Anisotropic Upper Critical Field, Seebeck and Nernst Coefficient in Nb0.20Bi2Se3 Topological Superconductor

We present the magneto-transport and the thermoelectric (Seebeck and Nernst coefficient) studies of the Nb-doped Bi2Se3 topological superconductor. The angle-dependent magnetoresistance study highlights the anisotropy in the upper critical field (Hc2) with the anisotropy parameter Gamma ~1.2. We observed a gradual decrease in low-temperature Hall resistivity on the application of magnetic field like any conventional superconductor, instead of the finite Hall resistivity which was linked to the chiral superconducting phase. The estimated value of the carrier concentration (~ 10^19 cm-3) for Nb0.2Bi2Se3 is one order larger than for Bi2Se3. Doping of Nb shows a significant decrease in the Seebeck coefficient value and the estimated Fermi temperature of the three-dimensional Fermi surface at the centre of Brillouin zone in the zero-temperature limit enhances by ~4 times in comparison to pristine Bi2Se3. We have observed a large value (~2.3 micro V K-1 T-1) of Nernst coefficient for Bi2Se3 at room temperature which decreases with Nb doping ( ~0.5 micro V K-1 T-1).Comment: 8 pages, 7 figure

Extraction, Phytochemical Screening and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Hydro-Ethanolic Extract of Roots of Dactylorhiza hatagirea

The present work showed phytochemical screening, anti-inflammatory activities and sub-acute toxicity of hydro-ethanolic extract of roots of Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D. hatagirea) and rhizomes of Curcuma angustifolia (C. angustifolia). The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by Carrageenan-Induced Rat Paw Edema method. Acute toxicity of the extract (2000 mg/kg) was examined in Swiss albino mice for 14 days. Qualitative analysis of various phytochemical constituents and quantitative analysis of total phenolics and flavonoids were determined by the well-known test protocol available in the literature. Quantitative analysis of phenolic and flavonoids was carried out by Folins Ciocalteau reagent method and aluminium chloride method respectively. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids. The total phenolics content of roots of Dactylorhiza hatagirea and rhizomes of Curcuma angustifolia extract was (0.675, 0.456mg/100mg), followed by flavonoids (0.832, 1.091mg/100mg) respectively. Hydro-ethanolic extract up to 2000 mg/kg did not produce any toxic effects. The hydro-ethanolic extract of Dactylorhiza hatagirea and Curcuma angustifolia (100 and 200 mg/kg) inhibited the inflammation induced by carrageenan in rats in a dose dependent manner. After anti-inflammatory activity tablet formulation was prepared of the extract and evaluated as per IP.  The hydro-ethanolic extract of Dactylorhiza hatagirea and Curcuma angustifolia possesses a strong anti-inflammatory activity and may be considered an interesting source of effective anti-inflammatory compounds. Keywords:   Sub-acute toxicity, anti-inflammatory effect, Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Curcuma angustifolia, Herbal tablet formulatio

Evaluation of endometrial causes of postmenopausal bleeding with it's correlation with endometrial thickness and hysteroscopy findings and endometrial tissue histopathology

Background: Postmenopausal bleeding (PMB)accounts for 5% of gynecology visit. All with unexpected uterine bleeding should be evaluated for endometrial carcinoma since this potentially lethal disease is the cause of bleeding in approximately 10 percent patients (range 1 to 25 percent, depending upon risk factors). The aim of the study was to evaluate endometrial causes of postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) with it's correlation with endometrial thickness (ET)and hysteroscopy findings and endometrial tissue histopathology.Methods: A total 50 consecutive cases of PMB fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria and giving informed consent were selected. Each patient was subjected to transvaginal sonography (TVS) in which uterus, adnexa and endometrial thickness (ET) was assessed. Then hysteroscopy and/or dilation and curettage was scheduled at subsequent visit. Endometrial sample was sent for histopathological examination. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and diagnostic accuracy was calculated for ET by TVS and hysteroscopy findings, considering histopathological diagnosis as the gold standard.Results: Most common endometrial cause of PMB was atrophic endometrium (44%). The other causes were endometrial carcinoma (18%), endometrial hyperplasia (18%), endometrial polyp (12%), endometritis (4%), and leiomyoma (4%). The diagnostic accuracy of ET by TVS at a cut-off point of 5 mm was 94% with sensitivity 89.3%, specificity 100%, PPV 100% and NPV 88%. The diagnostic accuracy of hysteroscopy was 98% with sensitivity 96.4%, specificity 100%, PPV 100% and NPV 95.7%.Conclusions: Being relatively cheap, easily accessible, non-invasive, TVS with ET measurement should first line investigation in the evaluation of women with postmenopausal bleeding with suspected endometrial pathology. Although hysteroscopy is more specific and sensitive, in poor resource settings it should be limited to cases with ill-defined endometrial lining, recurrent/ persistent bleeding and cases with endometrial thickness greater than 5 mm irrespective of endometrial echotexture

Evaluation of antioxidant and anti-ulcerative potential of Citrullus lanatus seed extract in rats

In the present study antioxidant and antiulcer potential of Citrullus lanatus seeds were evaluated. Antioxidant activity of all the extracts (chloroform, ethylacetate and methanol) was measured by DPPH method. Methanolic extract of Citrullus lanatus (MECL) seeds showed maximum antioxidant potential and was evaluated for its anti-ulcerogenic activity by pyloric ligated (PL) and water immersion stress (WIS) induced ulcer models in rat. Gastric volume and free and total acidity were measured in PL model whereas; ulcerative index was measured in both the models at 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg doses of MECL. Rats treated with MECL (300 mg/kg) showed significant decrease in the gastric volume, free acidity and total acidity in case of PL model and showed significant percentage inhibition of ulcer as indicated by decrease in ulcerative index in both the models. The extract of Citrullus lanatus seeds possesses good antioxidant and anti-ulcer activity.Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire

Evaluation of antioxidant and anti-ulcerative potential of Citrullus lanatus seed extract in rats

In the present study antioxidant and antiulcer potential of Citrullus lanatus seeds were evaluated. Antioxidant activity of all the extracts (chloroform, ethylacetate and methanol) was measured by DPPH method. Methanolic extract of Citrullus lanatus (MECL) seeds showed maximum antioxidant potential and was evaluated for its anti-ulcerogenic activity by pyloric ligated (PL) and water immersion stress (WIS) induced ulcer models in rat. Gastric volume and free and total acidity were measured in PL model whereas; ulcerative index was measured in both the models at 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg doses of MECL. Rats treated with MECL (300 mg/kg) showed significant decrease in the gastric volume, free acidity and total acidity in case of PL model and showed significant percentage inhibition of ulcer as indicated by decrease in ulcerative index in both the models. The extract of Citrullus lanatus seeds possesses good antioxidant and anti-ulcer activity.Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire

Receptor-binding residues lie in central regions of duffy-binding-like domains involved in red cell invasion and cytoadherence by malaria parasites

Erythrocyte invasion by malaria parasites and cytoadherence of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes to host capillaries are 2 key pathogenic mechanisms in malaria. The receptor-binding domains of erythrocyte-binding proteins (EBPs) such as Plasmodium falciparum EBA-175, which mediate invasion, and P falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP-1) family members, which are encoded by var genes and mediate cytoadherence, have been mapped to conserved cysteine-rich domains referred to as Duffy-binding-like (DBL) domains. Here, we have mapped regions within DBL domains from EBPs and PfEMP-1 that contain receptor-binding residues. Using biochemical and molecular methods we demonstrate that the receptor-binding residues of parasite ligands that bind sialic acid on glycophorin A for invasion as well as complement receptor-1 and chondroitin sulfate A for cytoadherence map to central regions of DBL domains. In contrast, binding to intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) requires both the central and terminal regions of DBLβC2 domains. Determination of functional regions within DBL domains is the first step toward understanding the structure-function bases for their interaction with diverse host receptors

Plasmodium falciparum PhIL1-associated complex plays an essential role in merozoite reorientation and invasion of host erythrocytes.

The human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum possesses unique gliding machinery referred to as the glideosome that powers its entry into the insect and vertebrate hosts. Several parasite proteins including Photosensitized INA-labelled protein 1 (PhIL1) have been shown to associate with glideosome machinery. Here we describe a novel PhIL1 associated protein complex that co-exists with the glideosome motor complex in the inner membrane complex of the merozoite. Using an experimental genetics approach, we characterized the role(s) of three proteins associated with PhIL1: a glideosome associated protein- PfGAPM2, an IMC structural protein- PfALV5, and an uncharacterized protein-referred here as PfPhIP (PhIL1 Interacting Protein). Parasites lacking PfPhIP or PfGAPM2 were unable to invade host RBCs. Additionally, the downregulation of PfPhIP resulted in significant defects in merozoite segmentation. Furthermore, the PfPhIP and PfGAPM2 depleted parasites showed abrogation of reorientation/gliding. However, initial attachment with host RBCs was not affected in these parasites. Together, the data presented here show that proteins of the PhIL1-associated complex play an important role in the orientation of P. falciparum merozoites following initial attachment, which is crucial for the formation of a tight junction and hence invasion of host erythrocytes

Evaluation of antioxidant and anti-ulcerative potential of Citrullus lanatus seed extract in rats

In the present study antioxidant and antiulcer potential of Citrullus lanatus seeds were evaluated. Antioxidant activity of all the extracts (chloroform, ethylacetate and methanol) was measured by DPPH method. Methanolic extract of Citrullus lanatus (MECL) seeds showed maximum antioxidant potential and was evaluated for its anti-ulcerogenic activity by pyloric ligated (PL) and water immersion stress (WIS) induced ulcer models in rat. Gastric volume and free and total acidity were measured in PL model whereas; ulcerative index was measured in both the models at 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg doses of MECL. Rats treated with MECL (300 mg/kg) showed significant decrease in the gastric volume, free acidity and total acidity in case of PL model and showed significant percentage inhibition of ulcer as indicated by decrease in ulcerative index in both the models. The extract of Citrullus lanatus seeds possesses good antioxidant and anti-ulcer activity.Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire

Drought Stress in Millets and Its Response Mechanism

Drought is a major abiotic stress that diminishes crop yield and weakens global food security, especially in the current emerging situation of climate change as well as increases in the prevalence and severity of stress elements. Millets are nutrient-dense and capable to resist variety of harsh environmental conditions, including lack of moisture. Millet’s crop has evolved dynamically in terms of morphology, physiology, and biochemically that allow them to flee and/or adapt to adverse environmental situations. Drought stress has a significant impact on the vegetative and reproductive phases of plants. Millets generate a very low yield compared to main cereals like wheat and rice, despite their agronomic, nutritional, and health-related benefits. It is necessary to understand how these complex features are regulated and ameliorated the impact of droughts on millet productivity. Keeping this in view, the present work aims to understand the processes used for reducing the negative impacts of droughts in the production of millets varieties using advanced agronomic management strategies (use of information technology) and the biotechnology (improvements in crop genetics)