Chemopreventive effect of Annona muricata on DMBA-induced cell proliferation in the breast tissues of female albino mice

Background: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and leading cause of cancer death in women. Breast cancer and cancer related diseases have been treated using surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, or a combination of these. Despite these therapeutic options, cancer remains associated with high mortality. Traditional medicine which involves the use of herbs has been used to treat various types of cancer and this has been found to be effective with minimal or no side effects. Aim: This research was aimed at evaluating the potential chemopreventive effect of an ethanolic extract of Annona muricata leaves on 7,12-dimethylbenzeneanthracene (DMBA)-induced cell proliferation in the breast tissues of female albino mice. Materials and methods: A. muricata leaves, thirty (30) female albino mice, and 7,12-dimethylbenzeneanthracene (DMBA) were used for this study. Crude extraction protocol was employed in the preparation of an ethanolic extract of A. muricata leaves. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening of an ethanolic extract of A. muricata leaves was carried out using standard protocol. Agarose gel electrophoresis was used to analyze deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extracted from the breast tissues of experimental mice while hematoxylin and eosin staining was used for histological assay. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of terpenoid, steriod, flavonoids, cardiac glycoside, tannin, phenol, alkaloid, and reducing sugar. Phenol was quantitatively determined to be present in the highest amount. DNA smears obtained from agarose gel electrophoresis suggested possible DMBA-induced damage which was significantly prevented owing to the effect of the leaf extract of A. muricataleaves. Histological assay revealed the presence of DMBA induced lobular alveolar hyperplasia, adenomatoid hyperplasia, fibro adipose stroma, and proliferating sebaceous gland in the histological sections of the breast tissues of treated mice, however, these changes were found to vary in occurrence among the different groups of treated animals.Keywords: Annona muricata; DMBA; Breast cancer; Phytochemical; Lobular alveolar hyperplasi

Chemo-preventive Activity of Ethanolic Extracts of Newbouldia laevis and Olax subscorpioidea Leaves on Methylnitrosourea–induced Stroma Fibrosis in Breast Tissues of Female Albino Rats

Breast cancer represents the most common neoplastic disease in females, accounting for up to one third of new diagnoses of women’s cancer in certain regions of the world. The chemo-preventive activity of ethanolic extracts of Newbouldia laevis and Olax subscorpioidea leaves on methylnitrosourea (MNU)–induced stroma fibrosis in female albino rats was evaluated. Quantitative and qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out to identify and determine the quantity of bioactive compounds. Haematoxylin and Eosin staining procedure was used to assess breast tissues of experimental animals. Cancer antigen (CA) markers 15-3, 27-29 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the blood of experimental animals were evaluated using an automated procedure. Quantitative phytochemical screening showed that Olax subscorpioidea and Newbouldia laevis contained alkaloid in the highest amount. Histopathological assay revealed the presence of stromal fibrosis in the breast tissues of 8 out of 10 rats administered with NMU. Levels of CA 15-3, CA 27-29, CEA were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated in MNU administered group in comparison to the negative control. Treatment with Olax subscorpioidea leave extract significantly (p < 0.05) ameliorated CA 15-3, CA 27-29 and CEA levels. However, treatment with Newbouldia laevis leave extract significantly (p < 0.05) ameliorated CA 15-3 and CEA levels only. Findings from this study showed that ethanolic extracts of Olax subscorpioidea and Newbouldia laevis leaves have chemo-preventive activity in NMU-induced stroma fibrosis in the breast tissue of female albino rats. However more studies on the discovery and validation of bioactive components of the plants are needed

Chemo-Protective Effects of Dl-Limonene Unaided and in-Blend with 6-Methyleneandrosta-1, 4-Diene-3, 17-Dione on N-Nitroso-N-Methylurea and Estrogen Sulfotransferase Breast Cancer-Induced Albino Female Rat

Breast cancer is a serious prime hassle commonly diagnosed in women worldwide and it is currently the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. In N-nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU) and estrogen sulfotransferase (EST) breast cancer-induced female rat, the study evaluates the chemo-protective possibilities of DL-limonene (1:1) and its combination with 6-Methyleneandrosta-1, 4, Diene- 3, 17-Dione using standard techniques. Amongst others, data obtained reveals mild areas of clogged blood vessels and pulmonary inflammation revealed in the histopathology section. Interestingly, it's possible that DL-limonene alone at a concentration of 10% could be an effective breast cancer treatment. The findings also revealed that combining DL-limonene with 6-ADD at 5% and 12.5mg/kg could reduce the risk of toxicity associated with higher chemotherapeutic dosages in long-term treatment. Furthermore, at a modest dose, this combination may increase the use of aromatase inhibitors in premenopausal women. Despite the medicinal and therapeutic benefits of DL-limonene, it is best to take it in moderation due to its possible harmful effects on the blood vessels

In Silico Identification of Protein Targets for Drug-like Compounds from Epicarp Extract of Cola rostrata K. Shum

