Deciphering the anti-cancer efficacy of azadirachta indica and its role in re-expression of e-cadherin in breast cancer via snail and hdacs

Neem (Azadirachtaindica), considered natural drug house, has been a source of numerous modern drugs in both developed and developing countries across globe. The anti-cancer components of Neem comprising of azadirachtin, nimbolide, quercetin, limonin, glucopyranoside, azadirone, and deoxonimbolide are targeted to the culprit enzymes accountable for tumor formation, subsequently combating cancer. Cancer, especially breast cancer has been responsible for the drastic mortality rate among all females. Cancer is characterized by genetic and epigenetic aberrations. These epigenetic aberrations are reversible thus accounting for the restoration of the functionality of tumor suppressor gene. In our study, we have carried out an effort towards checking the effect of neem extracts towards restoring the expression of tumor suppressor gene, E-cadherin (CDH1) via Snail and histone deacetylases (HDACs) in breast cancer cells MDA MB 231.Histone acetylation erasers, HDACs are the epigenetic manipulators playing a crucial role in silencing of tumor suppressor genes concerned with cancer initiation and progression. There are several HDAC inhibitors available but they have higher toxicity. Here, we have considered both the ethanolic and methanolic extracts of neem leaves (EENL and MENL), as they have been reported to be more effective than the aqueous extracts. The higher total phenolic content of EENL indicates its higher anti-oxidant property, which accounts for its anti-cancer potential. Also the cytotoxicity, anti-proliferative, apoptotic and anti-migratory potential of EENL are demonstrated to be more than that of MENL. Moreover, EENL restores more efficiently the expression of CDH1 and causes an enhanced transcript level of HDAC1 and HDAC2. Thus, it can be concluded that EENL may have HDAC inhibitory activity than MENL. Further research in this concern will shed more light on the HDAC inhibitory property of EENL and MENL on breast cancer cells

Comparative analysis of Silver Nanoparticles prepared from Different Plant extracts (Hibiscus rosa sinensis, Moringa oleifera, Acorus calamus, Cucurbita maxima, Azadirachta indica) through green synthesis method.

Green synthesis of nanoparticle is a novel way to synthesis nanoparticles by using biological sources. It is gaining attention due to its cost effective, ecofriendly and large scale production possibilities. In this present study five plants Hibiscus rosa sinensis, Cucurbita maxima, Moringa oleifera, Azadirachta indica and Acorus calamus were taken to investigate their potential for synthesizing silver nanoparticle. The silver nanoparticles synthesized were confirmed by their change of colour to dark brown due to the phenomenon of surface plasmon resonance. The characterization studied was done by UV-vis spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential studies, X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). All the five plants synthesized silver nanoparticle show good antimicrobial activity against clinically important pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Vibrio cholera and Escherichia coli

Understanding the role of politics of scale and power relations in local governance of climate change adaptation: case study from coastal Odisha, India

The governance of adaptation represents a complex policy challenge where it has to address the global and national level risks of climate change while being rooted in the local context of vulnerability and adaptation decision-making. In India, climate change adaptation is a complex socio-political process that includes different actors, their interests and the narrative outcomes of the interaction of those actors and their interests. Thus, multi-level adaptation governance has emerged as a policy instrument to address this complexity of climate change vulnerability and adaptation strategies. This thesis explores the conceptualisation of adaptation as a socio-political process within the emerging multi¬governance adaptation planning context in vulnerable coastal regions of India. This research seeks to understand the social and political factors that shapes policy and adaptation strategies at the local level. This aim is achieved through three main objectives -to examine existing policy structures and process, to examine local level socio-cultural structures and political practices and to characterise the actor interactions at policy-practice interface which shapes politic outcomes of adaptation strategies at the local level. This thesis draws from the structure-agency framework, actor-oriented approach and theoretical underpinnings of politics of scale to capture the local level realties of structure-agency interaction patterns. This study involved comparison of two coastal communities in Kendrapara district within the state of Odisha by using different methodological tools ranging from objective questionnaires to in-depth case studies. The finding suggests that multi-governance adaptation planning requires better horizontal and vertical institutional coordination, consideration of socio-cultural practices, and awareness of local political dynamics to be robust and support local level adaptation strategies. In addition, policy structures need to step up on aligning policy agendas on adaptation, development and disaster risk reduction, create resources that strengthen local institutions and develop frameworks that requires monitoring, evaluation and reiteration of policy goals. Further, as demonstrated by impact of agency of actors on shaping adaptation trajectories, multi-level governance needs to support local innovation and create platforms for socio-political mobility to address the inherent vulnerability at local level

A study of peripheral neuropathy in cases of type-II diabetes mellitus patients with or without hypothyroidism

