Background: Euphorbia helioscopia is of the family Euphorbiaceae, owning various pharmacological properties like anti-inflammatory activity. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic-autoimmune systemic disease that can be characterized by cartilage degradation, synovial hyperplasia, inflammation, and joint damage. Objectives: To assess the anti-arthritic activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Euphorbia helioscopia. Materials and Methods: Adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) method was followed for the evaluation. Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) was used to induce arthritis in female Wistar rats. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts (300, 150, and 75 mg/kg/day) of aerial parts of Euphorbia helioscopia were given orally to Wistar rats. Results: Both the extracts showed significant anti-arthritic activity in a dose-dependent manner. However, ethanolic extract (300mg/kg) of Euphorbia helioscopia showed potential anti-arthritic activity among the tested extracts. Conclusion: From the study, it can be concluded that Euphorbia helioscopia possesses marked anti-arthritic activity.

INTRODUCTION:Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most prevalent subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) accounting for 30% of adult NHL worldwide and 50% in developing countries like India. DNA damage and Myc-induced transformation are well-known contributing factors towards development of DLBCL. A recently identified HSP90 co-chaperone complex R2TP has been shown to contribute towards DNA damage and Myc-induced transformation. This study aimed to analyse the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of R2TP complex components RUVBL1, PIH1D1, and RPAP3 in DLBCL patients and correlate with prognosis.METHODS:DLBCL (n = 54) histological slides were retrieved from archives, and detailed histomorphological and clinical features were noted. IHC staining of R2TP complex components RUVBL1, PIH1D1, and RPAP3 was performed on 54 cases (FFPE) of DLBCL. Expression data were correlated with survival and clinical features.RESULTS:Out of the 54 DLBCL cases, 59.26% (n = 32) stained positive for RUVBL1. The RUVBL1 expression was associated with poor prognosis in both progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.0146) and overall survival (OS) (p = 0.0328). The expression was positively correlated with bone marrow involvement (p = 0.0525). The expression of PIH1D1 was observed in 68.51% (n = 32) of DLBCL cases, and positive correlation was observed with international prognostic index score (p = 0.0246); however, no correlation was observed with PFS or OS. Finally, RPAP3 was found immunopositive in only 1 case of DLBCL.CONCLUSIONS:Immunopositivity for RUVBL1 is associated with poor prognosis along with a higher relapse rate amongst the DLBCL patients. PIH1D1 immunopositivity correlated with a higher IPI score.

Background: Euphorbia helioscopia , commonly known as sun spurge, is one of the largest species of an annual herb in the family Euphorbiaceae, which is extensively distributed worldwide. In folk medicine, it is used to treat various ailments such as malaria, osteomyelitis, and gastrointestinal ailments. The anti-inflammatory potential of Euphorbia helioscopia extracts on LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages was investigated in this work. Results: The ethanol extract was found to markedly inhibit the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF α ) production compared to the aqueous extract treated cells. Moreover, extracts downregulated the nitric oxide levels. Finally, in this study, we have shown that Euphorbia helioscopia exerts a potent pharmacological effect on reducing the inflammatory response in macrophages. Conclusion: The results of the experiment revealed that the Euphorbia helioscopia extracts used in this study have anti-inflammatory characteristics, with the ethanolic extract having the most. The ethanolic extract had the strongest anti-inflammatory impact in terms of greatest reduction of proinflammatory indicators including IL-6, TNF-, and

Background: The FLT3 gene, a receptor tyrosine kinase encodes a transmembrane protein that plays a fundamental role in normal hematopoiesis. The two types of mutations identified in FLT gene are an internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) in exon 14 and 15, and a missense point mutation in codon 835 in exon 20 (FLT3-D835). These mutations activate a ligand independent constitutive tyrosine-kinase receptor and are mostly found in acute myeloid leukemia and are associated with bad prognosis. We first time from the Indian subcontinent evaluated the frequency of FLT3 mutations in a cohort of Acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL). Methods: FLT3-ITD mutations and FLT3-D835 were investigated in a cohort of 74 confirmed ALL patients at diagnosis, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length-PCR (PCR-RFLP) respectively. Results: Overall 03 mutations were detected from 74 ALL patients (4.05%) in FLT-ITD but no mutation was found in FLT3-D835. All the three patients with FLT mutations were negative for the known translocation in ALL. Among these patients one died in the first year of treatment (33.4%) while the rest of two FLT3 mutant patients are fairly doing well. Conclusions: This report implies that FLT3 gene mutations are present in ALL patients from Kashmir (North India) although not as common as found in AML (20-30%) but do impact the clinical outcome.

