Anticancer Activity of Cissus quadrangularis: An in vitro 2D Model Based Study

Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) is a perennial rambling shrub of the grape family commonly known as “Hadjora” (in Hindi) probably native to India or Sri Lanka. It is one of the valuable medicines in the Indian Traditional Systems of Medicine because of the presence of several bioactive compounds. However, in the present study we have checked its anticancer activity along with its safety profile on normal skin cells. Apart from this we have generated the spheroid HeLa culture in vitro model for analyzing the CQ extract response on the growth of HeLa tumoroid. From the present findings we have observed that the CQ selectively induces cytotoxicity, ROS liberation and G1 phase cell cycle arrest only in HeLa cancer cells without affecting the normal skin cells at similar dose. CQ also significantly inhibits the growth of tumoroid and finally leads to cell death as revealed by phase contrast microscopy. Therefore, it can be concluded from the present findings that CQ extract shows targeted anticancer activity, though the mechanism of action in support of its exhibited activity needs to be further explored

A Bibliometric Analysis of Corporate Sustainability Performance: Current Status, Development and Future Trends

Purpose: This study aimed to focus on bibliometric analysis and the concept of corporate sustainability performance (CSP) to understand the evolutionary and developmental trends in the field of CSP.   Design/methodology/approach: This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of 1,518 Scopus-indexed documents on CSP published from 1975 to August 2021 to provide meaningful insights for further discussions. For this purpose, the study used VOSviewer software for drafting the literature and Harzing's Publish or Perish software to obtain impact matrices and citation information. Findings:  The findings revealed that the number of CSP-related publications has increased in recent years (1975-1991: 21 publications, 1992-2007: 206 publications, and 2008-2021: 1291 publications). Furthermore, the findings revealed a significant increase in interest in the CSP field. Business, management, and accounting (34 %) were the most studied subject areas, and the Journal of Business Ethics, with a TP of 150, as the most productive scientific journal.   Research, Practical & Social implications:  This study examines how academic interest in CSP has evolved and identifies areas for further exploration in the CSP context. This study contributes to the current literature in the CSP domain by providing a bibliometric analysis. Furthermore, this bibliometric analysis would aid in decision-making and policy formulation related to CSP.   Originality/value:  The overall findings revealed an increase in CSP development in the scientific field, linked to the continued expansion of empirical research papers, researchers/authors, and citations.Propósito: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo centrarse en el análisis bibliométrico y el concepto de desempeño de sostenibilidad corporativa (CSP) para comprender las tendencias evolutivas y de desarrollo en el campo de CSP. Metodología: Este estudio realizó un análisis bibliométrico de 1518 documentos indexados en Scopus sobre CSP publicados desde 1975 hasta agosto de 2021 para proporcionar información significativa para futuras discusiones. Para ello, el estudio utilizó el software VOSviewer para la redacción de la literatura y el software Publish or Perish de Harzing para obtener matrices de impacto e información de citas. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos revelaron que el número de publicaciones relacionadas con CSP ha aumentado en los últimos años (1975-1991: 21 publicaciones, 1992-2007: 206 publicaciones y 2008-2021: 1291 publicaciones). Además, los resultados revelaron un aumento significativo del interés en el campo de la CSP. Negocios, administración y contabilidad (34 %) fueron las áreas temáticas más estudiadas, y la Revista de Ética Empresarial, con TP de 150, como la revista científica más productiva. Implicaciones de la Investigación: Este estudio examina cómo ha evolucionado el interés académico en CSP e identifica áreas para una mayor exploración en el contexto de CSP. Este estudio contribuye a la literatura actual en el dominio CSP al proporcionar un análisis bibliométrico. Además, este análisis bibliométrico ayudaría en la toma de decisiones y formulación de políticas relacionadas con CSP. Palabras clave: Desempeño de Sostenibilidad Corporativa, Sostenibilidad Social Corporativa, Sustentabilidad Ambiental Corporativa,Sostenibilidad Económica Empresarial,bibliométrico.Objetivo: Este estudo teve como foco a análise bibliométrica e o conceito de desempenho em sustentabilidade corporativa (CSP) para entender as tendências evolutivas e de desenvolvimento no campo de CSP. Desenho/metodologia/abordagem: Este estudo realizou uma análise bibliométrica de 1.518 documentos indexados pelo Scopus sobre CSP publicados de 1975 a agosto de 2021 para fornecer insights significativos para futuras discussões. Para tanto, o estudo utilizou o software VOSviewer para elaboração da literatura e o software Harzing's Publish or Perish para obter matrizes de impacto e informações de citação. Resultados: Os resultados revelaram que o número de publicações relacionadas a CSP aumentou nos últimos anos (1975-1991: 21 publicações, 1992-2007: 206 publicações e 2008-2021: 1291 publicações). Além disso, os resultados revelaram um aumento significativo no interesse no campo CSP. Negócios, gestão e contabilidade (34%) foram as áreas temáticas mais estudadas, e o Journal of Business Ethics, com um TP de 150, como o periódico científico mais produtivo. Pesquisa, implicações práticas e sociais: Este estudo examina como o interesse acadêmico em CSP evoluiu e identifica áreas para exploração adicional no contexto de CSP. Este estudo contribui para a literatura atualno domínio CSP, fornecendo uma análise bibliométrica. Além disso, essa análise bibliométrica auxiliaria na tomada de decisões e na formulação de políticas relacionadas a CSP.   Originalidade/valor: Os achados gerais revelaram um aumento no desenvolvimento de CSP no campo científico, vinculado à contínua expansão de trabalhos de pesquisa empírica, pesquisadores/autores e citações. Palavras-chave:  Desempenho de Sustentabilidade Corporativa, Sustentabilidade Social Corporativa, Sustentabilidade Ambiental Corporativa,Sustentabilidade Econômica Corporativa, Bibliométrico

