Potential in-vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of Martynia annua extract mediated Phytosynthesis of MnO2 nanoparticles

The present research work describes the phyto-synthesis of Manganese dioxide nanoparticles (MnO2NPs) from the reduction of potassium permanganate using Martynia annua (M.annua) plant extract. From the literature review, we clearly understood the M.annua plant has anti-inflammatory activity. Manganese dioxides are important materials due to their wide range of applications. Their increased surface area gives them distinct capabilities, as it increases their mechanical, magnetic, optical, and catalytic qualities, allowing them to be used in more pharmaceutical applications. A detailed review of literature highlighting the issues related to this present work and its knowledge gap that none of the inflammatory activities had been done by MnO2 NPs synthesized from M.annua plant extract. So we selected this study. The product MnO2 NPs showed the wavelength centre at 370 nm and was monitored by UV-Vis spectra. The wave number around 600 cm-1 has to the occurrence of O-Mn-O bonds of pure MnO2 confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopy images showed the morphology of MnO2 NPs as spherical-shaped particles with average sizes at 7.5 nm. The selected area electron diffraction analysis exhibits the crystalline nature of MnO2 NPs. The obtained MnO2 NPs showed potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity was compared to the plant extract. The synthesized MnO2 NPs have a large number of potential applications in the field of pharmaceutical industries. In the future, we isolate the phytocompounds present in the M.annua plant extract and conduct a study against corona virus. MnO2 produces manganese (III) oxide and oxygen, which increases fire hazard. But further research is required to understand their environmental behaviour and safety.

Evaluation of lupeol-chitosan nanoparticles infused cellulose acetate membranes for enhanced in-vitro anticancer and antidiabetic activities

This study utilizes the abundance of pharmacologically active compounds found in natural products and concentrates on the promising anticancer agent lupeol (LUP). The limited water solubility and bioavailability of lupeol have limited its therapeutic utility. To test their potential for treating diabetes and cancer, we synthesized lupeol@chitosan (LUP@CS) nanoparticles encapsulated in cellulose acetate (CA) membranes (LUP@CS/CA). Extensive characterization, including Scanning electron microscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and mechanical strength analysis, confirmed the membrane's structural integrity and drug release capacity. Notably, in vitro experiments utilizing A431 human skin cancer cells revealed remarkable anticancer activity, positioning the membrane as a potential novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of skin cancer. Inhibiting carbohydrate-digesting enzymes effectively, as evidenced by IC50 values as low as 54.56 mg/mL, the membrane also exhibited significant antidiabetic potential. These results demonstrate the multifarious potential of the membrane, which offers promise for both the treatment of skin cancer and the management of diabetes, and has significant implications for nano biological applications.

Eco-friendly green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Aegle marmelos leaf extract and their antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer and photocatalytic degradation activity

The present research work, green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) was synthesized from silver ions using the reducing and capping agents of Aegle marmelos leaf extract. Initially, UV-vis spectrophotometry absorption of the Surface Plasmon Resonance centre at 450 nm was confirmed the formation of Ag NPs. Preliminary phytochemical and FT-IR analysis indicate the identification of secondary metabolised flavonoids that act as the reducing and capping agent of the synthesized Ag NPs. Transmission electron microscope analysis, morphology of Ag NPs shown by transmission electron microscopy is spherical with a size range of ∼30-50 nm. The synthesized Ag NPs were investigate the in-vitro anticancer, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, results shows the potential activity against the standard drugs. The Ag NPs also revealed the cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. The MTT assay shows the IC₅₀ values at 125 ± 4.26 μg/mL of Ag NPs compared to the untreated cells of negative control. The Ag NPs was excellent photocatalyst act as degradation of environmentally polluted Basic Fuchsin dye within 18 min.

