Purple Research Articles

Purple urine bag syndrome: a unique clinical case and management considerations

Purple urine bag syndrome (PUBS) is a rare and unusual event. It is related to symptomatic urinary infection and asymptomatic bacteriuria in patients with indwelling bladder catheters. The purple color of the urine is due to metabolic products of biochemical reactions formed by bacterial enzymes in the urine. Gastrointestinal tract flora breaks down the amino acid tryptophan into indole, which is subsequently absorbed into the portal circulation and converted into indoxyl sulfate. Indoxyl sulfate is then excreted into the urine, where it can be broken down into indoxyl if the appropriate alkaline environment and bacterial enzymes are present. The breakdown products, indigo, and indirubin appear blue and red. We reported on an elderly woman who was kept in a nursing home, had multiple comorbidities such as history of cerebrovascular accident (CVA), acute kidney injury (AKI) and she was hospitalized due to decreased consciousness, fever and kidney failure. On the third day of hospitalization, the patient developed PUBS while undergoing urinary catheterization in the hospital. She had no history of previous catheterization and chronic use of antibiotics, she was only using Tolterodine for a long time due to urinary urgency. Due to antibiotic resistance, the drugs were not changed and the purple color disappeared after changing the catheter and urinary bag.This was the first patient in this region to be reported with this manifestation.

Creation of a collection fund and study of cultivars of daylilies in the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

Purpose. Analysis and comparative study of daylily cultivars from the collection fund of the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NBG), selection of assortment for decorative horticulture and landscaping. Methods. Cultivars from the NBG daylily collection were studied. The cultivars were evaluated in terms of their aesthetic and economic attributes, and were classified according to their coloration and the timing of their flowering. The author of the cultivar, country of origin, year of creation and introduction into the NBG were also identified. The cultivars were also grouped according to these parameters. Results. The NBG daylily collection is the result of 40 years of introduction and 20 years of breeding work with this crop at the NBG. It includes 174 world cultivars, 26 cultivars of Ukrainian breeding and more than 1000 hybrid seedlings. Most of the cultivars (79) were introduced in 2000–2009. The main part of the current structure of the daylily collection consists of cultivars bred in the 1960–1970s. Most of these are hybrids from American breeders: David F. Hall (20 cultivars) and Allen Wild (46 cultivars). A total of 15 new cultivars were developed based on the original collection. These new cultivars feature double flowers, a valuable trait for hybrids in Ukraine. For effective use in ornamental horticulture and landscaping, the cultivars were grouped according to flower colour and flowering time. The yellow­flowered group is the most widely represented. A large number of cultivars with red flowers are inherent in hybrids bred between 1980 and 1999. Cultivars from modern breeding are mostly represented by the purple and pink colour group. Most of the cultivars in the collection are early and medium early. The smallest part is made up of medium­late and late hybrids. Conclusions. The modern daylily collection is representative. The cultivars introduced into the NBG illustrate the main stages of breeding work with the crop and the achievements of breeders from different countries of the world. The collection includes early and medium early, medium, medium late and late flowering cultivars. Varying in colour and flowering time, the collection can be effectively used to extend the flowering period of daylilies by three months (from the second decade of May to the second decade of August) in ornamental gardening in Ukraine and in various landscape compositions.

V. Introduction and selection of a new species of Clarkia (C. purpurea) and development of a method for evaluating Clarkia pursh varieties for distinctiveness, uniformity and stability

