Psiadia punctulata (DC.) Vatke induces cell apoptosis in highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells

Purpose: This study assessed the in vitro cell migration inhibitory and cell apoptotic effects of P. punctulata stem (PPS (and leaf hexane) PPL (extracts on breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 andMCF-7 cells).Methods: Cytotoxicity was quantified using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LD) release test after 48 h exposure of MDA-MB-231 cells to 0 – 200 μg/mL of PPS and PPL hexane extract. Cell apoptosis was determined using Muse™ cell cytometry, while the phytoconstituents of PPS and PPL hexane extracts were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.Results: The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for PPS and PPL hexane extracts against MDA-MB-231 cells was 44.33 and 52.16 μg/mL, respectively. T, whereas the IC50 of PPS and PPL hexane extracts was 102.22 and 59.53 μg/mL against MCF-7 cells, sequentially. Treatment with 100 and 200 μg/mL of PPS and PPL hexane extract increased late apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells to 16.005 ± 1.155 and 52.58 ± 3.02 %, respectively, for PPS hexane extract and 77.34 ± 0 % and 95.21 ± 1.61 %, respectively, for PPL hexane extract, when compared to control cells (3.81% ± 0.79%). PPL hexane extract decreased cell migration and filled ~15.5 % of the wound gap on MDA-MB-231 cells after 24 h, while PPS hexane extract decreased cell migration by ~35 and ~42.5 % at 24 and 48 h, respectively. PPS and PPL hexane extracts contained several phytocompounds. Stem and leaf extracts of P. punctulata showed significant (p < 0.05) cell apoptotic and migration inhibition activities.Conclusion: The extracts P. punctulata exhibit potent cytotoxic activity against the tested breast cancer cells. Further research is required to assess the acute and subacute toxicity of the extracts

Exploring the antibacterial and dermatitis-mitigating properties of chicken egg white-synthesized zinc oxide nano whiskers

IntroductionZinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have garnered considerable interest in biomedical research primarily owing to their prospective therapeutic implications in combatting pathogenic diseases and microbial infections. The primary objective of this study was to examine the biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanowhiskers (ZnO-NWs) using chicken egg white (albumin) as a bio-template. Furthermore, this study aimed to explore the potential biomedical applications of ZnO NWs in the context of infectious diseases.MethodsThe NWs synthesized through biological processes were observed using electron microscopy, which allowed for detailed examination of their characteristics. The results of these investigations indicated that the NWs exhibited a size distribution ranging from approximately 10 to 100 nm. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) mapping analyses successfully corroborated the size, dimensions, and presence of biological constituents during their formation. In this study, XTT assay and confocal imaging were employed to provide evidence of the efficacy of ZnO-NWs in the eradication of bacterial biofilms. The target bacterial strains were Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Furthermore, we sought to address pertinent concerns regarding the biocompatibility of the ZnO-NWs. This was achieved through comprehensive evaluation of the absence of cytotoxicity in normal HEK-293T and erythrocytes.ResultsThe findings of this investigation unequivocally confirmed the biocompatibility of the ZnO-NWs. The biosynthesized ZnO-NWs demonstrated a noteworthy capacity to mitigate the dermatitis-induced consequences induced by Staphylococcus aureus in murine models after a therapeutic intervention lasting for one week.DiscussionThis study presents a comprehensive examination of the biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanowhiskers (ZnO-NWs) derived from chicken egg whites. These findings highlight the considerable potential of biosynthesized ZnO-NWs as a viable option for the development of therapeutic agents targeting infectious diseases. The antibacterial efficacy of ZnO-NWs against both susceptible and antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, as well as their ability to eradicate biofilms, suggests their promising role in combating infectious diseases. Furthermore, the confirmed biocompatibility of ZnO-NWs opens avenues for their safe use in biomedical applications. Overall, this research underscores the therapeutic promise of ZnO-NWs and their potential significance in future biomedical advancements

Cardiovascular diseases prediction by machine learning incorporation with deep learning

