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Fulltext Low-molecular-weight heparin and mortality in acutely ill medical patients

Kakkar AK, Cimminiello C, Goldhaber SZ, Parakh R, Wang C, Bergmann JF, et al.

N Engl J Med, 2011 Dec 29;365(26):2463-72.
PMID: 22204723 DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1111288

BACKGROUND: Although thromboprophylaxis reduces the incidence of venous thromboembolism in acutely ill medical patients, an associated reduction in the rate of death from any cause has not been shown.
METHODS: We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial to assess the effect of subcutaneous enoxaparin (40 mg daily) as compared with placebo--both administered for 10±4 days in patients who were wearing elastic stockings with graduated compression--on the rate of death from any cause among hospitalized, acutely ill medical patients at participating sites in China, India, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, and Tunisia. Inclusion criteria were an age of at least 40 years and hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure, severe systemic infection with at least one risk factor for venous thromboembolism, or active cancer. The primary efficacy outcome was the rate of death from any cause at 30 days after randomization. The primary safety outcome was the rate of major bleeding during and up to 48 hours after the treatment period.
RESULTS: A total of 8307 patients were randomly assigned to receive enoxaparin plus elastic stockings with graduated compression (4171 patients) or placebo plus elastic stockings with graduated compression (4136 patients) and were included in the intention-to-treat population. The rate of death from any cause at day 30 was 4.9% in the enoxaparin group as compared with 4.8% in the placebo group (risk ratio, 1.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8 to 1.2; P=0.83). The rate of major bleeding was 0.4% in the enoxaparin group and 0.3% in the placebo group (risk ratio, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.7 to 3.1; P=0.35).
CONCLUSIONS: The use of enoxaparin plus elastic stockings with graduated compression, as compared with elastic stockings with graduated compression alone, was not associated with a reduction in the rate of death from any cause among hospitalized, acutely ill medical patients. (Funded by Sanofi; LIFENOX ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00622648.).
Note: Malaysia is a study site: participating investigators: Yaw Chong Hwa (WT Ma), Najihah I, SH How, Abdul Razak AM, Law WC (ST Tie), Bharathan T, Monniaty M, Aris Chandran, Ngau Yen Yew, Aziah AM, Irene Wong, CK Chuah, Rosemi S, KK Sia, Jeyaindran S, CY Leong
The aporphine alkaloid boldine improves endothelial function in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Lau YS, Machha A, Achike FI, Murugan D, Mustafa MR

Exp Biol Med (Maywood), 2012 Jan;237(1):93-8.
PMID: 22156043 DOI: 10.1258/ebm.2011.011145

Boldine, a major aporphine alkaloid found in Chilean boldo tree, is a potent antioxidant. Oxidative stress plays a detrimental role in the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction in hypertension. In the present study, we investigated the effects of boldine on endothelial dysfunction in hypertension using spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), the most studied animal model of hypertension. SHR and their age-matched normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were treated with boldine (20 mg/kg per day) or its vehicle, which served as control, for seven days. Control SHR displayed higher systolic blood pressure (SBP), reduced endothelium-dependent aortic relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh), marginally attenuated endothelium-independent aortic relaxation to sodium nitroprusside (SNP), increased aortic superoxide and peroxynitrite production, and enhanced p47(phox) protein expression as compared with control WKY rats. Boldine treatment significantly lowered SBP in SHR but not in WKY. Boldine treatment enhanced the maximal relaxation to ACh in SHR, but had no effect in WKY, whereas the sensitivity to ACh was increased in both SHR and WKY aortas. Boldine treatment enhanced sensitivity, but was without effect on maximal aortic relaxation responses, to SNP in both WKY and SHR aortas. In addition, boldine treatment lowered aortic superoxide and peroxynitrite production and downregulated p47(phox) protein expression in SHR aortas, but had no effect in the WKY control. These results show that boldine treatment exerts endothelial protective effects in hypertension, achieved, at least in part, through the inhibition of NADPH-mediated superoxide production.
Fulltext Dielectrical Properties of CeO2 Nanoparticles at Different Temperatures

Zamiri R, Ahangar HA, Kaushal A, Zakaria A, Zamiri G, Tobaldi D, et al.

