Hislop College

BACKGROUND: For more than three decades, the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) has provided a framework to quantify health loss due to diseases, injuries, and associated risk factors. This paper presents GBD 2023 findings on disease and injury burden and risk-attributable health loss, offering a global audit of the state of world health to inform public health priorities. This work captures the evolving landscape of health metrics across age groups, sexes, and locations, while reflecting on the remaining post-COVID-19 challenges to achieving our collective global health ambitions. METHODS: The GBD 2023 combined analysis estimated years lived with disability (YLDs), years of life lost (YLLs), and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) for 375 diseases and injuries, and risk-attributable burden associated with 88 modifiable risk factors. Of the more than 310 000 total data sources used for all GBD 2023 (about 30% of which were new to this estimation round), more than 120 000 sources were used for estimation of disease and injury burden and 59 000 for risk factor estimation, and included vital registration systems, surveys, disease registries, and published scientific literature. Data were analysed using previously established modelling approaches, such as disease modelling meta-regression version 2.1 (DisMod-MR 2.1) and comparative risk assessment methods. Diseases and injuries were categorised into four levels on the basis of the established GBD cause hierarchy, as were risk factors using the GBD risk hierarchy. Estimates stratified by age, sex, location, and year from 1990 to 2023 were focused on disease-specific time trends over the 2010-23 period and presented as counts (to three significant figures) and age-standardised rates per 100 000 person-years (to one decimal place). For each measure, 95% uncertainty intervals [UIs] were calculated with the 2·5th and 97·5th percentile ordered values from a 250-draw distribution. FINDINGS: Total numbers of global DALYs grew 6·1% (95% UI 4·0-8·1), from 2·64 billion (2·46-2·86) in 2010 to 2·80 billion (2·57-3·08) in 2023, but age-standardised DALY rates, which account for population growth and ageing, decreased by 12·6% (11·0-14·1), revealing large long-term health improvements. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) contributed 1·45 billion (1·31-1·61) global DALYs in 2010, increasing to 1·80 billion (1·63-2·03) in 2023, alongside a concurrent 4·1% (1·9-6·3) reduction in age-standardised rates. Based on DALY counts, the leading level 3 NCDs in 2023 were ischaemic heart disease (193 million [176-209] DALYs), stroke (157 million [141-172]), and diabetes (90·2 million [75·2-107]), with the largest increases in age-standardised rates since 2010 occurring for anxiety disorders (62·8% [34·0-107·5]), depressive disorders (26·3% [11·6-42·9]), and diabetes (14·9% [7·5-25·6]). Remarkable health gains were made for communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional (CMNN) diseases, with DALYs falling from 874 million (837-917) in 2010 to 681 million (642-736) in 2023, and a 25·8% (22·6-28·7) reduction in age-standardised DALY rates. During the COVID-19 pandemic, DALYs due to CMNN diseases rose but returned to pre-pandemic levels by 2023. From 2010 to 2023, decreases in age-standardised rates for CMNN diseases were led by rate decreases of 49·1% (32·7-61·0) for diarrhoeal diseases, 42·9% (38·0-48·0) for HIV/AIDS, and 42·2% (23·6-56·6) for tuberculosis. Neonatal disorders and lower respiratory infections remained the leading level 3 CMNN causes globally in 2023, although both showed notable rate decreases from 2010, declining by 16·5% (10·6-22·0) and 24·8% (7·4-36·7), respectively. Injury-related age-standardised DALY rates decreased by 15·6% (10·7-19·8) over the same period. Differences in burden due to NCDs, CMNN diseases, and injuries persisted across age, sex, time, and location. Based on our risk analysis, nearly 50% (1·27 billion [1·18-1·38]) of the roughly 2·80 billion total global DALYs in 2023 were attributable to the 88 risk factors analysed in GBD. Globally, the five level 3 risk factors contributing the highest proportion of risk-attributable DALYs were high systolic blood pressure (SBP), particulate matter pollution, high fasting plasma glucose (FPG), smoking, and low birthweight and short gestation-with high SBP accounting for 8·4% (6·9-10·0) of total DALYs. Of the three overarching level 1 GBD risk factor categories-behavioural, metabolic, and environmental and occupational-risk-attributable DALYs rose between 2010 and 2023 only for metabolic risks, increasing by 30·7% (24·8-37·3); however, age-standardised DALY rates attributable