Antibacterial Mode of Action of the Essential Oil Obtained from Chamaecyparis obtusa Sawdust on the Membrane Integrity of Selected Foodborne Pathogens

U ovom je radu ispitan mehanizam antibakterijskog učinka esencijalnog ulja dobivenog iz piljevine pačempresa (Chamaecyparis obtusa) na patogene bakterije u hrani. Esencijalno je ulje dobiveno mikrovalnom ekstrakcijom i hidrodestilacijom piljevine pačempresa. Vrijednosti su minimalne inhibitorne koncentracije esencijalnog ulja što su sprečavale rast bakterija u hrani, poput Bacillus cereus ATCC 13061, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 12600, Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 43174 i Escherichia coli ATCC 43889, bile u rasponu od 62,5 do 500 μg/mL, a vrijednosti minimalne baktericidne koncentracije u rasponu od 125 do 1000 μg/mL. Potvrđeno je da je esencijalno ulje u minimalnoj inhibitornoj koncentraciji sprečavalo rast stanica ispitanih bakerija. Osim toga, pretražnom su elektronskom mikroskopijom pronađene bitne morfološke promjene ili puknuća stanične membrane bakterija B. cereus ATCC 13061 i E. coli ATCC 43889, čime je potvrđen inhibicijski utjecaj esencijalnog ulja iz piljevine pačempresa. Oslobađanje velikih količina izvanstaničnog adenozin 5’-trifosfata (ATP) i materijala koji se apsorbira na valnoj duljini od 260 nm, te gubitak iona kalija iz stanice negativno djeluju na Gram-pozitivnu bakteriju B. cereus ATCC 13061 i Gram-negativnu bakteriju E. coli ATCC 43889, što potvrđuje učinak esencijalnog ulja na staničnu membranu. Iz dobivenih se rezultata može zaključiti da esencijalno ulje dobiveno iz piljevine pačempresa ima antibakterijsku aktivnost širokog spektra, te da djeluje na integritet stanične membrane i morfološka svojstva bakterija izoliranih iz hrane.The present study examines the possible antibacterial mechanism of action of the essential oil obtained from Chamaecyparis obtusa (COEO) sawdust against foodborne pathogenic bacteria. The COEO was obtained by microwave-assisted hydrodistillation of C. obtusa sawdust. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of COEO against the tested foodborne pathogens including Bacillus cereus ATCC 13061, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 12600, Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 43174 and Escherichia coli ATCC 43889 were found in the range from 62.5 to 500 μg/mL and from 125 to 1000 μg/mL, respectively. At the MIC concentrations, the COEO had potential inhibitory effect on the cell viability of the tested bacteria. In addition, the scanning electron microscopic analysis confirmed the inhibitory effect of COEO by revealing significant morphological alterations or rupture of the cell membranes of B. cereus ATCC 13061 and E. coli ATCC 43889. Moreover, the mode of action of COEO on the cell membrane of both Gram-positive B. cereus ATCC 13061 and Gram-negative E. coli ATCC 43889 bacteria was confirmed by marked release of extracellular adenosine 5’-triphosphate (ATP) and cellular material that absorbs at 260 nm, and by efflux of potassium ions. These findings suggest that COEO holds a broad-spectrum antibacterial efficacy, confirming its influence on the membrane integrity and morphological characteristics of tested foodborne pathogens

Biocatalytic route to C-3?-azido/-hydroxy-C-4?-spiro-oxetanoribonucleosides

The lipase, Novozyme®-435, exclusively deacetylates the 5-O-acetyl over 4-C-acetyloxymethyl group of almost identical reactivity in 5-O-acetyl-4-C-acetyloxymethyl-3-azido-3-deoxy-1,2-O-isopropylidene-?-D-ribofuranose that led to the development of first and efficient synthesis of 3?-azido-/3?-amino-C-4?-spiro-oxetanoribonucleosides T, U, C and A in 20–24% overall yields. The X-ray study on the compound obtained by tosylation of lipase-mediated monodeacetylated product unambiguously confirmed the point of diastereoselective monodeacetylation on diacetoxy-azido-ribofuranose derivative. The capability of Novozyme®-435 for selective deacylation of 5-O-acetyl group in 5-O-acetyl-4-C-acetyloxymethyl-3-O-benzyl-1,2-O-isopropylidene-?-D-ribofuranose recently discovered by us has been successfully used for the synthesis of C-4?-spiro-oxetanoribonucleosides A and C in good yields. These results clearly indicate that the broader substrate specificity and highly selective capability of Novozyme®-435 for carrying out acetylation/deacetylation reactions can be utilized for the development of environment friendly selective methodologies in organic synthesis