PLoS One, 2015;10(4):e0122989.
PMID: 25910071 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122989

A template-free precipitation method was used as a simple and low cost method for preparation of CeO2 nanoparticles. The structure and morphology of the prepared nanoparticle samples were studied in detail using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) measurements. The whole powder pattern modelling (WPPM) method was applied on XRD data to accurately measure the crystalline domain size and their size distribution. The average crystalline domain diameter was found to be 5.2 nm, with a very narrow size distribution. UV-visible absorbance spectrum was used to calculate the optical energy band gap of the prepared CeO2 nanoparticles. The FT-IR spectrum of prepared CeO2 nanoparticles showed absorption bands at 400 cm(-1) to 450 cm(-1) regime, which correspond to CeO2 stretching vibration. The dielectric constant (εr) and dielectric loss (tan δ) values of sintered CeO2 compact consolidated from prepared nanoparticles were measured at different temperatures in the range from 298 K (room temperature) to 623 K, and at different frequencies from 1 kHz to 1 MHz.
Universal Coverage of Hypertension Treatment Services in Malaysia Is Still an Elusive Goal

Ng CW, Shahari MR, Mariapun J, Hairi NNM, Rampal S, Mahal A

Health Syst Reform, 2017 Jul 03;3(3):159-170.
PMID: 31514671 DOI: 10.1080/23288604.2017.1342746

An analysis of population coverage of hypertension treatment services can be used to make inferences about the performance of primary care services within health systems. Malaysia, an upper middle-income country, has a well-established primary care system but one that favors rural populations and provision of services for maternal and child health and infectious diseases. Demographic factors including rapid aging, urbanization, as well as lifestyle changes characteristic of a modernizing society have led to an increase in noncommunicable diseases, including hypertension. In this article, we used data from a nationally representative household health survey to develop service coverage indicators for hypertension screening and treatment services. The age-standardized prevalence of hypertension was estimated to be 33.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 33.9, 33.9). Only 39.0% (95% CI, 37.5, 40.6) of adults with hypertension had been diagnosed by a medical practitioner, 35.7% had been on treatment, and 9.6% had blood pressure controlled under treatment. The diagnosis, treatment, and controlled treatment coverage were higher for older persons compared to younger persons. There were no differences in the diagnosis and treatment coverage between urban and rural areas and between ethnic groups. However, controlled treatment coverage was higher among Chinese and those living in urban areas. Our findings suggest that primary care services in Malaysia may need to intensify health education activities to promote screening services. There is also a need to reprioritize activities to provide regular community health screening of adults and increase access to affordable primary care services, especially in the urban areas.
Fulltext Early outcome of bariatric surgery for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in super-obese Malaysian population

Rajan R, Sam-Aan M, Kosai NR, Shuhaili MA, Chee TS, Venkateswaran A, et al.

J Minim Access Surg, 2019 1 9;16(1):47-53.
PMID: 30618425 DOI: 10.4103/jmas.JMAS_219_18

Introduction: Despite many challenges, the benefit of bariatric surgery in super-obese population remains irrefutable with significant improvement in metabolic syndrome and quality of life. There are currently no published data from Malaysia on this topic.
Objective and Methodology: A single-centre retrospective study aimed at analysing the outcome of laparoscopic bariatric surgery on super-obese Malaysians with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at 12 months following surgery. Demographic details, glycaemic control and weight-loss parameters were analysed.P < 0.01 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Of the 33 patients, 55% were women and 45% were men with a mean age of 40 ± 11 years and body mass index (BMI) of 59.3 ± 9.0 kg/m2. Majority of patients were of Malay ethnicity (82%). Malaysian-Indians and Malaysian-Chinese each accounted for 9% of total case volume. The three types of laparoscopic bariatric surgery recorded in this study were sleeve gastrectomy (82%), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (9%) and mini-gastric bypass (9%) with operative time of 103.5 ± 31.1, 135.8 ± 32.6 and 116.2 ± 32.3 min, respectively. Percentage total body weight loss was 33.11% ± 9.44% at 12 months following surgery (P < 0.01). BMI change and percentage excess BMI loss showed similar improvement. Glycosylated haemoglobin and fasting blood sugar decreased from pre-operative values of 7.0% ± 1.0% and 7.0 ± 0.9 mmol/L to 5.6% ± 0.4% and 5.0 ± 0.6 mmol/L at 12 months (P < 0.01). Remission of T2DM was noted in 93% of patients. There was no correlation between weight loss and improvement in glycaemic status.
Conclusion: There are significant weight loss and improvement of glycaemic control at 12 months post-laparoscopic bariatric surgery among super-obese Malaysians.
Patented therapeutic drug delivery strategies for targeting pulmonary diseases