to metabolic risks decreased by 6·7% (2·0-11·0) over the same period. For all but three of the 25 leading level 3 risk factors, age-standardised rates dropped between 2010 and 2023-eg, declining by 54·4% (38·7-65·3) for unsafe sanitation, 50·5% (33·3-63·1) for unsafe water source, and 45·2% (25·6-72·0) for no access to handwashing facility, and by 44·9% (37·3-53·5) for child growth failure. The three leading level 3 risk factors for which age-standardised attributable DALY rates rose were high BMI (10·5% [0·1 to 20·9]), drug use (8·4% [2·6 to 15·3]), and high FPG (6·2% [-2·7 to 15·6]; non-significant). INTERPRETATION: Our findings underscore the complex and dynamic nature of global health challenges. Since 2010, there have been large decreases in burden due to CMNN diseases and many environmental and behavioural risk factors, juxtaposed with sizeable increases in DALYs attributable to metabolic risk factors and NCDs in growing and ageing populations. This long-observed consequence of the global epidemiological transition was only temporarily interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The substantially decreasing CMNN disease burden, despite the 2008 global financial crisis and pandemic-related disruptions, is one of the greatest collective public health successes known. However, these achievements are at risk of being reversed due to major cuts to development assistance for health globally, the effects of which will hit low-income countries with high burden the hardest. Without sustained investment in evidence-based interventions and policies, progress could stall or reverse, leading to widespread human costs and geopolitical instability. Moreover, the rising NCD burden necessitates intensified efforts to mitigate exposure to leading risk factors-eg, air pollution, smoking, and metabolic risks, such as high SBP, BMI, and FPG-including policies that promote food security, healthier diets, physical activity, and equitable and expanded access to potential treatments, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Decisive, coordinated action is needed to address long-standing yet growing health challenges, including depressive and anxiety disorders. Yet this can be only part of the solution. Our response to the NCD syndemic-the complex interaction of multiple health risks, social determinants, and systemic challenges-will define the future landscape of global health. To ensure human wellbeing, economic stability, and social equity, global action to sustain and advance health gains must prioritise reducing disparities by addressing socioeconomic and demographic determinants, ensuring equitable health-care access, tackling malnutrition, strengthening health systems, and improving vaccination coverage. We live in times of great opportunity. FUNDING: Gates Foundation and Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Nisin is a peptide bacteriocin, grouped under the category of lantibiotics. It is naturally produced by Lactococcus lactis to eliminate other competing gram-positive bacteria from its vicinity. Moreover under certain conditions it is reported to be effective against a broad range of gram-negative bacteria as well. Thus, it has been widely used as a safe food preservative especially in the dairy industry. Because of its wide-scale consumption, its effect on eukaryotic cells should be of great concern. Here we examine the immunomodulatory efficacy of nisin in vitro. MTT-based cytotoxicity assay demonstrated nisin's cytotoxicity on human T-cell lymphoma Jurkat cells, Molt-4 cells and freshly cultured human lymphocytes at over 200 µM concentration (IC(50) 225 µM). The cell death mechanism induced by nisin in all these lymphocyte types was independent of oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation, as analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis and comet assay. Additionally, scanning electron microscope and fluorescence microscopy demonstrated the ability of nisin to activate human PMNs in vitro. Nisin-activated neutrophils extruded intact nuclear chromatin to form NETs, well known for neutralization of virulence factors and extermination of bacterial pathogens. Nisin's presence also elevated neutrophil intracellular superoxide levels, normally produced by activated NADPH oxidase and prerequisite to NET formation. These nisin-induced responses in cellular representatives of two separate branches of human immune system-adaptive and innate-although leading to cell death, did not include DNA fragmentation. From these findings, we propose that nisin might trigger similar AICD mechanisms in lymphocytes and neutrophils, different from conventional apoptosis which involves DNA fragmentation.

