Pectin co-functionalized dual layered solid lipid nanoparticle made by soluble curcumin for the targeted potential treatment of colorectal cancer

The investigation is to increase the cytotoxicity of soluble curcumin (SC) by loading it onto pectin and skimmed milk powder (SMP) dual layered solid lipid nanoparticles (DL-SLN). The DL-SLN exhibited significantly higher encapsulation efficiency (83.94 ± 6.16), better stability (90 days), and sustained the drug release in different gastro intestional (GI) environments upto 72 h. Molecular docking revealed that the Vander Waals (57420.669 Kcal^-mol^-1) and electrostatic (-197.533) bonds were involved in the DL-SLN complex formation. The in vivo toxicity of DL-SLN was performed by the zebrafish model, the cell cycle arrest at G₂/M phase (64.34 %) by flow cytometry, and western blot investigation was recognized molecular level cell death using SW480 cells. Pharmacokinetic (PK) evaluation (Cmax-5.78 ± 3.26 μg/mL; Tmax-24 h) and organ distribution studies confirmed that the co-functionalized pectin based SLN could efficiently improve the oral bioavailability (up to 72 h) of curcumin (CMN) on colon-targeted release.

MiRNAs with apoptosis regulating potential are differentially expressed in chronic exercise-induced physiologically hypertrophied hearts

Physiological cardiac hypertrophy is an adaptive mechanism, induced during chronic exercise. As it is reversible and not associated with cardiomyocyte death, it is considered as a natural tactic to prevent cardiac dysfunction and failure. Though, different studies revealed the importance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in pathological hypertrophy, their role during physiological hypertrophy is largely unexplored. Hence, this study is aimed at revealing the global expression profile of miRNAs during physiological cardiac hypertrophy. Chronic swimming protocol continuously for eight weeks resulted in induction of physiological hypertrophy in rats and histopathology revealed the absence of tissue damage, apoptosis or fibrosis. Subsequently, the total RNA was isolated and small RNA sequencing was executed. Analysis of small RNA reads revealed the differential expression of a large set of miRNAs during physiological hypertrophy. The expression profile of the significantly differentially expressed miRNAs was validated by qPCR. In silico prediction of target genes by miRanda, miRdB and TargetScan and subsequent qPCR analysis unraveled that miRNAs including miR-99b, miR-100, miR-19b, miR-10, miR-208a, miR-133, miR-191a, miR-22, miR-30e and miR-181a are targeting the genes that primarily regulate cell proliferation and cell death. Gene ontology and pathway mapping showed that the differentially expressed miRNAs and their target genes were mapped to apoptosis and cell death pathways principally via PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK signaling. In summary, our data indicates that regulation of these miRNAs with apoptosis regulating potential can be one of the major key factors in determining pathological or physiological hypertrophy by controlling fibrosis, apoptosis and cell death mechanisms.

Pyramiding transgenic resistance in elite indica rice cultivars against the sheath blight and bacterial blight

Elite indica rice cultivars were cotransformed with genes expressing a rice chitinase (chi11) and a thaumatin-like protein (tlp) conferring resistance to fungal pathogens and a serine-threonine kinase (Xa21) conferring bacterial blight resistance, through particle bombardment, with a view to pyramiding sheath blight and bacterial blight resistance. Molecular analyses of putative transgenic lines by polymerase chain reaction, Southern Blot hybridization, and Western Blotting revealed stable integration and expression of the transgenes in a few independent transgenic lines. Progeny analyses showed the stable inheritance of transgenes to their progeny. Coexpression of chitinase and thaumatin-like protein in the progenies of a transgenic Pusa Basmati1 line revealed an enhanced resistance to the sheath blight pathogen, Rhizoctonia solani, as compared to that in the lines expressing the individual genes. A transgenic Pusa Basmati1 line pyramided with chi11, tlp, and Xa21 showed an enhanced resistance to both sheath blight and bacterial blight.

