Assessment of Biotransformed Silica Nanoparticle on Blood Glucose Level in Human: An In Vitro Investigation

Diabetes has affected nearly half a billion people worldwide. According to current guidelines, glycemic control is essential to mitigate diabetic complications. The antihyperglycemic effects of various chemically synthesized nanoparticles have been reported in animal models. However, their impact on humans has not been previously reported. This study was conducted to biosynthesize and assess the antihyperglycemic property of silica nanoparticles (SiO2-NPs) since they are non-toxic and biocompatible. SiO2-NPs biosynthesized using the endophytic fungus Fusarium oxysporum. In this collaborative study, 26 people, either hyperglycemic or euglycemic, diagnosed at the Endocrinology Outpatients, according to the American Diabetes Association, USA, were recruited. Silica nanoparticles were characterized and assessed for in vitro antihyperglycemic property using blood samples. Particle size distribution based on TEM images confirms that the average size of silica nanoparticle is 25 nm and is monodispersed in nature. The XRD pattern shows that only one broad peak at 2θ = 220 corresponds to the plane (101) of silica nanoparticles. UV Visible spectra show the λmax at 270 nm, peaks in FTIR at 1536 cm-1, 1640 cm-1, and 3420 cm-1 for the protein cap. The mean blood glucose was 120.2 mg/dL in the 'SiO2-NP untreated' group and decreased to 97.24 mg/dL in the 'SiO2-NP treated' group. A paired t-test (P-value < 0.0001) indicates a strong relationship between antihyperglycemia and silica NP. In our study, it has been observed that the biosynthesized silica nanoparticles using the endophytic fungus Fusarium oxysporum show antihyperglycemic property in vitro.

Graphical Abstract

Ceramic-reinforced HEA matrix composites exhibiting an excellent combination of mechanical properties

CoCrFeNi is a well-studied face centered cubic (fcc) high entropy alloy (HEA) that exhibits excellent ductility but only limited strength. The present study focusses on improving the strength-ductility balance of this HEA by addition of varying amounts of SiC using an arc melting route. Chromium present in the base HEA is found to result in decomposition of SiC during melting. Consequently, interaction of free carbon with chromium results in the in-situ formation of chromium carbide, while free silicon remains in solution in the base HEA and/or interacts with the constituent elements of the base HEA to form silicides. The changes in microstructural phases with increasing amount of SiC are found to follow the sequence: fcc → fcc + eutectic → fcc + chromium carbide platelets → fcc + chromium carbide platelets + silicides → fcc + chromium carbide platelets + silicides + graphite globules/flakes. In comparison to both conventional and high entropy alloys, the resulting composites were found to exhibit a very wide range of mechanical properties (yield strength from 277 MPa with more than 60% elongation to 2522 MPa with 6% elongation). Some of the developed high entropy composites showed an outstanding combination of mechanical properties (yield strength 1200 MPa with 37% elongation) and occupied previously unattainable regions in a yield strength versus elongation map. In addition to their significant elongation, the hardness and yield strength of the HEA composites are found to lie in the same range as those of bulk metallic glasses. It is therefore believed that development of high entropy composites can help in obtaining outstanding combinations of mechanical properties for advanced structural applications.

The Effects of Pt-Doped TiO2 Nanoparticles and Thickness of Semiconducting Layers at Photoanode in the Improved Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

This work synthesized Pt-doped dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) with different molar ratios and thicknesses. The materials were revealed fully through X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The photovoltaic properties of the sample were studied by UV-visible spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and IPEC (incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency) techniques. EIS analysis established the decrease in series resistance at the electrolyte interface. It could be one of the reasons for the increase in electron transfer rate and decrease in the recombination process at the interface. Statistical data obtained from optical and electrical investigations revealed that the electrical power-output efficiency of DSSC was 14.25%. It was found that a high ratio of Pt doping and thinner thickness can promote cell performance, owing to the reduction of series resistance, lower bandgap, and high dye adsorption. Doping TiO₂ with Pt reduced its energy bandgap and introduces intermediate energy levels inside TiO₂ to facilitate the transition of electrons at low excitation energies. The absorbance of the samples 0.15 M Pt and 0.25 M Pt showed improvement in the wavelength ranging from 200 to 800 nm by Pt doping.