Heterotrimeric complex of p38 MAPK, PKCδ, and TIRAP is required for AP1 mediated inflammatory response

Inflammation could be described as a physiological response of the body to tissue injury, pathogen invasion, and irritants. During the inflammatory phase, cells of both the innate as well as adaptive immune system are activated and recruited to the site of inflammation. These mediators are downstream targets for the transcription factors; activator protein-1 (AP1), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer (NF-κB), signal transducers and activators of transcription factors (STAT1), as well as interferon regulatory factors (IRFs), which control the expression of most immunomodulatory genes. There is a significant increase in active p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAK) immediately after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, which results in the activation of AP-1 transcription factor and expression of proinflammatory cytokines, IL-12 and IL-23. We studied the novel mechanism of p38 MAPK activation through the formation of a heterotrimeric complex of Protein kinase C delta type (PKCδ), Toll-Interleukin 1 Receptor (TIR) Domain Containing Adaptor Protein (TIRAP), and p38 proteins. TIRAP serves as an adaptor molecule which brings PKCδ and p38 in close proximity. The complex facilitates the activation of p38MAPK by PKCδ. Therefore, we propose that disruption of the heterotrimeric complex may be a good strategy to dampen the inflammatory response. Structure-based design of small molecules or peptides targetting PKCδ-TIRAP or TIRAP-p38 interfaces would be beneficial for therapy in AP1 mediated inflammatory diseases.

Structural exploration of acid sphingomyelinase at different physiological pH through molecular dynamics and docking studies

Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) hydrolysis the sphingomyelin at physiological pH 5.0 and subsequently leads to ceramide production.

Structural transition of ETS1 from an auto-inhibited to functional state upon association with the p16INK4anative and mutated promoter region

Detailed elucidation of structural changes invoked on transcriptional factors and their target genes upon their association is pivotal for understanding the genetic level regulations imposed in several diseases including ovarian cancer.

Synthesis, growth, structure and characterization of molybdenum zinc thiourea complex crystals

Single crystals of molybdenum-incorporated tris(thiourea)zinc(II) sulfate (MoZTS) are grown by the slow evaporation solution growth technique. Crystal composition as determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that it belongs to the orthorhombic system with space group Pca21 and cell parameters a = 11.153 (2), b = 7.7691 (14), c = 15.408 (3) Å, V = 1335.14 (4) Å(3) and Z = 4. The surface morphological changes are studied by scanning electron microscopy. The vibrational patterns in FT-IR are used to identify the functional group and TGA/DTA (thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis) indicates the stability of the material. The structure and the crystallinity of the material were confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction analysis and the simulated X-ray diffraction (XRD) closely matches the experimental one with varied intensity patterns. The band gap energy is estimated using diffuse reflectance data by the application of the Kubelka-Munk algorithm. The relative second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency measurements reveal that MoZTS has an efficiency comparable to that of tris(thiourea)zinc(II) sulfate (ZTS). Hirshfeld surfaces were derived using single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. Investigation of the intermolecular interactions and crystal packing via Hirshfeld surface analysis reveal that the close contacts are associated with strong interactions. Intermolecular interactions as revealed by the fingerprint plot and close packing could be the possible reasons for facile charge transfer leading to SHG activity.

Optical, vibrational, NBO, first-order molecular hyperpolarizability and Hirshfeld surface analysis of a nonlinear optical chalcone

The synthesis of (1E,4E)-1,5-di-p-tolylpenta-1,4-dien-3-one (DTDO) was done and its single crystals were grown by slow evaporation solution technique from 4-methylbenzaldehyde, acetone solution at room temperature. Crystal structure is determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and reveals that it belongs to the monoclinic system with four molecules in the unit cell (space group C2). The emission of green light from the sample confirms the second harmonic generation (SHG) of the specimen responsible for nonlinear optical property. The various vibration patterns of the specimen have been investigated by Fourier transform infrared and Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy. Optimized molecular geometry, vibrational patterns of DTDO are derived from density functional theory (DFT) calculations and the results are compared with experimental one. The molecular stability and bond strengths were investigated by applying the natural bond orbital analysis. Information about the size, shape, charge density distribution and site of chemical reactivity of the molecule has been obtained by mapping electron density with molecular electrostatic potential (MEP). Highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy gaps were calculated. The other molecular properties like charge transfer are explained using Mulliken population analysis and the first-order molecular hyperpolarizability (β) of the specimen is also estimated and SHG efficiency of DTDO was found to be 3.9 times that of KDP. Fingerprint plots and Hirshfeld surfaces were used to locate and analyze the molecular surface and bonding interactions in various methodologies utilized in the establishment of the relative energies.