An improved model of galactosamine-induced fulminant hepatic failure in the pig

Fulminant hepatic failure is a serious condition with very high mortality. Development of new therapies designed to bridge the patient through the acute period of their disease has been hampered by the lack of a large animal model that closely reproduces the changes in humans. We have established an improved model of fulminant hepatic failure in the pig by administration of an aminosugar d-galactosamine hydrochloride. Galactosamine in a dose of 1.0 g/kg was dissolved in 5% dextrose in water (D5W) and given intravenously to seven young pigs weighing 8 to 15 kg. Seven control pigs received an equal volume of D5W alone. Two days prior to injection, a baseline ultrasound-guided liver biopsy was done in each pig under general anesthesia using isofluorane. Clinical data were recorded and blood for laboratory determinations was drawn at 0 h (baseline), 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after infusion of galactosamine or D5W alone, under general anesthesia. Neurological data were recorded at the same intervals before inducing anesthesia. Galactosamine-treated animals showed 100% mortality. All of them died by 86 h after injection of galactosamine, with death resulting from fulminant hepatic failure characterized by marked increases in total bilirubin, liver enzymes, ammonia, and lactate; associated coagulopathy; hypoglycemia; and coma. Liver histology showed massive hepatocellular necrosis in all seven galactosamine-treated animals. This large and highly reproducible animal model appears promising for future evaluation of bioartificial liver support systems designed to treat fulminant hepatic failure in humans.

Resveratrol interferes with N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma at early and advanced stages in male Wistar rats

Resveratrol, a phytochemical compound abundant in red wine and grapes, is known to affect cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. A great amount of data have indicated the therapeutic benefits of resveratrol against cancer. However, it remains unclear whether these benefits are similar and equally effective in both the early and advanced stages of cancer or carcinogenesis. In this study, we report the effects of resveratrol in the early and advanced stages of hepatocarcinogenesis in a model of N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) of male Wistar rats. For the experiment, rats were divided into different groups and treated with resveratrol either from day 1 of DEN administration for 15 days (pre-HCC), or after the development of HCC, i.e., 15-16 weeks after DEN administration (post-HCC), and compared to untreated HCC-bearing rats. Biochemical analysis of α-fetoprotein, the known serum marker for HCC, and other serum and liver marker enzymes also demonstrated a decreased level upon resveratrol treatment compared to the untreated HCC-bearing rats. H&E staining of tissue sections from the liver showed alteration or transformation of liver parenchymatous tissue in DEN-induced HCC (at 15-16 weeks). Resveratrol treatment during early (on day 1 of DEN-induction) and advanced (weeks 17-18) HCC showed a marked difference in the tissue architecture compared to untreated HCC. Immunoblot analysis revealed that resveratrol intervention at both the early and advanced stages of DEN-induced HCC activated the apoptotic markers, such as PARP cleavage, caspase-3 activation, p53 up-regulation and cytochrome-c release. In addition, semiquantitative RT-PCR and immunoblot analysis demonstrated the up- and down-regulation of key apoptotic regulators, such as Bax and Bcl2, respectively, in a resveratrol treatment-dependent manner. Our results indicate that the administration of resveratrol either at the early or advanced stages of hepatocarcinogenesis is equally effective and involves the activation of the apoptotic pathway in male Wistar rats.

Stoichiometrically Governed Curcumin Solid Dispersion and Its Cytotoxic Evaluation on Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly occurring cancer in men and the second most commonly occurring cancer in women. Curcumin (CMN) is obtained from a natural source and has no toxicity, even at high doses (8,000 mg/kg body weight in 24 hours) and was determined to have anticancer potency on several kinds of carcinoma. However, its medical applications were limited because of its low solubility and poor bioavailability.