Background: Type 2 diabetic patients have a higher prevalence of thyroid disorders, particularly hypothyroidism.  Peripheral neuropathy is a common and disabling complication of diabetes mellitus. Peripheral nervous system involvement in hypothyroidism is also a well-documented fact. Nerve conduction studies are generally considered to be the most sensitive and reproducible in the assessment of peripheral neuropathies. This study helped to determine the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic hypothyroid patients as well as to compare it in diabetic patients with or without hypothyroidism. It compared the onset latency, amplitude, conduction velocity and F- wave latency of some nerves in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with or without hypothyroidism.Methods: With RMS, EMG, EP MARK-II, nerve conduction studies are done in 30 cases (type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with hypothyroidism) and 30 controls (type 2 diabetes mellitus patients of diabetes without hypothyroidism) respectively, attending the Diabetic Clinic and Biochemistry Laboratory of North Bengal Medical College.Results: Data were treated with Unpaired t-Test. The study reveals that type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with hypothyroidism have higher prevalence of peripheral neuropathy. There is statistically significant (p<0.00) decrease in motor nerve conduction study in both right and left median nerves in diabetic patients with hypothyroidism than in diabetic patients without hypothyroidism.Conclusions: All diabetic patients should be screened for early detection of hypothyroidism as type 2 diabetic patients with hypothyroidism have higher prevalence of peripheral neuropathy. The nerve conduction study remains the most reliable, accurate, and sensitive method to evaluate peripheral nerve function

Association of the co-expression of SOX2 and Podoplanin in the progression of oral squamous cell carcinomas - an immunohistochemical study

SOX2 is a transcription factor related to the maintenance of stem cells in a pluripotent state. Podoplanin is a type of transmembrane sialoglycoprotein, which plays an important role in tumor progression and metastasis. This study aims to determine association of SOX2 and podoplanin expression in the progression of oral squamous cell carcinomas and to elucidate the association between two proteins. Methodology: The immunohistochemical expression of SOX2 and podoplanin were evaluated in 60 cases of primary oral squamous cell carcinomas. The correlation between the SOX2 and podoplanin expression and the clinicopathological features of the tumors and the patient outcomes were assessed. Results: The expression of SOX2 was seen in 38/60 (63%) of the cases and the expression for podoplanin was seen in 45/60 (75%) cases. There was a significant inverse correlation between the expression of SOX2 and podoplanin with the tumor grade (p=0.002 and p=0.017, respectively). There was a high expression of SOX2 in 9/13 cases that presented with disease free survival. Survival analysis showed that a high expression of SOX2 correlated positively (p=0.043) with the disease-free survival. There was a significant positive association between the pattern of SOX2 and podoplanin expression (p=0.002). Conclusion: A high expression of SOX2 was associated with better disease-free survival. The expression of podoplanin was associated with the degree of differentiation of the tumors. Analysis of these biomarkers can aid in the prognosis and treatment of oral squamous cell carcinomas

COMPARISON OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF BULK FILLED COMPOSITE AND NANO HYBRID COMPOSITE- AN IN-VITRO STUDY.

Background During the past 60 years, the use of composite resin for direct restorations in anterior and posterior teeth has increased significantly, largely due to the esthetic demands of patients and concerns regarding mercury in amalgam fillings. Because composite resins require little to no preparation, minimally invasive procedures can be used to preserve tooth structure and provide natural-looking results. Dental composites typically are composed of three chemical materials: an organic matrix, an inorganic matrix, and a coupling agent. Today’s composite resins produce highly esthetic, long-lasting restorations for many indications. Through an understanding of advanced layering techniques, microleakage, and fracture rate concerns can be decreased significantly. Hence it is imperative to evaluate the compressive strength of bulk-filled composite and nanohybrid composite.Aims &amp; Objectives To assess, evaluate and compare the compressive strength of Bulk filled composite and Nano Hybrid composite. Materials and MethodsStudy method- In-vitro study Sample A-Ivoclar Vivadent Inc. Bulk filled composite &amp; Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Filled Composite (Leichtenstein).Sample B-Ivoclar Vivadent Nano filled composite &amp; Tetric N- Ceram Nano Hybrid Composite (Leichtenstein).The cylindrical specimens were transferred onto the Instron testing machine (Model H50KS; Instron,Redhill, Surrey,RH15DZ, UK) individually and subjected to compressive testing at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/minute.Results: A comparison of the compressive strength of the individual groups was done. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups pertaining to compressive strength. The mean score for Group B was more than Group A.ConclusionsWithin the limitation of the specific materials, testing methods, and in-vitro environment in the study, it is concluded that Nanohybrid composite material has better compressive strength as compared to bulk fill composite. RecommendationsFurther studies are needed to determine the optimal curing light intensity to obtain the best results in terms of mechanical properties for newer bulk-fill composite materials

Solar energy harvesting in magnetoelectric coupled manganese ferrite nanoparticles incorporated nanocomposite polymer films

Poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) based pyroelectric as well as magnetoelectric materials offer great promises for energy harvesting for flexible and wearable applications. Hence, this work focus on solar energy harvesting as well as magnetoelectric phenomenon in two phase nanocomposite film where the constituting phases are manganese ferrite (MnFe2O4) nanoparticles and P(VDF-TrFE) polymer. Composite films have been prepared using solution casting technique. X-ray diffraction result shows higher crystallinity of these films. The ferroelectric, magnetic and magnetoelectric properties in variation with applied field and volume percentage of ferrite nanoparticles have been investigated. The preparation condition was optimized in such a way that it results improved ferroelectric polarization of nanocomposite film after incorporation of small amount of ferrite nanoparticles. The maximum magnetoelectric-coupling coefficient of about 156 mV/Oe-Cm was obtained for optimum nanocomposite film when DC bias field was applied perpendicular to electric polarization direction. From a pyroelectric device perspective, solar energy harvesting is also reported. An open circuit voltage of 5V and short circuit current of order of ~1 nA is demonstrated without any pre amplification. Hence, the combination of magnetoelectric and pyroelectric properties of nanocomposite film presented here indicate as a perfect candidate for smart materials, spintronics devices and specified magnetoelectric-based applications

STUDY OF IMPACT OF BIRTH ASPHYXIA ON THYROID HORMONE IN NEWBORN.

Aim and Objective: Study of the Impact of birth asphyxia on thyroid hormone in newborns. Methods: It was a prospective case-control study conducted at SCB Medical College, Department of Pediatrics. For the study, a total of 200 full-term newborns were assigned of which 100 asphyxiated newborns were taken as cases and 100 healthy newborns as a control group. Sarnat and Sarnat staging is used to classify the severity of birth asphyxia. Blood samples were collected at 18 to 24 hours of age for thyroid hormone level estimation.  Results: Out of 100 cases, 33% were HIE stage 1, 43% were HIE stage 2, and 24% were HIE stage 3. The mean value of T3, T4, and TSH was lower at 18 to 24 hours of age. Conclusion: The mean T3, T4, and TSH level at 18 to 24 hours of asphyxiated newborn was significantly lower than the control group. Recommendation: More studies need to be done with a larger sample size in different regions of India and investigate the prevalence of thyroid hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and its association with morbidity

Effect of nano-size on magnetostriction of BiFeO3 and exceptional magnetoelectric coupling properties of BiFeO3_P(VDF-TrFE) polymer composite films for magnetic field sensor application

The existence of magnetostriction in bulk BiFeO3 is still a matter of investigation and it is also an issue to investigate the magnetostriction effect in nano BiFeO3. Present work demonstrates the existence of magnetostrictive strain in superparamagnetic BiFeO3 nanoparticles at room temperature and the magnetoelectric coupling properties in composite form with P(VDFTrFE). Despite few reports on the magnetostriction effect in bulk BiFeO3 evidenced by the indirect method, the direct method (strain gauge) was employed in this work to examine the magnetostriction of superparamagnetic BiFeO3. In addition, a high magnetoelectric coupling coefficient was observed by the lock-in technique for optimized BiFeO3_P(VDF-TrFE) nanocomposite film. These nanocomposite films also exhibit room-temperature multiferroic properties. These results provide aspects of material with immense potential for practical applications in spintronics and magneto-electronics applications. We report a magnetoelectric sensor using superparamagnetic BiFeO3_P(VDF-TrFE) nanocomposite film for detection of ac magnetic field

PROJECT PREVENT: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Preoperative Vaginal Metronidazole to Decrease Patient Issues and Infections after Hysterectomy

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate if vaginal metronidazole for 5 days before hysterectomy decreases postoperative infections and patient issues. DESIGN: This randomized trial compared vaginal metronidazole for 5 days before a scheduled hysterectomy to no intervention. Sample size calculation was based on a 20% difference in issues and infection (30% incidence and 10% in the intervention arm) with 80% power and an alpha error of 0.05 and indicated 62 subjects needed in each arm. SETTING: Outpatient gynecology clinics at a single academic institution. PARTICIPANTS: 154 subjects were screened for eligibility between July 2020 and September 2022. 133 underwent hysterectomy including 68 subjects (51.1%) randomized to the metronidazole and 65 (48.9%) controls. Overall, the population was racially and ethnically diverse. There was no significant difference in characteristics between the two groups. INTERVENTIONS: Vaginal metronidazole for 5 days before hysterectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative patient issues and documented postoperative infections at 4-8 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: There was no difference in the composite rate of patient-reported issues and/or documented postoperative infection (53/133 (39.8%) with no difference between groups (29/68 (42.6%) vs 24/65 (36.9%), p=0.50). There was no difference in patient-reported issues which was 51/133 (38.3%) with no difference between groups (28/68 (41.2%) vs 23/65 (33.8%), p=0.49) or in documented infections with a rate of 25/133 (18.8%) with no significant difference between groups (15/68 (22.0%) vs 10/65 (15.4%), p=0.33). In the intervention arm, the compliance rate was 73.5% for all 5 days of vaginal metronidazole, and a per-protocol analysis was performed which resulted in no significant difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to suggest a significant benefit of preoperative vaginal metronidazole to prevent surgical site infections and postoperative patient issues in patients undergoing hysterectomy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04478617