During 2011–2023 in the south of Western Siberia, with the aim of introducing and selecting a new species of clarkia (C. purpurea), its biological characteristics and morphological characteristics were studied. Based on the data obtained and the use of other species and varieties of the genus Clarkia Pursh. For the first time, a methodology for conducting tests for distinctiveness, uniformity and stability (DUS) for this crop was developed. This technique is applicable to all varieties of the genus Clarkia Pursh, classified into sections: Godetia (C. purpurea (Curtis) A. Nelson & J. F. Macbr.), Phaeostoma (C. unguiculata Lindl.), Rhodanthos (C. amoena (Lehm.) A . Nelson & J. F. Macbr., Clarkia amoena ssp. lindleyi (Douglas) H. F. Lewis & M. Е. Lewis), fireweed family (Onagraceae Juss.). Many species of clarkia are characterized by long-lasting flowering and are promising for floral decoration of urban spaces, as well as for cutting. Most varieties are from very low – up to 25 cm tall, to very high – 96 cm or more; leaves are simple, lanceolate, narrow-lanceolate, wide-lanceolate, ovate, smooth, pubescent. The flowers are very decorative, varying in size from 2.0 to 8.0 cm tall, simple, semidouble, terry and strongly terry with or without fragrance, with a large variability of colors and types of floral pigmentation. Based on the study of the bioecological and morphological properties of the crop under study and in accordance with the rules approved by the Federal State Budgetary Institution “State Varietal Commission”, 36 characteristics were selected by which it is possible to test clarkey varieties. As a result of breeding work, a new variety of C. purpurea, Lilac Fairy, was created. When analyzing crossing, it was established that the lilac (violet) color of flowers is dominant in relation to pale pink (almost white), and when crossing F1 hybrids with light purple color, splitting 15:1 (15 violet from dark purple to pale purple was obtained and 1 is pale pink), which confirms the hypothesis about the polygenic nature of the inheritance of the main color of flowers in C. purpurea. The national methodology RTG/1157/1, created for the first time, for testing the DUS of Clarkia Pursh varieties will serve as a scientific basis for practical breeding.

Metabolite concentrations and the expression profiles of the corresponding metabolic pathway genes in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) fruits of contrasting colors.

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) ranks fifth in importance among vegetable crops of the Solanaceae family, in part due to the high antioxidant properties and polyphenol content of the fruit. Along with the popular purple-fruited varieties of S. melongena, there are cultivars, the fruits of which are rich in phenolic compounds, but are white-colored due to the lack of anthocyanin biosynthesis. Determination of the amount of anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds, as well as carotenoids and sugars, is included in the assessment of the quality of eggplant fruits of commercial (technical) ripeness. In addition to antioxidant and taste properties, these metabolites are associated with fruit resistance to various stress factors. In this study, a comparative analysis of the content of anthocyanins, carotenoids and soluble sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose) in the peel and pulp of the fruit of both technical and biological ripeness was carried out in purple-fruited (cv. Vlas) and white-fruited (cv. Snezhny) eggplant accessions of domestic selection. The peel and pulp of biologically ripe fruits of the cvs Vlas and Snezhny were used for comparative transcriptomic analysis. The key genes of the flavonoid and carotenoid metabolism, sucrose hydrolysis, and soluble sugar transport were shown to be differentially expressed between fruit tissues, both within each cultivar and between them. It has been confirmed that the purple color of the peel of the cv. Vlas fruit is due to substantial amounts of anthocyanins. Flavonoid biosynthesis genes showed a significantly lower expression level in the ripe fruit of the cv. Vlas in comparison with the cv. Snezhny. However, in both cultivars, transcripts of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes (DFR, ANS, UFGT) were not detected. Additionally, the purple fruit of the cv. Vlas accumulated more carotenoids and sucrose and less glucose and fructose than the white fruit of the cv. Snezhny. Biochemical data corresponded to the differential expression pattern of the key genes encoding the structural proteins of metabolism and transport of the compounds analyzed.

Genetic identification of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from diabetic foot ulcers and evaluating the inhibition activity of reuterin against this bacteria.

To genetically diagnose the isolates of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus taken from patients with severe diabetic foot infections, and to test the inhibitory effect of reuterin on the growth of these bacteria. The experimental study was conducted from June to November 2021 at the Diabetes Unit of Al-Faihaa General Hospital, Basrah, Iraq, and comprised 62 foot ulcer swabs from the necrotic lesions of patients with type 2 diabetes. The swabs were cultivated first in brain heart infusion broth media, and then streaked on Mannitol salt agar and staphylococcus chromogeneic agar media for phenotypic and genetic analysis. The genetic identification of bacteria was confirmed by deoxyribonucleic acid extraction, and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus was confirmed by the presence of plasmid mecA gene. The inhibition activity of reuterin towards methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus was determined using the minimum inhibitory concentration test. All data was analyzed with SPSS version 23. A total of 62 swabs were taken from the necrotic lesions of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Of the total isolates, 9(14.5%) gave mauve to purple colour on staphylococcus chromogeneic agar, which was then genetically confirmed as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration value of these bacteria was 10μl/ml at 16mm inhibition zone diameter. There was no cytotoxicity of reuterin to human red blood cells. Reuterin was found to be a natural antimicrobial substance suitable for use to disinfect diabetic foot wounds from bacterial contamination and infection, especially those caused by methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus.

Biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles from Martynia annua aqueous leaves extract, its antioxidant potential and antimicrobial ability against selected wound pathogens

The field of nanotechnology has great potential within the realm of modern nanoscience and technology. Ecologically responsible nanoparticle production requires the careful selection of a solvent that is ecologically acceptable, together with the use of reducing and stabilizing chemicals that are also environmentally beneficial. The utilization of gold nanoparticles has been widely investigated in the fields of separation sciences and illness diagnosis for biological purposes. The objective of this study is to synthesize gold nanoparticles utilizing a Water-based Leaf Extract from the Martynia annua Plant in an ecologically sustainable manner. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to analyze the morphological characteristics, stability, and crystalline structure of the produced nanoparticles. The experimental results validate the commencement of the gold ion reduction process by the detected change in color of the reaction mixture to a deep purple colour. Moreover, the synthesis was confirmed by the use of UV–visible spectrometry, within the wavelength region of 584 nm. The zeta potential of the produced nanoparticles is reported to be −31 mV, while the average diameter of the particles is about 21 nm. The synthesized particles exhibit significant antioxidant capacity in comparison to the standard. Further AuNPs shows strong antibacterial potential against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sp, Bacillus subtilis, and Enterococcus sp was 53.94 µg/mL, 78.02 µg/mL, 55.47 µg/mL, 55.83 µg/mL, and 95.24 µg/mL respectively Synthesized particles demonstrate substantial cytotoxicity against A549 human lung cancer cells and it shows the inhibitory concentration at 20 µg/ml. The results indicated a significant decrease in cell viability, which was directly linearly related to the dosage of particles. The Martynia annua plant mediated gold nanoparticles exhibit potent antioxidant and antibacterial properties effectively combating specific wound infections.

Pulp colour and pigment composition have no genetic correlation with seed hardness in guava (Psidium guajava L.)

ABSTRACT Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a ‘super fruit’, also known as the ‘apple of the tropics’. This study was conducted on five guava parents and their 42 F1s. They were studied for their pigment composition (lycopene, total anthocyanin, and total carotenoid content) and seed-based parameters (seed hardness, index, length, and width). Transgressive segregation was present for pigment composition, seed index, and seed hardness. For lycopene and total carotenoids content, F1s had maximum values. However, for total anthocyanins content, only guava parent BG had a considerably higher value (8.881 mg/100 g) and had a purple pulp colour. Most F1s belonged to the soft seed category (28 F1s out of 42) and intermediate seed index 1–1.5 g (24 F1s out of 42). The findings indicate that, in guava, pulp colour is not correlated with seed hardness. However, a significantly positive correlation between seed hardness and other seed-related parameters (namely seed index, seed length, and seed width) indicates that a bigger seed size is associated with seed hardness.

Influence of Bilberry Pomace Powder Addition on the Physicochemical, Functional, Rheological, and Sensory Properties of Stirred Yogurt.