Materials and Methods

To improve the medical applications of CMN, various hydrophilic carriers such as poloxamer 407 (PMX-407), poloxamer 188 (PMX-188), Gelucire 50/13 (Gel-50/13), and mannitol (MNL) were used to prepare a binary complex solid dispersion (SD). These binary SDs were characterized for aqueous solubility in various solvents. Physical stability, thermal behaviors, and morphology were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometric analysis, powder X-ray diffraction analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering study, and the novel dyeing test. In vitro drug release was determined by dissolution study. Based on the characterization, the better SD complex was optimized using Box-Behnken design (BBD). The cytotoxicity and apoptosis study of prepared CMN (C-SD) were used to test for colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines.

Results

These results showed that the solubility of CMN is greatly improved after complexation with PXM-407 in SD. CMN is practically insoluble in water at acidic and neutral pH; however, the SD of CMN with PXM-407 produced significant improvement in solubility (1.266±0.0242 mg/mL) and dissolution (91.36±0.431% at 30 minutes); similarly, these data fit with a phase solubility study and in silico molecular modeling. Moreover, the solid-state characterization revealed that the SD complex exhibits the intermolecular hydrogen bond with drug and carrier. Also, the complex does not undergo any chemical modification owing to the amorphous form, and the dye test showed better coloring impact indicating the solubility of CMN. The cell cycle arrest confirmed at G2/M phase from flow cytometry analysis, and Western blot investigation was recognized molecular level cell death and the complex induced more exploit DNA during apoptosis.

Conclusion

This study confirmed that the ideal stoichiometric ratio of CMN with carrier to enhance its solubility was 1:1. This molecular complex of PXM-407 was found to be more effective against colorectal cancer (CRC) than pure CMN.

The plant epitranscriptome: revisiting pseudouridine and 2'-O-methyl RNA modifications

There is growing evidence that post-transcriptional RNA modifications are highly dynamic and can be used to improve crop production. Although more than 172 unique types of RNA modifications have been identified throughout the kingdom of life, we are yet to leverage upon the understanding to optimize RNA modifications in crops to improve productivity. The contributions of internal mRNA modifications such as N6-methyladenosine (m⁶ A) and 5-methylcytosine (m⁵ C) methylations to embryonic development, root development, leaf morphogenesis, flowering, fruit ripening and stress response are sufficiently known, but the roles of the two most abundant RNA modifications, pseudouridine (Ψ) and 2'-O-methylation (Nm), in the cell remain unclear due to insufficient advances in high-throughput technologies in plant development. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the latest methods and insights gained in mapping internal Ψ and Nm and their unique properties in plants and other organisms. In addition, we discuss the limitations that remain in high-throughput technologies for qualitative and quantitative mapping of these RNA modifications and highlight future challenges in regulating the plant epitranscriptome.

Utilization of extrusion technology for the development of millet based complementary foods

Millet based complementary foods were developed using sorghum (Sorghum vulgare), rice (Oryza Sativa), besan (Cicer arietinum; Bengal gram dhal flour), legume mix (Green gram and roasted Bengal gram; Phaseolus aureus Roxb and Cicer arietinum) and soybean (Glycine max Merr) with a lab scale twin screw extruder. The extrudates were subjected to acceptability studies initially and at the end of the storage period i.e. 3 months at laboratory level by panel of judges using a 5-point hedonic scale. Physico-chemical characteristics like bulk density, piece density and expansion ratio were measured and proximate principles were assessed. Soy and legume mix were found to have low bulk density as well as high expansion ratio. The developed extrudates were made into fine powder and sieved through a 60 mm mesh. Malted ragi flour at 15 % level was added to the powdered extrudates to develop the complementary mixes with low bulk density. Raw formulas without malt and with malt; extruded mixes without malt and with malt were studied for viscosity. The developed mixes were made into porridge and fed to the infants and the opinions about the acceptability of mixes were collected from the mothers. The complementary mixes with malted ragi showed reduced viscosity and formed good, smooth slurry and well accepted both by children and their mothers. Extruded soy and legume mixes with addition of 15 % malt were found to have satisfactory functional characteristics and nutritive value and can be explored for bulk preparation.

