Do Ecological Niche Model Predictions Reflect the Adaptive Landscape of Species?: A Test Using Myristica malabarica Lam., an Endemic Tree in the Western Ghats, India

Ecological niche models (ENM) have become a popular tool to define and predict the “ecological niche” of a species. An implicit assumption of the ENMs is that the predicted ecological niche of a species actually reflects the adaptive landscape of the species. Thus in sites predicted to be highly suitable, species would have maximum fitness compared to in sites predicted to be poorly suitable. As yet there are very few attempts to address this assumption. Here we evaluate this assumption. We used Bioclim (DIVA GIS version 7.3) and Maxent (version 3.3.2) to predict the habitat suitability of Myristica malabarica Lam., an economically important tree occurring in the Western Ghats, India. We located populations of the trees naturally occurring in different habitat suitability regimes (from highly suitable to poorly suitable) and evaluated them for their regeneration ability and genetic diversity. We also evaluated them for two plant functional traits, fluctuating asymmetry – an index of genetic homeostasis, and specific leaf weight – an index of primary productivity, often assumed to be good surrogates of fitness. We show a significant positive correlation between the predicted habitat quality and plant functional traits, regeneration index and genetic diversity of populations. Populations at sites predicted to be highly suitable had a higher regeneration and gene diversity compared to populations in sites predicted to be poor or unsuitable. Further, individuals in the highly suitable sites exhibited significantly less fluctuating asymmetry and significantly higher specific leaf weight compared to individuals in the poorly suitable habitats. These results for the first time provide an explicit test of the ENM with respect to the plant functional traits, regeneration ability and genetic diversity of populations along a habitat suitability gradient. We discuss the implication of these resultsfor designing viable species conservation and restoration programs

Assessment of attitude and practice toward post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV among healthcare workers at a tertiary care hospital

Background: Prevention and control of AIDS are now a major problem as there is no vaccine or effective-curative treatment for this disease. Health care workers (HCWs) are at increased risk for HIV infection. There were inadequate studies about post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) of HIV among HCWs in southern India. Hence, we are conducting this study to assess the attitude and practice of PEP toward HIV among HCWs.Methods: The cross-sectional study was done among HCWs (doctors, surgeons, nurses, and dentists). Pre-tested questionnaire was given and requested to fill it after explaining the purpose of the study. About 65% and above correct answers was considered as adequate response. Values expressed as mean, proportions and analyzed by SPSS version 17.Results: Overall 6 (66%) of the total 9 questions in attitude were answered satisfactorily, and thus can be said to have good attitude regarding PEP in HIV. Only 16 people (10%) of the participants had taken PEP regimen. Among those who took PEP, the responses for the questions about the time of initiation of regimen, completion of prescribed duration of therapy and checking of HIV status after completion of regimen were unsatisfactory. Among the professions, surgeons were exposed more compared to other professions.Conclusion: Overall attitude toward PEP was positive among all the HCWs. The practice of PEP was not satisfactory even after exposure to risks. Informing HCWs about completing treatment course and post-treatment testing is important to prevent HIV transmission. Awareness of PEP should be improved among health professionals, by regular training meetings and introducing the guidelines of the safe practices in the academic syllabus of all the professions

NUTRACEUTICALS IN DYSLIPIDEMIA: AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH

Dyslipidemia is a well-known modifiable risk factor for preventing cardiovascular diseases. The present therapy mainly aiming at pharmacological treatment to reduce lipid levels may not be effective in each individual to meet the target levels. Diet and lifestyle modification has an important role in treating such chronic illnesses. Nutraceuticals, which are derived from food products, provide one such alternate therapy for the management of dyslipidemia. Some of them have proven to be effective for treating dyslipidemia while others require further studies. Much work is still required to understand the pharmacokinetics and mechanism of action of these products. Nutraceuticals hold promise in the clinical management of dyslipidemia and can be used as primary preventive therapy as more evidence from studies comes in light.Keywords: Dyslipidemia, Nutraceuticals, Cardiovascular disease, Statins

