Development of Free Fatty Acid (FFA) monitoring device for evaluation of oil samples used for biodiesel production.

Diversion of oil sources for biodiesel production has been gaining importance to meet the environmental concerns and energy demand. The free fatty acid (FFA) content of the feedstock is a significant factor in biodiesel production. The FFA values determine the complexity of the biodiesel production. Until date, an experimental procedure has been used to determine the FFA concentration of an oil source; this method is dependent on titration, which is a laborious process involving significant volumes of chemicals. Hence, in the present study, an attempt was made to develop a device for the identification of FFA of the oils. Waste cooking oil samples subjected to wide range of cooking conditions like cooking time, temperature, type of food are collected from different food outlets. Subsequently, the composition of oil samples and the variation in their quality were analysed using gas chromatography flame ionization detector (GC - FID). Biodiesel is prepared from the oil samples through transesterification and the impact of FFA and their respective methyl esters in the quality and properties have been investigated. The properties of biodiesel were determined as per ASTM standards. The study was further extended to correlate the properties of biodiesel with the composition of the oil from which it was derived. The analysis evidently proved the dependence of biodiesel properties on the FFA percentage and the composition of the oil. The results have been further substantiated with the performance and emission characteristics of internal combustion engine fuelled with the prepared biodiesel samples.

Fangchinoline protects hepatic ischemia/reperfusion liver injury in rats through anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammation properties: an in silico study.

Liver ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a common cause of organ failure, developed by a sudden block in the blood and oxygen supply and subsequent restoration. I/R damage is responsible for acute and chronic rejection after organ transplantation, accounting for 10% of early graft failure. The study investigated the therapeutic properties of fangchinoline in liver injury-induced rats. The rats were divided into three groups: Sham, I/R without pretreatment, and I/R + 10 mg/kg fangchinoline pretreatment. Blood and liver samples were collected for assays, and an in silico docking analysis was conducted to determine fangchinoline's inhibitory effect. The pretreatment with 10 mg/kg of fangchinoline effectively reduced hepatic marker enzymes such as AST, LDH, and ALT in the serum of rats with liver I/R damage. Fangchinoline treatment significantly reduced interleukin-8 (IL-8), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in I/R-induced rats, boosting antioxidants and decreasing MDA. Histopathological studies showed liver injury protection, and fangchinoline inhibited TNF-α and IL-6 with improved binding affinity. Fangchinoline has hepatoprotective properties by reducing inflammation in rats with liver I/R damage, as demonstrated in the current study. Hence, it can be an effective salutary agent in preventing liver damage caused by I/R.

Pelargonidin inhibits cell growth and promotes oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis in lung cancer A549 cells.

Lung cancer has the worst prognosis with an average 5-year survival rate of only 10%-20%. Lung cancer has the highest prevalence rate and a second most common cause of cancer-associated mortalities worldwide. The present study was planned to explore the anticancer effects of pelargonidin against the lung cancer A549 cells via analyzing oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis. The viability of both control and pelargonidin-treated A549 cells was analyzed using the MTT cytotoxicity assay at different time periods. The levels of endogenous ROS generation, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), and apoptosis were assessed using corresponding fluorescent staining assays. The levels of oxidative stress biomarkers, including TBARS, SOD, CAT, and GSH, in the cell lysates of control and pelargonidin-treated A549 cells were examined using the assay kits. The pelargonidin treatment substantially suppressed the A549 cell growth. Further, pelargonidin promoted the ROS production and depleted the Δψm levels in the A549 cells. The fluorescent staining assays witnessed the occurrence of increased apoptosis in the pelargonidin-treated A549 cells. The pelargonidin also boosted the TBARS and reduced the antioxidant levels thereby promoted the oxidative stress-regulated apoptosis in the A549 cells. In summary, the findings' results of the current study demonstrated an anticancer activity of pelargonidin on A549 cells. The pelargonidin treatment substantially decreased the growth and encouraged the oxidative stress-regulated apoptosis in A549 cells. Therefore, it was evident that the pelargonidin could be employed as an effective anticancer candidate to treat the lung cancer.