Fruit processing by-products could represent a sustainable ingredient for developing innovative dairy products. The present study was conducted to develop a novel functional yogurt by adding bilberry pomace powder (BPP) at 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% (w/w) levels in stirred-type yogurt production to confer color and to increase the dietary fiber and polyphenol content. Physicochemical properties of the yogurt samples, including color parameters, titratable acidity, pH, water holding capacity (WHC), and syneresis, as well as textural and rheological properties, were evaluated in yogurts on the 1, 14, and 28 days of refrigerated storage (4 °C). In addition, total phenolic content, total anthocyanin content, and radical scavenging activity were determined in yogurts, and sensory analysis was conducted. The results showed that BPP is a valuable source of polyphenols, dietary fiber, and oils rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs, n-6/n-3 ratio = 0.91). The incorporation of BPP imparted an attractive purple color to the yogurts, increased WHC, and reduced syneresis. Moreover, the addition of BPP improved the rheological properties, demonstrating that a more dense and stable yogurt gel network structure was obtained than the control. The yogurt enriched with 1.0% BPP received the highest scores for color, consistency, taste, and overall acceptability. Hence, bilberry pomace powder might be used as an ingredient to improve the nutritional and functional value of yogurts.

Photogallery. HIV infection and neoplastic skin diseases

Malignant neoplasms constitute a group of the most important secondary diseases that develop in people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The first neoplastic disease described in HIV-infected patients is Kaposi's sarcoma. In contrast to other types of Kaposi's sarcoma, its epidemic (AIDS-associated) type is more common in young and middle-aged HIV-positive individuals, especially among men who have same-sex sex. Epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma does not have a favourite localisation. However, there is a tendency to lesions of the scalp (face, ear flaps), upper extremities, anogenital area, oral mucosa. On the trunk, the pathological process spreads along the Langer lines. Skin rashes are represented by spotty, papular, nodular elements of red-brown or purple colour. The aggressive course is characteristic: rapid dissemination and generalisation of rashes. Plasmoblastic lymphoma is associated with immunodeficiency states and is rare. The tumour lesion is usually located in the oral cavity. Few cases of plasmoblastic lymphoma with skin and soft tissue involvement have been described in the literature. Squamous cell skin cancer in the context of HIV infection is a dangerous disease. In people living with HIV, it manifests at a significantly earlier age and is associated with a high risk of local recurrence. The extent of invasion and the likelihood of metastasis are influenced by HIV-associated immunodeficiency. In the vast majority of cases, risk factors and clinical manifestations of basal cell skin cancer do not differ from those in immunocompetent individuals. Basal cell carcinomas rarely metastasise. Nevertheless, metastatic forms lead to unfavourable outcome. Here is a photo gallery of cases of neoplastic skin lesions developed in HIV-positive patients.

First Report of Burkholderia glumae Causing Bacterial Panicle Blight in Rice in Bangladesh.

Bacterial panicle blight (BPB) is one of the emerging diseases occurring in different Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZ) of Bangladesh and can cause up to 75% yield loss. In Bangladesh, the typical symptoms of BPB include sheath rot, panicle blight, grain spotting, and grain rot in both inbred and hybrid rice varieties, which resemble those reported by Zhou (2019). To confirm, 300 field samples of 20 panicles each with typical BPB symptoms from 20 districts (3 locations each district and 5 fields per location) were collected during mid-November 2022 for the causal pathogen(s) isolation. Nearly 70% of the panicles showed a dark brown chaffy appearance in the fields. For identification of the causal pathogen(s), 1 g of rice grains with typical BPB symptoms was surface sterilized by immersing for 15 seconds in 70% ethanol, 1 min in 3% sodium hypochlorite solution followed by rinsing the grains three times, and soaked in 1 mL sterile distilled water for 10 min (Mirghasempour et al. 2018). During grinding using mortar and pestle, 5 mL water was added (Islam et al. 2023) after which the suspension (20 μL) was then streaked onto the selective medium (S-PG) (Tsushima et al. 1986). Purple color colonies on the S-PG medium were selected and purified as candidate pathogens. For further confirmation, the genomic DNA of the bacterial isolates was extracted and amplified by PCR using 16SF (5'-AGAGTTTGATCCTGGCTCAG-3') and 16SR (5'-GGCTACCTTGTTACGACTT-3') (Nandakumar et al. 2009), and glu-FW (5'-GAAGTGTCGCCGATGGAG-3') and glu-RV (5'-CCTTCACCGACAGCACGCAT-3') primers (Maeda et al. 2006). The PCR products were visualized on 1% agarose gel resulting amplicons of 1494bp for 16S-rDNA and 529bp for gyrB. The PCR results revealed 529bp amplification for gyrB gene in one sample that was collected from a field in Natore (24°21'0.00" N 89°04'59.88" E) district cultivating Swarna (a local rice variety), primarily indicating the causal pathogen is Burkholderia glumae. The PCR products were sequenced using both primers and sequence data was analyzed by the BLAST nucleotide program. The obtained partial sequences of 16S rDNA and gyrB were deposited in Genbank (OR573691 and PP332812 respectively). The homology of 16S rDNA resulted over 98% with B. glumae (OK559611 and ON870618.1) and 100% with B. glumae (PP332812 and KX213523) for gyrB gene. To confirm B. glumae by pathogenicity test, 10 mL (108 UFC/ml) suspension of the representative strains, 0.5 mL was then injected into the panicles and sheaths of Horidhan (a susceptible local variety) in greenhouse condition and a control was inoculated with distilled water (Nandakumar et al. 2009). Typical BPB like symptoms were observed after 3 weeks post inoculation. The pathogen was again confirmed by reisolating from the infected spots as B. glumae to fulfill Koch's postulates. This report confirms the presence of B. glumae causing BPB of rice in Bangladesh. Future research for the investigation of BPB and the evolutionary origins of its causal bacteria is necessary to reduce the emergence of the disease and its management in Bangladesh.

Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveal molecular and metabolic regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in three varieties of currant

Anthocyanins are natural plant metabolites that are beneficial for human health. In order to study the fruit coloring mechanism mediated by anthocyanin biosynthesis in three currant varieties (white currant, red currant and black currant), we used a combination of transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses. Our comprehensive examination revealed that anthocyanins play a pivotal role in regulating the red and purple hues of black currant and red currant fruits. Specifically, Delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside, Pelargonidin-3-O-rutinoside, Cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, Cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside, Cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside-5-O-glucoside and Petunidin-3-O-glucoside emerged as key anthocyanins in black currant, while Cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside (Keracyanin), Cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside[Cyanidin-3-O-(2″-O-xylosyl)glucoside], Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (Kuromanin) and Cyanidin-3-O-(2″-O-xylosyl)rutinoside were identified as crucial anthocyanins in red currant. Transcriptomic data showed that the upregulation of dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), anthocyanin synthase (ANS), and UDP-glucose-flavonoid-3-O-glucosyltransferase (UFGT) genes significantly promoted the purple coloration of black currant fruit, while increased expression of Chalcone synthase (CHS) and flavonoid 3’-hydroxylase (F3′H) genes significantly intensified the red hue of red currant fruit. Furthermore, through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we identified 11 transcription factors, including 3 bHLH, 2 MYB, 3 bZIP and 3 WRKY genes, which may serve as key regulators of anthocyanin biosynthesis. These findings provide a foundational understanding of the color dynamics in different currant varieties fruits throughout their developmental stages.

Synthesis and reactivity of the di(9-anthryl)methyl radical.

The di(9-anthryl)methyl (DAntM) radical was synthesized and investigated to elucidate its optical, electrical properties, and reactivity. The generation of the DAntM radical was confirmed by its ESR spectrum, which showed two broad signals. The unpaired electron is primarily localized on the central sp2 carbon and slightly delocalized over the two anthryl moieties. Although the DAntM radical undergoes dimerization in solution, the radical still remains even at 190 K due to the bulky nature of the two anthryl groups. Interestingly, upon exposure to air, the purple color of the radical solution quickly fades to orange, resulting in decomposition to give 9-anthryl aldehyde and anthroxyl radical derivatives.

