV partitions deepest inside the hydrophobic core and 7HF is localized mostly at the lipid/water interface. 4MF and 4M7HF lying in between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic core. All four molecules assume a mixed orientation with respect to the bilayer normal as indicated by chemical shifts of the lipid protons in NMR. Interaction with the membrane follows the order FLV&gt;4MF&gt;4M7HF&gt;7HF. Radical scavenging activity parallels the presence of hydroxyl groups. Although FLV interacts highest with the membrane, it does not show highest antiproliferative activity. Interaction of the compounds with protons 3, 5a and 7 of DPPC is improved by the methyl substitution on the B-ring, so is the antiproliferative activity. Conclusion: That's antiproliferative activity of the compounds is at least partially related to the interaction of these molecules with the lipid water interface region

Suicidal Human Poisoning with Fungicide Pencycuron; a Rare Case Report from Rural India with Brief Review of Literature

Background: Pencycuron is frequently used worldwide as fungicide.  It is considered to be very effective and safe for humans and its acute toxicity is not yet known. Case Presentation: Here, we describe a case of severe acute Pencycuron poisoning in a young female with suicidal intent. She was immediately hospitalized in ICU and could be saved with meticulous management. Conclusion: Such acute and severe poisoning with Pencycuron has not been reported earlier and to the best of our knowledge this is the first case reported so far

Revisiting fiscal responsibility norms: a cross country analysis of the impact of Covid-19

In this paper, we have reviewed the Covid induced shock to the debt and deficit profiles of 10 of the largest economies by size of GDP in 2019 referred to in this paper as the Big-10 economies. There is a sharp upsurge in their government debt-GDP ratios because their policy responses to the Covid induced recession have been large fiscal stimuli based on borrowing. With low and often negative growth rates and high fiscal deficit, the debt-GDP ratios are projected to rise sharply in these economies. As normalcy is restored, these countries may attempt to sharply reduce their borrowing levels relative to GDP. However, we argue that before this is done, individual countries may do well to reassess their sustainability norms whether cast in terms of agreements such as the Maastricht Treaty or country level Fiscal Responsibility Legislations (FRLs) or other similar norms. This revision is called for because of the longer-term trends in these economies of rising money supply, falling nominal interest rates and nominal growth rate. The contribution of this article lies in highlighting that the existing FRL norms have become dated in the European and other similar economies because of significant changes in macro parameters such as the interest rate, the long-term growth rate and the government debt-GDP profiles of these countries as compared to the time when these norms were originally determined. There is thus a need now to re-determine these norms which may be higher than their current levels. Even though, some recent literature suggests that the sustainability benchmarks may have shifted upwards, we argue that the post Covid debt-GDP ratios have exceeded these revised benchmarks by significant margins in the case of a number of the Big-10 economie

Examining sustainability of government debt in India: post Covid prospects

In this paper, we examine the determination of the sustainable level of debt-GDP ratio for the combined debt of central and state governments relative to GDP using (a) an analytical approach which was followed by the Twelfth Finance Commission (FC 12) and (b) an econometric model using threshold estimation. These methods provide results which are quite close to the target debt-GDP ratio of 60% determined by the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) review committee of 2018. In order to understand the evolution of government debt in India, we have divided the period from 1991-92 to 2018-19 into two sub-groups (A) consisting of years where a primary deficit was incurred; and (B) years where a primary surplus was shown. In the case of India, all years are characterized by primary deficit. These years are further divided into three sub-categories based on the contribution to the debt-GDP ratio made by (i) primary balance and (ii) excess of nominal growth rate over interest rate. The approach used here provides a modified view of the dynamics of debt as explained by the contribution of cumulated primary deficit and that of the excess of nominal growth over interest rate which was used in Rangarajan and Srivastava (2004). We have shown that this dynamics is well captured by an ARDL estimation which estimates the individual contribution of each of the contributing factor to debt accumulation namely primary deficit to GDP ratio, lagged debt-GDP ratio, nominal GDP growth rate and interest rate. We find that government debt in India is likely to exceed the sustainable debt-GDP threshold by a large margin in the post Covid years and even after normalcy is restored, it would take a long period for sustainability to be restored. It would also require that adequate policy measures are taken to ensure that growth rate exceeds the interest rate over long contiguous periods

Design of an Astronomical Reflecting Telescope

In this project, the literature survey of history of astronomy, celestial bodies and various types of telescope has been done. For designing astronomical reflecting telescope, firstly the mirror has been grinded and Sagitta formed is being measured. After that, the focal length (=97.62 inch) and magnification (= 99.18) has been calculated. Then, the polishing of the mirror has been done for making the smooth surface