Determination of the presence of metabolic syndrome in patients of erectile dysfunction and assess correlation of its components with erectile dysfunction in a tertiary care hospital in central India

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common medical condition that affects approximately 100 million men worldwide and is currently recognized as a major public health problem. Metabolic syndrome (Met S) is a complex entity consisting of multiple interrelated factors including insulin resistance, central adiposity, dyslipidaemia, endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerotic disease, low-grade inflammation, and in males, low testosterone levels. we aimed to investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome and ED presence and severity.Methods: Patient who came to urology OPD with c/o of ED and were evaluated for it with physical examination, questionnaire, investigations>after confirmation of ED were evaluated for presence of metabolic syndrome and its individual componentsResults: Out of these 202 patients, 98 patients were found to have metabolic syndrome. The mean age of participating patients in this study was 47.2±5.6 years. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 98 (34.78%) of 202 patients. Statistically significant association was found between ED and metabolic syndrome, waist circumference and fasting blood glucose (p<0.001 with each parameter). We also found a significant correlation between hypertension and ED but no significant correlation with triglyceride levels or HDL levels.Conclusions: ED is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome and the efforts for treatment of erectile dysfunction must be made in the context of metabolic syndrome and its constituents with a low threshold to diagnose the cardiovascular disease

Emulating Thin Clients and Voice-over-IP with Wane

Volume 2 Issue 8 (August 2014

Ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome in a spontaneous singleton pregnancy: a case report

Ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome (OHSS) is extremely rare in spontaneous pregnancies. Spontaneous OHSS can result from glycoprotein hormones stimulating follicle-stimulating hormone receptors (FSHR). Our case reinforces the importance of a prompt diagnosis and management in all pregnant patients presenting with acute abdomen and ovarian masses. We report a case of spontaneous singleton pregnancy at 12-week POG presented with abdominal distension and enlarged ovaries. Patient was successfully managed with supportive treatment comprise of intravenous (IV) Albumin, thromboprophylaxis, dopamine agonist and insulin sensitizer. Spontaneous OHSS should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen in pregnant women. Since spontaneous OHSS can be associated with life-threatening complications, it requires early diagnosis for successful management. The etiology should be determined in order to focus the treatment and avoid future complications.

Ocular doppler imaging: opening a new window in decoding glaucoma

Background: In the aetiopathogenesis of multifactorial glaucoma autoregulation of ocular blood flow plays an important role as failure of autoregulation may lead to progression of disease. Aim of this study to understand this better this study was designed to investigate the quantum of these abnormalities and their likely role in pathogenesis and prognosis of primary open angle glaucoma(POAG).Methods: This is a case control study design which involved 67 POAG patients and 67 matched controls. The parameters assessed includes peak systolic velocity(PSV), end diastolic velocity(EDV) and resistive index(RI) of ophthalmic artery(OA) and central retinal artery(CRA) of patients having POAG with age and sex matched healthy subjects. The data obtained was statistically analysed using IBM SPSS 21.Results: The study showed decreased PSV of 31.7 cm/s vs 42.7 cm/s(p=0.0001) and EDV11.7 cm/s vs 19.8 cm/s(p=0.002) with increased RI 0.63 vs 0.53(p=0.000) in  OA and PSV of 15.2 cm/s vs 21.4 cm/s(p=0.001) and EDV4.7 cm/s vs 11.7 cm/s(p=0.003) with increased RI 0.69 vs 0.45(p=0.000) in CRA in both eyes in POAG patients as compared to healthy controls.Conclusion: The study has shown the promising application of ocular Doppler in evaluating POAG patients. However, more such studies are needed with larger study sample and on follow up basis for better understanding glaucoma hemodynamics and applicability of ocular Doppler in management of glaucoma

Solar PV mini-grids versus large-scale embedded PV generation: A case study of Uttar Pradesh (India)

The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link.Despite significant grid expansion during the last decade, globally India has the highest number of people lacking access to electricity. Mini-grid has been suggested as a possible electrification option and the new mini-grid policy of the state of Uttar Pradesh has attracted global attention. Relatedly, the drive for grid extension restricts off-grid areas to very remote locations and enhances the risks for mini-grid projects. Simultaneously, the pledge for increasing renewable energy share in the power supply mix opens the possibility of large-scale embedded renewable energy generation in the rural areas. This paper investigates the viability of solar PV-based mini-grids using a discounted cash flow analysis and considers the UP-policy prescriptions to explore the case of a megawatt (MW)-scale grid-connected solar PV under a power purchase agreement. It identifies the viability support requirements for both cases under different business conditions. It finds that mini-grids are not a viable proposition if the tariff prescribed in UP is used and that other cost minimising support (such as capital subsidy or low interest debt or an output-based subsidy) would be required to attract private investments. Large-scale solar projects, on the other hand, are more viable and can be an attractive proposition for rural electrification in the Indian context

