A Detailed Insight into Acoustic Attenuation in a Static Bed of Hydrophilic Nanosilica

The commercial utilization of bulk nanosilica is widespread in concrete, rubber and plastics, cosmetics and agriculture-related applications, and the market of this product is projected to exceed USD 5 billion by 2025. In this investigation, the local dynamics of a nanosilica bed, excited with sinusoidal acoustic waves of different frequencies, were carefully monitored using sensitive pressure transducers to obtain detailed insights into the effectiveness of sound waves as a means of energy transport inside the bed. The evolution of wave patterns and their frequency and power distributions were examined both in the freeboard and in the static bed. These results were compared with those obtained by using an empty column. The acoustic frequency strongly affected the signal power. The average power of the acoustic signal in the freeboard region was twice higher than that for the empty column, whereas the same (power) ratio decreased to approximately 0.03 inside the bed for 300 Hz. However, at 360 Hz, the power ratio was substantially lower at 0.24 and 0.002 for the freeboard and the granular bed, respectively, thereby indicating tremendous attenuation of acoustic waves in the granular media at all frequencies.

A mini review on pyridazine analogs: Chemical and pharmacological potentials

Abstract:

The pyridazinone derivatives have diverse biological potential and are easily synthesized. Due to this, researchers and chemists have paid attention to the design and development of novel and effective bioactive compounds. The substituted pyridazines have shown a wide range of pharmacological activities such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, antianxiety, antitubercular, anti-malarial, anticancer, anti-HIV, platelet inhibitory, hypotensive, cardiotonic, etc. In the current circumstances, it can be concluded that pyridazinone derivatives have great prospects, which remain to be revealed.

Antimycobacterial Assessment and Microwave-assisted Synthesis of 2-aryl- 3-(4-methylphenylamino)thiazolidin-4-one Derivatives

Abstract:

This article reports the microwave-assisted synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of some -4-one derivatives (2a-2h) for their in-vitro antimycobacterial activities against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain by microplate Alamar blue assay (MABA) method. All these final compounds (2a-2h) were synthesized from Schiff’s bases, 1-arylidene-2-(4-methylphenyl)hydrazines (1a-1h), and thioglycolic acid by using zinc chloride as a catalyst. Compounds (1a-1h) were synthesized from the reaction of 4-methylhydrazine and appropriate aromatic aldehydes by Schiff’s reaction. Among the target compounds, 2-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-3-(4-methylarylamino)thiazolidin-4-one (2f) and 2-(4-ethylphenyl)-3-(4-methylarylamino)thiazolidin-4-one (2g) were promising with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12.5 μg/mL against M. tuberculosisH37Rv. Based on the preliminary results, compounds 2f and 2g were considered as lead compounds for the advanced design and development of antimycobacterial agents.

Antimicrobial Activities of Various Thiazine Based Heterocyclic Compounds: A Mini-Review

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Heterocyclic compounds play a vital role in the development of novel compounds because of their diverse pharmacological activities. Thiazine is a six-membered heterocyclic moiety. Various thiazine derivatives were synthesized or isolated from natural sources like plants and animals. Thiazine derivatives have varieties of pharmacological activities such as antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, anticancer, antihypertensive, and other useful biological as well as chemical applications. In the therapy of antimicrobial infections, new antimicrobial agents are needed because current antimicrobials have developed drug resistance. So, we discussed some thiazine derivatives, which exhibited antimicrobial activity.

Integrated Analysis of Osmotic Stress and Infrared Thermal Imaging for the Selection of Resilient Rice Under Water Scarcity

