Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Fagopyrum esculentum starch: antifungal, antibacterial activity and its cytotoxicity

52-63Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been synthesized using Fagopyrum esculentum starch as a stabilizing and reducing agent. This reaction was carried out in an autoclave at 15 psi, 121°C for 20 min. UV-visible spectrum of the colloidal nanoparticles showed the surface plasmon absorption band with maximum absorbance at 418 nm. Interaction between functional groups present in the starch and nanoparticles were analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Size of the synthesized nanoparticles was found to be in the range of 20-30 nm, as revealed from transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the face-centred cubic (fcc) geometry of silver nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were found to be good antifungal agents against Aspergillus niger. The antibacterial activity of the nanoparticles was also studied. The nanoparticles showed higher inhibitory activity against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) than the Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). These results thus show that F. esculentum starch stabilized AgNPs could be used as a promising antimicrobial agent against bacteria the fungi In vitro cytotoxicity assessment of starch stabilized AgNPs has shown no significant cytotoxic effect on human cervical carcinoma cells lines (HeLa) by MTT assay and AgNPs concentration at 200 ug/ml of showed 86% cell viability

An evaluation of etiology of recurrent pregnancy loss: prospective observational study

Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a global issue, affecting 1-2% of fertile women. RPL can be explained as two or more pregnancy losses which are documented either by ultrasonography or histopathological examination. This study aimed to evaluate etiology of RPLs.Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out in 40 women with history of RPL attending outpatient department (OPD) and inpatient department (IPD) of the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at the tertiary care centre of Dr. Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil Foundation’s (DVVPF’s) Medical College, Ahmednagar. The study was carried out from April 2020 to May 2021 in 40 women with history of RPL.Results: RPL most commonly occurs due to unexplained causes, followed by endocrinal causes. It was found most commonly in 21-30 years age group.Conclusions

Yoga for generalized anxiety disorder: design of a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common disorder associated with significant distress and interference. Although cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be the most effective form of psychotherapy, few patients receive or have access to this intervention. Yoga therapy offers another promising, yet under-researched, intervention that is gaining increasing popularity in the general public, as an anxiety reduction intervention. The purpose of this innovative clinical trial protocol is to investigate the efficacy of a Kundalini Yoga intervention, relative to CBT and a control condition. Kundalini yoga and CBT are compared with each other in a noninferiority test and both treatments are compared to stress education training, an attention control intervention, in superiority tests. The sample will consist of 230 individuals with a primary DSM-5 diagnosis of GAD. This randomized controlled trial will compare yoga (N=95) to both CBT for GAD (N=95) and stress education (N=40), a commonly used control condition. All three treatments will be administered by two instructors in a group format over 12 weekly sessions with four to six patients per group. Groups will be randomized using permuted block randomization, which will be stratified by site. Treatment outcome will be evaluated bi-weekly and at 6month follow-up. Furthermore, potential mediators of treatment outcome will be investigated. Given the individual and economic burden associated with GAD, identifying accessible alternative behavioral treatments will have substantive public health implications.R01 AT007257 - NCCIH NIH HHS; R01 AT007258 - NCCIH NIH HH

Exploring the Impact of Resveratrol on Gynecological Cancer: Insights and Perspectives

Gynecological cancers, a group of malignancies affecting the female reproductive system, are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in women. Different types of gynecological cancers differ by distinct attributes, risk determinants, and therapeutic methodologies. So, depending on the type and stage of the cancer, a tailored combination of therapies is required for the treatment. However, it is shocking that the side effects of these therapeutic methods range from mild to severe. Hence, developing innovative therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcomes is imperative. Here's the juncture where the role of plant-derived compounds in curing gynecological cancers becomes evident. Various plant-derived compounds, including phytochemicals, polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids for their cytotoxic, apoptotic, anti-angiogenic, and immunomodulatory properties, have been examined so far. Besides, certain phytocompounds can modulate hormonal-dependent gynecological cancers. Among the widely studied phytocompounds, RSV is the one that is extensively researched in vitro, in vivo and in-silico studies. In this context, this review article provides insights into the present-day knowledge about how RSV can potentially manage gynecological cancers. However, further research is needed to standardize their mode of action, optimal dosages, and potential interactions with conventional treatments. Rigorous clinical trials must validate their safety and efficacy profiles in different patient populations. As a result, a novel avenue for treating and preventing gynecological cancers could emerge by harnessing the multifaceted properties of phyto compounds, instilling new hope for patients and healthcare providers alike