Characterization of Flower’s Color based on CHS Gene Structure in <i>Phalaenopsis</i> ‘OX Queen’ and <i>Dendrobium</i> ‘Cheddi Jagan’ Orchids

Orchids (Orchidaceae) are ornamental plants known for their high aesthetic value attributed to the shapes, colours, and fragrances of their flowers. Two types of hybrid orchids with attractive flowers, namely the Phalaenopsis 'OX Queen' orchid and the Dendrobium 'Cheddi Jagan' boast attractive flowers were used in this research, because of the beauty of its flower colour. The objective of this research is to characterise the morphology of flower colour and CHS (Chalcone Synthase) gene content that induces flower colour. The method used in this research analyzing the flower’s colour by using the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) colour chart and molecular analysis by DNA genomic isolation and PCR amplification of gDNA for CHS gene specific primers. The results showed that purple colour is observed through the RHS, with P. 'OX Queen' coded as Deep Purple Pink (N73A) and D. 'Cheddi Jagan' coded as Strong Reddish Purple (N72C). The CHS gene can be amplified in P. ’OX Queen’ 1,287 bp and D. ’Cheddi jagan’ 3,731 bp. In both orchids, the results of amplification showed CHS motifs with conserved domains PLN03172 and PLN03170. The research results show that there is a significant difference in the morphology of the flowers of orchids. Purple colour is observed through the RHS, with P. 'OX Queen' coded as N73A and D. 'Cheddi Jagan' coded as N73C. The results showed that gDNA can be isolated by using CTAB method according to Murray and Thomson, and the CHS gene can be amplified by using CHS primers, resulting 1200 bp of P. 'OX Queen' and 2500 bp for D. 'Cheddi Jagan'. Through this study, preliminary data is expected to be obtained for future research, which is the formation of variegated flowers through editing the CRISPR/Cas9 genome in the CHS gene. This research is intended to support further studies on the formation of variegated flower patterns in P. 'OX Queen' and D. 'Cheddi Jagan’, focusing on the CHS gene using CRISPR/Cas9 technique.

Assessment and Modeling of Workplace Exposure to Solar Ultraviolet Radiation in Makurdi, Nigeria

Solar radiation though beneficial to life but the harmful effects of over exposure especially in Nigeria has been neglected and its measurement/prediction has received negligible attention in the literature. This study measured and modeled workplace exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (SUVR) in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Digital broadband meter was used to measure solar power density in three site while polymer Polysolphone dosimeters were fitted on a human manikin and placed in the sun between 10:00 am- 4:00pm (6 hours) to quantify the amount of Solar UVR absorbed by three occupational workers (Traders, Fishermen and Staff/Students). Five dosimeters were deployed in each of the three sites for calibration to measure UV absorbance in J/m2 while seven in each site were used for body parts. UV/VIS-spectrophotometer was handily used to measure both post and pre-absorbance and the UV exposures were calculated. The UV index was also calculated. Result shows that, head top had the highest exposure values 7.19kJ/m2, 6.51kJ/m2 and 7.00kJ/m2, while the least values was under cloth cover 2.47kJ/m2, 2.08kJ/m2 and 2.20kJ/m2 for traders, fishermen and staff/students respectively. Similarly, the calculated cumulative exposures were 3289.36kJ/m2, 497.82kJ/m2 and 1515.60kJ/m2 at the market square, river bank and the campus respectively. These values were higher than international ICNIRP average value 30J/m2. UV index at market square was 9 (media graphic colour purple), while at river bank and BSU campus was 8 (media graphic colour reddish). High mean irradiant values with high UV index indicates high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Therefore, use of sun protective clothing is recommended and reduce time in the sun especially between 1:00pm and 2:00pm to prevent over exposure that will lead to serious harmful effects especially at the market place.

Probing the structural stability of R-phycocyanin under pressure.

The red macroalgae Porphyra, commonly known as Nori, is widely used as food around the world due to its high nutrient content, including the significant abundance of colored phycobiliproteins (PBPs). Among these, R-phycocyanin (R-PC) stands out for its vibrant purple color and numerous bioactive properties, making it a valuable protein for the food industry. However, R-PC's limited thermal stability necessitates alternative processing methods to preserve its color and bioactive properties. Our study aimed to investigate the in-situ stability of oligomeric R-PC under high pressure (HP) conditions (up to 4000 bar) using a combination of absorption, fluorescence, and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques. The unfolding of R-PC is a multiphase process. Initially, low pressure induces conformational changes in the R-PC oligomeric form (trimers). As pressure increases above 1600 bar, these trimers dissociate into monomers, and at pressures above 3000 bar, the subunits begin to unfold. When returned to atmospheric pressure, R-PC partially refolds, retaining 50% of its original color absorbance. In contrast, heat treatment causes irreversible and detrimental effects on R-PC color, highlighting the advantages of HP treatment in preserving both the color and bioactive properties of R-PC compared to heat treatment.