Crystal growth, characterization and theoretical studies of alkaline earth metal-doped tetrakis(thiourea)nickel(II) chloride

The influence of Sr(II)-doping on the properties of tetrakis(thiourea)nickel(II) chloride (TTNC) has been described. The reduction in the intensity observed in powder X-ray diffraction of doped specimen and slight shifts in vibrational frequencies of doped specimens confirm the lattice stress as a result of doping. Surface morphological changes due to doping of the Sr(II) are observed by scanning electron microscopy. The incorporation of metal into the host crystal lattice was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Lattice parameters are determined by single crystal XRD analysis. The thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis studies reveal the purity of the materials and no decomposition is observed up to the melting point. The nonlinear optical properties of the doped and undoped specimens were studied. Theoretical calculations were performed using the Density functional theory (DFT) method with B3LYP/LANL2DZ as the basis set. The molecular geometry and vibrational frequencies of TTNC in the ground state were calculated and the observed structural parameters of TTNC are compared with parameters obtained from single crystal X-ray studies. The atomic charge distributions are obtained by Mulliken charge population analysis. The first-order molecular hyperpolarizability, polarizability and dipole moment were derived.

Synthesis, crystal growth, characterization and theoretical studies of 4-aminobenzophenonium picrate

Single crystals of 4-aminobenzophenonium picrate (4ABPP) were grown by slow evaporation of a mixed solvent system methanol-acetone (1:1,v/v) containing equimolar quantities of picric acid and 4-aminobenzophenone. The proton and carbon signals are confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The various functional groups present in the molecule are identified by FT-IR analysis. Optimized geometry, first-order molecular hyperpolarizability (β), polarizability (α), bond length, bond angles and excited state energy from theoretical UV were derived by Hartree-Fock calculations. The complete assignment of the vibrational modes for 4-aminobenzophenonium picrate was performed by the scaled quantum mechanics force field (SQMFF) methodology using potential energy distribution. Natural bond orbital (NBO) calculations were employed to study the stabilities arising from charge delocalization and intermolecular interactions of 4ABPP. The atomic charge distributions of the various atoms present in 4ABPP are obtained by Mulliken charge population analysis. The as-grown crystal is further characterized by thermal and optical absorbance studies.

Crystal growth, characterization and theoretical studies of 4-aminopyridinium picrate

Single crystals of 4-aminopyridinium picrate (APP) were grown by slow evaporation of a mixed solvent system methanol-acetone (1:1, v/v) containing equimolar quantities of 4-aminopyridine and picric acid. Structure is elucidated by single crystal XRD analysis and the crystal belongs to monoclinic system with four molecules in the unit cell (space group P21/c) and the cell parameter values are, a=8.513 Å (±0.015), b=11.33 Å (±0.02), c=14.33 Å (±0.03) and β=104.15° (±0.019), V=1340 A(3) (±6) with refined R factors R1=0.0053 and wR2=0.0126. The electron density mapping is interpreted to find coordinates for each atom in the crystallized molecules. The various functional groups present in the molecule are confirmed by FT-IR analysis. UV-visible spectral analysis was used to determine the band gap energy of 4-aminopyridinium picrate. Powder X-ray diffraction pattern reveals the crystallinity of the as-grown crystal and it closely resembles the simulated XRD from the single crystal XRD analysis. Scanning electron microscopy reveals the surface morphology of the grown crystal. Optimized geometry is derived by Hartree-Fock theory calculations and the first-order molecular hyperpolarizability (β), theoretically calculated bond length, bond angles and excited state energy from theoretical UV-vis spectrum were estimated.