Inhibition of Hepatitis C Virus 3a genotype entry through Glanthus Nivalis Agglutinin

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) has two envelop proteins E1 and E2 which is highly glycosylated and play an important role in cell entry. Inhibition of virus at entry step is an important target to find antiviral drugs against HCV. Glanthus Nivalis Agglutinin (GNA) is a mannose binding lectin which has tendency for specific recognition and reversible binding to the sugar moieties of a wide variety of glycoproteins of enveloped viruses.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In the present study, HCV pseudoparticles (HCVpp) for genotype 3a were produced to investigate the ability of GNA to block the HCV entry. The results demonstrated that GNA inhibit the infectivity of HCVpp and HCV infected serum in a dose-dependent manner and resulted in 50% reduction of virus at 1 ± 2 μg concentration. Molecular docking of GNA and HCV glycoproteins (E1 and E2) showed that GNA inhibit HCV entry by binding N-linked glycans.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These results demonstrated that targeting the HCV glycans is a new approach to develop antiviral drugs against HCV.</p

Surgical Outcome of Traumatic Posterior Fossa Extradural Hematoma in Paediatric Population: Our Experience at UCHS, The Children’s Hospital, Lahore

Objective:  Most common location for Extradural hematoma (EDH) is within the supratentorial region. The incidence of Posterior fossa extradural hematoma (PFEDH) is1.2% to 12.9% of all EDH. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the management, clinical outcomes, and epidemiological features of posterior fossa EDH. Materials and Methods:  A cross-sectional study was conducted at the department of pediatric neurosurgery Children Hospital and the University of child health sciences, Lahore from September 2021 to December 2021. Thirty patients presented with posterior fossa extradural hematoma in the pediatric age group were included. A plain CT scan Brain with the bone window was done for initial diagnosis to assess any injury in the posterior fossa including volume of hematoma and any associated fracture. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was used to evaluate the outcome. Results:  Twenty-five patients were surgically treated, and five patients were managed conservatively. There was no mortality observed and the overall results were good in all the patients. Conclusion:  As compared to supratentorial extradural hematoma the Posterior fossa epidural hematoma is uncommon. For all suspected cases early and serial CT scans must be carried out. There was an excellent prognosis in pediatric patients who underwent surgical management

Interaction between Melatonin, Sleepiness-Alertness and Body Temperature

Circadian rhythms confer a biological clock of all living beings, comprising oscillations in a range of physiological variables, including body temperature and melatonin, that regulate the sleep/wake cycle rhythmically. Both variables have been marked to influence the sleep/wake cycle; even so, the interrelationship among the triad (body temperature, melatonin & sleepiness/alertness) is still unknown. The current literature review is envisioned to examine the contemporary details regarding the interaction between melatonin, body temperature, and sleepiness/alertness. All the included information is procured from the latest review articles, systematic & meta-analytical literature reviews, and original research reports. Findings revealed that melatonin and body temperature collectively contribute to the formation of sleep. An increase in melatonin induces fluctuations in body temperature. Both physiologic variables serve as close indicators of sleepiness/alertness. However, modulating factors such as light, environmental temperature, and timing of melatonin administration (with the circadian clock) may impact the overall outcomes. A significant number of studies are required to infer the underlying processes by which these factors influence the circadian clock

Cissus quadrangularis Linn. Stem Ethanolic Extract Liberates Reactive Oxygen Species and Induces Mitochondria Mediated Apoptosis in KB Cells