Anti-proliferative activities of Carthamidin mediated gold nanoparticles against breast cancer: An in-vitro approach

Natural pigments have unique commercial properties and are a versatile resource. Additionally, these pigments have potent therapeutic qualities that could be developed into a medication. With this rationale, a simple one-pot synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was achieved using Carthamidin (CT). The synthesis of gold nanoparticles was visually confirmed by the change of color pattern from yellow to dark purple color. The CTAuNPs exhibit Surface Plasmon Resonance at 537 nm in Ultra-Violet Visible Spectroscopy analysis (UV-Vis). The face-centered cubic crystalline nature of CTAuNPs was determined by the X-ray diffraction spectrum. The spherical, polydispersed, stable nanoparticles with an average size of 35 nm are depicted by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and CTAuNPs were stable as determined by zeta potential. The CTAuNPs were evaluated as a cytotoxic agent in the MCF 7 cells using the (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT) method. The assay inhibits the cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 76.32 µg/mL. Additionally, we used the Reactive Oxygen Species assay, Lactate Dehydrogenase assay, and Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide Staining to annotate the apoptosis pattern. These comprehensive assays validate that the MCF 7 cancer cells treated with CTAuNPs underwent apoptosis-mediated cell death. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis showed that the CTAuNPs stop the cell cycle at the GO/G1 phase in the MCF 7 cells. It is clear from the analyses that CTAuNPs induce apoptosis in MCF 7 cells. As a result, the development of novel pigment-based gold nanoparticles will enhance the nanoparticles as a theranostic agent as a new paradigm to combat breast cancer and resistance.

Factitious blue edema: a case report

Blue edema or factitious edema is an edema located in a finger, a hand or an entire limb, induced by voluntary stricture by a tourniquet. It is spectacular in its appearance but benign in its evolution. We report a case initially suspected of phlegmon of the right upper limb and which finally turned out to be factitious edema. A 14, year-old girl presenting for a painful swelling of the left upper limb, going up to the arm and evolving for a week. On clinical examination, we noted an impressive edema of the left upper limb predominantly in the hand, with fingers blocked in half-flexion. Edema had a purplish color with thin and scaly skin on the dorsal side of the hand. We suspected a problem of infectious or vascular origin, and completed by biological and radiological explorations without abnormalities. The patient was admitted and improved under broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, but the appearance of the same symptoms in the contralateral limb, with a careful examination of the integuments of the upper limb noting a mark of strangulation in the middle of the right arm, allowed the diagnosis of factitious blue edema.

Investigating the effect of SiO2 thin films with sculptured topographies on the alignment properties of liquid crystals

In the present work, sculptured thin films (STF) based on silicon dioxide (SiO2) induced on the indium tin oxide (ITO) coated substrates via glancing angle deposition (GLAD) technique using the physical vapor deposition (PVD) process. Our main motive to perform this work is to address the issues we have faced with the traditional alignment method and give a try to overcome those problems. Keeping these challenges in our mind, we are giving here an alternative to traditional method and explored this different alignment technique with GLAD process. We have fabricated a liquid crystal device (LCD) in a way of electrically-controlled birefringence (ECB) and placed the engineered substrates in anti-parallel alignment. Morphological, optical and electro-optic behaviour of resulting device has been studied in the ∼5 μm thick device. Effect of applied voltage on the morphology and electro-optic behaviour of liquid crystal has been established. Interestingly, LC material demonstrates electrically switchable birefringence colours viz. brown, green, pink, purple and mauve colour, under applied electric field in room temperature at 10X magnification under polarizing optical microscope. A very nice extinction and contrast has been obtained with fabricated ECB device, which elucidate the device quality with impeccable alignment without any disclination defects. Besides, the electro-optic characteristics it also shows a significant impact on the liquid crystal properties. The obtained results demonstrate nice optical retardation, a lower Frederick's threshold voltage i.e. 1.5 V and 19.03 dB higher contrast respectively. An impressive switching response time τon of 5.4 ms and τoff = 600 µs at 20 V has attained with respective device as well. Such change in parameters may correspond to the higher electrical torque experienced by the LC molecules on the application of applied field. Anchoring energy and pretilt angle of respective system has been calculated and correlated with observed behaviour. Thus, engineered device with this superior alignment method show remarkable electro-optic results which can open a new way for the development of fast LCD for advanced optical device applications.