Structural insights into tumor-specific chaperoning activity of gamma synuclein in protecting estrogen receptor alpha 36 and its role in tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer

This study investigates structural aspects underlying the chaperoning activity of an intrinsically disordered protein, gamma synuclein, in promoting estrogen mediated breast cancer.

Influence of Cs(I)-doping on the spectral, thermal, morphological and optical properties of bis(thiourea)zinc(II) chloride crystals

Single crystals of alkali metal caesium(I) doped bis(thiourea)zinc(II) chloride are grown at room temperature by slow evaporation solution growth technique. Powder XRD studies reveal some interesting features in the XRD profiles with changes in intensity patterns in doped specimen due to stress development in the crystal. The incorporation of Cs(I) into the crystal lattice was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Slight shifts in vibrational patterns of doped specimen indicate that the crystal undergoes considerable lattice stress as result of doping. SEM studies of pure and doped samples reveal the external morphology. Thermogravimetric and differential thermal studies reveal the purity of the material and the specimens are stable up to the melting point. The optical studies reveal that absorption is minimum in the visible region and doping influenced the diffuse reflectance spectrum. The band gap energies of the pure and doped specimens were estimated by the application of Kubelka-Munk algorithm.

Growth, crystalline perfection, spectral, thermal and theoretical studies on imidazolium L-tartrate crystals

Transparent optical quality single crystals of imidazolium L-tartrate (IMLT) were grown by conventional slow evaporation solution growth technique. Crystal structure of the as-grown IMLT was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Thermal analysis reveals the purity of the crystal and the sample is stable up to the melting point. Good transmittance in the visible region is observed and the band gap energy is estimated using diffuse reflectance data by the application of Kubelka-Munk algorithm. The powder X-ray diffraction study reveals the crystallinity of the as-grown crystal and it is compared with that of the experimental one. An additional peak in high resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) indicates the presence of an internal structural low angle boundary. Second harmonic generation (SHG) activity of IMLT is significant as estimated by Kurtz and Perry powder technique. HOMO-LUMO energies and first-order molecular hyperpolarizability of IMLT have been evaluated using density functional theory (DFT) employing B3LYP functional and 6-31G(d,p) basis set. The optimized geometry closely resembles the ORTEP. The vibrational patterns present in the molecule are confirmed by FT-IR coinciding with theoretical patterns.

Synthesis, structure, spectral, thermal and first-order molecular hyperpolarizability of 4-benzoylpyridine isonicotinyl hydrazone monohydrate single crystals

Single crystals of 4-benzoylpyridine isonicotinyl hydrazone monohydrate were grown by slow evaporation solution growth technique from ethanol at room temperature. It belongs to triclinic system with space group P1¯ and the cell parameters are, a=8.9250(2) Å, b=9.1540(2) Å, c=10.87500(10) Å and V=797.88(3) Å(3). Powder XRD closely resembles with that of simulated pattern from single crystal XRD. The characteristic functional groups present in the molecule are confirmed by FT-IR and FT-Raman analyses. The crystal is transparent in the visible region having a lower optical cut-off at ∼420 nm and the band gap energies are estimated by the application of Kubelka-Munk algorithm. Thermal analysis by TG/DTA indicates the stability of the material. The scanning electron microscopy studies reveal the surface morphology of the as-grown crystal. Mass spectrometry provides information pertaining to the structure and molecular weight of the compound. Theoretical calculations were performed using Hartree-Fock method with 6-31G(d,p) as the basis set for to derive the optimized geometry, dipole moment and first-order molecular hyperpolarizality (β) values.