The climate change scenario has increased the severity and frequency of drought stress, which limits the growth and yield of rice worldwide. There is a dire need to select drought-tolerant rice varieties to sustain crop production under water scarcity. Therefore, the present study effectively combined morpho-physiological and biochemical approaches with the technology of infrared thermal imaging (IRTI) for a reliable selection of drought-tolerant genotypes. Initially, we studied 28 rice genotypes including 26 advance lines and three varieties for water stress tolerance under net house conditions. Three genotypes NIBGE-DT-02, KSK-133, and NIBGE-DT-11 were selected based on the Standard Evaluation System (SES) scoring for drought tolerance. NIBGE-DT-02 showed tolerance to polyethylene glycol (20%) induced osmotic stress indicated by a minimum reduction in seedling length, biomass, chlorophyll content, and increased leaf proline content as compared to susceptible varieties under a hydroponic system. NIBGE-DT-02 was further evaluated for water withholding at varying growth stages, i.e., 30 and 60 days after transplantation (DAT) in pots under net house conditions. NIBGE-DT-02 showed a significantly lower reduction (35.9%) in yield as compared to a susceptible variety (78.06%) under water stress at 60 DAT with concomitant induction of antioxidant enzymes such as peroxidase, catalase, and polyphenol oxidase. A significant increase (45.9%) in proline content, a low increase (7.5%) in plant temperature, along with a low reduction in relative water content (RWC) (5.5%), and membrane stability index (MSI) (9%) were observed under water stress at 60 DAT as compared to the well-watered control. Pearson correlation analysis showed the strong correlation of shoot length with MSI and root length with RWC in rice genotypes at the later growth stage. Furthermore, Regression analysis indicated a negative correlation between plant temperature of NIBGE-DT-02 and proline, RWC, MSI, and peroxidase enzyme under variable water stress conditions. All these responses collectively validated the adaptive response of selected genotypes under water stress during different growth stages. Tolerant genotypes can be used in breeding programs aimed at improving drought tolerance and can expand rice cultivation. Furthermore, this study provides a foundation for future research directed to utilize IRTI as a fast and non-destructive approach for the selection of potent rice genotypes better adapted to water scarcity from wide germplasm collection.

The neuropharmacological potential of Piperazine derivatives: A mini review

Abstract:

Piperazine is a six-membered heterocyclic ring with two nitrogen atoms at positions one and four. This piperazine moiety can be present in a slew of well-known medicines that have pharmacophoric effects on a variety of receptors. Various piperazine analogs have core biological activities involving the activation of monoamine pathways, primarily on neurotransmitter receptors. As a result, piperazine analogs have a wide range of central clinical uses, including anxiolytic, antipsychotic, and antidepressant. Due to its stimulant and euphoric effects, benzyl-piperazine is the prototype of piperazine analogs, and this molecule is the main substance of recreational drugs. This review focused on the activity of piperazine pharmacophore on diverse neurotransmitter receptors and used therapeutically as an anxiolytic (buspirone), an antidepressant (vortioxetine), antipsychotics (clozapine), and other drugs.

A Mini-Review on Pharmacological Importance of Benzothiazole Scaffold

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Heterocyclic compounds are important because they have almost all types of pharmacological properties. Due to these properties of heterocyclic compounds, they attracted the researchers for the development of more effective newer drug molecules. In this review, we are focused on benzothiazole and its derivatives, which are used for the synthesis of various biologically active molecules. Benzothiazole derivatives have been possessed the various type of pharmacological activities like antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticonvulsant, antiviral, anthelmintic, antioxidant, anticancer, and other anticipated activities. Hence, structural alterations have resulted in different benzothiazole derivatives that illustrated a wide variety of pharmacological activities.

Protective Effects Of Isothiocyanates Against Alzheimer's Disease

Background:

The extensive search for a novel therapeutic agent against Alzheimer's Disease (AD) in medical and pharmaceutical research still continues. Despite a lot being explored about its therapeutics, there is still much more to learn in order to achieve promising therapeutic agents against ADAlzheimer's. Phytochemicals, especially secondary metabolites, are the major focus of the investigators for AD treatment.

Objective:

To describe major therapeutics targets of AD and the role of isothiocyanates (ITCs) in modulating these targets.

Methods:

Scientific databases, including Elsevier, Science Direct, Pub med, were explored. The explored literature was mainly journal publications on pathogenesis and targets of AD, and the effect of various ITCs in the modulation of these targets.

Results:

The major targets of AD include the Nrf-2/ARE signaling pathway, MAPKs pathway, GSK-3 signaling, and Ubiquitin-Protease system. ITCs, such as Sulforaphane, Allyl isothiocyanates, Moringin, 6-(methylsulfinyl) hexyl ITC, Phenethyl isothiocyanates, and Erucin, were reported to exert a protective effect against AD via modulating one of the several above mentioned targets.

Conclusion:

This article gives a detailed description of the therapeutic targets of AD and sheds light that phytochemicals, such as ITCs, can exert a protective effect against AD by targeting those pathways. However, properly designed research and clinical trials are required to include ITCs as a mainstream agent against AD.