Background: The most frequent cancer of the childhood is acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). It is the blood and bone marrow cancer affecting white blood cells. It is caused by errors in the DNA in the bone marrow cells. Our goal was to evaluate the prevalence of ALL in Kashmiri populace. Methods: The study in the hindsight was initiated for ALL patients registered between early 2018up to late 2019 to investigate its frequency and prevalence. Results: Overall from 74 ALL patients, based on gender, 44 (59%) were males and 30 (41%) were females. Based on age, 53 (72%) were in the age group of ≤18 years while 21 (28%) were in the age group of >18. Based on immunophenotypes 69 (93%) were of Pre B-cell phenotype, 3 (4%) belonged to T-cell phenotype while 2 (3%) were of mixed phenotype. Based on demography, 10 (14%) were from urban areas while as 64 (86%) were from rural areas of Kashmir region. Conclusions: Although the prevalence of ALL in this region is very high, but gender has no significance while age and dwelling has significance on its overall frequency and significance.

The genus Origanum is a group of phytochemically diverse, aromatic species. Distributed mainly in Eurasia and Mediterranean, they are used in traditional medicine, cosmetics and for culinary purposes. They possess antiproliferative, antioxidant, antiviral, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive properties. The major constituents of Origanum spp. are carvacrol and/or thymol together with ?-terpinene, p-cymene, linalool, terpinene-4-ol and sabinene hydrate. Several flavonoids and glycosides are also found. Although the Origanum spp. can either be cultivated or sourced from nature, high demand has necessitated increased production. Overexploitation from natural habitat has threatened these species. Also, due to its poor viability and small-sized seeds, cross-pollination abilities, less productive vegetative propagation, climate-dependent conventional propagation, its genetic improvement has been limited and thus scientific management of available germplasms through biotechnological approach is necessary. For in-vitro propagation, the literature review showed significant differences in culture protocols, genotypes and their success rates. Studies reported cell culture-based production of secondary metabolites or isolation of active compounds in different species of Origanum, which show antiproliferative activity in cancerous cell lines. However, significant knowledge gaps exist. The urgent need is to use advance technologies in enhancing either plant propagation thus the production of source material for active constituents or for genetic improvement of Origanum germplasms for contents, as well as to validate the therapeutic potential of Origanum constituents. This review critically appraises the status of mostly underexploited biotechnological know-how and research on highly valued medicinal herbs, Origanum and throws light on prospects and potential.

The R2TP complex which comprises of RUVBL1, RUVBL2, PIH1D1 and RPAP3 in humans is known to be a specialized Co-chaperone of Hsp-90 protein. This multimeric-protein complex is involved in the assembly and maturation of several multi-subunit complexes including RNA polymerase II, small nucleolar ribonucleoproteins, and complexes containing phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-like kinases. Since their discovery as a co-chaperone of Hsp90, the R2TP complex is involved in multitude of cellular processes including, chromatin remodelling, transcription regulation, ribonucleoprotein complex biogenesis, mitotic assembly, telomerase complex assembly, and apoptosis. Lymphoma arises from the abnormal proliferation of B-cells and the R2TP complex have been reported to play an important role in the activation of p53 and RB. Therefore, the inactivation in any of the tumor suppressor pathways can drive cells to malignancy.However, there are multiple factors which may contribute towards malignancy but the folding defects in these tumor suppressor pathways could be one of the reasons. R2TP is tightly linked with oncogenesis and its inhibition can decrease the proliferation activity of cancer cells. So, the multisubunit chaperone complex as well as its components could be promising candidates for cancer chemotherapy.