Synthesis, spectral, thermal, optical and theoretical studies of (2E,6E)-2-benzylidene-6-(4-methoxybenzylidene)cyclohexanone

Single crystals of (2E,6E)-2-benzylidine-6-(4-methoxybenzylidine)cyclohexanone are grown by slow evaporation of ethanolic solution at room temperature. The characteristic functional groups present in the molecule are confirmed by Fourier transform infrared and Fourier transform Raman analyses. The scanning electron microscopy study reveals the surface morphology of the material. Thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis study reveals the purity of the material and the crystal is transparent in the visible region having a lower optical cut-off at ∼487nm. The second harmonic generation efficiency of as-grown material is estimated by Kurtz and Perry technique. Optimized geometry has been derived using Hartree-Fock calculations performed at the level 6-31G (d,p) and the first-order molecular hyperpolarizability (β) is estimated. The specimen is further characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Optical, thermal and dielectric properties of Sr(II)-doped bis(thiourea)zinc(II) chloride crystals

The influence of strontium doping on the properties of bis(thiourea)zinc(II) chloride (BTZC) crystals has been described. The reduction in the intensity observed in powder X-ray diffraction of doped specimen and slight shifts in vibrational frequencies confirm the lattice stress as a result of doping. The incorporation of Sr(II) into the crystal lattice was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Surface morphological changes due to doping of the alkaline earth metal are observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The crystal is transparent in the entire visible region having a lower optical cut-off at ~308 nm with a band gap energy of 4.06 eV. The DSC studies reveal the purity of the materials and no decomposition is observed up to the melting point. Dielectric studies show that the isovalent ion Sr(II)-doping altered the dielectric properties of the host crystal.

Synthesis, structure, growth and characterization of an organic crystal: 1,5-diphenylpenta-2,4-dien-1-one

1,5-Diphenylpenta-2,4-dien-1-one (DDO) chalcone single crystals, synthesized by a base-catalysed aldol condensation reaction between cinnamaldehyde and acetophenone, have been grown by the slow evaporation of an ethanol solution. The crystals belong to the orthorhombic system with centrosymmetric space groupPbca. The DDO crystals are transparent in the visible region and have a lower optical cut-off at ∼445 nm with a band-gap energy of 2.87 eV. Thermogravimetry/differential scanning calorimetry thermal analysis shows that the crystal is stable up to 375 K and it has a good chemical stability. The vibrational patterns of the chalcone have been investigated by Fourier transform IR and Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy. Microhardness studies were also carried out to elucidate the mechanical behaviour. Theoretical calculations were performed using the Hartree–Fock method with 6-31G(d,p) as the basis set, and the first-order hyperpolarizability is 7.077 × 10−30electrostatic units, which is >25 times that of urea. The crystalline perfection evaluated by high-resolution X-ray diffraction analysis reveals multiple peaks. The molecular packing leads to a centrosymmetric arrangement, resulting in zero second harmonic generation [χ(2)= 0] efficiency. Interestingly, the bromo- and chloro-substituted chalcones are good nonlinear optical materials.

Growth, crystalline perfection and characterization of hexaaquanickel(II) dipotassium tetrahydrogen tetra-o-phthalate tetrahydrate crystals

Pale-green single crystals of hexaaquanickel(II) dipotassium tetrahydrogen tetra-o-phthalate tetrahydrate K(2)[Ni(H(2)O)(6)] (C(8)H(5)O(4))(4)·4H(2)O (PNHP), of dimension ~33 mm × 18 mm × 4 mm have been grown by slow evaporation solution growth technique (SEST) and modified Sankaranarayanan-Ramasamy (SR) method. The powder XRD profiles and FT-IR are used for identifying the material. The lattice parameters of the as-grown crystals obtained by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis confirm the formulae. Lower optical cut-off at ~300 nm and optical transparency in the visible region were observed. The structural perfection of the grown crystal has been analyzed for SEST and SR method grown crystals by high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) rocking curves (DC). The DCs of both the specimens are asymmetric with respect to Bragg position and more of scattered intensity in the negative direction is indicative of predominantly vacancy defects. Interestingly, SR method grown crystal has a better crystalline perfection than the conventionally grown crystal. The dielectric, thermal and mechanical behaviors of the specimen were also studied.