Antifungal Metabolites of Streptomyces chrestomyceticus STR-2 Inhibits Magnaporthe oryzae, the Incitant of Rice Blast

Rice, a staple food crop worldwide, suffers devastating yield losses as a result of blast disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae Cav. The adverse effects of chemicals on the environment are rising concerns for sustainable and eco-friendly approaches. The use of antagonistic microbes for the management of rice blast appears to be a sustainable solution to this challenge. Herein, we isolated 20 Streptomyces strains from rice rhizosphere, among which the isolate STR-2 exhibited maximum inhibition of mycelial growth of M. oryzae accounting for 50% reduction over control. The isolate STR-2 was identified as S. chrestomyceticus through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. In vitro tests demonstrated its ability to produce antifungal and bioactive compounds and also synthesize siderophore, IAA, and phosphate-solubilizing agents, thereby promoting plant growth upon inoculation on rice seeds. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of volatiles, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antioxidant compounds with different retention times. The crude antibiotic extract of 0.5% of S. chrestomyceticus STR-2 reduced the mycelial growth of M. oryzae over the control. Application of talc-based formulation of Streptomyces chrestomyceticus STR-2 resulted in the least disease incidence (15.89%) with the highest disease reduction of 65.26% over untreated control under field condition. These findings indicate the potential of S. chrestomyceticus as a potential bio-inoculant against rice blast disease.

Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes/Gold Nanoparticles Hybrid Electrodes for Enzyme-Free Electrochemical Glucose Sensor

We followed a facile strategy to fabricate glucose sensors using mildly oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and thiol acids including mercaptoacetic acid (MAA), mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), and mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA). The thiol acids separately bonded to MWCNTs anchored AuNPs of average diameter 14 nm, and yielded three different nanohybrids; MWCNTs-MAA-AuNPs, MWCNTs-MPA-AuNPs and MWCNTs-MSA-AuNPs. The nanohybrids after coating onto glassy carbon (GC) electrode resulted into enzyme free glucose sensors (GC-MWCNTs-MAA-AuNPs, GC-MWCNTs-MPA-AuNPs and GC-MWCNTs-MSA-AuNPs). Their electrocatalytic glucose sensing ability was examined through cyclic voltammetry and amperometry. GC-MWCNTs-MSA-AuNPs electrode showed high stability and activity in the electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose compared to other two sensors. It also showed a wide range of response for glucose concentration from 0.12 to 4.0 μM, and low detection limit of 0.036 μM (S/N = 3). The optimum rate of applied potential was 0.8 V/s, which proves the effective sensing of glucose. The selective sensing of glucose in the presence of H₂O₂, uric acid and blood cancer drug (imatinib mesylate) was verified through amperometry. The electrode can be a new addition to glucose sensors and bioanalytical techniques.

Removal of Lead from Water Using Calcium Alginate Beads Doped with Hydrazine Sulphate-Activated Red Mud as Adsorbent

Calcium alginate beads doped with hydrazine sulphate-treated red mud are investigated as adsorbent for extracting lead ions from water using batch methods of extraction. Different extraction conditions are optimised for maximum lead extraction. Substantial amount of lead is removed, and the adsorption ability is found to be 138.6 mg/g. Surface characterization using FTIR, EDX, and FESEM confirms that lead is "onto" the surface of the adsorbent. Thermodynamic parameters, adsorption isotherms, and kinetics of adsorption are analysed. Adsorption is "physisorption" in nature and spontaneous. The adsorbent developed can be regenerated using 0.1 M HCl. Thus regenerated adsorbent can be used as the adsorbent for further removal of lead at least 10 times, and this enables the complete removal of lead from water by repetitive use of the regenerated adsorbent. The beads facilitate the easy filtration. The methodology developed is successfully applied for removing lead from industrial waste waters.

