Physiological, biochemical and genome-wide expression patterns during graded normobaric hypoxia in healthy individuals.

The regulation of oxygen homeostasis is critical in physiology and disease pathogenesis. High Altitude environment or hypoxia (lack of oxygen) can lead to adverse health conditions such as HAPE despite initial adaptive physiological responses. Studying genetic, hematological and biochemical, and the physiological outcomes of hypoxia together could yield a comprehensive understanding and potentially uncover valuable biomarkers for predicting responses.

Quest for a Desolvated Structure Unveils Breathing Phenomena in a MOF Leading to Greener Catalysis in a Solventless Setup: Insights from Combined Experimental and Computational Studies.

The crystal structure of the metal-organic framework (MOF), {Mn(1,4-bdc)(DMF)} () (1,4-bdcH, 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid; DMF, ,-dimethylformamide), is known for a long time; however, its desolvated structure, {Mn(1,4-bdc)} (), is not yet known. The first-principles-based computational simulation was used to unveil the structure of that shows the expansion in the framework, leading to pore opening after the removal of coordinated DMF molecules. We have used that contains open metal sites (OMSs) in the structure in cyanosilylation and CO cycloaddition reactions and recorded complete conversions in a solventless setup.

Anticancer mechanism of coumarin-based derivatives.

The structural motif of coumarins is related with various biological activities and pharmacological properties. Both natural coumarin extracted from various plants or a new coumarin derivative synthesized by modification of the basic structure of coumarin, in vitro experiments showed that coumarins are a promising class of anti-tumor agents with high selectivity. Cancer is a complex and multifaceted group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled and abnormal growth of cells in the body.

Biocompatible Drug Delivery System Based on a MOF Platform for a Sustained and Controlled Release of the Poorly Soluble Drug Norfloxacin.

Norfloxacin (NFX), an important antibacterial fluoroquinolone, is a class IV drug according to the biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS) and has low solubility and permeability issues. Such poor physicochemical properties of drug molecules lead to poor delivery and are of serious concern to the pharmaceutical industry for clinical development. We present here a conceptually new approach to deliver NFX, by loading the drug molecule on the porous platform of a biocompatible metal-organic framework (MOF), MIL-100(Fe).

Hypoxic pulmonary vascular response can screen subclinical lifestyle disease in healthy population.

Objective: Subclinical life style disease can cause endothelial dysfunction associated with perfusion abnormalities and reduced vascular compliance. Subclinical elevated beta type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been associated with altered fluid shift from extra to intracellular space during acute hypoxia. Therefore we measured vascular response and BNP levels during acute hypoxia to study endothelial functions among healthy individuals.

Open metal site (OMS)-inspired investigation of adsorption and catalytic functions in a porous metal-organic framework (MOF).

In this article, we report the adsorption and catalytic study of the three-dimensional (3D) metal-organic framework (MOF) {Mn(1,4-bdc)(DMF)} (1) (1,4-bdcH, 1,4-benzene dicarboxylic acid; DMF, ,-dimethylformamide) together with the synthesis and structure of two new Mn(II)-MOFs {Mn(Br-bdc)(DMF)} (2) and {Mn(NO-bdc)(DMF)} (3) (Br-bdcH, 2-bromo-1,4-benzene dicarboxylic acid; NO-bdcH, 2-nitro-1,4-benzene dicarboxylic acid) under solvothermal conditions. Compounds 2 and 3 have two-dimensional (2D) extended structures and feature trimeric {Mn(CO)} units that serve as secondary building units for the frameworks. The desolvated compound of 1, denoted as 1', having potential Mn(II) open metal sites (OMSs) lined in a one-dimensional (1D) Mn-chain interconnected by carboxylate groups, exhibits guest-selective adsorption of solvent vapours wherein the compound shows a stepwise profile with HO vapour, while a gated isotherm was recorded with MeOH.

A novel method to identify and correct asymmetry of dumbbells in a multi-cell elliptical superconducting cavity.

Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT) has an ongoing program to develop 650 MHz, 5-cell elliptical superconducting RF (SCRF) cavities under the Indian Institutes and Fermilab Collaboration. The elliptical multi-cell SCRF cavity fabrication process involves forming of half-cells and their precise machining and joining by electron beam welding to form end groups and dumbbells, which are then joined to make the final cavity. To ensure that the final welded cavity achieves physical lengths and resonant frequencies within design tolerance and has good field flatness, the measurement and correction of resonant frequency are carried out for dumbbells and end groups.

Subclinical elevated B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) indicates endothelial dysfunction contributing to hypoxia susceptibility in healthy individuals.

Aims: Baseline elevated B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) has been found in high altitude pulmonary edema susceptible population. Exaggerated pulmonary vascular response to hypoxia may be related to endothelial dysfunction in hypoxia susceptible. We hypothesize that baseline BNP levels can predict hypoxia susceptibility in healthy individuals.