Growth, crystalline perfection and characterization of benzophenone oxime crystal

Single crystals of benzophenone oxime (BPO) have been grown by slow evaporation solution growth technique from ethanol at room temperature. The single crystal X-ray diffraction study reveals that the crystal belongs to monoclinic system and cell parameters are, a=9.459 Å, b=8.383 Å, c=26.690 Å, v=2115 Å(3) and β=92.807°. The structure and the crystallinity of the materials were further confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction analysis. The various functional groups present in the molecule are confirmed by FT-IR analysis. The TG/DSC studies reveal the purity of the material and the crystals are transparent in the entire visible region having a lower optical cut-off at ~300 nm. The crystalline perfection was evaluated by high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD). The crystal is further characterized by Kurtz powder technique, dielectric studies and microhardness analysis.

Growth and characterization of Fe3+-doped bis(thiourea)zinc(II) chloride crystals

Fe3+-doping at ∼10 mol% in aqueous medium during crystal growth by slow evaporation solution method in bis(thiourea)zinc(II) chloride (BTZC) leads to form a new compound C2H8Cl2N4S2Zn0.93Fe0.07 (BTZCF) which crystallizes in orthorhombic structure with centrosymmetric space group Pnma though the parent compound BTZC crystallizes in noncentrosymmetric structure with space group Pn2(1)a. The interesting feature observed in this new crystal is that though it crystallizes in centrosymmetric structure, it exhibits positive SHG result (weak signal), quite likely due to possible surface effects or internal stress. The calculated first-order hyperpolarizability is 1.457×10(-30) esu which is ∼5.5 times that of urea. Fe3+-doping enhances the transmittance to a significant extent. Comparison of the thermal analysis results by DSC reveals the incorporation of dopant into the crystalline matrix. The high resolution XRD studies reveal that the crystalline quality is improved considerably when the doping level is reached to ∼10 mol%.

Fracture synthetic tracheostomy tube: an ENT emergency

A synthetic tracheostomy tube [non-metallic type] fracturing within three days of insertion is very rare but it could lead to serious complications such as acute asphyxia or sudden death. We report three such cases at our centre. Recommendations are made to closely observe patients on tracheostomy tube in the first seven days post-insertion of the tube.

Oropharyngeal flora changes in patients with head and neck malignancy post radiotherapy

Radiotherapy has been recognized as a valuable modality of treatment in the management of head and neck cancers. It can have a direct bactericidal effect on the normal flora of the oropharynx. The objective of this study is to determine the changes in the oropharyngeal flora after external beam radiation. This prospective non randomized control study was performed to aid in identification of organisms involved in sepsis, as well as aid in choosing appropriate antibiotics for surgical procedures in irradiated patient. Forty patients with various head and neck malignancy and thirty control patients were selected. Oropharyngeal swabs were taken prior to radiotherapy, at the end and one month after radiotherapy. A single swab was taken from the control group. A full bacteriological analysis was performed. There was a statistically significant decrease in Alpha Hemolytic Streptococci and Neisseria species post radiotherapy. B Proteus and Candida Albicans showed a statistical significant increase in patients with head and neck cancer post radiotherapy. These changes remained even one month after radiotherapy.

Endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy

A review of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EDCR) performed in University Hospital from 1998 till early 2001 were carried out. They were reviewed for indication, functional results, complications and other associated factors. Eleven patients (6 female and 5 male) were reviewed. All had unilateral nasolacrimal duct (NLD) obstruction (6 right, 5 left). Their ages range from 6 to 73 years. All 11 had persistent epiphora while 4 had concurrent recurrent dacryocystitis with purulent discharge. Two patients had history of lacrimal sac abscess that needed drainage. Ten patients had the procedure performed successfully. Functional results were excellent in 8 patients (80%) while two patients still had occasional epiphora although markedly reduced. Complications include synachae (1 patient), premature dislodgement of Jones tube (1 patient) and impacted tube in a child. Our experience with EDCR concludes it to be an easy, efficient treatment for nasolacrimal duct obstruction with minimal complications.