The current work was carried out under a screening program targeted at isolation of bioactive Streptomyces species from soil samples. A total of 54 Streptomyces species were isolated from soil samples, out of which 4 isolates were found to be promising. These isolates were identified as Streptomyces spectabilis, Streptomyces purpurascens, Streptomyces coeruleorubidus and Streptomyces lavendofoliae and their sequences have been deposited in the GenBank. The influence of culture conditions including, incubation time, incubation temperature, initial pH and different carbon and nitrogen sources on growth and bioactive compound formation was investigated. Isolate R1, identified as Streptomyces spectabilis, showed maximum bioactive metabolite production with cellobiose and peptone as the carbon and nitrogen sources, on the 5th day at pH 5 at 30℃. The optimum conditions for production by isolate R3, identified as Streptomyces purpurascens, were observed to be starch and casein as the carbon and nitrogen sources, pH 7, temperature 30℃ and an incubation period of eight days. For isolate R5, identified as Streptomyces coeruleorubidus, maximal production resulted on the sixth day at pH 6 and temperature of 35℃ with mannitol and JBM. Isolate Y8, identified as Streptomyces lavendofoliae, was found to produce high levels of bioactive metabolites in the medium supplemented with starch and peptone on the 10th day at pH 7 and at an incubation temperature of 30℃. The four strains tested here behaved differently, each one requiring specific conditions for maximum growth as well as bioactive metabolite production.

BACKGROUND: In this study, strictosidine synthase (STR) from Catharanthus roseus that plays an important role in alkaloid biosynthesis was selected. The purpose of this work was to perform in silico analysis and to predict the three-dimensional structure of this protein that is not available. RESULTS: Physicochemical characterization was performed by Expasy's Protparam server. The computed theoretical isoelectric point (pI) found to be less than 7 indicates the acidic nature of this protein. The aliphatic index 73.04 indicates the thermal stability of the protein. Grand average hydropathy (GRAVY) was predicted to be - 285; this lower value of GRAVY shows the possibility of better interaction of this protein with water. Functional analysis of these proteins was performed by SOSUI server which predicted the transmembrane helix. Secondary structure analysis was carried out by SOPMA that revealed that Alpha helix dominated among secondary structure elements followed by random coil, extended strand, and beta turns. The modeling of the three-dimensional structure of the STR was performed by Swiss model. The model was validated using protein structure checking tools PROCHECK and PROVE. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals in silico analysis by Expasy Protparam server, SOPMA, and SOSUI server. Homology modeling of STR was performed by Swiss model.

Carbonylation reactions with carbon monoxide (CO) provide efficient and attractive routes for the synthesis of bulk and fine chemicals. However, the practice of using a large excess of an inflammable, lethal and greenhouse CO gas is always a concern in this chemistry. The development of CO surrogates has gained substantial interest and become a green alternative to gaseous CO. Many of the recent studies have focused on the development of other benign and safe reagents to work as a CO source in carbonylation reactions, and the assortment of feasible CO surrogates for specific reaction can be accomplished by the literature data. This review describes the recent developments in palladium-catalyzed carbonyl insertions without the direct use of gaseous CO.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of two hybrid restoratives, namely resin modified glass ionomer cement (GC Fuji II™ LC, GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) and giomer (Beautifil-II, Shofu Inc., Kyoto, Japan) against Streptococcus mutans [Microbial Type Culture Collection (MTCC), 890]. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antibacterial effect was evaluated using an agar diffusion test. The prepared wells in petri dishes were completely filled with chlorhexidine (positive control group), resin modified glass ionomer cement and giomer respectively. Prepared bacterial suspension was poured over the petri dish and was spread evenly using the plate spreader. The culture plates were placed in the incubator for 24 h at 37°C. The antibacterial activity was evaluated after 24 h, 48 h, and 7 days for each group in triplicates. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The results of the antibacterial effect of the tested materials were collected, statistically analyzed using the ANOVA test to determine the difference between the mean diameters of the inhibition zone produced. The mean zone of bacterial inhibition was found to be more with the giomer specimens at all time periods. However, this inhibitory activity showed a gradual decrease over a period of 7 days and the maximum inhibition was evident after 24 h with both the test materials.