Bacterial strains integrated with surfactin molecules of Bacillus subtilis MTCC441 enrich nematocidal activity against Meloidogyne incognita

Bacteria secrete lipopeptide (surfactin) molecules, which are known to act as natural antibiotics. Recently, research on lipopeptide molecules has grown because of their role in increasing resistance to plant pathogens. Isolated surfactin molecules at several concentrations, viz. 35, 25, 15 and 5 ppm, were used in an in vitro study for analysis of egg hatching inhibition and second-stage juvenile (J2) mortality of the nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Cell suspensions (1.2 × 10⁸  cfu·ml^-1 ) of both Bacillus subtilis (MTCC-441) and Pseudomonas putida (MTCC-102) were used in J2 inoculated tomato plants. Root-dip treatment of tomato seedlings with the crude lipopeptide (35 ppm) was also performed to analyse biocontrol potential. MALDI-TOF MS analysis was conducted to determine specific lipopeptide molecules. Data showed nematode egg mortality of 85% in the 35 ppm surfactin concentration 96 h after exposure. The maximum ovicidal activity was 83.97% after incubation with 35 ppm surfactin for the same exposure period. Plant growth attributes and biochemical parameters were significantly improved when bacterial cultures were applied before J2 inoculation of tomato seedlings. We also recorded a reduction in egg masses, nematode population and root galling. The J2 penetration into tomato roots was effective in the root-dip experiments. Surfactin mass peak was determined at m/z 1058 [M+Na]⁺ using MALDI-TOF MS. These results indicate that bacterial cell suspensions can be used as a potent and versatile source to deal with nematode infection and provide a rich source of bioactive compounds with antinematode activity.

Study of human knowledge and attitude toward urban birds in Faisalabad city, Pakistan

Birds are very valuable indicators of species richness and endemic patterns in a specified ecosystem, which eventually help the scientist to measure the environmental degradation. The aim of present study was to know human knowledge and attitude toward urban birds in Faisalabad city, Pakistan. The study conducted in four consecutive months: November 2019 to February 2020. Population of birds was noted from eight residential towns of Faisalabad city, data were collected through questionnaire. Faisalabad has a reasonably large population of birds and present data show that, there is a significant difference between favorite bird of residential areas and institutions. The pigeon received the most likeness in bird population among residential area residents, while the myna received the least. The most popular bird in Faisalabad institutions was the sparrow, while the least popular bird was the common myna. Bird adaptation percentage of residential areas and institutional areas of Faisalabad was the highest for parrot and sparrow respectively. People in residential areas and institutions, on the other hand, adapted least to common myna. It is concluded that people of the study area like birds and offered food and high population of birds are present in study area.

Anti-Atherosclerosis and Anti-Hypertensive Effects of Flavonoid Isorhamnetin Isolated from the Bark of Cordia dichotoma L

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the anti-atherosclerotic and anti-hypertensive ability of isolated Isorhamnetin from the bark of Cordia dichotoma L. Study design: Experimental study Place and Duration of Study: The extraction and isolation of bark of Cordia dichotoma L bark (ACDL) was done at Biosapience lab, Bhopal, India. Anti-atherosclerotic activity was done at IFTM University, Moradabad, India. Anti-hypertensive activity was done at BilwalMedchem and Research Laboratory, Pvt. Ltd, Jaipur, India. All the studies was conducted from 2015 to 2021 depending upon the availability of resources. Methodology: Column chromatography was done for Ethyl acetate soluble fraction of successive alcoholic extract of Cordia dichotoma L bark (ACDL), followed by successive fractionation using benzene, n-butanol, and acetone. Eluents with similar Rf values were pooled and underwent flavonoid test. Only a single eluents that passed the test was underwent purification. The crystallized powder obtained underwent UV, FTIR, Mass, 1H NMR and 13C NMR analysis for structural identification. The evaluation of anti-atherosclerotic activity of isolated Isorhamnetin from bark extract of plant C. dichotoma L was done in high fat induced atherosclerosis rats. The seven groups of Wistar rats were taken and each group containing six rats. To evaluate the anti-hypertensive activity of the plant extract, L-NAME induced hypertension model was used. Results: The structural identification and confirmation of flavonoid Isorhamnetin was analyzed by characterizations of isolated product. Lipid, lipoprotein profile and body weight were determined in high fat diet induced atherosclerosis rats. Isorhamnetin isolated from bark of C. dichotoma L produced a significant and dose-dependent anti-atherosclerotic activity in terms of reduction in low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), Total cholesterol (TC), and Triglyceride (TG) level; and elevation of high density lipoprotein (HDL). Isorhamnetin isolated from the bark of plant C. dichotoma L reduced the elevated arterial pressure of L-NAME induced hypertensive rat significantly to the level of normotensive animal group. The isolated Isorhamnetin have shown its potential as an efficient source for the treatment of hypertension. Conclusion: The present study has identified the isolation and characterization of isorhamnetin flavonoid from bark of plant C. dichotoma L. This study also provides evidences of anti-atherosclerotic and antihypertensive effects of C. dichotoma L.