An efficient in vitro regeneration protocol is reported for common buckwheat. A combination of 0.5 mg/l 2,4-D and 0.2 mg/l BAP with sucrose showed highest induction of somatic embryogenesis from cotyledon and hypocotyl explants. More than 35% of normal somatic embryos matured on MS. MS with 2% sucrose were found best for germination and conversion of somatic embryos to plantlets. In tissue culture, abnormal somatic embryos usually occur. In this report, abnormal embryos are also used to induce shoot organogenesis, adding to the number of final regenerants and ensuring full utilization of regenerative propagules. A treatment of 0.2 mg/l BAP induced meristemoids in 60% of underdeveloped embryos and a combination of 0.5 mg/l BAP and 0.5 mg/l AgNO3 led browning and senescence-free progression of shoot buds to well developed shoots, which were subsequently rooted in half strength MS containing 2% sucrose and 0.25 mg/l IBA. The regenerated plants survived acclimatization, flowered and set seeds. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 29(1): 33-47, 2019 (June)

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum sp.) from family Polygonaceae, with its two main cultivated species (F. esculentumMoench. and F. tataricum) is mostly grown in hilly regions of Eurasia. It is a multipurpose gluten free crop having great nutraceutical value. For plant propagation several reports have been published and significant differences were noticed in culture protocols, genotypes and their success rates. A few studies report genetic transformation in buckwheat with varying degree of success. The present study reviews the in-vitro regeneration and genetic transformation reports in Fagopyrum spp. available in publically available literature and concludes on what needs to be done for the sustainable genetic improvement of buckwheat. A genotype independent high frequency in-vitro regeneration protocol compatible with high end stable genetic transformation is the need of the hour for sustained genetic improvement of this crop.

The much hailed as well as debated landmark legislation of GST has the central objective to provide a uniform taxation system across the country. The implementation of GST will for sure bring about a change in the economy and will have a range of direct or indirect impacts on various financial organizations, consumers, markets, and national GDP. For any major change in gross products and services taxation pattern, any state needs to achieve reasonably high level of effectiveness for durable and sustainable development. To find the people's perception on possible effects or impacts of GST implementation in India, the present study investigated the responses of the respondents over some of the areas like imports, exports, employment generation, and profit. A total of 308 respondents were surveyed using standardized questionnaires in the three Western states of India - Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. The results proved that whereas GST implementation mostly showed a positive impact in different categories, respondents stayed neutral for some of the concerns and for some other areas, GST may not bring desirable changes.

Interactive 3D animation of human figures is very common in video games, animation studios and virtual environments. However, it is difficult to produce full body animation that looks realistic enough to be comparable to studio quality human motion data. The commercial motion capture systems are expensive and not suitable for capture in everyday environments. Real-time requirements tend to reduce quality of animation. We present a motion graph based framework to produce high quality motion sequences in real-time using a set of inertial sensor based controllers. The user’s action generates signals from the controllers that provide constraints to select appropriate sequence of motions from a structured database of human motions, namely motion graph. Our local search algorithm utilizes noise prone and rapidly varying input sensor signals for querying a large database in real-time. The ability to waive the controllers for producing high quality animation provides a simple 3D user interface that is intuitive to use. The proposed framework is low cost and easy to setup.

Motion capture can produce high quality data for motion generation. However, professional motion capture is expensive, and imposes restrictions on the capturing environment. We propose a motion estimation framework that utilizes a small set of low-cost, 3D acceleration sensors. We use a data-driven approach to synthesize realistic human motion comparable in quality to the motion generated by the professional motion capture systems. We employ eight 3D accelerometers— four Nintendo© Wii controllers— attached to a performer’s body as the input signal, which is used to synthesize high quality motion from a statistical model learned from a high quality motion capture database. The proposed system is inexpensive and is easy to setup.

Crotonaldehyde, a highly reactive unsaturated aldehyde is used for the manufacture of sorbic acid, synthesis of butyl alcohol, butylaldehyde, quinaldine, thiophenes, pyridines, dyes, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, rubber antioxidants, chemical warfare agents, etc. and also occurs naturally in meat, fish, in many fruits and vegetables, bread, cheese, milk, beer, wine and liquors. Human exposure to crotonaldehyde occurs from both man-made and natural sources. No human data was located describing carcinogenicity associated with crotonaldehyde exposure. In the present study we have evaluated whether or not exposure to crotonaldehyde results in a significant increase in the frequency of abnormal sperm heads in male Swiss albino mice. Adult male mice were treated with 8, 16 and 32 microl/kg b.w. of crotonaldehyde as a single intraperitoneal injection. The animals were killed 1, 3 and 5 weeks after treatment. Five animals were sacrificed per dose and time tested. Crotonaldehyde induced dose related increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm heads. Statistically significant increase in percentage of abnormal sperm heads was recoded at 16 and 32 microl/kg b.w. after 1 and 3 weeks of treatment and only at 32 microl/kg b.w. after 5 weeks of treatment.