Efficient Synthesis of Optically Active Neolignans Ligraminol D and E

Efficient syntheses of optically active neolignans ligraminol D and E were achieved in four simple steps starting from easily available chiral benzyl glycidyl ethers. The products were obtained in good overall yields and high enantioselectivities. The protocol might also be useful in the synthesis of other ligraminols or related neolignans.

Surface degradation study of magnesium tested in simulated body fluid

Magnesium has attracted a lot of attention as a new class of biodegradable material. The surface properties of magnesium in simulated body fluid (SBF) were investigated in the current research work. Cast magnesium samples with different surface characteristics were prepared which were then placed in SBF for 2, 4 and 8 days. This led to the formation of hydroxylapatite coating on their surfaces. The solution was changed at regular intervals to maintain a pH of 7.6. Other Mg samples were anodized at 40 V and 60 V to create a uniform layer of oxide on them and then their activity in SBF was compared with the casted samples of Mg. It was found that corrosion rate varies as the immersion time increases. Magnesium undergoes localized corrosion with pits and cracks forming on the surface of the samples. This was due to the aggressive corrosive nature of SBF.

The accuracy of self-reported pregnancy-related weight: a systematic review

Self-reported maternal weight is error-prone, and the context of pregnancy may impact error distributions. This systematic review summarizes error in self-reported weight across pregnancy and assesses implications for bias in associations between pregnancy-related weight and birth outcomes. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar through November 2015 for peer-reviewed articles reporting accuracy of self-reported, pregnancy-related weight at four time points: prepregnancy, delivery, over gestation and postpartum. Included studies compared maternal self-report to anthropometric measurement or medical report of weights. Sixty-two studies met inclusion criteria. We extracted data on magnitude of error and misclassification. We assessed impact of reporting error on bias in associations between pregnancy-related weight and birth outcomes. Women underreported prepregnancy (PPW: -2.94 to -0.29 kg) and delivery weight (DW: -1.28 to 0.07 kg), and over-reported gestational weight gain (GWG: 0.33 to 3 kg). Magnitude of error was small, ranged widely, and varied by prepregnancy weight class and race/ethnicity. Misclassification was moderate (PPW: 0-48.3%; DW: 39.0-49.0%; GWG: 16.7-59.1%), and overestimated some estimates of population prevalence. However, reporting error did not largely bias associations between pregnancy-related weight and birth outcomes. Although measured weight is preferable, self-report is a cost-effective and practical measurement approach. Future researchers should develop bias correction techniques for self-reported pregnancy-related weight.

Spirochromone-chalcone conjugates as antitubercular agents: synthesis, bio evaluation and molecular modeling studies

We report new spiro chromone scaffold derived molecules possessing in vitro anti-tubercular activities. QSAR based molecular modeling studies correlated the bioactivities with the frontier molecular orbital energies.

Synthesis and antitubercular activity of amino alcohol fused spirochromone conjugates

A series of 21 new amino alcohol fused spirochromone conjugates have been synthesized, characterized with analytical data and evaluated their antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (virulent strain H37Rv) in vitro. Some of the compounds exerted significant inhibition, in particular, compound 4f found to be the most potent derivative exhibiting MIC=3.13 μg/mL.

Racial/ethnic differences in treatment delay in a multiethnic sample of women with breast cancer

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Background: Factors contributing to racial/ethnic variation in breast cancer treatment delay remain understudied, especially in multi-ethnic population-based samples. Methods: 3,252 women with non-metastatic breast cancer diagnosed between 6/05–2/07 and reported to the Los Angeles County and Detroit, Surveillance Epidemiologic and End Results (SEER) registries were surveyed after initial treatment (mean time from diagnosis = 8.9 months). Latina and African American (AA) women were over- sampled (n=2260, eligible response rate 72.1%). Treatment delay was defined as the patient's report of the duration between when breast cancer was first diagnosed and first surgical procedure (< 1month, 1–3months, ≥4 months) . Multinomial logistic regression models were used to estimate the relative odds of treatment delay by race/ethnicity before and after adjustment for sociodemographics (age, education, income, marital status), clinical factors (number of co-morbidities, health status at diagnosis), and access barriers (difficulty: finding doctors to treat cancer, scheduling surgical procedure, getting to doctor's office). Results: Of the 2195 women who had a surgical procedure, 6.9 % experienced treatment delay of ≥4 months (10.4% Latina, 9.3% AA, 5.5% white women). Latina and AA women were more likely to experience longer treatment delay than white women [OR for ≥4 months/1–3 months vs. < 1 month: 2.18/1.77 for Latinas; 1.78/1.50 for AA (p<.001)] (Table). Racial/ethnic differences persisted after adjustment for sociodemographic, clinical factors, and access barriers [OR for ≥4 months/1–3 months vs. < 1 month: 1.31/1.79 for Latinas; 1.64/1.55 for AA, (p<.001)] (Table), although Latina vs. white differences were no longer statistically significant. Conclusions: Our results confirm that racial/ethnic minorities are vulnerable to delay in receipt of breast cancer treatment in a large population based sample of breast cancer patients. Further work is needed to evaluate the underlying causes of this delay.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Patterns and consequences of missed work after diagnosis of breast cancer