Enhancement in Cathodic Redox Reactions of Single-Chambered Microbial Fuel Cells with Castor Oil-Emitted Powder as Cathode Material

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) would be a standalone solution for clean, sustainable energy and rural electrification. It can be used in addition to wastewater treatment for bioelectricity generation. Materials chosen for the membrane and electrodes are of low cost with suitable conducting ions and electrical properties. The prime objective of the present work is to enhance redox reactions by using novel and low-cost cathode catalysts synthesized from waste castor oil. Synthesized graphene has been used as an anode, castor oil-emitted carbon powder serves as a cathode, and clay material acts as a membrane. Three single-chambered MFC modules developed were used in the current study, and continuous readings were recorded. The maximum voltage achieved was 0.36 V for a 100 mL mixture of domestic wastewater and cow dung for an anodic chamber of 200 mL. The maximum power density obtained was 7280 mW/m². In addition, a performance test was evaluated for another MFC with inoculums slurry, and a maximum voltage of 0.78 V and power density of 34.4093 mW/m² with an anodic chamber of 50 mL was reported. The present study’s findings show that such cathode catalysts can be a suitable option for practical applications of microbial fuel cells.

Enhanced solar-driven photocatalytic performance of a ternary composite of SnO2 quantum dots//AgVO3 nanoribbons//g-C3N4 nanosheets (0D/1D/2D) structures for hydrogen production and dye degradation

Herein, we report the synthesis of between SnO₂ QDs /AgVO₃ nanoribbons/g-C₃N₄ nanosheets of ternary photocatalytic systems for the production of H₂ through light irradiation. The SnO₂/AgVO₃/g-C₃N₄ photocatalyst was successfully produced by using the hydrothermal process. The structural characterizations of the samples revealed the successful formation of ternary heterostructures where SnO₂, AgVO₃ and g-C₃N₄ (quantum dots/nanoribbons/nanosheets) 0D/1D/2D structures make a good interface with each other. The fabricated heterostructures of AgVO₃/g-C₃N₄ and SnO₂/AgVO₃/g-C₃N₄ photocatalytic structures performed enriched photocatalytic performance for H₂ production over that of the pristine g-C₃N₄, AgVO₃ and SnO₂ photocatalysts. The AgVO₃/g-C₃N₄ and SnO₂ /AgVO₃/g-C₃N₄ of photocatalysts were found to produce H₂ of around 17,000 μmol g^-1 and 77,000 μmol g^-1, respectively, which is much 4.5 times greater than that of AgVO₃/g-C₃N₄ photocatalyst. Moreover, the photodegradation behaviours of prepared catalysts were studied with the dye (rhodamine B, RhB) under light irradiation. The ternary composite SnO₂/AgVO₃/g-C₃N₄ performed photodegradation of RhB in 50 min. The higher photocatalytic activity for the ternary photocatalysts is predominantly due to the effective charge separation at the perfect interface formation amid SnO₂ and AgVO₃/g-C₃N₄.

Thymoquinone-entrapped chitosan-modified nanoparticles: formulation optimization to preclinical bioavailability assessments

The major limitation with the oral administration of most of the phytochemicals is their low aqueous solubility and bioavailability. Thymoquinone (THQ) is one of the most widely used phytochemicals used to treat a variety of diseases. However, strong lipophilic characteristics limit its clinical application. Therefore, this study was aimed to design novel chitosan (C) modified polycaprolactone (PL) nanoparticles (NPs) for improved oral bioavailability of THQ. THQ-CPLNPs was optimized 33-Box-Behnken design. After that, the optimized THQ-CPLNPs was characterized by different parameters. THQ-CPLNPs showed the size, PDI, and ZP of 182.32 ± 6.46 nm, 0.179 ± 0.012, and +21.36 ± 1.22 mV, respectively. The entrapment and loading capacity were found to be 79.86 ± 4.36%, and 13.45 ± 1.38%, respectively. THQ-CPLNPs exhibited burst release in initial 2 h followed by prolonged release up to 24 h in simulated intestinal fluids. THQ-CPLNPs showed excellent mucoadhesion properties which were further confirmed with the intestinal permeation study as well as confocal microscopy. The study revealed higher permeation of THQ-CPLNPs compared to neat THQ suspension (THQ-S). Moreover, in vivo gastric irritation study revealed good compatibility of THQ-CPLNPs with the gastric mucosa. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic results depicted ∼3.53-fold improved oral bioavailability of THQ from THQ-CPLNPs than THQ-S. Therefore, from the findings, it was concluded that the prepared polymeric NPs could be an effective delivery system for improved oral bioavailability of THQ.