Beneficial effects of Naringin against lopinavir/ ritonavir-induced hyperlipidemia and reproductive toxicity in male albino rats

OBJECTIVE

This research work was planned to determine whether Naringin (NG) had any protective effects against lopinavir/ritonavir (LR)-induced alterations in blood lipid levels, hepatotoxicity, and testicular toxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four groups of six rats each were used for the study: Control (1% ethanol), naringin (80 mg/kg), lopinavir (80 mg/kg)/ritonavir (20 mg/kg), and lopinavir (80 mg/kg)/ritonavir (20 mg/kg) + naringin (80 mg/kg). The drug treatment was continued for 30 days. On the last day, the serum lipid fractions, liver biochemical parameters, testicular antioxidants (enzymatic and non-enzymatic), and the histopathology of the liver and testis tissue were assessed for all rats.

RESULTS

Treatment with NG decreased significantly (p<0.05), the baseline serum levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). But these parameters were significantly (p<0.05) increased in LR-treated animals. Naringin, co-administered with LR, restored the liver and testicular biochemical, morphological, and histological balance.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that NG can be used as a treatment for LR-induced biochemical and histological changes in the liver and testes and changes in serum lipid levels.

Potential acetylcholinesterase inhibitors to treat Alzheimer's disease

OBJECTIVE

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is identified by neuropathological symptoms, and there is now no effective treatment for the condition. A lack of the brain neurotransmitter acetylcholine has been related to the etiology of Alzheimer's disease. Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine to an inactive form and causes the death of cholinergic neurons. Conventional treatments were used but had less effectiveness. Therefore, there is a crucial need to identify alternative compounds with potential anti-cholinesterase agents and minimal undesirable effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fluoroquinolones and benzimidazole-benzothiazole derivatives offer antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-Alzheimer activities. To enhance the chemical portfolio of cholinesterase inhibitors, a variety of fluoroquinolones and benzimidazole-benzothiazole compounds were evaluated against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes. For this purpose, molecular docking and adsorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicology ADMET models were used for in-silico studies for both AChE and BChE enzymes to investigate possible binding mechanisms and drug-likeness of the compounds. The inhibitory effect of docked heterocyclic compounds was also verified in vitro against AChE and BChE enzymes. Fluoroquinolones (Z, Z3, Z4, Z6, Z8, Z12, Z15, and Z9) and benzimidazole-benzothiazole compounds (TBIS-16, TBAF-1 to 9) passed through the AChE inhibition assay and their IC50 values were calculated.

RESULTS

The compound 1-ethyl-6-fluoro-7-(4-(2-(4-nitrophenylamino)-2-oxoethyl)piperazin-1-yl) -4-oxo-1,4 di-hydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid and 2-((1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)methyl)-N'-(3-bromobenzyl)-4-hydroxy-2H-thiochromene-3-carbohydrazide 1,1-dioxide (Z-9 and TBAF-6) showed the lowest IC50 values against AChE/BChE (0.37±0.02/2.93±0.03 µM and 0.638±0.001/1.31±0.01 µM, respectively) than the standard drug, donepezil (3.9±0.01/4.9±0.05 µM). During the in-vivo investigation, behavioral trials were performed to analyze the neuroprotective impact of Z-9 and TBAF-6 compounds on AD mouse models. The groups treated with Z-9 and TBAF-6 compounds had better cognitive behavior than the standard drug.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that Z-9 (Fluoroquinolones) and TBAF-6 (benzimidazole-benzothiazole) compounds improve behavioral and biochemical parameters, thus treating neurodegenerative disorders effectively.