Fruit epicarp has been found to contain several bioactive compounds which are useful for herbal treatment of several ailments and diseases. The phytochemicals present in C. rostrata epicarp as well as their potential to bind to human proteins and modify their function have not been investigated. This study, therefore, identified the top protein targets of drug-like components of C. rostrata epicarp extract in humans as well as the disease conditions associated with the targets. The identities of constituents of methanol and n-hexane fractions of absolute ethanol extract of C. rostrata epicarp were determined via GCMS analysis. Druglikeness (adherence to Lipinski, Ghose, Veber, Egan, and Muegge filters) and the protein targets of drug-like constituents were determined using SwissADME and SwissTargetPrediction web tools. GCMS analyses revealed the presence of 49 compounds in the n-hexane and methanol fractions. Corynan-16-carboxylic acid, 16,17-didehydro-9,17-dimethoxy-, methyl ester, (16E)-, a yohimbine derivative, was abundant (13.33%) in the methanol fraction. The n-hexane fraction was rich in odd-chain fatty acids and phytosterols. Four drug-like compounds were identified in the fractions: (1) Azelaic acid, monoethyl ester; (2) 3-(2-Methoxymethoxyethylidene)-2,2 dimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptane; (3) Cyclododecanol, 1-aminomethyl-, and (4) Corynan-16-carboxylic acid, 16,17-didehydro-9,17-dimethoxy-, methyl ester, (16E)-. The predicted top protein targets of the drug-like compounds include carbonic anhydrase II, protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B, sphingosine kinase 1, maltase-glucoamylase, adenosine A2b receptor, P2X purinoceptor 7, MAP kinase p38 alpha, δ-opioid receptor, and alpha-2 adrenergic receptors. Findings show that C. rostrata epicarp contains drug-like phytochemicals with potential against cancer, diabetes, pain and inflammatory diseases, and the extract could have aphrodisiac potential

Molecular Docking and Identification of Candidate Blockers for Endonuclease Domain of Lassa Virus Polymerase as Potential Drugs

Lassa fever is a deadly hemorrhagic disease virus caused by Lassa virus (LASV) which is a member of the Arenaviridae virus family. Lassa virus-encoded L polymerase is required for the replication and transcription of the RNA virus. There is no available vaccine as ribavirin remains the only treatment provided it is administered in the early stages of infection. This study aims at searching for possible durg candidates that can compare favourably well with ribavirin or possibly exhibit a better potency against the virus. The computational modeling method of docking was performed with AutoDock 4.2. Bioavailability test and Toxicological prediction using Swiss ADME, Toxtree version 2.6.6 and pkCSM softwares. The result obtained from this investigation revealed that some of the selected inhibitors considered in this investigation such as α pinene, β pinene, limonene, monoterpene, 6-gingerol showed binding energy of -4.32 kcalmol-1, -4.30 kcalmol-1, -4.25 kcalmol-1, -3.87 kcalmol-1 and - 3.48 kcalmol-1 respectively compete favouarably with that of ribavirin (-4.39kalmol-1) which was considered as standard while the inhibition constant (Ki) of the interaction between the target and that α pinene (681.86 µM), β pinene (768.90 µM) and limonene(706.53 µM) was low when compared others except for ribavirin. The ADME analysis (Lipinski’s rule) of the selected Inhibitors predicted all the investigated inhibitors satisfied the Lipinski’s rule. It was discovered that the toxicity prediction of selected inhibitors using Toxtree and pkCSM showed that they are less toxic and considered safe for usage. This study, therefore, reveals that α pinene, β pinene, limonene promises to be a possible drug candidate as it has the inhibitory potential against Lassa virus L polymerase comparable to ribavirin, bioavailable and less toxic

Producción de látex híbridos acrílicos/alquídicos

In this work, the production of high solids content hybrid acrylic/alkyd latexes by miniemulsion polymerization is discussed. First, the miniemulsification procedure to achieve colloidally stable hybrid nanodroplets is presented. Next, the efficient nucleation of most nanodroplets during the polymerization, avoiding other nucleation mechanisms is presented. Finally, the key aspects to control the polymer architecture as well as the particle morphology are analyzed.Fil: Goikoetxea, Monika. Universidad del País Vasco; EspañaFil: Minari, Roque Javier. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Instituto de Desarrollo Tecnológico para la Industria Química. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Instituto de Desarrollo Tecnológico para la Industria Química; ArgentinaFil: Beristain, Itxaso. Universidad del País Vasco; EspañaFil: Paulis, María. Universidad del País Vasco; EspañaFil: Asua, José M.. Universidad del País Vasco; EspañaFil: Barandiaran, María J.. Universidad del País Vasco; Españ

Using digital technologies to engage with medical research: views of myotonic dystrophy patients in Japan