Thakur AK, Chellappan DK, Dua K, Mehta M, Satija S, Singh I

Expert Opin Ther Pat, 2020 May;30(5):375-387.
PMID: 32178542 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2020.1741547

Introduction: Pulmonary route is one of the preferred routes for the administration of therapeutically active agents for systemic as well as localized delivery. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchial asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary hypertension, bronchiolitis, lung cancer, and tuberculosis are the major chronic diseases associated with the pulmonary system. Knowledge about the affecting factors, namely, the etiology, pathophysiology, and the various barriers (mechanical, chemical, immunological, and behavioral) in pulmonary drug delivery is essential to develop an effective drug delivery system. Formulation strategies and mechanisms of particle deposition in the lungs also play an important role in designing a suitable delivery system.Areas covered: In the present paper, various drug delivery strategies, viz. nanoparticles, microparticles, liposomes, powders, and microemulsions have been discussed systematically, from a patent perspective.Expert opinion: Patent publications on formulation strategies have been instrumental in the evolution of new techniques and technologies for safe and effective treatment of pulmonary diseases. New delivery systems are required to be simple/reproducible/scalable/cost-effective scale for manufacturing ability and should be safe/effective/stable/controllable for meeting quality and regulatory compliance.
Molecular mechanism of down-regulating adipogenic transcription factors in 3T3-L1 adipocyte cells by bioactive anti-adipogenic compounds

Guru A, Issac PK, Velayutham M, Saraswathi NT, Arshad A, Arockiaraj J

Mol Biol Rep, 2021 Jan;48(1):743-761.
PMID: 33275195 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-06036-8

Obesity is growing at an alarming rate, which is characterized by increased adipose tissue. It increases the probability of many health complications, such as diabetes, arthritis, cardiac disease, and cancer. In modern society, with a growing population of obese patients, several individuals have increased insulin resistance. Herbal medicines are known as the oldest method of health care treatment for obesity-related secondary health issues. Several traditional medicinal plants and their effective phytoconstituents have shown anti-diabetic and anti-adipogenic activity. Adipose tissue is a major site for lipid accumulation as well as the whole-body insulin sensitivity region. 3T3-L1 cell line model can achieve adipogenesis. Adipocyte characteristics features such as expression of adipocyte markers and aggregation of lipids are chemically induced in the 3T3-L1 fibroblast cell line. Differentiation of 3T3-L1 is an efficient and convenient way to obtain adipocyte like cells in experimental studies. Peroxisome proliferation activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and Cytosine-Cytosine-Adenosine-Adenosine-Thymidine/Enhancer-binding protein α (CCAAT/Enhancer-binding protein α or C/EBPα) are considered to be regulating adipogenesis at the early stage, while adiponectin and fatty acid synthase (FAS) is responsible for the mature adipocyte formation. Excess accumulation of these adipose tissues and lipids leads to obesity. Thus, investigating adipose tissue development and the underlying molecular mechanism is important in the therapeutical approach. This review describes the cellular mechanism of 3T3-L1 fibroblast cells on potential anti-adipogenic herbal bioactive compounds.
Incorporation of Basic α-Hydroxy Acid Residues into Primitive Polyester Microdroplets for RNA Segregation

Jia TZ, Bapat NV, Verma A, Mamajanov I, Cleaves HJ, Chandru K

Biomacromolecules, 2021 04 12;22(4):1484-1493.
PMID: 33663210 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c01697

Nucleic acid segregation and compartmentalization were likely essential functions that primitive compartment systems resolved during evolution. Recently, polyester microdroplets generated from dehydration synthesis of various α-hydroxy acids (αHA) were suggested as potential primitive compartments. Some of these droplets can differentially segregate and compartmentalize organic dyes, proteins, and nucleic acids. However, the previously studied polyester microdroplets included limited αHA chemical diversity, which may not reflect the chemical diversity available in the primitive Earth environment. Here, we increased the chemical diversity of polyester microdroplet systems by combinatorially adding an αHA monomer with a basic side chain, 4-amino-2-hydroxybutyric acid (4a2h), which was incorporated with different ratios of other αHAs containing uncharged side chains to form combinatorial heteropolyesters via dehydration synthesis. Incorporation of 4a2h in the polymers resulted in the assembly of some polyester microdroplets able to segregate fluorescent RNA or potentially acquire intrinsic fluorescent character, suggesting that minor modifications of polyester composition can significantly impact the functional properties of primitive compartments. This study suggests one process by which primitive chemical systems can increase diversity of compartment "phenotype" through simple modifications in their chemical composition.
Fulltext Development and Characterization of Fenugreek Protein-Based Edible Film

