First Zagreb index of fuzzy transformation graphs

The first Zagreb index is equal to the sum of the squares of the degrees at each vertex of G. In this study, we create four distinct types of fuzzy transformation graphs and investigate the fundamental characteristics shared by them. Additionally, upper bounds on the first Zagreb index of fuzzy transformation graphs in terms of fuzzy graph G elements have been discovered.

Molecular simulation and in vitro evaluation of chitosan nanoparticles as drug delivery systems for the controlled release of anticancer drug cytarabine against solid tumours

The present work is an attempt to integrate the molecular simulation studies with in vitro cytotoxicity of cytarabine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles and exploring the potential of this formulation as therapeutics for treating solid tumours. The molecular simulation was performed using GROMACS v5.4 in which, chitosan polymer (CHT; six molecules) was used to study the encapsulation and release of a single molecule of cytarabine. Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) of the Cα atom of cytarabine (CBR) molecule shows that CBR starts to diffuse out of the CHT polymer binding pocket around 10.2 ns, indicated by increased fluctuation of RMSD at pH 6.4, while the drug diffusion is delayed at pH 7.4 and starts diffusing around 17.5 ns. Cytarabine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CCNP), prepared by ionic gelation method were characterized for encapsulation efficiency, particle size and morphology, zeta potential, crystallinity and drug release profile at pH 6.4 and 7.4. CCNPs showed 64% encapsulation efficiency with an average diameter of 100 nm and zeta potential of + 53.9 mV. It was found that cytarabine existed in amorphous state in nanoformulation. In vitro release studies showed 70% cytarabine was released from the chitosan-based nanoformulation release at pH 6.4, which coincides with the pH of tumour microenvironment. Cytotoxicity against breast cancer cell line (MCF 7) was higher for nanoformulation compared to free cytarabine. Haemocompatibility studies showed that chitosan-based nanoformulation is safe, biocompatible and nonhaemolytic in nature; hence, can be used as a safe drug delivery system. Taken together, our study suggests that chitosan nanoformulation would be an effective strategy for the pH-dependent release of cytarabine against solid tumours and might impart better therapeutic efficiency.

Cross-linked acrylic hydrogel for the controlled delivery of hydrophobic drugs in cancer therapy

Objective:

To investigate cross-linked hydrogels prepared via inverse emulsion polymerization to entrap poorly aqueous soluble drugs. Polyethylene glycol cross-linked acrylic polymers were synthesized and the loading and release of curcumin, a model hydrophobic drug, was investigated.

Methods:

Physicochemical characteristics of hydrogels were studied with ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and swelling. Polymerization of the acrylic acid with cross-linked polyethylene glycol diacrylate was characterized with ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

Results:

The in vitro release rate of curcumin showed that there was a sustained release from the hydrogel with increased cross-linking; the release rate depended on the pH of the releasing medium. Intracellular and cytotoxicity studies were carried out in human cervical cancer cell lines.

Conclusion:

The results suggest cross-linked acrylic polymers can be used as efficient vectors for pH-sensitive, controlled delivery of hydrophobic drugs.

Purely aqueous PLGA nanoparticulate formulations of curcumin exhibit enhanced anticancer activity with dependence on the combination of the carrier

Curcumin, a yellow pigment present in turmeric, possess potential anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory activities but poor aqueous solubility limits its applications. In this study we report a novel comparative study of the formulation and characterization of curcumin nanoparticles (nanocurcumin) using two poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) combinations, 50:50 and 75:25 having different lactide to glycolide ratios. Nanocurcumin 50:50 showed smaller size with higher encapsulation efficiency. Thermal evaluation suggested the presence of curcumin in molecular dispersion form which supported its sustained release up to a week where nanocurcumin 50:50 showed faster release. Cellular uptake studies in human epithelial cervical cancer cells (HeLa) exhibited enhanced intracellular fluorescence with nanocurcumin when compared to free curcumin, when both given in purely aqueous media. Antiproliferative studies using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, Annexin V/propidium iodide staining, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage and downregulation of clonogenic potential of HeLa cells proved the better antitumor activity of nanocurcumin 50:50 administered in aqueous media. Superior efficacy of nanocurcumin 50:50 in comparison to free curcumin was further demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and immunocytochemical analysis. In conclusion, the enhanced aqueous solubility and higher anticancer efficacy of nanocurcumin administered in aqueous media clearly demonstrates its potential against cancer chemotherapy, with dependence on the combination of PLGA.

