Preparation and spectroscopic characterization of lyophilized Mo nitrogenase

Mo nitrogenase is the primary source of biologically fixed nitrogen, making this system highly interesting for developing new, energy efficient ways of ammonia production. Although heavily investigated, studies of the active site of this enzyme have generally been limited to spectroscopic methods that are compatible with the presence of water and relatively low protein concentrations. One method of overcoming this limitation is through lyophilization, which allows for measurements to be performed on solvent free, high concentration samples. This method also has the potential for allowing efficient protein storage and solvent exchange. To investigate the viability of this preparatory method with Mo nitrogenase, we employ a combination of electron paramagnetic resonance, Mo and Fe K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and acetylene reduction assays. Our results show that while some small distortions in the metallocofactors occur, oxidation and spin states are maintained through the lyophilization process and that reconstitution of either lyophilized protein component into buffer restores acetylene reducing activity. Graphic abstract

A Critical Review and Significance of Ayurvedic preparation Kwatha - Herbal decoction

The standardization of Ayurvedic classical dosage forms has been an area of academic, research, industrial and regulatory interests. It is crucial to understand the basic principles and rationality of these dosage forms for their therapeutic relevance while adapting to newer technologies for its right pharmaceutical and clinical use. Kwatha Kalpana -frequently referred to as decoctions - aqueous extraction of a group of herbs, is one of the most commonly used classical dosage forms where the therapeutic attributes are extracted from the group of botanicals into water, with the use of heat. Though clinically effective, it is seldom used due to the cumbersome preparatory method, short shelf life and poor palatability. This elaborate review covers historical and basic concepts of the dosage form, its salient features, nuances of classical preparations, traditional and newly developed methods of preparations. This paper covers intricate classical information and specifics about Kwatha, the herbal decoction.

Differential migration-related gene expression and altered cytokine secretion in response to serum starvation in cultured MDA-MB-231 cells

BackgroundSerum starvation is mostly considered as a standard preparatory method in many cellular and molecular experiments. However, recent studies give some evidence that serum starvation is a major event that triggers various cell responses and has therefore great potential to change and interfere with the experimental results. In this study, the behavior of breast cancer cells in serum-starved condition was examined.ObjectiveTo focus on the role of serum starvation on cell migration and also the possible changes in the expression and secretion of genes and cytokines mostly involved in migration and chemotaxis of breast cancer cells.MethodsMDA-MB-231 cells were cultured under serum-starved condition. Transwell migration assay was performed to evaluate the effect of serum starvation on cell migration after 24, 48, and 72 h. The transcriptional expression of migration-related genes was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The cytokine secretion was also analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsSerum starvation suppressed cell migration in breast cancer cells. Additionally, the gene expression of markers involved in migration including β-catenin, twist, zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1, vimentin, fibronectin, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and vascular endothelial growth factor were downregulated. Moreover, cytokines of transforming growth factor, beta 1, matrix metallopeptidase 9, interleukin 8, and nitric oxide were differentially secreted.ConclusionsSerum deprivation causes significant changes in cancer cell migration and also the expression of migration-related genes and cytokines, special care needs to be taken when this practice is used as preparatory method especially in migration and chemotaxis experiments on cancer cells.

Multisensory stimulation to promote upper extremity motor recovery in stroke: A pilot study

Introduction Occupational therapists have been using various preparatory methods as part of the treatment sessions to prepare clients for occupational performance and participation in occupation. Studies have shown sensory stimulation both activates brain areas inducing cortical reorganization and modulates motor cortical excitability for the stimulated afferents, hence re-establishing the disrupted sensorimotor loop due to stroke. This pilot investigates the potential effects of using multisensory stimulation as a preparatory method prior to conventional training (CT) on upper-extremity motor recovery and self-care function in stroke patients. Method This was a quasi-randomized controlled pilot. Twelve participants (age in years = 67.17 + /−11.29) with upper extremity motor deficits were randomly allocated to multisensory therapy (n = 6) or conventional (n = 6) groups for 12-week training. Assessments were conducted at baseline and post-intervention using Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery after Stroke (FMA), Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), Functional Test for the Hemiplegic Upper Extremity (Hong Kong version FTHUE-HK) and Modified Barthel Index (MBI). Results Significant between-group differences were shown in FMA ( p = 0.003), FTHUE-HK ( p = 0.028) and MMT ( p = 0.034). Conclusion Multisensory stimulation could be used as a preparatory method prior to CT in improving upper extremity motor recovery in stroke rehabilitation. Further well-designed larger scale studies are needed to validate the potential benefits of this application.

Pharmaceutical Evaluation of Mrityunjaya Rasa w.s.r. to preparatory method of Rasendra Sara Sangraha.

Mrityunjaya Rasa is a herbo-mineral formulation mentioned under Jwarachikitsa in Rasendra Sara Sangraha along with different Anupana. It is having ingredients like Shuddha Hingula, Shuddha Gandhaka, Shuddha Vatsanabha, Shuddha Tankana, Pippali and Maricha which show significant result on various types of fever. All drugs of Mrityunjaya Rasa are having properties like Katu Rasa, Teekshna Guna and Jwaraghana action. Rasaushadhis given in smaller dosage restore the individual’s health immediately. In preparation of Rasaushadhis, precaution must be taken throughout the whole procedure. Now-a-days quality assured drugs are not formulated because Standard operative procedure (SOPs) is not followed properly so chances of adverse drug reaction also increase. By following SOP genuine medicines can be prepared. The purpose of standardizing traditional remedies is obviously to ensure therapeutic efficacy. To establish the efficacy along with safety of Rasaushadhis, precaution must be taken throughout the whole procedure to formulate the medicine. So here an effort is placed to validate the process of Shodhana of Hingula, Gandhaka, Vatsanabha and Tankana and to develop a Standard operative procedure for preparation of Mrityunjaya Rasa.

Plasmapheresis as preparatory method for thymectomy in myasthenia gravis

To study the effects of plasmapheresis in preparation for thymectomy, two groups of 40 patients were selected from a sample of 286 patients with myasthenia gravis examined by the first author Group 1 included patients (15 male and 25 female; age range 8-64 yrs) who underwent thymectomy without previous plasmapheresis, whereas patients in group 2 (17 male and 23 female; age range 11-61 yrs) were thymectomized after plasmapheresis. We required patients to have a minimum follow-up period of 12 months to be included in the study. A clinical evaluation protocol composed of 76 items was developed for the study. We found significant improvement in respiratory function and muscular strength in patients thymetomized after plasmapheresis. Furthermore, the combined treatment reduced cost and length of hospital stay. Therefore, we conclude that plasmapheresis should be considered as a coadjuvant to thymectomy in the treatment of myasthenia gravis.