In Planta Androgenesis (Paternal Origin) in Saacharum X Erianthus Intergeneric Hybrid

The present investigation was carried in crosses made between Saccharum species hybrid clones i.e. Co 419, Co 7201 and Co 7224 (2n = 108-112) and Erianthus arundinaceus viz. IK 76-91 (2n = 60) and IK 76-99 (2n = 60) for introducing better ratoon ability, vigour, wide ecological adaptability, extensive root system, drought and water logging resistance, high biomass and disease resistance into modern sugarcane cultivars during 2020-23 at VSI-Sugarcane Breeding Centre, Amboli. Parental apomixis (paternal origin) has been recently noticed and it is unique in Saccharum X Erianthus intergeneric cross seedlings. A total of fifty-one seedlings were obtained from above three intergeneric crosses and out of these eighteen seedlings were reported as androgenetic seedlings as the female act as a surrogate mother. At the early stages, seed germination of seedlings was found two types i.e., one type resembling Saccharum and other resembling Erianthus with deep purple coloration. Morphologically androgenetic seedlings were similar to the male parents IK 76-91 and IK 76-99 with tall large tufted grass like clumps, vegetative stem with thick reproductive buds, root zone narrow and only one row of root eyes, the lamina gradually passes into leaf sheath with no auricle and dewlaps. Cytological studies were made in these seedlings and during metaphase the somatic chromosome number was observed to be 2n = 60 rather than expected 2n = 84-90. This paternal origin may be due to the ability of Erianthus male gametes to produce an embryo within the seed tissues of Saccharum species hybrids but without genetic contribution of the seed. Thus, in planta androgenesis is achieved through the combination of embryogenic behavior of male gametes which has entered in the ovule and the ability of ovules to act as a surrogate mother. They could derive either from the fusion of two male gametes or from the early natural diplodization of the haploid embryo. Such homozygous true breeding seedlings of Saccharum X Erianthus with hybrid vigour are extremely important in crop improvement. This system provides an unparalleled opportunity to shorten the breeding cycle and fix agronomic traits in the homozygous state. These androgenetic plants with Saccharum cytoplasm and Erianthus genome are male sterile making them highly useful for further hybridization and sugarcane improvement programme.

Antitumor properties of colored native potatoes (Solanum tuberosum ssp. tuberosum) from southern Chile

Breast cancer is one of the most diagnosed neoplasms worldwide, especially in women. The disease occurs due to genetic variations that modify cell behavior in various cellular aspects, increasing proliferation and preventing cell death among them. Breast cancer presents an average response rate to conventional treatments of between 50% and 60%, given that in the long term, it may present natural or tumor-acquired resistance ar. Diets that include foods that contribute to enhance the molecular mechanism of anti-tumoral medications or stop the development of tumor recurrence, could be important in improving patient survival. Among foods with antitumor biological activities such as antiproliferative or antioxidant activity, those with high phenolic content and a purple color have gained prominence in recent years. In the present research, it has been found that purple and pink-colored Chilean native potato genotypes possess high concentrations of total phenolic content and anthocyanins. The results showed that the potato extract modified the antioxidant response of breast cancer cells. Additionally, three high-pigmented potatoes induce significant cell death in two different breast cancer cell lines. As a molecular mechanism, the extract with high anti-tumoral activities can modulate the gene expression of Bax and Bcl-2, both associated with cell death. In summary, the results demonstrate the important biological activities of native potato genotypes on breast cancer cell viability. It is important to highlight the great biomedical potential of these potatoes, which could be cultivated extensively, be used worldwide for nutrition and may be an excellent complementary option for patients undergoing breast cancer treatments.