Eupatilin mitigates Gestational diabetes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic pregnant rats through the Regulation of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common metabolic disease that is typically diagnosed in pregnant women. The current study was aimed at disclosing the salutary activities of eupatilin against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced GDM in rats. The pregnant rats were induced with GDM and then treated with eupatilin for 20 days. The bodyweight, pup numbers and survival, glucose, and insulin levels were estimated. The levels of biochemical markers, antioxidants, and lipid profiles were measured using kits. The histopathological analysis was done on the pancreas and liver tissues. The eupatilin effectively reduced glucose and boosted insulin levels in the GDM rats. The pup numbers and their survival index were increased by the eupatilin treatment. The lipase, creatinine, AST, ALT, and urea levels were effectively reduced by the eupatilin in the GDM rats. Eupatilin treatment also decreased oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant levels and reducing inflammatory cytokine levels in the GDM rats. The cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels were effectively decreased, and HDL was elevated by eupatilin. The results of histopathological analysis of both liver and pancreatic tissues also demonstrated the therapeutic properties of eupatilin. In conclusion, the current results prove that eupatilin can be an effective salutary candidate to treat GDM.

Facile construction of gefitinib-loaded zeolitic imidazolate framework nanocomposites for the treatment of different lung cancer cells.

Gefitinib (GET) is a revolutionary targeted treatment inhibiting the epidermal growth factor receptor's tyrosine kinase action by competitively inhibiting the ATP binding site. In preclinical trials, several lung cancer cell lines and xenografts have demonstrated potential activity with GET. Response rates neared 25% in preclinical trials for non-small cell lung cancer. Here, we describe the one-pot synthesis of GET@ZIF-8 nanocomposites (NCs) in pure water, encapsulating zeolitic imidazolate framework 8 (ZIF-8). This method developed NCs with consistent morphology and a loading efficiency of 9%, resulting in a loading capacity of 20 wt%. Cell proliferation assay assessed the anticancer effect of GET@ZIF-8 NCs on A549 and H1299 cells. The different biochemical staining (Calcein-AM and PI and 4',6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole nuclear staining) assays assessed the cell death and morphological examination. Additionally, the mode of apoptosis was evaluated by mitochondrial membrane potential (∆ψm) and reactive oxygen species. Therefore, the study concludes that GET@ZIF-8 NCs are pledged to treat lung cancer cells.

Facile engineering of aptamer-coupled silk fibroin encapsulated myogenic gold nanocomposites: investigation of antiproliferative activity and apoptosis induction.

Nanocomposites selectively induce cancer cell death, holding potential for precise liver cancer treatment breakthroughs. This study assessed the cytotoxicity of gold nanocomposites (Au NCs) enclosed within silk fibroin (SF), aptamer (Ap), and the myogenic Talaromyces purpureogenus (TP) against a human liver cancer cell (HepG2). The ultimate product, Ap-SF-TP@Au NCs, results from a three-step process. This process involves the myogenic synthesis of TP@Au NCs derived from TP mycelial extract, encapsulation of SF on TP@Au NCs (SF-TP@Au NCs), and the conjugation of Ap within SF-TP@Au NCs. The synthesized NCs are analyzed by various characteristic techniques. Ap-SF-TP@Au NCs induced potential cell death in HepG2 cells but exhibited no cytotoxicity in non-cancerous cells (NIH3T3). The morphological changes in cells were examined through various biochemical staining methods. Thus, Ap-SF-TP@Au NCs emerge as a promising nanocomposite for treating diverse cancer cells.

Psidium guajava-mediated green synthesis of Fe-doped ZnO and Co-doped ZnO nanoparticles: a comprehensive study on characterization and biological applications.

The efficacy of nanoparticles (NPs) in healthcare applications hinges on their biocidal activity and biocompatibility. This research is dedicated to green-synthesized NPs with potent biocidal properties, aiming for high inhibition rates in bacterial infections and offering a multifunctional application, including potential use in anticancer therapy, in comparison to traditional antibiotics. The present study focuses on synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs), including iron-doped ZnO (GZF) and cobalt-doped ZnO (GZC), using the green co-precipitation method involving Psidium guajava (P. guajava) leaf extract. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized NPs were analyzed using various characterization techniques. The antibacterial and anticancer activity depends on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), particle size, surface area, oxygen vacancy, Zn2+ release, and diffusion ability. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized NPs was tested against various Gram-positive (Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae), Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) and Gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) bacterial strains. The zone of inhibition showed higher activity of GZC (18-20 mm) compared to GZF (16-19 mm) and GZO (11-15 mm) NPs. Moreover, anticancer studies against blood cancer cell line (MOLT-4) showed half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 11.3 µg/mL for GZC compared to GZF and GZO NPs with 12.1 µg/mL and 12.5 µg/mL, respectively. Cytotoxicity assessments carried out on the fibroblast L929 cell line indicated that GZO, GZF, and GZC NPs demonstrated cell viabilities of 85.43%, 86.66%, and 88.14%, respectively. Thus, green-synthesized GZC NPs hold promise as multifunctional agents in the biomedical sector.