Assess the frequency and severity of adverse drug reactions due to errors in drug intake at a tertiary care hospital

Background: Drug-related problems are an important cause of morbidity and mortality and a significant burden on healthcare resources. There are few studies to account for errors in drug intake leading to adverse drug reactions (ADRs). This study was pursued with the objective of determining the frequency and severity of the ADRs resulting from erroneous drug intake, the expenses incurred in treating the same.Methods: The study was a prospective, cross-sectional, observational study. The study subjects were patients with ADRs due to errors in drug intake and from self-medication. All the information regarding the ADR were collected as per ADR reporting form issued by Central Drugs Standard Control Organization. Causality was assessed by both Naranjo and the WHO criteria for causality assessment. Direct cost of all the medications, hospital charges (admission, bed charges, consultations paid, treatment charges, investigations, and conveyance charges) were recorded to find the financial burden due to error in drug intake.Results: The study showed that nearly 30% of the ADRs were due to errors in drug intake and the major contributing factor is self-modification either by discontinuation or missed doses. Major drugs that are implicated in these ADRs were that of metformin and insulins among anti-diabetic drugs and amlodipine and atenolol among antihypertensives. These two groups contributed to 18 (62%) of the total 29 ADRs. Organ system commonly involved was central nervous system and that was followed by musculoskeletal system. The average direct cost incurred in the management of these ADRs was Rs. 5773 for non-serious adverse events (SAE’s) and Rs. 11,400 for SAE’s.Conclusion: Proper education about the importance of compliance and damaging consequences of self-modification of drug dosage in patients who are on treatment for chronic disorders like diabetes and hypertension will be an effective strategy to prevent many of these ADRs

SYNTHESIS AND IN-VITRO STUDY OF NOVEL (Z)-1-BENZHYDRYL-4-CINNAMYLPIPERAZINE DERIVATIVES AS POTENTIAL ANTICANCER AGENTS

Objective: The objective of this study was to synthesize Z- 1-benzhydryl-4-cinnamylpiperazines by novel stereo selective synthetic method and evaluation of their anticancer properties.Methods: A series of novel (Z)-1-benzhydryl-4-cinnamylpiperazine derivatives (9a-j) were synthesized, starting from benzophenones in six steps. Wittig condensation of appropriate benzyltriphenyl phosphonium halides with various 1-benzhydryl- 4-(2-ethanal) piperazines (3a-j), and column purification over silica gel afforded pure Z- 1-benzhydryl-4-cinnamylpiperazines.Results: The structures of newly synthesized compounds 9a-j were established by 1H & 13C NMR and mass spectral analysis. The anticancer potential (MTT assay) of synthesized compounds was tested against human cervical cancer (HeLa) and murine microglial (BV-2) cell lines. Results indicated that the most of the Z-derivatives exhibited moderate to good anticancer activity on both the cell lines over their E- antipodes.Conclusion: Compound 9i (cis- flunarizine) exhibited exceptionally superior activity against both HeLa and BV-2 cell lines with IC50 value of 13.23±3.51 µM and 23.1±4.12 µM respectively. Hence, this compound may be considered to be a potential lead molecule for further developmentÂ

Ecological niche modeling for conservation planning of an endemic snail in the verge of becoming a pest in cardamom plantations in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot

Conservation managers and policy makers are often confronted with a challenging dilemma of devising suitable strategies to maintain agricultural productivity while conserving endemic species that at the early stages of becoming pests of agricultural crops. Identification of environmental factors conducive to species range expansion for forecasting species distribution patterns will play a central role in devising management strategies to minimize the conflict between the agricultural productivity and biodiversity conservation. Here, we present results of a study that predicts the distribution of Indrella ampulla, a snail endemic to the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, which is becoming a pest in cardamom (Ellettaria cardamomum) plantations. We determined the distribution patterns and niche overlap between I. ampulla and Ellettaria cardamomum using maximum entropy (MaxEnt) niche modeling techniques under current and future (2020–2080) climatic scenarios. The results showed that climatic (precipitation of coldest quarter and isothermality) and soil (cation exchange capacity of soil [CEC]) parameters are major factors that determine the distribution of I. ampulla in Western Ghats. The model predicted cardamom cultivation areas in southern Western Ghats are highly sensitive to invasion of I. ampulla under both present and future climatic conditions. While the land area in the central Western Ghats is predicted to become unsuitable for I. ampulla and Ellettaria cardamomum in future, we found 71% of the Western Ghats land area is suitable for Ellettaria cardamomum cultivation and 45% suitable for I. ampulla, with an overlap of 35% between two species. The resulting distribution maps are invaluable for policy makers and conservation managers to design and implement management strategies minimizing the conflicts to sustain agricultural productivity while maintaining biodiversity in the region

Whole Genome Sequence Analysis of Microsporum canis: A Study Based on Animal Strains Isolated from India

The zoophilic Microsporum canis is mainly associated with skin disease in dogs and cats though increased occurrence in humans has been reported recently. Genome-based comparison of isolates from different host origins shall provide deeper insights into disease epidemiology and zoonotic transmission. However, whole genome sequence data of M. canis isolates, especially of animal origin are scarce. Considering these facts, whole genome sequencing (WGS) of M. canis isolates of canine (B12-45A) and feline (B12-36A) origins from India are carried out. Both the strains revealed a genome size of ~22.8 Mb and GC content of ~47.4%. A total of 158 protein-coding genes were predicted as carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes). Further, comparative genome analysis envisaged the identification of average nucleotide identity (ANI), mash distance, and core SNP-based analysis involving 8 Microsporum isolates. Based on ANI and mash distance, the M. canis strains of the human (n=4) and animal (n=2) origins clustered together distinct from the other two species. Within the M. canis cluster, the two animal-origin strains exhibited close relatedness (ANI value > 99.9) to two human strains (CBS_113480 and BMU_10802), whereas the other two human strains were represented as outliers with lower ANI values. Similarly, lower pairwise SNP distance between animal and some human invasive strains indicates the possibility of diverse genotypes within M. canis, of which some may have high zoonotic potential. Further, the genomic and phylogenetic insights derived from the study may be applied in further epidemiological studies and for devising strategies for the development of effective therapeutics targeting their secretomes, especially the CAZymes

Caspofungin for post solid organ transplant invasive fungal disease: results of a retrospective observational study

M. Winkler, J. Pratschke, U. Schulz, S. Zheng, M. Zhang, W. Li, M. Lu, D. Sgarabotto, G. Sganga, P. Kaskel, S. Chandwani, L. Ma, J. Petrovic, M. Shivaprakash. Caspofungin for post solid organ transplant invasive fungal disease: results of a retrospective observational study. Transpl Infect Dis 2010: 12: 230–237. All rights reserve

Liposomal aggregates sustain the release of rapamycin and protect cartilage from friction.

Liposomes show promise as biolubricants for damaged cartilage, but their small size results in low joint and cartilage retention. We developed a zinc ion-based liposomal drug delivery system for local osteoarthritis therapy, focusing on sustained release and tribological protection from phospholipid lubrication properties. Our strategy involved inducing aggregation of negatively charged liposomes with zinc ions to extend rapamycin (RAPA) release and improve cartilage lubrication. Liposomal aggregation occurred within 10 min and was irreversible, facilitating excess cation removal. The aggregates extended RAPA release beyond free liposomes and displayed irregular morphology influenced by RAPA. At nearly 100 µm, the aggregates were large enough to exceed the previously reported size threshold for increased joint retention. Tribological assessment on silicon surfaces and ex vivo porcine cartilage revealed the system's excellent protective ability against friction at both nano- and macro-scales. Moreover, RAPA was shown to attenuate the fibrotic response in human OA synovial fibroblasts. Our findings suggest the zinc ion-based liposomal drug delivery system has potential to enhance OA therapy through extended release and cartilage tribological protection, while also illustrating the impact of a hydrophobic drug like RAPA on liposome aggregation and morphology