Cobalt(III), nickel(II) and ruthenium(II) complexes of 1,10-phenanthroline family of ligands: DNA binding and photocleavage studies

DNA binding and photocleavage characteristics of a series of mixed-ligand complexes of the type [M(phen)2LL]n+ (where M = Co(III), Ni(II) or Ru(II), LL = 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), phenanthroline-dione (phen-dione) or dipyridophenazine (dppz) andn = 3 or 2) have been investigated in detail. Various physico-chemical and biochemical techniques including UV/Visible, fluorescence and viscometric titration, thermal denaturation, and differential pulse voltammetry have been employed to probe the details of DNA binding by these complexes; intrinsic binding constants (Kb) have been estimated under a similar set of experimental conditions. Analysis of the results suggests that intercalative ability of the coordinated ligands varies as dppz>phen>phen-dione in this series of complexes. While the Co(II) and Ru(II) complexes investigated in this study effect photocleavage of the supercoiled pBR 322 DNA, the corresponding Ni(II) complexes are found to be inactive under similar experimental conditions. Results of detailed investigations carried out inquiring into the mechanistic aspects of DNA photocleavage by [Co(phen)2(dppz)]3+ have also been reported

Highly efficient 5\u27 capping of mitochondrial RNA with NAD+ and NADH by yeast and human mitochondrial RNA polymerase

Bacterial and eukaryotic nuclear RNA polymerases (RNAPs) cap RNA with the oxidized and reduced forms of the metabolic effector nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD+ and NADH, using NAD+ and NADH as non-canonical initiating nucleotides for transcription initiation. Here, we show that mitochondrial RNAPs (mtRNAPs) cap RNA with NAD+ and NADH, and do so more efficiently than nuclear RNAPs. Direct quantitation of NAD+- and NADH-capped RNA demonstrates remarkably high levels of capping in vivo: up to ~60% NAD+ and NADH capping of yeast mitochondrial transcripts, and up to ~15% NAD+ capping of human mitochondrial transcripts. The capping efficiency is determined by promoter sequence at, and upstream of, the transcription start site and, in yeast and human cells, by intracellular NAD+ and NADH levels. Our findings indicate mtRNAPs serve as both sensors and actuators in coupling cellular metabolism to mitochondrial transcriptional outputs, sensing NAD+ and NADH levels and adjusting transcriptional outputs accordingly. © 2018, Bird et al

Prevalence of Microalbuminuria in relation to HbA1c among known Type2 Diabetic Patients in Puducherry population

ABSTRACT Diabetes mellitus is the commonest metabolic disorder and has a high prevalence in India. Diabetic nephropathy is characterized by proteinuria and is the leading cause of end stage renal disease. The prevalence of microalbuminuria predicts progression to diabetic nephropathy. This cross sectional study was carried out in the diabetic clinic at SVMCH and RC. Sixty known Type 2 diabetic patients with age 30-70 years of both genders were included in the study. Fasting, postprandial venous blood and morning urine sample was collected for analysis of blood glucose, HbA1c and microalbuminuria levels. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 17.0. Pearson correlation and Chi square test was applied to observe association of microalbuminuria with different parameters. P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Our study showed that about 70% of the patients had HbA1c >7% and 48% of the patients had Microalbuminuria (≥30mg/day). Almost 45% of the patients with HbA1c >7% had Microalbuminuria (≥30mg/day) which indicates persistent increase in glycated haemoglobin and microalbuminuria may be considered as risk factor in diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, regular screening for microalbuminuria and HbA1c testing should be done in diabetic patients as an early marker of renal risk factor

Preparation, Characterization and In Vitro Drug Release Studies of 6-mercaptopurine Thin Film

Oral thin films of 6-mercaptopurine were fabricated from mucoadhesive polymer, chitosan and polyvinylpyrrolidone for the purpose of prolonging drug release and improving its bioavailability. All fabricated film formulations prepared were smooth and translucent, with good flexibility. The weight and thickness of all the formulations were found to be uniform. These films were also evaluated for surface pH, folding endurance, swelling percentage (% S) and in vitro disintegration time. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) were used to evaluate the physico-chemical nature of the films. In-vitro drug release have shown enhanced release profiles for thin films compared to pure drug and the release patterns have been found to be pH dependant. The results of the study reveals that fabrication of 6-MP oral thin film by using solvent cast technology is a simple and an efficient method for drug delivery to achieve desired therapeutic compliance.Keywords: 6-mercaptopurine; In Vitro Drug Release; SEM; FTI