Exploring the Perilous Nature of Phytophthora: Insights into Its Biology, Host Range, Detection, and Integrated Management Strategies in the Fields of Spices and Plantation Crops

The horticultural crops, including spices and plantation crops, are known for their enormous benefits, contributing to the country's economy. However, Phytophthora, a genus of Oomycetes class, poses a threat to spice and plantation crops by infecting and damaging them, resulting in yield losses, economic hardship for farmers, and food security concerns, thereby threatening the sustainability of spice and plantation crops. Moreover, Phytophthora has greater adaptation systems in varying environmental conditions. Therefore, eradicating or controlling Phytophthora is a highly challenging process due to the longevity of its infective propagules in soil. Early detection and curative measures would be more effective in managing this destructive pathogen. Additionally, molecular detection using innovative methods such as polymerase chain reaction, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, recombinase polymerase amplification, and loop-mediated isothermal amplification would offer reliable and rapid detection. Furthermore, integrated disease management strategies, combining cultural, physical, chemical, and biological methods, would prove highly beneficial in managing Phytophthora infections in spices and plantation crops. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the diversity, symptomatology, pathogenicity, and impact of Phytophthora diseases on prominent spice and plantation crops. Finally, our review explores the current disease reduction strategies and suggests future research directions to address the threat posed by Phytophthora to spices and plantation crops.

Iron-Doped Cadmium Sulfide/Graphene Oxide (Cd(1-x)Fe(x)S/GO) Nanocomposites for Photocatalytic Degradation of Toxic Pollutants

Heterogeneous photocatalysis has been widely explored as a promising solution for dye degradation due to its cost-effectiveness, ease of recovery, and use of green technology. Precisely, iron-doped cadmium sulfide (CdS) exhibits greater efficiency because of its higher charge separation, more electron transfer efficiency, and adsorption under visible region. In this study, two different ratios of iron-doped cadmium sulfide (Cd(1-x)Fe(x)S/GO) nanocomposites such as Cd0.95Fe0.05S/GO and Cd0.90Fe0.10S/GO were synthesized using the coprecipitation method and characterized with UV-Vis DRS, XRD, FT-IR, Raman, XPS, and HR-TEM. The nanocomposites have been employed to degrade the methyl orange under visible region and optimize the dopant ratio, amount of catalyst, and pH. From the results, it is observed that the composition with a high percentage of iron-doped CdS such as Cd0.90Fe0.10S/GO displayed better photocatalytic properties and improved the optimum ratio (0.9:0.1 for Cd:Fe). This may be attributed to the highest charge separation, increased number of defective sites, and enhanced visible-range adsorption owing to Fe doping. In addition to that, doping results reduce the band gap and size of the nanoparticles. It also increases recycling efficiency, reaching 93% after 10 cycles.

Comparative Study of the Analgesic Efficacy of Intrathecal Fentanyl with Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block after Lower Segment Cesarean Section

Background:

This study was conducted to compare the analgesic efficacy of intrathecal fentanyl with ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block after lower segment cesarean section. The objectives of the study were to compare the effects of subarachnoid fentanyl versus TAP block with respect to duration of postoperative analgesia, time for first analgesic request, total analgesic consumption in 24 h, time to first breastfeed and Apgar score at 1 and 5 min.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty-two patients undergoing elective or emergency cesarean delivery were recruited for the study in a prospective, randomized, single-blind manner. The patients were randomly allocated to either intrathecal fentanyl group (Group F) or TAP block group (Group T) after determining the eligibility criteria. Group F patients received subarachnoid block with 10 mg of 0.5% bupivacaine heavy with 25 mcg of fentanyl. Group T patients received subarachnoid block with 10 mg of 0.5% bupivacaine heavy prior to surgery and at the end of surgery, they received TAP block with 0.25% bupivacaine 20 mL on each side.

Results:

Group T had significantly longer time for the first analgesic request (7.65 ± 1.23 h) than group F (4.10 ± 0.32 h). The total analgesic consumption in 24 h was significantly less in Group T (1.0 ± 0) than Group F (2.13 ± 0.34). The Visual Analogue Scale scores at rest and on movement were significantly less in Group T than Group F at all-time points. The Apgar score at 1 and 5 min and time to first breast feed were comparable between the two groups. The incidence of side effects was less in Group T.

Conclusion:

This study indicated that ultrasound-guided TAP block has a better analgesic as well as safety profile compared to intrathecal fentanyl for cesarean delivery.