Giant cell Granuloma: Histological comparison and a review

Central giant cell granulomas (CGCG) constitute about 10% of benign jawbone lesions. Approximately one-third of CGCG exhibit local aggressive behavior with bone destruction and a tendency to recur.1 Jaffe (1953) was the first to distinguish central giant cell granulomas (CGCG) of the jawbones from other giant cell lesions of bones and originally called them“central giant cell reparative granulomas” since they were believed to be a reactive-reparative process that might heal spontaneously.1 Recently the World Health Organization has defined it as localized benign but sometimes aggressive osteolytic proliferation consisting of fibrous tissue with hemorrhage and haemosiderin depo­sits, presence of osteoclast-like giant cells and reactive bone formation. Many authors have established the differences with other lesions of giant cells. The clinical behavior of CGCG varies from a slowly asymptomatic swelling to an aggressive lesion that manifests with pain, cortical perforation, and root resorption.2 On the other hand the peripheral giant cell granuloma is a reactive exophytic lesion of the gingiva and alveolar ridge that usually occurs as a result of local irritating factors such as plaque, calculus, chronic infection, chronic irritation, tooth extraction, inproperly finished filling, unstable dental prosthesis, and impacted food which originates from the periosteium or periodontal ligament.&nbsp

Potential of hydroethanolic leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum in ameliorating redox status and lung injury in COPD: an in vivo and in silico study

Abstract Oxidative stress and inflammation are hypothesised as the main contributor for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Cigarette smoke (CS), a major cause of COPD leads to inflammation resulting in recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages which are rich sources of oxidants. Activation of these cells produces excess oxidants and depletes antioxidants resulting in stress. Presently, effective drug for COPD is limited; therefore, novel compounds from natural sources, including plants are under exploration. The present study aims to investigate the protective effect of Ocimum sanctum leaf extract (OLE) in CS − induced model of COPD. Exposure to CS was performed thrice a week for 8 weeks and OLE (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) was administered an hour before CS exposure. Control group (negative control) were exposed to ambient air while COPD group was exposed to CS (positive control). Administration of OLE doses reduced inflammation, decreased oxidant concentration and increased antioxidant concentration (p < 0.01). Molecular docking studies between the major phytocompounds of OLE (Eugenol, Cyclohexane and Caryophyllene) and antioxidant enzymes Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase, Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Glutathione reductase (GR) and Glutathione S Transferase (GST) showed strong binding interaction in terms of binding energy. In vivo and in silico findings for the first time indicates that OLE extract significantly alleviates oxidative stress by its potent free radical scavenging property and strong interaction with antioxidant enzymes. OLE extract may prove to be a therapeutic option for COPD prevention and treatment

Maternal and Cord Blood Hepcidin Concentrations in Severe Iron Deficiency Anemia

The present study was conducted to assess the maternal and cord blood hepcidin concentrations in severe iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and to find out its correlation with other iron status parameters. Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out in 30 mothers with severe IDA (hemoglobin < 70 g/L and serum ferritin < 12 μg/L), and 15 healthy nonanemic (hemoglobin ≥ 110 g/L) mothers, who delivered live singleton neonates at term gestation. Mothers and neonates with infection/inflammatory conditions were excluded. Quantitative estimation of complete blood count, serum iron, ferritin, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation (Tfsat) was done in maternal and cord blood immediately after delivery by an auto analyzer. Serum hepcidin concentrations were measured by double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a Human Hepcidin-25 kit. Data were analyzed by statistical software SPSS 16.0. Results: The serum iron and ferritin concentrations in severe IDA were 6.7 ± 1.8 μmol/L and 4.1 ± 1.4 μg/L in maternal blood, and 9.5 ± 2.6 μmol/L and 55.4 ± 19.7 μg/L in cord blood, respectively, significantly lower than nonanemic controls (p < 0.001). The corresponding serum hepcidin concentrations were 76.6 ± 22.7 μg/L and 110.5 ± 11.8 μg/L, respectively (p < 0.05). The proportion of cord blood/maternal blood hepcidin concentration was similar in both anemic (1.4:1) and nonanemic (1.3:1) mothers. Significant correlation was observed among maternal and cord blood hepcidin concentrations and other iron status parameters. Conclusion: Even in the presence of low serum iron and ferritin, maternal and cord blood hepcidin concentrations remained high in severe anemia. Failure of this proportional suppression of hepcidin indicates poor systemic bioavailability of iron to the mother and poor placental transport