Kumari N, Bangar SP, Petrů M, Ilyas RA, Singh A, Kumar P

Foods, 2021 Aug 24;10(9).
PMID: 34574085 DOI: 10.3390/foods10091976

The present investigation studied the physicochemical, mechanical, structural, thermal, and morphological attributes of a novel edible film formed from fenugreek protein concentrate. Films were produced at different pH-9, 10, 11, and 12-and the effect of the pH on the films was studied. As the pH increased, tensile strength increased while water vapor absorption decreased, which is interrelated to the surface morphological properties; as the pH increased, the surface became smoother and compact without any cavities. The films produced were darker in color. Fenugreek protein films exhibited good thermal stability. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed the presence of strong bonding for the films made at alkaline pH. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) indicated the major structure of the film was amorphous. The study demonstrated that the fenugreek protein concentrate film has influential characteristics and can be used as an edible packaging film.
Regenerative Potential of Stem Cells Derived from Human Exfoliated Deciduous (SHED) Teeth during Engineering of Human Body Tissues

Fuloria S, Jain A, Singh S, Hazarika I, Salile S, Fuloria NK

Curr Stem Cell Res Ther, 2021;16(5):507-517.
PMID: 33390148 DOI: 10.2174/1574888X16999201231213206

The current decade witnesses the regenerative potential of Stem Cells (SCs) based lifesaving therapies for the treatment of various disease conditions. Human teeth act as a reservoir for SCs that exist in high abundance in baby, wisdom, and permanent teeth. The collection of Stem cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous teeth (SHED) is considered a simple process as it offers the convenience of little or no pain. In comparison to the SCs from dental or bone marrow or other tissues, the SHED offers the benefit of higher cellular differentiation and proliferation. Massive in vitro and in vivo studies reveal the regenerative potential of SHED in the engineering of the dental pulp tissue, neuronal tissue, root, bio root, cardiovascular tissues, lymphatic tissues, renal tissues, dermal tissues, hepatic tissues, and bone tissues. The current review describes the methods of collection/ isolation/storage, various biomarkers, and types of SHED. This review highlights the regenerative potential of SHED in the engineering of different tissues of the human body. As per the available research evidence, the present study supports that SHED may differentiate into the endothelial cells, neurons, odontoblasts, pancreatic β-cells, hepatocytes, renal cells, fibroblasts, osteoblasts, and many other types of cells. The present study recommends that further clinical trials are required before the clinical application of SHED-based therapies.
Evidence-based hormonal, mutational, and endocrine-disrupting chemical-induced zebrafish as an alternative model to study PCOS condition similar to mammalian PCOS model

Sudhakaran G, Guru A, Hari Deva Muthu B, Murugan R, Arshad A, Arockiaraj J

Life Sci, 2022 Jan 03;291:120276.
PMID: 34990650 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120276

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) causes swollen ovaries in women at reproductive age due to hormonal disorder with small cysts on the outer edges. The cause of the disorder is still yet to be found. Multiple factors have increased PCOS prevalence, hyperandrogenism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Various animal PCOS models have been developed to imitate the pathophysiology of PCOS in humans. Zebrafish is one of the most versatile animal experimental models because of the transparency of the embryos, small size, and rapid growth. The zebrafish similarity to higher vertebrates made it a useful non-mammalian model for PCOS drug testing and screening. This review provides an insight into the usage of zebrafish, a non-mammalian model for PCOS, as an opportunity for evaluating future initiatives in such a research domain.
Prevalence of dyslipidaemia in OSA patients at a tertiary care center

Bajpai J, Pradhan A, Bajaj D, Verma AK, Kant S, Pandey AK, et al.