A hybrid delta-endotoxin protein was designed against a polyphagous lepidopteran insect pest Spodoptera litura, which is tolerant to most of the known delta-endotoxins. The hybrid delta-endotoxin was created by replacing amino acid residues 530-587 in a poorly active natural Cry1Ea protein, with a highly homologous 70 amino acid region of Cry1Ca in domain III. The truncated delta-endotoxins Cry1Ea, Cry1Ca and the hybrid protein Cry1EC accumulated in Escherichia coli to form inclusion bodies. The solubilised Cry1EC made from E. coli was 4-fold more toxic to the larvae of S. litura than Cry1Ca, the best known delta-endotoxin against Spodoptera sp. None of the two truncated toxins, solubilised from E. coli caused larval mortality. However, trypsinised Cry1Ca protoxin obtained from E. coli and solubilised from inclusion bodies caused mortality of S. litura with LC50 513 ng/ml semi synthetic diet. A synthetic gene coding for the hybrid delta-endotoxin Cry1EC was designed for high level expression in plants, taking into consideration several features found in the highly expressed plant genes. Transgenic, single copy plants of tobacco as well as cotton were developed. The selected lines expressed Cry1EC at 0.1-0.7% of soluble leaf protein. Such plants were completely resistant to S. litura and caused 100% mortality in all stages of larval development. Hence, unlike in E. coli, the hybrid delta-endotoxin folded into a functionally active conformation in both tobacco and cotton leaves. The truncated Cry1EC expressed in tobacco leaves was about 8-fold more toxic (LC50 58 ng/ml diet) compared to expression in E. coli.

Summary Despite high commercial interest, the success of biotechnological applications in cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum ) has been limited due to difficulties in genetic transformation. Major problems have been genotype dependence and low frequency of somatic embryogenesis, making it difficult to regenerate plants from transgenic tissue. This study reports an increase in somatic embryogenesis efficiency and the induction of developmental synchrony in embryogenic callus cultures of cotton by a single cycle of myo -inositol depletion in liquid culture. Calluses were initiated on hypocotyl or cotyledon explants of cultivar Coker 312 by culturing these explants on callus-inducing solid medium [Murashige and Skoog salts plus vitamins of Gamborg's B 5 medium, 30 g l −1 glucose, 100 mg l −1 myo -inositol, 2.2 μ M 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, and 0.88 μ M 6-benzyladenine]. The calluses were transferred to an identical liquid basal medium devoid of plant growth regulators. This induced the development of embryogenic cells. Friable clumps of cells formed after 20 d in the medium were selectively collected over filter mesh 40 subjected to one cycle of myo -inositol starvation. This induced a highly synchronized embryogenesis in the culture. The optimized protocol gave 100% embryos at the globular stage, out of which more than 80% developed into bipolar torpedo-stage embryos. About 68% of these were converted to plantlets by subculturing onto a simplified solid medium, and finally grown into healthy, fertile plants.

The in vivo genotoxicity of lomefloxacin, a diflourinated antibacterial drug, was evaluated by employing mouse in vivo chromosomal aberration test in bone marrow cells and dominant lethal mutation assay in germ cells. Statistically significant reduction in mitotic index, increase in chromosomal aberrations (CAs)/cell and percent abnormal metaphase was observed only at the highest dose (160 mg/kg b.w.) of the drug. In the dominant lethal mutation assay, a statistically significant decrease in the number of implants/female, compared to vehicle control, was noticed only in the females mated with males treated with 32 mg/kg b.w. during the third week of mating, while statistically significant reduction in live implants/female was noticed at both the doses during the second and third weeks of mating. Nevertheless, no significant change in the number of dead implants/female was observed after lomefloxacin treatment. These results seems to indicate that lomefloxacin is a weak clastogen in the bone marrow cells and non-mutagenic in the germ cells of mouse in vivo.

El-Zeftawy, H.; Naddaf, S.; Luo, J.; Degirmenci, B.; Kumar, M.; Atay, S.; Bonfils, E.; Radin, A.; Abdel-Dayem, H. M. Author Information