Banaras Hindu University

About: Banaras Hindu University is a education organization based out in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Catalysis. The organization has 11858 authors who have published 23917 publications receiving 464677 citations. The organization is also known as: Kashi Hindu Vishvavidyalay & Benares Hindu University.

MFPPI - Multi FASTA ProtParam Interface

Abstract: Physico-chemical properties reflect the functional and structural characteristics of a protein. The comparative study of the physicochemical properties is important to know role of a protein in exploring its molecular evolution. A number of online and offline tools are available for calculating the physico-chemical properties of a single protein sequence. However, a tool is not available for a comparative study with graphical visualization of Multi-FASTA sequences. Hence, we describe the development and utility of MFPPI V.1.0 (a web interface developed in JAVA platform) to input each FASTA sequence from Multi-FASTA file into the ProtParam web server for the calculation of physico-chemical properties. MFPPI V.1.0 calculates different physico-chemical properties for a given set of proteins in a single run and saves the data in the MSExcel sheet. Furthermore, it provides a graphical representation of protein physico-chemical properties for analysis and visualization of data in a user-friendly manner. Therefore, the output from the analysis helps to understand compositional changes and functional relationship in evolution among organisms. We have demonstrated the utility of MFPPI V.1.0 using 17 mtATP6 protein sequences from different mammalian species. It is available for free at http://insilicogenomics.in/mfpcalc/mfppi.html.

Mutation C677T in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene is associated with male infertility in an Indian population.

Abstract: Summary A mutation (C677T) in the gene, MTHFR, is known to increase susceptibility to various multifactorial disorders. In order to assess this single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) as risk factor for idiopathic male infertility, a case–control study was done on an Indian population. DNA from 151 cases of non-obstruction, idiopathic oligo-/azoospermia and 200 fertile males (controls) was polymerase chain reaction amplified using site-specific primers, and analysed for the mutation following HinfI-digestion. Our results show a significantly increased frequency of CT heterozygotes among infertile patients (p value <0.04). More importantly, while there were no T homozygotes in the control population, six of 151 infertile cases were T homozygous. Considering that T allele occurs in very low frequency in the control population, 677T is clearly a risk factor for infertility in the Indian population. We contend that the same could also be true for African and Southeast Asian populations where the frequency of 677T is very low. The lack of similar association in western populations could be because of the overall dietary enrichment of folates, which could nullify or minimize the effect of this polymorphism.

Detection of adulteration in milk: A review

Abstract: Milk is a wholesome nutritious dairy product and is consumed by a majority of the population worldwide for drinking as such, as well as via dairy products. However, the practice of adulteration of milk invariably reduces its quality and may introduce hazardous substances into the dairy supply chain jeopardising consumers’ health. Various instances of adulteration of milk have been reported globally, wherein substances such as extraneous water, foreign proteins, whey proteins, melamine and urea, vegetable or animal fats, plus many minor constituents of milk fat have been added as potential adulterants in milk and milk products. This review focusses on the different methods of detection of these adulterants in milk using techniques such as DSC, RP-HPLC, LC-GC, HPTLC, immunoassays: CE, ELISA, FAMPST, FTIR, NIR spectroscopy, PAGE, IEF, DNA-based methods and MALDI-MS that have been developed and employed for the last 25 years. The combination of advanced IR spectroscopy and chemometrics provides a powerful tool for quality and authenticity analysis of milk. An electronic tongue is an easy and economic tool for the detection of caprine milk adulterations with bovine milk. Biosensors having the ability to furnish real-time signals have been developed for the detection of urea in milk. An attempt has been made to give a clear understanding of the most suitable methods for the determination of various sources of adulteration.

Uses of turmeric in dentistry: an update.

Abstract: Turmeric has been used for thousands of years as a dye, a flavoring, and a medicinal herb. In India, it has been used traditionally as a remedy for stomach and liver ailments, as well as topically to heal sores. Ancient Indian medicine has touted turmeric as an herb with the ability to provide glow and luster to the skin as well as vigor and vitality to the entire body. Since turmeric has antimicrobial, antioxidant, astringent, and other useful properties, it is quite useful in Dentistry also. The objective of this article is to highlight various uses of turmeric in the dental field along with its use in medical problems.

A review on pharmacological and analytical aspects of diosmetin: A concise report

Abstract: Plants have been used as a source for food material and natural remedies for the treatment of vast range of diseases. Nature provides us remedies for the treatment of various types of disorders ranging from simple ailments to complicated diseases. Plants are known to possess different pharmacological activities due to the presence of various phytoconstituents. Flavonoids are one of the main active phytoconstituents found in fruits, vegetables, wines, tea and cocoa. Flavonoids exhibit various pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antibacterial, oestrogenic, cytotoxic antitumoural, hepatoprotective, antithrombotic and antiviral activity. Diosmetin (3′, 5, 7-trihydroxy-4′-methoxyflavone), the aglycone part of the flavonoid glycosides diosmin occurs naturally in citrus fruit. Although it is found in herbal medicines and plays an important role in the treatment of various ailments, only limited scientific researches have been conducted. The aim of this review is to collect all available scientific literature published on diosmetin and combine it into this paper. This review contains an overview of pharmacological activities, isolation techniques and analytical techniques for diosmetin. Thus, valuable information provided in the present review will help researchers in developing alternative methods for the treatment of diseases from diosmetin.