Am J Cardiovasc Dis, 2023;13(1):1-9.
PMID: 36938517

Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with many diseases, but evidence indicating that OSA is a risk factor for dyslipidemia is lacking. Aim This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of lipid abnormalities in patients with OSA and its association with OSA severity.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 102 patients with suspected OSA underwent standard polysomnography. All patients with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of ≥5 with symptoms were diagnosed as having OSA. A fasting blood sample was collected from all patients. Blood levels of triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) were measured. The relationship between the AHI and lipid profiles was analyzed, and linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of dyslipidemia on OSA.
RESULTS: The patients with OSA had a significantly higher TG level and a significantly lower HDL level than did those without OSA. The lipid abnormalities increased with OSA severity. The mean serum TG level was higher in the severe OSA group (175±46.5 vs. 153±42.45, mg/dl P = 0.048), and the mean serum HDL level was lower in the severe OSA group (38.43 ± 5.19 vs. 45.73 ± 4.98, mg/dl P = 0.004). Serum TG, cholesterol, and LDL levels were correlated with a BMI of <30 and a BMI of >30 in the OSA group. Linear regression analysis indicated that only age (β = 0.301, P = 0.000), BMI (β = 0.455, P = 0.000), serum HDL level (β = -0.297, P = 0.012), and serum LDL level (β = 0.429, P = 0.001) were the independent predictors of OSA.
CONCLUSION: OSA and obesity are potential risk factors for dyslipidemia. The diagnosis of hyperlipidemia was linked to OSA, and the association was more significant with OSA severity. Hyperlipidemia was well recognized in patients with OSA. LDL and HDL are the independent predictors of OSA.
Fulltext 'No, you should not beat our child because he will become aggressive:' Applying a multi-method approach to explore intergenerational transmission of parenting practices

Chandra Sekaran V, Bailey A, Kamath VG, Ashok L, Ravindran SK, Kamath A, et al.

PLoS One, 2021;16(10):e0258306.
PMID: 34618867 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258306

BACKGROUND: Exploring the cultural context of intergenerational continuity of warm and harsh parenting informs parents motivations to adopt specific parenting behaviours.
OBJECTIVE: Parents' perceptions of being parented in the past and their current parenting as well as adolescents' perceptions of current parenting were explored applying a multi-method approach.
METHODS: Following written informed consent, a total of 24 interviews with 10 families (dyads of 14 parents and ten adolescents) from Udupi taluk in southern India was conducted. In the first stage, in-depth interviews were conducted with parent participants (Generation 1 (G1)) and in the second stage, adolescents (Generation 2 (G2)) participated in the photovoice component. Multiple forms of data including photographs, journals and interviews facilitated using the SHOWeD model were collected and were analysed thematically using ATLAS.ti(v.8).
RESULTS: Subtle changes in reinforcing culture-specific gender norms between generations were elicited. Differences in communication, granting autonomy to female adolescents, and in disciplining methods between G1 and G2 were observed. Warm parenting was transmitted between generations while harsh parenting in G1 in the presence of external social support was discarded in favor of warm parenting in G2.
CONCLUSION: We provide evidence for perceptions of parenting and adolescent behaviors across two generations. Transmission of warm parenting and interruption in the cycle of harsh parenting in the presence of external social support were significant findings. Related theoretical and methodological applications are discussed.
Fulltext Einstein exponential operation laws of spherical fuzzy sets and aggregation operators in decision making

Ajay D, Selvachandran G, Aldring J, Thong PH, Son LH, Cuong BC

Multimed Tools Appl, 2023 Apr 12.
PMID: 37362734 DOI: 10.1007/s11042-023-14532-9

The spherical fuzzy set (SFS) model is one of the newly developed extensions of fuzzy sets (FS) for the purpose of dealing with uncertainty or vagueness in decision making. The aim of this paper is to define new exponential and Einstein exponential operational laws for spherical fuzzy sets and their corresponding aggregation operators. We introduce the operational laws for exponential and Einstein exponential SFSs in which the base values are crisp numbers and the exponents (weights) are spherical fuzzy numbers. Some of the properties and characteristics of the proposed operations are then discussed. Based on these operational laws, some new aggregation operators for the SFS model, namely Spherical Fuzzy Weighted Exponential Averaging (SFWEA) and Spherical Fuzzy Einstein Weighted Exponential Averaging (SFEWEA) operators are introduced. Finally, a decision-making algorithm based on these newly introduced aggregation operators is proposed and applied to a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) problem related to ranking different types of psychotherapy.
Marine-derived κ-carrageenan-coated zinc oxide nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery and apoptosis induction in oral cancer

Marunganathan V, Kumar MSK, Kari ZA, Giri J, Shaik MR, Shaik B, et al.