It is yet unknown what causes cardiovascular disease (CVD), but we do know that it is associated with a high risk of death, as well as severe morbidity and disability. There is an urgent need for AI-based technologies that are able to promptly and reliably predict the future outcomes of individuals who have cardiovascular disease. The Internet of Things (IoT) is serving as a driving force behind the development of CVD prediction. In order to analyse and make predictions based on the data that IoT devices receive, machine learning (ML) is used. Traditional machine learning algorithms are unable to take differences in the data into account and have a low level of accuracy in their model predictions. This research presents a collection of machine learning models that can be used to address this problem. These models take into account the data observation mechanisms and training procedures of a number of different algorithms. In order to verify the efficacy of our strategy, we combined the Heart Dataset with other classification models. The proposed method provides nearly 96 percent of accuracy result than other existing methods and the complete analysis over several metrics has been analysed and provided. Research in the field of deep learning will benefit from additional data from a large number of medical institutions, which may be used for the development of artificial neural network structures

Classifying Integrated Signature Molecules in Macrophages of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and Periodontal Disease: An Omics-Based Study

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), and periodontal disease (PD) are chronic inflammatory diseases that are globally prevalent, and pose a public health concern. The search for a potential mechanism linking PD to RA and OA continues, as it could play a significant role in disease prevention and treatment. Recent studies have linked RA, OA, and PD to Porphyromonas gingivalis (PG), a periodontal bacterium, through a similar dysregulation in an inflammatory mechanism. This study aimed to identify potential gene signatures that could assist in early diagnosis as well as gain insight into the molecular mechanisms of these diseases. The expression data sets with the series IDs GSE97779, GSE123492, and GSE24897 for macrophages of RA, OA synovium, and PG stimulated macrophages (PG-SM), respectively, were retrieved and screened for differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The 72 common DEGs among RA, OA, and PG-SM were further subjected to gene–gene correlation analysis. A GeneMANIA interaction network of the 47 highly correlated DEGs comprises 53 nodes and 271 edges. Network centrality analysis identified 15 hub genes, 6 of which are DEGs (API5, ATE1, CCNG1, EHD1, RIN2, and STK39). Additionally, two significantly up-regulated non-hub genes (IER3 and RGS16) showed interactions with hub genes. Functional enrichment analysis of the genes showed that “apoptotic regulation” and “inflammasomes” were among the major pathways. These eight genes can serve as important signatures/targets, and provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of PG-induced RA, OA, and PD

GC-MS profile of extracts of an endophytic fungus Alternaria and evaluation of its anticancer and antibacterial potentialities

Using microbial endophytes to produce bioactive compounds is a reliable scientific method. This investigation aimed to use the Acacia plant for isolating an endophytic fungal strain that has a bio-ability to produce a bio-crude extract. This study also encompassed the assessment of the extract’s biological efficacy as an antibacterial and anticancer agent. Samples of the Acacia plant were collected from “Shuaib Huraymila,” in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The isolation and identification of fungal endophytes was done, and then, the production of crude extract was performed using the isolated endophytes. The profile gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy of the extract was determined, followed by the assessment of its biological activity against drug-resistant infections and cancer cells through in vitro examination. The findings showed that the fungal endophyte was Alternaria (Alternaria sorghi), according to internal transcribed spacer sequencing and basic local alignment search tool analysis. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the extract were 9.1 and 4.5 mg/mL for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and drug-resistant Candida auris, respectively, and the IC50% values were 46.6 and 23.7 mg/mL for MCF-7 and A549, respectively. The findings showed that this strain had no antagonistic action against Culex pipiens. This study concluded that the fungal endophyte isolated from the Acacia plant has the bio-ability to produce antimicrobial and anticancer agents

Physico-Chemical Properties of Red Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) as Influenced by Different Drying Methods and Temperatures