Polymer nanoparticles--a novel strategy for administration of Paclitaxel in cancer chemotherapy

The main challenge encountered while treating using Paclitaxel (PTX) is its poor solubility in aqueous solutions. The cremophor used in the formulation can cause various side effects such as hypersensitivity, myelosuppression and neurotoxicity and also leads to non-specific distribution in tumor and normal tissues. Since the structure of Paclitaxel does not possess a functional group, it is not easy to manipulate to enhance the solubility. Such limitations can be overcome by delivering Paclitaxel with the aid of drug delivery systems such as polymeric micelles, nanoparticles, hydrogels and liposomes. The review discusses various approaches of Paclitaxel delivery via polymeric nanoparticles. It focuses on the passive and active targeting of Paclitaxel.

Physicochemical and genetic analysis of an endemic rice variety, Njavara (Oryza sativa L.), in comparison to two popular South Indian cultivars, Jyothi (PTB 39) and IR 64

Njavara is a medicinal rice strain, endemic to Kerala, South India, bestowed with medicinal qualities. Genetic variations and some of the physicochemical properties were studied using standard molecular protocols and compared with those of nonmedicinal rice varieties: Jyothi and IR 64. Njavara showed 11 unique positive and 36 unique negative markers to differentiate it from Jyothi and IR 64. Genetic similarity coefficient studies showed two well-defined clusters separating Njavara from Jyothi and IR 64. All the three varieties had waxy gene Wx(a) allele. Njavara had (CT)(n) repeats at (CT)(10), while Jyothi and IR 64 had repeats at (CT)(11) in the 5'-untranslated region of waxy gene. Njavara showed a CGTG sequence, while Jyothi and IR 64 had a CGCG sequence at the 14th exon of Sbe 1 gene. Njavara, Jyothi, and IR 64 have similar amylose equivalent (AE), which was confirmed by microsatellite markers. The SSR primers for protein content and setback viscosity primer (RM 4608) were observed to be polymorphic in case of Njavara. Njavara rice, with a distinct gene pool and medicinal properties, can be exploited as a nutraceutical rice.

Haematological and biochemical effects of polyphenolics in animal models

Polyphenols of natural and synthetic origin are exploited in tanning sector to convert putrescible skin/hide to non-putrescible leather. However, only 30-40% of the inputs have been taken up for processing, the remaining is released as unspent. The existing conventional wastewater treatment systems are inefficient in removing or degrading these unspent polyphenols and thus detrimental to ecosystem. The present study demonstrates the evaluation of impact of both synthetic and natural polyphenols on biochemical and haematological properties of blood and serum in animal models. The results reveal that concentrations of polyphenols play a major role. At higher concentrations, irrespective of their nature, there was a marked change in the lipid profile (81% reduction), followed by insignificant change in glucose levels, RBC and WBC counts and other haematological parameters. At lower concentrations, no significant changes in the above said properties were observed.

Synthesis and Pharmacological Investigation of 3-Subsituted-amino-2-methylsulfanyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-3H-benzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-ones as Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Agents

In the present work, design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and ulcerogenic-index activities of new 3-subsituted-amino-2-methylsulfanyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-3H-benzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-ones, structurally planed by exploiting a clear concept of bio-isosterism, are reported. All compounds exhibited significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. Compounds A1, A3 showed higher analgesic activity and more potent anti-inflammatory activity than that of the reference compound diclofenac sodium. Interestingly, the test compounds showed only mild ulcerogenic potential when compared to that of acetylsalicylic acid.