Mol Biol Rep, 2024 Jan 07;51(1):89.
PMID: 38184807 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09146-1

BACKGROUND: Kappaphycus alvarezii, a marine red algae species, has gained significant attention in recent years due to its versatile bioactive compounds. Among these, κ-carrageenan (CR), a sulfated polysaccharide, exhibits remarkable antimicrobial properties. This study emphasizes the synergism attained by functionalizing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) with CR, thereby enhancing its antimicrobial efficacy and target specificity against dental pathogens.
METHODS: In this study, we synthesized ZnO-CR NPs and characterized them using SEM, FTIR, and XRD techniques to authenticate their composition and structural attributes. Moreover, our investigation revealed that ZnO-CR NPs possess better free radical scavenging capabilities, as evidenced by their effective activity in the DPPH and ABTS assay.
RESULTS: The antimicrobial properties of ZnO-CR NPs were systematically assessed using a zone of inhibition assay against dental pathogens of S. aureus, S. mutans, E. faecalis, and C. albicans, demonstrating their substantial inhibitory effects at a minimal concentration of 50 μg/mL. We elucidated the interaction between CR and the receptors of dental pathogens to further understand their mechanism of action. The ZnO-CR NPs demonstrated a dose-dependent anticancer effect at concentrations of 5 μg/mL, 25 μg/mL, 50 μg/mL, and 100 μg/mL on KB cells, a type of Human Oral Epidermal Carcinoma. The mechanism by which ZnO-CA NPs induced apoptosis in KB cells was determined by observing an increase in the expression of the BCL-2, BAX, and P53 genes.
CONCLUSION: Our findings unveil the promising potential of ZnO-CR NPs as a candidate with significant utility in dental applications. The demonstrated biocompatibility, potent antioxidant and antiapoptotic activity, along with impressive antimicrobial efficacy position these NPs as a valuable resource in the ongoing fight against dental pathogens and oral cancer.
Zinc oxide nanoparticles functionalized with cinnamic acid for targeting dental pathogens receptor and modulating apoptotic genes in human oral epidermal carcinoma KB cells

Ravikumar OV, Marunganathan V, Kumar MSK, Mohan M, Shaik MR, Shaik B, et al.

Mol Biol Rep, 2024 Feb 24;51(1):352.
PMID: 38400866 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09289-9

BACKGROUND: Oral diseases are often attributed to dental pathogens such as S. aureus, S. mutans, E. faecalis, and C. albicans. In this research work, a novel approach was employed to combat these pathogens by preparing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) capped with cinnamic acid (CA) plant compounds.
METHODS: The synthesized ZnO-CA NPs were characterized using SEM, FTIR, and XRD to validate their composition and structural features. The antioxidant activity of ZnO-CA NPs was confirmed using DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assays. The antimicrobial effects of ZnO-CA NPs were validated using a zone of inhibition assay against dental pathogens. Autodock tool was used to identify the interaction of cinnamic acid with dental pathogen receptors.
RESULTS: ZnO-CA NPs exhibited potent antioxidant activity in both DPPH and ABTS assays, suggesting their potential as powerful antioxidants. The minimal inhibitory concentration of ZnO-CA NPs against dental pathogens was found 25 µg/mL, indicating their effective antimicrobial properties. Further, ZnO-CA NPs showed better binding affinity and amino acid interaction with dental pathogen receptors. Also, the ZnO-CA NPs exhibited dose-dependent (5 µg/mL, 15 µg/mL, 25 µg/mL, and 50 µg/mL) anticancer activity against Human Oral Epidermal Carcinoma KB cells. The mechanism of action of apoptotic activity of ZnO-CA NPs on the KB cells was identified through the upregulation of BCL-2, BAX, and P53 genes.
CONCLUSIONS: This research establishes the potential utility of ZnO-CA NPs as a promising candidate for dental applications. The potent antioxidant, anticancer, and effective antimicrobial properties of ZnO-CA NPs make them a valuable option for combating dental pathogens.
Fulltext Unveiling carcinogenic pollutant levels in environmental water samples through facile fabrication of gold nanoparticles on sulfur-doped graphitic carbon nitride