Rice blast resistance gene, Pi54 provides broad-spectrum resistance against different strains of Magnaporthe oryzae. Understanding the cellular localization of Pi54 protein is an essential step towards deciphering its place of interaction with the cognate Avr-gene. In this study, we investigated the sub-cellular localization of Pi54 with Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) as a molecular tag through transient and stable expression in onion epidermal cells (Allium cepa) and susceptible japonica cultivar rice Taipei 309 (TP309), respectively. Confocal microscopy based observations of the onion epidermal cells revealed nucleus and cytoplasm specific GFP signals. In the stable transformed rice plants, GFP signal was recorded in the stomata, upper epidermal cells, mesophyll cells, vascular bundle, and walls of bundle sheath and bulliform cells of leaf tissues. These observations were further confirmed by Immunocytochemical studies. Using GFP specific antibodies, it was found that there was sufficient aggregation of GFP::Pi54protein in the cytoplasm of the leaf mesophyll cells and periphery of the epidermal cells. Interestingly, the transgenic lines developed in this study could show a moderate level of resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae and Rhizoctonia solani, the causal agents of the rice bacterial blight and sheath blight diseases, respectively. This study is a first detailed report, which emphasizes the cellular and subcellular distribution of the broad spectrum blast resistance gene Pi54 in rice and the impact of its constitutive expression towards resistance against other fungal and bacterial pathogens of rice.

This study investigates the impact of Glomus mosseae on heavy metal(loid) (HM) uptake efficiency of pea (Pisum sativum L.) plants along with physiological and biochemical parameters. Plants were grown in soil spiked with HMs (Pb and As: 50 and 100 mg kg−1; Cd: 25 and 50 mg kg−1) and a multi-metal(loid) (Mm: Pb + Cd + As) combination, inoculated/non-inoculated with G. mosseae. A dose-dependent increase in HM accumulation was observed in plants upon harvest at 60 days. Plant growth, concentration of photosynthetic pigments, total nitrogen, and carbohydrates reduced, whereas enzymatic [catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX)] and non-enzymatic (proline and total phenolics) antioxidants increased upon HM stress. Inoculation with G. mosseae led to an increase in plant growth, concentration of photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrate, nitrogen, and defence antioxidants (whereas proline decreased) which was statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). This symbiosis can be applied for onsite remediation of Pb and Cd contaminated soil by virtue of accumulation efficiency and adaptive response of pea plants inoculated with G. mosseae. Since the amount of HMs in edible parts exceeded the maximum permissible limits recommended by FAO/WHO, pea must not be cultivated in HM-contaminated soil for agricultural purpose due to associated toxicity.Novelty statement To our knowledge, phytoremediation potential of Pea in synchronization with Glomus mosseae has not been evaluated previously. This study highlights: • Pea-AMF symbiosis can be applied for Pb and/or Cd phytoremediation. • Target Hazard Quotient >1 for Pb, Cd and As; caution to food chain exposure required. • Nonenzymatic (proline, TPC) and enzymatic (CAT, SOD, APX) antioxidants play a key role in ROS detoxification.

In the present paper, cadmium zinc selenide (Cd0.5Zn0.5Se) thin films were deposited on glass substrates by chemical bath deposition with optimized deposition parameters. 2-mercaptoethanol was used as a capping agent. The as-deposited thin films were annealed at 300, 500 and 700 °C and then subjected to various structural, morphological and optical investigations. The effect of the presence of capping agent and annealing on these properties was discussed. The phenomenon of phase transformation occurred during annealing. The optical band gap energies were found in the range 2.37–1.7 eV with respect to the annealing temperatures.