Pemetrexed loaded gold nanoparticles as cytotoxic and apoptosis inducers in lung cancer cells through ROS generation and mitochondrial dysfunction pathway.

Supramolecular nanoparticles containing peptides and drugs have recently gained recognition as an effective tumor treatment drug delivery system. A multitarget drug termed pemetrexed is effective against various cancers, including nonsmall cell lung cancer. The work aims to establish the capability of pemetrexed gold nanoparticles (PEM-AuNPs) to induce apoptosis and explore molecular changes. X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope were used to investigate the synthesized nanoparticles. The MTT assay was utilized to investigate the anticancer properties of PEM-AuNPs at varying concentrations (50, 100, and 200 µM). PEM-AuNPs demonstrated a decrease in cell viability with 55.87%, 43.04%, and 25.59% for A549 cells and 54.31%, 37.40%, and 25.84% for H1299 cells at the respective concentrations. To assess apoptosis and perform morphological analysis, diverse biochemical staining techniques, including acridine orange-ethidium bromide and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole nuclear staining assays, were employed. Additionally, 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate staining confirmed the induction of reactive oxygen species generation, while JC-1 staining validated the impact on the mitochondrial membrane at the IC50 concentration of PEM-AuNPs. Thus, the study demonstrated that the synthesized  PEM-AuNPs exhibited enhanced anticancer activity against both A549 and H1299 cells.

Phyto-fabricated ZnO nanoparticles for anticancer, photo-antimicrobial effect on carbapenem-resistant/sensitive Pseudomonas aeruginosa and removal of tetracycline.

Alternanthera sessilis (AS) leaf extract was used to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). Bioanalytical characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) confirmed the formation of crystalline ZnO NPs with average sizes of 40 nm. The AS-ZnO NPs antimicrobial activity was analyzed under dark (D) and white light (WL) conditions. The improved antimicrobial activity was observed against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis at the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 125 and 62.5 µg/mL under WL than the D at 125 and 250 µg/mL for E. coli, B. subtilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively. In contrast, the growth of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus was not completely inhibited until 1 mg/mL AS-ZnO NPs under WL and D. Similarly, AS-ZnO NPs displayed a weaker inhibitory effect against carbapenem-sensitive P. aeruginosa (CSPA) and carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (CRPA) strains of PAC023, PAC041 and PAC032, PAC045 under D. Interestingly, the distinct inhibitory effect was recorded against CSPA PAC041 and CRPA PAC032 in which the bacteria growth was inhibited 99.9% at 250, 500 µg/mL under WL. The cytotoxicity results suggested AS-ZnO NPs demonstrated higher toxicity to MCF-7 breast cancer cells than the RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Further, AS-ZnO NPs exhibited higher catalytic potential against tetracycline hydrochloride (TC-H) degradation at 65.6% and 60.8% under WL than the dark at 59.35% and 48.6% within 120 min. Therefore, AS-ZnO NPs can be used to design a photo-improved antimicrobial formulation and environmental catalyst for removing TC-H from wastewater.

Morinda citrifolia leaf assisted synthesis of ZnO decorated Ag bio-nanocomposites for in-vitro cytotoxicity, antimicrobial and anticancer applications.