Gowthaman NSK, Arul P, Ajith A, Chang WS, Balakumar V, Shim JJ

Environ Res, 2024 May 09.
PMID: 38734291 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119121

Extensive utilization of pesticides and herbicides to boost agricultural production increased the environmental health risks, which can be mitigate with the aid of highly sensitive detection systems. In this study, an electrochemical sensor for monitoring the carcinogenic pesticides in the environmental samples has been developed based on sulfur-doped graphitic-carbon nitride-gold nanoparticles (SCN-AuNPs) nanohybrid. Thermal polycondensation of melamine with thiourea followed by solvent exfoliation via ultrasonication leads to SCN formation and electroless deposition of AuNPs on SCN leads to SCN-AuNPs nanohybrid synthesis. The chemical composition, S-doping, and the morphology of the nanohybrid were confirmed by various microscopic and spectroscopic tools. The as-synthesized nanohybrid was fabricated with glassy carbon (GC) electrode for determining the carcinogenic hydrazine (HZ) and atrazine (ATZ) in field water samples. The present sensor exhibited superior electrocatalytic activity than GC/SCN and GC/AuNPs electrodes due to the synergism between SCN and AuNPs and the amperometric studies showed the good linear range of detection of 20 nM - 0.5 mM and 500 nM - 0.5 mM with the limit of detection of 0.22 and 69 nM (S/N=3) and excellent sensitivity of 1173.5 and 13.96 μA mM-1 cm-2 towards HZ and ATZ, respectively. Ultimately, the present sensor is exploited in environmental samples for monitoring HZ and ATZ and the obtained results are validated with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique. The excellent recovery percentage and close agreement with the results of HPLC analysis proved the practicability of the present sensor. In addition, the as-prepared materials were utilized for the photocatalytic degradation of ATZ and the SCN-AuNPs nanohybrid exhibited higher photocatalytic activity with the removal efficiency of 93.6% at 90 min. Finally, the degradation mechanism was investigated and discussed.
Fulltext Bacterial etiology and antibiotic resistance profile of bloodstream infections in human immunodeficiency virus patients from Southern India

Swathirajan CR, Rameshkumar MR, Solomon SS, Pradeep A, Chithra DA, Balakrishnan R, et al.

J Res Med Sci, 2019;24:82.
PMID: 31620181 DOI: 10.4103/jrms.JRMS_55_19
Fulltext FDA approved vaccines for monkeypox: Current eminence

Chopra H, Dhawan M, Bibi S, Baig AA, Kushwah AS, Kaur M, et al.

Int J Surg, 2022 Sep;105:106896.
PMID: 36089263 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2022.106896
First report of the infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) infection in ornamental fishes in India

Girisha SK, Kushala KB, Nithin MS, Puneeth TG, Naveen Kumar BT, Vinay TN, et al.

Transbound Emerg Dis, 2021 Mar;68(2):964-972.
PMID: 33448668 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13793

Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV), a member of family iridoviridae, reported for the first time in a wide range of ornamental fish species in India. Significant mortalities during the year 2018-19 were reported from a number of retailers in the region with various clinical signs. The samples of moribund, dead and apparently healthy ornamental fishes were collected from retailers, located in three districts of Karnataka, India. Out of 140 fish samples, 16 samples (11.42%) representing 10 different fish species were found positive to ISKNV by OIE listed primers and same samples were reported to amplify the major capsid protein (MCP) gene of ISKNV. Further, sequence analysis of MCP gene showed that all strains detected in this study were closely related to other documented isolates from different countries with an identity ranging from 98.76% to 100%. Further, they clustered in the clade of ISKNV, during the phylogenetic analysis. The sequence similarity was high (99.94%) to ISKNV strains from Japan, Australia and Malaysia. This is the first report of an ISKNV infection in India. Moreover, out of 10 ISKNV-positive fish species, three species were reported positive to ISKNV for the first time in the world. Further, the in vitro experiment showed the growth of virus in Asian sea bass cell line, which is a natural host of ISKNV. Therefore, considering the lethal nature of megalocytiviruses to infect a vast range of species, proper biosecurity measures need to be taken to control these emerging pathogens.

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