Anti-depressant, Anxiolytic, and the Muscle Relaxant Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Cissampelos pareira Linn. Leaves

BACKGROUND

The ethnopharmacological relevance suggests that the ethnic minorities of India use leaves of Cissampelos pareira L. as a traditional medicine for curing various psychopharmacological disorders.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate anti-depressant, anxiolytic, and muscle relaxant activity of hydro-alcoholic extract of Cissampelos pareira.

METHODS

Leaves of Cissampelos pareira were extracted using a hydro-alcoholic solvent. The safety of hydro-alcoholic extract of Cissampelos pareira was assessed by acute oral toxicity (OECD 423). The anti-depressant activity was measured using open field test, locomotor test, despair swim test, tail suspension test. The anxiolytic activity was assessed using elevated plus maze and hole board test, and skeletal muscle relaxant activity was assessed using rotarod, grip strength, chimney, and inclined plane test.

RESULTS

No moribund status or mortality was observed in experimental mice up to 2000 mg/kg dose of Cissampelos pareira hydro-alcoholic extract (CPHE). In the open field and actophotometer tests, CPHE 200 and 400 mg/kg treated mice significantly abridged ambulation, number of central squares crossed, total locomotion, and depicted less coordinated movements, and in despair swim and tail suspension tests, CPHE 400 mg/kg treated mice significantly decreased duration of immobility and increased number of climbing, confirming its anti-depressant effect. In an elevated plus-maze test, CPHE 200 and 400 mg/kg increased the open arm exploration, while in the hole board test, CPHE 400 mg/kg treated rats augmented the number of head dips, depicting its anxiolytic effect. In rotarod, grip strength, and inclined plane test, CPHE 400 mg/kg treated mice decreased the fall-off time on a rotating rod, suspended wire, or inclined plane. Furthermore, in the chimney test, treatment with CPHE 400 depicted less coordinated movements in mice; the mice of this group took more time to leave the cylinder, depicting its skeletal muscle relaxant effect.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results, of this study, it can be concluded that CPHE 400 mg/kg exhibits strong anti-depressant, anxiolytic, and muscle relaxant effects, justifying its traditional uses.

Role of ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter Proteins in CNS Tumors: Resistance- Based Perspectives and Clinical Updates

Despite gigantic advances in medical research and development, chemotherapeutic resistance remains a major challenge in complete remission of CNS tumors. The failure of complete eradication of CNS tumors has been correlated with the existence of several factors including overexpression of transporter proteins. To date, 49 ABC-transporter proteins (ABC-TPs) have been reported in humans, and the evidence of their strong association with chemotherapeutics' influx, dissemination, and efflux in CNS tumors, is growing. Research studies on CNS tumors are implicating ABC-TPs as diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers that may be utilised in preclinical and clinical studies. With the current advancements in cell biology, molecular analysis of genomic and transcriptomic interplay, and protein homology-based drug-transporters interaction, our research approaches are streamlining the roles of ABC-TPs in cancer and multidrug resistance. Potential inhibitors of ABC-TP for better clinical outcomes in CNS tumors have emerged. Elacridar has shown to enhance the chemo-sensitivity of Dasatanib and Imatinib in various glioma models. Tariquidar has improved the effectiveness of Temozolomide's in CNS tumors. Although these inhibitors have been effective in preclinical settings, their clinical outcomes have not been as significant in clinical trials. Thus, to have a better understanding of the molecular evaluations of ABC-TPs, as well as drug-interactions, further research is being pursued in research labs. Our lab aims to better comprehend the biological mechanisms involved in drug resistance and to explore novel strategies to increase the clinical effectiveness of anticancer chemotherapeutics, which will ultimately improve clinical outcomes.