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Background: Work loss is a potential adverse consequence of cancer. However, there is little research on patterns and correlates of paid work from diagnosis through initial treatment and the impact of missed work on family and finances. Methods: 2,030 women with non-metastatic breast cancer diagnosed from 8/05–5/06 and reported to the Los Angeles County SEER registry were identified and mailed a survey shortly after receipt of surgical treatment. Latina and African American (AA) women were over-sampled. Outcome measures included missed paid work (<1 month, =1 month, stopped all together) and impact on finances (difficulty paying bills or cutting down on general expenses). We report results on a 50% respondent sample (N=742) which will be updated based on a final respondent sample of 1,400 patients (projected response rate, 72%). Results: Of the 440 women (59%) that worked prior to breast cancer, 35%, 26%, and 39% missed <1month, =1month, or stopped working, respectively. African Americans and Latinas (especially those who primarily speak Spanish) were more likely to stop working as compared to whites [OR for stop working vs. missed <1month: 3.5 (p<.001); 4.0 (p<.001) respectively]. Women receiving chemotherapy were also more likely to stop working after adjusting for other sociodemographic and treatment factors [ORs for stopped working vs. missed <1month: 8.4 (p <.001)]. Having sick leave and a flexible work schedule available through work was protective against work stoppage [ORs for stopped working vs. missed <1month: 0.2 (p<.001), 0.1 (p<.001) respectively)] after adjusting for sociodemographic and treatment factors. Women who stopped work were more likely to report both difficulty paying bills, and the need to cut down on expenses compared to women who missed <1month [ORs: 3.3 (p=.002); 3.6 (p<.002) respectively]. Conclusions: Many women stop working altogether after a diagnosis of breast cancer, particularly if they receive chemotherapy, have limited resources, or are employed in vulnerable work settings. These women face adverse economic consequences. Clinicians and staff need to be aware of these adverse consequences of diagnosis and initial treatment particularly in ethnic minorities and low-income patients.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Racial/ethnic differences in adequacy of information and peer support for women with breast cancer

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Background: Existing disparities in quality of care for women with breast cancer suggest the need to explore the adequacy of information and care support provided to patients. This study investigated whether racial/ethnic variation existed in receipt and usefulness of cancer-related information and availability of peer support. Methods: 2,030 women diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer and reported to the Los Angeles County, Surveillance Epidemiologic and End Results registry between 8/05–5/06, were identified and mailed a survey shortly after initial treatment. Latina and African American (AA) women were oversampled. Outcomes included self-reported receipt and perceived usefulness of treatment-related (recovery from surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) and survivorship-related (sexual functioning, relationships, nutrition, anxiety) information and experiences with other women with breast cancer. We report results on a 50% respondent sample (N=742) that will be updated based on a final sample of 1,400 women (projected response rate, 72%). Results: More women received information and found it useful regarding treatment than survivorship issues. After adjusting for age and education, a higher percentage of Latina women, compared to white and AA women, desired more information on treatment-related issues and survivorship-related issues (p<.01). A higher percentage of Latina women also reported having no contact with other women with breast cancer, either through the health care system or a family/friend (p<.001), and reported a desire for more contact as compared to white or AA women (42%, vs. 15% and 29%, respectively). Overall, women rated the benefit of talking to other women high, particularly in helping with emotional issues and few endorsed potentially negative consequences. Conclusions: Women with breast cancer expressed the need for more useful information and care support, especially about managing survivorship concerns. Particular focus is warranted with Latina women to provide desired information and greater opportunities for peer contact.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.