Medicinal properties of Asparagus racemosus (vernacular name: Shatavari) are attributed to its steroidal saponins called shatavarins. This plant is facing the threat of being endangered due to several developmental, seasonal constrains and malpractices involved in its collection and storage. To support its conservation, a tissue culture protocol is standardized which produces 20 fold higher levels of shatavarin. Here we evaluate the bioactivity and immunomodulatory potential of in vitro produced shatavarins from cell cultures of AR using human peripheral blood lymphocytes. In vitro produced shatavarin stimulated immune cell proliferation and IgG secretion in a dose dependent manner. It stimulated interleukin (IL)-12 production and inhibited production of IL-6. It also had strong modulatory effects on Th1/Th2 cytokine profile, indicating its potential application for immunotherapies where Th1/Th2 balance is envisaged. Our study demonstrating the bioactivity of tissue cultured AR extracts supports further in vivo evaluation of its immunomodulatory efficacy.

Transplanting islets serves best option for restoring lost beta cell mass and function. Small bio-chemical agents do have the potential to generate new islets mass, however lack of understanding about mechanistic action of these small molecules eventually restricts their use in cell-based therapies for diabetes. We recently reported "Swertisin" as a novel islet differentiation inducer, generating new beta cells mass more effectively. Henceforth, in the present study we attempted to investigate the molecular signals that Swertisin generate for promoting differentiation of pancreatic progenitors into islet cells. To begin with, both human pancreatic progenitors (PANC-1 cells) and primary cultured mouse intra-islet progenitor cells (mIPC) were used and tested for Swertisin induced islet neogenesis mechanism, by monitoring immunoblot profile of key transcription factors in time dependent manner. We observed Swertisin follow Activin-A mediated MEPK-TKK pathway involving role of p38 MAPK via activating Neurogenin-3 (Ngn-3) and Smad Proteins cascade. This MAP Kinase intervention in differentiation of cells was confirmed using strong pharmacological inhibitor of p38 MAPK (SB203580), which effectively abrogated this process. We further confirmed this mechanism in-vivo in partial pancreatectomised (PPx) mice model, where we could show Swertisin exerted potential increase in insulin transcript levels with persistent down-regulation of progenitor markers like Nestin, Ngn-3 and Pancreatic Duodenal Homeobox Gene-1 (PDX-1) expression, within three days post PPx. With detailed molecular investigations here in, we first time report the molecular mode of action of Swertisin for islet neogenesis mediated through MAP Kinase (MEPK-TKK) pathway involving Ngn-3 and Smad transcriptional regulation. These findings held importance for developing Swertisin as potent pharmacological drug candidate for effective and endogenous differentiation of islets in cell based therapy for diabetes.

Abstract A salicylic acid–guanadine–formaldehyde (SGF) tercopolymer was synthesized by the condensation of salicylic acid with guanidine carbonate and formaldehyde in 1 : 1 : 2 molar proportions in the presence of 2 M HCl as a catalyst. The SGF tercopolymer was characterized on the basis of elemental analysis and ultraviolet–visible, IR, and NMR spectral studies. The Freeman–Carroll and Sharp–Wentworth methods were used to calculate the activation energy and thermal stability of the tercopolymer. Kinetic parameters such as activation energy, entropy change, free‐energy change, frequency factor, apparent entropy change, and order of reaction were calculated with the Freeman–Carroll method. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 2278–2283, 2004

Abstract Terpolymer resins (BPhUF) were synthesized by the condensation of 2,2′‐dihydroxybiphenyl [BPh] and urea [U] with formaldehyde [F] in the presence of an acid catalyst and using varied molar ratios of reacting monomers. Terpolymer resin compositions have been determined on the basis of their elemental analysis and the number average molecular weights of these resins were determined by conductometric titration in nonaqueous medium. Viscometric measurements in dimethyl formamide have been carried out with a view to ascertain the characteristic functions and constants. UV‐VIS, IR, and NMR spectra were studied to elucidate the structure. studied to elucidate the structure. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 1605–1610, 2005