An experiment was carried out in the laboratories of the Department of Food Engineering, Department of Vegetable Science, and Department of Plantation Spices Medicinal and Aromatic crops, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV), West Bengal, India. The work was performed during 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 with different drying methods including sun drying, solar drying and oven drying. In oven drying, different temperatures such as 50, 55, 60, 65, and 70 °C were considered. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was designed with seven treatments and three replications. Experimental results were significantly varied among the treatments as influenced by different drying methods and temperatures. Minimum time taken (480 min) to reach safe moisture content was recorded in T7 (oven drying at 70 °C), whereas maximum values in color components such as L* value (24.55), a* value (32.14), b* value (20.53), and pungency score (7.85) were recorded in T6 (oven drying at 65 °C). However, the highest texture (1180.81) was observed in T1 (sun drying). Biochemical parameters were significantly varied among the treatments. The maximum amounts of ascorbic acid (56.06 mg/100 g) and oleoresin content (10.72) were found in T3 (oven drying at 50 °C), whereas minimum values of biochemical parameters were recorded by T1 (sun drying) and T2 (solar drying) methods, respectively. Mathematical relationships were found in different drying methods and temperatures. Models such as the Lewis, Page, Modified Page, and Henderson and Pabis models were selected to fit the data. Maximum R2 value (0.9835) was found in both the Page and Modified Page models with similar values of drying method and temperature at 65 °C. This value was the highest among all models in all drying temperatures. However, the lowest χ2, and RMSE values (0.000818 and 0.027261, respectively) were recorded with the Page model

Ilimaquinone (Marine Sponge Metabolite) Induces Apoptosis in HCT-116 Human Colorectal Carcinoma Cells via Mitochondrial-Mediated Apoptosis Pathway

Ilimaquinone (IQ), a metabolite found in marine sponges, has been reported to have a number of biological properties, including potential anticancer activity against colon cancer. However, no clear understanding of the precise mechanism involved is known. The aim of this study was to examine the molecular mechanism by which IQ acts on HCT-116 cells. The anticancer activity of IQ was investigated by means of a cell viability assay followed by the determination of induction of apoptosis by means of the use of acridine orange–ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining, Annexin V/PI double staining, DNA fragmentation assays, and TUNEL assays. The mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was detected using the JC-1 staining technique, and the apoptosis-associated proteins were analyzed using real-time qRT-PCR. A molecular docking study of IQ with apoptosis-associated proteins was also conducted in order to assess the interaction between IQ and them. Our results suggest that IQ significantly suppressed the viability of HCT-116 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Fluorescent microscopy, flow cytometry, DNA fragmentation and the TUNEL assay in treated cells demonstrated apoptotic death mode. As an additional confirmation of apoptosis, the increased level of caspase-3 and caspase-9 expression and the downregulation of Bcl-2 and mitochondrial dysfunction were observed in HCT-116 cells after treatment with IQ, which was accompanied by a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Overall, the results of our studies demonstrate that IQ could trigger mitochondria-mediated apoptosis as demonstrated by a decrease in ΔΨm, activation of caspase-9/-3, damage of DNA and a decrease in the proportion of Bcl-2 through the mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis pathway

Design, preparation, and in vitro evaluation of gastroretentive floating matrix tablet of mitiglinide

The present research is focused on developing floating matrix tablets of mitiglinide to prolong its gastric residence time for better absorption. Gastroretentive tablets were prepared using a direct compression technique with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K15M (HPMC K15M) and sodium alginate as matrix-forming polymers and sodium bicarbonate as the gas-forming agent. A 32 full factorial design was adopted to optimize the flotation and release profile of the drug. The concentration of HPMC K15M and sodium alginate were taken as the independent variables, and the floating lag time, time required for 50% drug release, and time required for 90% drug release were taken as dependent variables. The compatibility between drug and excipients was assessed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The prepared tablets were evaluated for different parameters such as hardness, friability, drug content, floating time, in vitro dissolution, and stability. Dissolution data were analyzed using various kinetic models to ascertain the mechanism of drug release. Finally, a radiographic study was conducted to estimate the retention time of the optimized floating matrix tablets of mitiglinide inside the body. The results revealed that all the physical properties of the developed formulations were within standard limits. The formulation M3, with the maximum amount of both independent variables, was considered to be the optimized formulation based on the desirability value. In addition, the optimized M3 formulation showed stability for over 6 months, as evidenced by insignificant changes in lag time, drug release pattern, and other physical properties. Furthermore, radiographic examination indicated that the tablets remained afloat in gastric fluid for up to 12 h in the rabbit’s stomach. In conclusion, the developed floating matrix tablet of mitiglinide could be regarded as a promising formulation that could release the drug in the stomach at a controlled rate and, hence, offer better management of type II diabetes

