Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of \u3cem\u3eMussaenda\u3c/em\u3e Species (Rubiaceae)

The genus Mussaenda is an important source of medicinal natural products, particularly iridoids, triterpenes and flavonoids. The purpose of this paper is to cover the more recent developments in the ethnobotany, pharmacology and phytochemistry of this genus. The species in which the largest number of compounds has been identified is Mussaenda pubescens. Pharmacological studies have also been made, however, of other species in this genus. These lesser known plants of the genus are described here according to their cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The information given here is intended to serve as a reference tool for practitioners in the fields of ethnopharmacology and natural products chemistry

Simulating Root System Development of Short-duration Pigeonpea

Length and weight of pigeonpea roots were measured weekly in different soil layers and compared with estimates obtained from a root simulation model using daily climatic data, soil physico-chemical properties and dry matter allocation to roots. Daily moisture content and temperature at different soil depths were well simulated using sub-routines from the CERES-Maize model. Daily allocation of dry matter to roots was calculated from logistic functions fitted to the growth data for shoots and roots. Although root length and weight tended to be underestimated by the model, regressions between measured and simulated root growth were highly significant so that the model could, with a few modifications, be used to predict root system development

Within-Host Evolution of Burkholderia pseudomallei in Four Cases of Acute Melioidosis

Little is currently known about bacterial pathogen evolution and adaptation within the host during acute infection. Previous studies of Burkholderia pseudomallei, the etiologic agent of melioidosis, have shown that this opportunistic pathogen mutates rapidly both in vitro and in vivo at tandemly repeated loci, making this organism a relevant model for studying short-term evolution. In the current study, B. pseudomallei isolates cultured from multiple body sites from four Thai patients with disseminated melioidosis were subjected to fine-scale genotyping using multilocus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA). In order to understand and model the in vivo variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR) mutational process, we characterized the patterns and rates of mutations in vitro through parallel serial passage experiments of B. pseudomallei. Despite the short period of infection, substantial divergence from the putative founder genotype was observed in all four melioidosis cases. This study presents a paradigm for examining bacterial evolution over the short timescale of an acute infection. Further studies are required to determine whether the mutational process leads to phenotypic alterations that impact upon bacterial fitness in vivo. Our findings have important implications for future sampling strategies, since colonies in a single clinical sample may be genetically heterogeneous, and organisms in a culture taken late in the infective process may have undergone considerable genetic change compared with the founder inoculum

An iridoid with anticancer activity from the sepals of <i style="">Mussaenda ‘dona aurora’</i>

1019-1022The sepals of Mussaenda ‘dona aurora’ afford three iridoid glycosides and four flavonoids. Among them, Sanshiside-D, a new iridoid glycoside has been found to suppress the growth of vero cell lines (IC 50 -1.99 μM/mL). Sanshiside methyl ester and lamalbide are inactive towards vero cell lines

“Save Antibiotics, Save lives”: an Indian success story of infection control through persuasive diplomacy

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Carbapenem resistant <it>Enterobacteriaceae</it> is a worldwide threat, with increasing prevalence in many countries. Restricted usage of higher end antibiotics, especially carbapenem is of great importance in tackling these super bugs. Purpose of this retrospective study was to analyse the impact of antibiotic stewardship activities on the prevalence of carbapenem resistant <it>Enterobacteriaceae</it> in our hospital.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>In the first Quarter of 2009, average usage of carbapenem group of antibiotics was 955 vials a month while in 2010, the usage dropped to 745 vials per month. Carbapenem resistant <it>E.coli</it> rate dropped from 3.7% in 2009 to 1.6% in 2010 and Klebsiella rate reduced from 6% in 2009 to 3.6% in 2010.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Strict antibiotic stewardship strategies in conjunction with good infection control practices are useful in restricting higher end antibiotic usage and reducing the prevalence of carbapenem resistant <it>Enterobacteriaceae.</it></p

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Not AvailableBMPs and their receptors modulate the granulosa cell (GC) function in the follicle of domestic animals. Since little is known on BMPs in the buffalo, the present study was aimed to investigate the expression of BMP2, 4, 6, 7 and their receptors BMPR1A, BMPR1B, BMPR2 in the GC and theca cells (TC) of ovarian follicles and the role of BMP4 and BMP7 on buffalo GC. Follicles were classified into four groups based on size and E2 level in the follicular fluid as follows: (i) Group1(4-6 mm; 13 mm; >180 ng/mL). The results revealed that except BMP6, BMP2, 4 7 and receptors BMPR1A, BMPR1B and BMPR2 showed a minimum of 1.5-2 fold increase in mRNA expression in the GC of dominant follicle as compared to other follicle classes. In the dominant follicle, a two-fold increase in BMP4 and BMP7 expression was observed in the TC. At 100 ng/mL, the BMP4 and BMP7 either alone or in combination maximally down-regulated CASPASE3 and stimulated the transcripts of PCNA, FSHR and CYP19A1 that was supported by E2 secretion in the granulosa cell culture suggesting their role in cell survival and E2 production. In conclusion, GC and TC of dominant follicles express BMP 2, 4, 6, 7 and their receptors BMPR1A, BMPR1B and BMPR2. BMP4 and BMP7 stimulate E2 production and promote GC survival.Not Availabl