Abstract The CaAlBO 4 :RE (RE = Dy 3+ , Eu 3+ , Sm 3+ ) phosphor were prepared via combustion synthesis and studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), photoluminescence (PL) spectra and CIE coordinates. The phase formation of the obtained phosphor was analyzed by XRD and the result was confirmed by standard PDF Card No. 1539083. XRD data successfully indicated pure phase of CaAlBO 4 phosphor. The crystal structure of CaAlBO 4 phosphor is orthorhombic with space group Ccc2 (37). The SEM image of CaAlBO 4 phosphor reveals an agglomerated morphology and non‐uniform particle size. The EDS image provides evidence of the elements present and the chemical makeup of the materials. Under the 350 nm excitation, the emission spectrum of Dy 3+ activated CaAlBO 4 phosphor consists of two main groups of characteristic peaks located at 484 and 577 nm which are ascribed to 4 F 9/2 → 6 H 15/2 and 4 F 9/2 → 6 H 13/2 transition of Dy 3+ respectively. The PL emission spectra of CaAlBO 4 :Eu 3+ phosphor shows characteristics bands observed around 591 and 613 nm, which corresponds to 5 D 0 → 7 F 1 and 5 D 0 → 7 F 2 transition of Eu 3+ respectively, upon 395 nm excitation wavelength. The emission spectra of Sm 3+ activated CaAlBO 4 phosphor shows three characteristic bands observed at 565, 601 and 648 nm which emits yellow, orange and red color. The prominent emission peak at the wavelength 601 nm, which is attributed to 4 G 5/2 → 6 H 7/2 transition, displays an orange emission. The CIE color coordinates of CaAlBO 4 :RE (RE = Dy 3+ , Eu 3+ , Sm 3+ ) phosphor are calculated to be (0.631, 0.368), (0.674, 0.325) and (0.073, 0.185). As per the obtained results, CaAlBO 4 :RE (RE = Dy 3+ , Eu 3+ , Sm 3+ ) phosphor may be applicable in eco‐friendly lightning technology.

Copolymers (2‐HAOF), synthesized by the condensation of and H2N(O)CC(O)NH2 with CH2O in the presence of acid catalyst, proved to be selective chelating ion‐exchange copolymers for certain metals. The chelating ion‐exchange properties of this copolymer were studied for Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Zn(II), Fe(III), Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions. A batch equilibrium method was employed in the study of the selectivity of metal ion uptake involving the measurements of the distribution of a given metal ion between the copolymer sample and a solution containing the metal ion. The study was carried out over a wide pH range and in media of various ionic strengths. The copolymer showed a higher selectivity for Fe(III), Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions than for Co(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions.

Abstract The terpolymer resins have been synthesized by the condensation of 2,2′‐dihydroxybiphenyl with urea and formaldehyde in the presence of 2 M HCl as a catalyst and with varying molar proportions of reactants. Elemental analysis, IR, NMR and UV–Visible spectral study, and TGA–DTA analysis characterized the resins. The number average molecular weight was determined by nonaqueous conductometric titrations. Thermal studies of the resins have been carried out to determine their mode of decomposition, activation energy, order of reaction, frequency factor, entropy change, free energy, and apparent entropy change. Freeman–Carroll and Sharp–Wentworth methods have been applied for the calculation of kinetic parameters, while the data from Freeman–Carroll method have been used to determine various thermodynamic parameters. The order of thermal stabilities of terpolymers has been determined using TGA. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 227–232, 2006