Background: Cissus quadrangularis Linn. (CQ) commonly known as Hadjod (Family: Vitaceae) is usually distributed in India and Sri Lanka and contains several bioactive compounds responsible for various metabolic and physiologic effects. Objective: In this study, the biological effects of CQ ethanolic extract were evaluated by in vitro and supported by in silico analysis on KB oral epidermoid cancer cell line. Materials and methods: Anti-cancer potential of ethanolic extract of CQ stem against KB oral epidermoid cancer cells was evaluated in terms of morphological analysis, nuclei staining, liberation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell cycle arrest, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and p53 and Bcl-2 protein expression which reveal the induction of apoptosis along with supporting in silico analysis. Results: Ethanolic extract of CQ stem contains various bioactive compounds responsible for cancer cell morphological alterations, liberation of ROS, G1 phase cell cycle arrest and decreased MMP along with up-regulation of p53 and down-regulation of Bcl-2. By employing in silico approach, we have also postulated that the CQ extract active constituents sequester Bcl-2 with higher affinity as compared to p53, which may be the reason for induction of growth arrest and apoptosis in KB cells. Conclusion: Our data indicate that the CQ extract has a remarkable apoptotic effect that suggests that it could be a viable treatment option for specific types of cancers. Summary: Cissus quadrangularis stem ethanolic extract induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G1 phaseIt liberates (ROS) and mitochondria mediated apoptosisIt upregulates p53 and down-regulates Bcl-2 protein expressionIn silico studies indicates that the active constituents of CQ binds Bcl-2 with higher affinity as compared to p53

Bone metabolism and incretin hormones following glucose ingestion in young adults with pancreatic insufficient cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND: Gut-derived incretin hormones, including glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), regulate post-prandial glucose metabolism by promoting insulin production. GIP, GLP-1, and insulin contribute to the acute bone anti-resorptive effect of macronutrient ingestion by modifying bone turnover. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is associated with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (PI), which perturbs the incretin response. Cross-talk between the gut and bone ( gut-bone axis ) has not yet been studied in PI-CF. The objectives of this study were to assess changes in biomarkers of bone metabolism during oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT) and to test associations between incretins and biomarkers of bone metabolism in individuals with PI-CF. METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of previously acquired blood specimens from multi-sample OGTT from individuals with PI-CF ages 14-30 years (n = 23). Changes in insulin, incretins, and biomarkers of bone resorption (C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen [CTX]) and formation (procollagen type I RESULTS: CTX decreased by 32% by min 120 of OGTT (P \u3c 0.001), but P1NP was unchanged. Increases in GIP from 0 to 30 mins (rho = -0.48, P = 0.03) and decreases in GIP from 30 to 120 mins (rho = 0.62, P = 0.002) correlated with decreases in CTX from mins 0-120. Changes in GLP-1 and insulin were not correlated with changes in CTX, and changes in incretins and insulin were not correlated with changes in P1NP. CONCLUSIONS: Intact GIP response was correlated with the bone anti-resorptive effect of glucose ingestion, represented by a decrease in CTX. Since incretin hormones might contribute to development of diabetes and bone disease in CF, the gut-bone axis warrants further attention in CF during the years surrounding peak bone mass attainment

PAKistan Study of prEmature coronary atHerosclerosis in young AdulTs (PAK-SEHAT): A prospective longitudinal study protocol investigating the prevalence, severity and determinants of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the young adult Pakistani population

Introduction: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a major cause of morbidity, mortality and health expenditures worldwide. Despite having higher ASCVD in the Pakistani population, data on subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in young Pakistanis remain scarce. The PAKistan Study of prEmature coronary atHerosclerosis in young AdulTs (PAK-SEHAT) aims to assess the prevalence, severity and determinants of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis among Pakistani men (35-60 years) and women (35-65 years) free of clinically symptomatic ASCVD and will assess 5-year rates of ASCVD events.Methods and analysis: PAK-SEHAT is an ongoing prospective cohort study with 2000 participants from all provinces of Pakistan who will be interviewed at the baseline along with phlebotomy, measurement of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and coronary CT angiography (CCTA). Phlebotomy will be repeated at 2.5 years, whereas CIMT and CCTA will be repeated at 5 years. We will report the frequency of maximal coronary stenosis ≥50% and ≥70%, number of coronary vessels with plaque and the number of coronary segments affected per participant on CCTA. We will use Cox proportional hazards regression models to evaluate the association between baseline characteristics and incident ASCVD events during follow-up. These associations will be presented as HRs with 95% CIs.Ethics and dissemination: The study protocol was approved by the Tabba Heart Institute Institutional Review Board (THI/IRB/FQ/22-09-2021/016). All study procedures are consistent with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Findings of the study will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.Trial registration number: NCT05156736