As in other countries, the traditional doctor-patient relationship in the Japanese healthcare system has often been characterised as being of a paternalistic nature. However, in recent years there has been a gradual shift towards a more participatory-patient model in Japan. With advances in technology, the possibility to use digital technologies to improve patient interactions is growing and is in line with changing attitudes in the medical profession and society within Japan and elsewhere. The implementation of an online patient engagement platform is being considered by the Myotonic Dystrophy Registry of Japan. The aim of this exploratory study was to understand patients' views and attitudes to using digital tools in patient registries and engagement with medical research in Japan, prior to implementation of the digital platform.We conducted an exploratory, cross-sectional, self-completed questionnaire with a sample of myotonic dystrophy (MD) patients attending an Open Day at Osaka University, Japan. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they were 18 years or older, and were diagnosed with MD.A total of 68 patients and family members attended the Open Day and were invited to participate in the survey. Of those, 59 % submitted a completed questionnaire (n = 40). The survey showed that the majority of patients felt that they were not receiving the information they wanted from their clinicians, which included recent medical research findings and opportunities to participate in clinical trials, and 88 % of patients indicated they would be willing to engage with digital technologies to receive relevant medical information. Patients also expressed an interest in having control over when and how they received this information, as well as being informed of how their data is used and shared with other researchers.Overall, the findings from this study suggest that there is scope to develop a digital platform to engage with patients so that they can receive information about medical care and research opportunities. While this study group is a small, self-selecting population, who suffer from a particular condition, the results suggest that there are interested populations within Japan that would appreciate enhanced communication and interaction with healthcare teams

Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents Based on Choline Chloride and Phenolic Compounds as Efficient Bioadhesives and Corrosion Protectors

This work was supported by Marie Sklodowska-Curie Research and Innovation Staff Exchanges (RISE) under Grant Agreement No. 823989 “IONBIKE”. The financial supports received from CONICET and ANPCyT (Argentina) are also gratefully acknowledged. ). Publisher Copyright: © 2022 American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.Natural deep eutectics solvents (NADES), owing to their high solvation capacity and nontoxicity, are actively being sought for many technological applications. Herein, we report a series of novel NADES based on choline chloride and plant-derived polyphenols. Most of the obtained phenolic NADES have a wide liquid range and high thermal stability above 150 °C. Among them, small-sized polyphenols, like pyrogallol, vanillyl alcohol, or gentisic acid, lead to low-viscosity liquids with ionic conductivities in the order of 10-3S cm-1at room temperature. Interestingly, polyphenols possess valuable properties as therapeutic agents, antioxidants, adhesives, or redox-active compounds, among others. Thus, we evaluated the potential of these novel NADES for two applications: bioadhesives and corrosion protection. The mixture of choline chloride-vanillyl alcohol (2:3 mol ratio) and gelatin resulted in a highly adhesive viscoelastic liquid (adhesive stress ≈ 135 kPa), affording shear thinning behavior. Furthermore, choline chloride-tannic acid (20:1) showed an extraordinary ability to coordinate iron ions, reaching excellent corrosion inhibitive efficiencies in mild steel protection.publishersversionpublishe

Singly generated quasivarieties and residuated structures

A quasivariety K of algebras has the joint embedding property (JEP) iff it is generated by a single algebra A. It is structurally complete iff the free countably generated algebra in K can serve as A. A consequence of this demand, called "passive structural completeness" (PSC), is that the nontrivial members of K all satisfy the same existential positive sentences. We prove that if K is PSC then it still has the JEP, and if it has the JEP and its nontrivial members lack trivial subalgebras, then its relatively simple members all belong to the universal class generated by one of them. Under these conditions, if K is relatively semisimple then it is generated by one K-simple algebra. It is a minimal quasivariety if, moreover, it is PSC but fails to unify some finite set of equations. We also prove that a quasivariety of finite type, with a finite nontrivial member, is PSC iff its nontrivial members have a common retract. The theory is then applied to the variety of De Morgan monoids, where we isolate the sub(quasi)varieties that are PSC and those that have the JEP, while throwing fresh light on those that are structurally complete. The results illuminate the extension lattices of intuitionistic and relevance logics

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with decompensated cirrhosis: case series

BACKGROUND: Opportunistic invasive fungal infections are increasingly frequent in intensive care patients. Their clinical spectrum goes beyond the patients with malignancies, and for example invasive pulmonary aspergillosis has recently been described in critically ill patients without such condition. Liver failure has been suspected to be a risk factor for aspergillosis. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe three cases of adult respiratory distress syndrome with sepsis, shock and multiple organ failure in patients with severe liver failure among whom two had positive Aspergillus antigenemia and one had a positive Aspergillus serology. In all cases bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was positive for Aspergillus fumigatus. Outcome was fatal in all cases despite treatment with voriconazole and agressive symptomatic treatment. CONCLUSION: Invasive aspergillosis should be among rapidly raised hypothesis in cirrhotic patients developing acute respiratory symptoms and alveolar opacities