Aim. Stem cell therapy is one of the upcoming therapies for the treatment of diabetes. Discovery of potent differentiating agents is a prerequisite for increasing islet mass. The present study is an attempt to screen the potential of novel small biomolecules for their differentiating property into pancreatic islet cells using NIH3T3, as representative of extra pancreatic stem cells/progenitors. Methods. To identify new agents that stimulate islet differentiation, we screened various compounds isolated from Enicostemma littorale using NIH3T3 cells and morphological changes were observed. Characterization was performed by semiquantitative RT-PCR, Q-PCR, immunocytochemistry, immunoblotting, and insulin secretion assay for functional response in newly generated islet-like cell clusters (ILCC). Reversal of hyperglycemia was monitored after transplanting ILCC in STZ-induced diabetic mice. Results. Among various compounds tested, swertisin, an isolated flavonoid, was the most effective in differentiating NIH3T3 into endocrine cells. Swertisin efficiently changed the morphology of NIH3T3 cells from fibroblastic to round aggregate cell cluster in huge numbers. Dithizone (DTZ) stain primarily confirmed differentiation and gene expression studies signified rapid onset of differentiation signaling cascade in swertisin-induced ILCC. Molecular imaging and immunoblotting further confirmed presence of islet specific proteins. Moreover, glucose induced insulin release (in vitro) and decreased fasting blood glucose (FBG) (in vivo) in transplanted diabetic BALB/c mice depicted functional maturity of ILCC. Insulin and glucagon expression in excised islet grafts illustrated survival and functional integrity. Conclusions. Rapid induction for islet differentiation by swertisin, a novel herbal biomolecule, provides low cost and readily available differentiating agent that can be translated as a therapeutic tool for effective treatment in diabetes.

During a screening program for bioactive natural products, a potential Streptomyces sp was isolated from soil. On the basis of biochemical, cultural, physiological and 16S rRNA gene analysis, it was identified as Streptomyces purpurascens. The isolate was grown in liquid medium and the crude antibiotic complex was obtained by ethyl acetate extraction. Seven purified fractions were obtained by preparative Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). Acid hydrolysis of each fraction and subsequent TLC led to the identification of aglycones and sugars indicating these compounds to be Rhodomycin and its analogues. The identity of these compounds was established on the basis of UV-visible and FT-IR spectra and comparison with published data. The compounds were active against Gram-positive bacteria. Compound E, identified as Rhodomycin B, was found to be the most potent compound with an MIC of 2 μg/ml against Bacillus subtilis. Compounds A and F identified as α2-Rhodomycin II and Obelmycin respectively, and Compound E exhibited an IC50 of 8.8 μg/ml against HeLa cell line but no cytotoxicity was found against L929.

Abstract A 2,2′‐dihydroxybiphenyl–formaldehyde copolymer, synthesized by the condensation of 2,2′‐dihydroxybiphenyl with CH 2 O in the presence of an acid catalyst, proved to be a selective chelating ion‐exchange copolymer for certain metals. The chelating ion‐exchange properties of this copolymer were studied for Fe(III), Cu(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) ions. A batch equilibrium method was employed in the study of the selectivity of metal ion uptake, involving the measurements of the distribution of a given metal ion between the copolymer sample and the solution containing the metal ion. The study was carried out over a wide pH range and in media of various ionic strengths. The copolymer showed a higher selectivity for Fe(III), Cu(II), and Ni(II) ions than for Co(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) ions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008

The luminescent properties of europium (Eu)- and dysprosium (Dy)-co-doped K3 Ca2 (SO4 )3 Cl halosulfate phosphors were analyzed. This paper reports the photoluminescence (PL) properties of K3 Ca2 (SO4 )3 Cl microphosphor doped with Eu and Dy and synthesized using a cost-effective wet chemical method. The phosphors were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The CIE coordinates were calculated to display the color of the phosphor. PL emission of the prepared samples show peaks at 484 nm (blue), 575 nm (yellow), 594 nm (orange) and 617 nm (red). The emission color of the Eu,Dy-co-doped K3 Ca2 (SO4 )3 Cl halophosphor depends on the doping concentration and excitation wavelength. The addition of Eu in K3 Ca2 (SO4 )3 Cl:Dy greatly enhances the intensity of the blue and yellow peaks, which corresponds to the (4) F9/2 → (6) H15/2 and (4) F9/2 → (6) H13/2 transitions of Dy(3+) ions (under 351 nm excitation). The Eu(3+) /Dy(3+) co-doping also produces white light emission for 1 mol% of Eu(3+) , 1 mol% of Dy(3+) in the K3 Ca2 (SO4 )3 Cl lattice under 396 nm excitation, for which the calculated chromaticity coordinates are (0.35, 0.31). Thus, K3 Ca2 (SO4 )3 Cl co-doped with Eu/Dy is a suitable candidate for NUV based white light-emitting phosphors technology.