Metal-Organic Frameworks as Platform for Lewis-Acid-Catalyzed Organic Transformations.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are highly promising Lewis acid catalysts; they either inherently possess Lewis acid sites (LASs) on it or the LASs can be generated through various post-synthetic methods, the later can be performed in MOFs in a trivial fashion. MOFs are suitable platform for catalysis because of its highly crystalline and porous nature. Moreover, with recent advancements, thermal and chemical stability is not a problem with many MOFs.

Kinect-Assisted Performance-Sensitive Upper Limb Exercise Platform for Post-stroke Survivors.

One's ability to use upper limbs is critical for performing activities of daily living necessary for enjoying quality community life. However, after stroke, such abilities becomes adversely affected and it often deprives one of their capability to perform tasks that need coordinated movement in the upper limbs. To address issues with upper limb dysfunction, patients typically undergo rehabilitative exercises.

Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry based method development and validation of S016-1271 (LR8P), a novel cationic antimicrobial peptide for its application to pharmacokinetic studies.

S016-1271 (LR8P) is a broad spectrum novel cationic antimicrobial peptide. The objective of the present study was to develop a selective liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) based bioanalytical method of S016-1271 peptide in mice and human plasma in order to uncover its pharmacokinetic aspects. The chromatographic separation of S016-1271 (FR8P as internal standard) was achieved on a Waters™ X select CSH-C18 column (75 × 3.

Evidence for altered metabolic pathways during environmental stress: (1)H-NMR spectroscopy based metabolomics and clinical studies on subjects of sea-voyage and Antarctic-stay.

The Antarctic context is an analogue of space travel, with close similarity in ambience of extreme climate, isolation, constrained living spaces, disrupted sleep cycles, and environmental stress. The present study examined the impact of the harsh habitat of Antarctica on human physiology and its metabolic pathways, by analyzing human serum samples, using (1)H-NMR spectroscopy for identification of metabolites; and quantifying other physiological and clinical parameters for correlation between expression data and metabolite data. Sera from seven adult males (of median age 36years) who participated in this study, from the 28th Indian Expeditionary group to the Antarctica station Maitri, were collected in chronological sequence.

Antimicrobial Activities of Leaf Extracts of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) on Two Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Bacteria.

Aim. To determine the antimicrobial potential of guava (Psidium guajava) leaf extracts against two gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis) and two gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus) which are some of foodborne and spoilage bacteria. The guava leaves were extracted in four different solvents of increasing polarities (hexane, methanol, ethanol, and water).

Wintering in Antarctica: impact on immune response of Indian expeditioners.

The immune system is one of the major thrust areas in understanding the effects of adverse climatic conditions on human health. Exposure to the Antarctic environment, such as isolation, cold, UV radiations, magnetic field, blizzards, circadian biorhythms, and fear of the unknown, modify various components of the immune system. Members of Antarctic expeditions suffer significant emotional strain as a result of physical isolation and social deprivation.

Effect of temperature on behavioural isolation: a study with Drosophila ananassae populations.

Experiments were conducted to study sexual isolation among two natural populations of Drosophila ananassae maintained at 18 degrees C and 24 degrees C for 12 generations in the laboratory to see the effect of this environmental variable on behavioural isolation. Multiple choice technique was used and matings were observed directly in Elens Wattiaux mating chamber. Results showed sexual isolation among strains that were maintained at different temperatures, indicating that temperature may have affected the mating behaviour of the flies which resulted in the induction of ethological isolation among the strains.

Ship-borne journey induces Th1 cytokines level in antarctic summer expeditioners.

It has become apparent that extreme environmental conditions of Antarctic continent alters many immune responses. The present study was conducted on 28th Indian Antarctic expeditioners. The investigations were carried out to explore the effect of multiple stresses like isolation, cold and UV exposure on human immunity.

Isolated ulcerative skin lesion caused by Salmonella Weltevreden.

Salmonella enterica serovar Weltevreden is not a commonly isolated serotype in India. We report isolation of Salmonella Weltevreden, from an unusual site--an ulcer on the gluteal region of a patient who had undergone coronary artery bypass surgery. To our knowledge, Salmonellae have never been reported to cause isolated ulcerative lesions on the skin.

In vitro antitumor mechanisms of various Scutellaria extracts and constituent flavonoids.

Scutellaria is a traditional herbal remedy with potential anti-cancer activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate anticancer mechanisms of thirteen Scutellaria species and analyze their leaf, stem and root extracts for levels of common biologically active flavonoids: apigenin, baicalein, baicalin, chrysin, scutellarein, and wogonin. Malignant glioma, breast carcinoma and prostate cancer cells were used to determine tumor-specific effects of Scutellaria on cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle progression, via the MTT assay and flow cytometry-based apoptosis and cell cycle analysis.