Emerging Roles and Potential Applications of Non-Coding RNAs in Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer (CC) is a preventable disease using proven interventions, specifically prophylactic vaccination, pervasive disease screening, and treatment, but it is still the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. Patients with advanced or metastatic CC have a very dismal prognosis and current therapeutic options are very limited. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of metastasis and discovering new therapeutic targets are crucial. New sequencing tools have given a full visualization of the human transcriptome’s composition. Non-coding RNAs (NcRNAs) perform various functions in transcriptional, translational, and post-translational processes through their interactions with proteins, RNA, and even DNA. It has been suggested that ncRNAs act as key regulators of a variety of biological processes, with their expression being tightly controlled under physiological settings. In recent years, and notably in the past decade, significant effort has been made to examine the role of ncRNAs in a variety of human diseases, including cancer. Therefore, shedding light on the functions of ncRNA will aid in our better understanding of CC. In this review, we summarize the emerging roles of ncRNAs in progression, metastasis, therapeutics, chemoresistance, human papillomavirus (HPV) regulation, metabolic reprogramming, diagnosis, and as a prognostic biomarker of CC.We also discussed the role of ncRNA in the tumor microenvironment and tumor immunology, including cancer stem cells (CSCs) in CC.We also address contemporary technologies such as antisense oligonucleotides, CRISPR–Cas9, and exosomes, as well as their potential applications in targeting ncRNAs to manage CC

Detection of mullerian duct anomalies: diagnostic utility of two dimensional ultrasonography as compared to magnetic resonance imaging

Background: Mullerian duct anomalies (MDAs) are a fascinating group of disorders that have varied clinical presentation from being asymptomatic to primary amenorrhea to inability to reproduce. Correct diagnosis of the condition plays a crucial role in management. Imaging plays a pivotal role in making correct diagnosis. This study aims to find the prevalence of MDAs amongst study population and their relation with infertility and also compares diagnostic utility of pelvic ultrasound with MRI.Methods: A randomized diagnostic test evaluation study was conducted in the Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging of a tertiary care teaching hospital over a period of 2 years. The patient first underwent pelvic 2D USG in multiple planes using curvilinear probe of 3MHz to 5 MHz. frequency and then MRI.Results: Most common MDA in total study sample and in primary infertility group is arcuate uterus while in recurrent abortions group it is unicornuate uterus. Out of total study sample of 75 patients 2D USG detected 18 cases of MDA while MRI detected 22 cases of MDA. So, 2D USG failed to detect 04 cases of MDA in total study population bringing overall sensitivity of 2D USG as 81.8%, specificity of 100%, PPV of 100%, NPV of 93.4% and accuracy of 94.6%.Conclusions: 2D USG has a few limitations but in view of relatively simple imaging procedure, ease of availability and cost effectiveness it should be utilized as an initial imaging modality in patients with suspicion of MDAs

Property Estimation with Automated Ball Indentation Using Artificial Neural Network and Finite Element Simulation

Abstract A combined mechanical property evaluation methodology with ABI (Automated Ball Indentation) simulation and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) analysis is evolved to evaluate the mechanical properties for material. The experimental load deflection data is converted into meaningful mechanical properties for this material. An ANN database is generated with the help of contact type finite element analysis by numerically simulating the ABI process for various magnitudes of yield strength (σ yp ) (200 MPa -500 MPa) with a range of strain hardening exponent (n) (0.1-0.5) and strength coefficient (K) (500 MPa -1500 MPa). For the present problem, a ball indenter of 1.57 mm diameter having Young&apos;s Modulus approximately 100 times more than the test piece is used to minimize the error due to indenter deformation. Test piece dimension is kept large enough in comparison to the indenter configuration in the simulation to minimize the deflection at the outer edge of the test piece. Further, this database after the neural network training; is used to analyze measured material properties of different test pieces. The ANN predictions are reconfirmed with contact type finite element analysis for an arbitrary selected test sample. The methodology evolved in this work can be extended to predict material properties for any irradiated nuclear material in the service