Dynamics of Drying Turmeric Rhizomes (Curcuma longa L.) with Respect to Its Moisture, Color, Texture and Quality

Drying involves removing moisture from food. Therefore, to preserve the phenolic and bioactive compounds such as curcumin, dimethoxy curcumin and bisdemethoxi curcumin, etc., an efficient drying method is considered necessary. The primary drying methods are sun drying, hot air oven drying and fluidized bed drying. Traditional drying methods result in the loss of volatile oil (up to 25%) by evaporation and destruction of some light-sensitive oil constituents. Three methods of drying Turmeric with pretreatments boiled/unboiled and whole/sliced (2.5 cm long) were compared on physical and quality parameters. Texture analysis from sundry sliced boiled rhizomes achieved maximum peak force (45.40 kg), which was an indication of maximum uniform drying. Moisture content was strongly and significantly associated with drying time in different drying methods. Out of the three drying methods, in general, the sun drying showed a declining trend of L*, a* and b* values with drying time. Whereas a slower rate of decrease in L*, a* and b* values was predominant in the oven dry method. Interestingly, in the case of the fluidized method, almost static L*, a* and b* values were measured at 3 h of drying onwards after a declining trend of those values. In the case of sun and oven drying, the hue angle reached its peak at the fourth hour of drying, then gradually declined up to final drying. However, for fluidized bed drying, it had a continuous declining trend for other parameters such as chroma and total color change; there was a sharp decreasing trend for all throughout. Turmeric whole boiled dried in the sun produced the maximum curcumin (5.82%) and the sliced boiled ones produced the maximum oleoresin (8.10%), indicating good quality powdered product among all other drying treatments. Considering all the aspects, it is recommended that sun drying should be followed in post-harvest operations, as it produces a quality powder with comparatively more curcumin, despite its longer drying time

Dynamics of Drying Turmeric Rhizomes (<i>Curcuma longa</i> L.) with Respect to Its Moisture, Color, Texture and Quality

Drying involves removing moisture from food. Therefore, to preserve the phenolic and bioactive compounds such as curcumin, dimethoxy curcumin and bisdemethoxi curcumin, etc., an efficient drying method is considered necessary. The primary drying methods are sun drying, hot air oven drying and fluidized bed drying. Traditional drying methods result in the loss of volatile oil (up to 25%) by evaporation and destruction of some light-sensitive oil constituents. Three methods of drying Turmeric with pretreatments boiled/unboiled and whole/sliced (2.5 cm long) were compared on physical and quality parameters. Texture analysis from sundry sliced boiled rhizomes achieved maximum peak force (45.40 kg), which was an indication of maximum uniform drying. Moisture content was strongly and significantly associated with drying time in different drying methods. Out of the three drying methods, in general, the sun drying showed a declining trend of L*, a* and b* values with drying time. Whereas a slower rate of decrease in L*, a* and b* values was predominant in the oven dry method. Interestingly, in the case of the fluidized method, almost static L*, a* and b* values were measured at 3 h of drying onwards after a declining trend of those values. In the case of sun and oven drying, the hue angle reached its peak at the fourth hour of drying, then gradually declined up to final drying. However, for fluidized bed drying, it had a continuous declining trend for other parameters such as chroma and total color change; there was a sharp decreasing trend for all throughout. Turmeric whole boiled dried in the sun produced the maximum curcumin (5.82%) and the sliced boiled ones produced the maximum oleoresin (8.10%), indicating good quality powdered product among all other drying treatments. Considering all the aspects, it is recommended that sun drying should be followed in post-harvest operations, as it produces a quality powder with comparatively more curcumin, despite its longer drying time