This study used Morinda citrifolia leaf (MCL) extract to synthesise Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and ZnO decorated silver nanocomposites (ZnO/Ag NCs). The synthesized nanomaterials structural morphology and crystallinity were characterized using a Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The antimicrobial activity of ZnO NPs and ZnO/Ag NCs was evaluated using human nosocomial bacterial pathogens. The highest antimicrobial activity was recorded for ZnO/Ag NCs at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) at 80 and 100 µg/mL for Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus than ZnO NPs at the MIC of 120 and 140 µg/mL for Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, ROS detection, viability assay and bacterial membrane integrity analysis of ZnO/Ag NCs treated P. aeruginosa and S. aureus revealed the fundamental bactericidal mechanism involving cell wall, cell membrane interaction and release of cytoplasmic contents. In addition, ZnO/Ag NCs and ZnO NPs showed higher toxicity towards A549 lung cancer cells than the non-cancerous RAW264 macrophage cells, with IC50 of 242 and 398 µg/mL respectively, compared to IC50 of 402 and 494 µg/mL for the macrophage cells. These results suggest that the ZnO/Ag NCs can be effectively used to develop antimicrobial and anticancer materials.

N-Ethyl-N-Nitrosourea Induced Leukaemia in a Mouse Model: Protective Effect of Icaritin via Inhibition of IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 Pathway Causes Apoptosis.

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of icaritin (ICT) on ENU-induced leukemia in male mice. Methods: The mice received intraperitoneal injections of 80 mg/kg ENU twice a week for three months for induction of leukemia. Blood smears from these mice showed blast cells, confirming the presence of leukemia. After confirming leukemia, mice were divided into control, ENU-induced leukemia, and leukemia groups (10 mg/kg bw and 20 mg/kg bw) were treated with ICT for 35 days. Blood, spleen, and liver samples were collected for analysis. The expression of IL-6, JAK2, STAT3, as well as inflammatory, pro-apoptotic (Bax), and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) proteins were evaluated using qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence techniques. Results: The study found that ICT inhibited inflammation and the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 pathway in ENU-induced mice. ICT treatment induced apoptosis in the spleen and liver by activating Bax and downregulating Bcl-2. The findings provide novel evidence that ICT acts as a dual inhibitor of IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling, promoting apoptosis and playing an essential role in anti-leukemic activity. Conclusion: These results suggest that ICT has potential as a therapeutic target for treating leukemia, offering a novel approach to leukemia treatment through inhibiting the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 pathway and induction of apoptosis.

Study of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in vitro and molecular docking analysis of periplocin inhibits cell cycle progression and induces apoptosis in MDA-MB-231.

Breast cancer mainly affects women and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Breast cancer affects women aged 15-59. The current study explored periplocin's anticancer activities against breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells by down-regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. The MTT assay assessed control-treated and periplocin (2.5-50 µM) treated MDA-MB-231 cell viability. ROS accumulation and apoptosis levels in periplocin-treated cells were examined using DAPI, dual staining, and Annexin V-FITC/PI assays. Caspase enzymes were studied using assay kits. Flow cytometry was used to measure cell cycle distributions. Periplocin-treated cells were analyzed using RT-PCR assays and insilico analyses for the expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR molecules. The periplocin treatment remarkably reduced the viability of the MDA-MB-231 cells, with an IC50 concentration of 7.5 µM. The fluorescent staining assays revealed a substantial increase in ROS levels and apoptotic events in the periplocin-treated cells. The flow cytometry analysis revealed that periplocin triggered apoptosis and arrested the cell cycle in G0/G1 phases. Periplocin increased the caspase-3, -8, and -9 enzyme activities. In MDA-MB-231 cells, Periplocin decreased PI3K/Akt/mTOR activity, and in silico analysis, Periplocin was inhibited by CDK8-Cyclin C interactions. Periplocin has anticancer properties against breast cancer and may be an effective therapeutic agent for treating breast cancer.

Synergistic effects of CuO/TiO2 -chitosan-farnesol nanocomposites: Synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities on melanoma cells SK-MEL-3.

The current investigation focuses on synthesizing copper oxide (CuO)-titanium oxide (TiO2 )-chitosan-farnesol nanocomposites with potential antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties against Melanoma cells (melanoma cells [SK-MEL-3]). The nanocomposites were synthesized using the standard acetic acid method and subsequently characterized using an X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results from the antibacterial tests against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Stapylococcus aureus demonstrated significant antibacterial efficacy. Additionally, the antifungal studies using Candida albicans through the agar diffusion method displayed a considerable antifungal effect. For evaluating the anticancer activity, various assays such as MTT assay, acridine orange/ethidium bromide dual staining assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation assay, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) analysis were conducted on SK-MEL-3 cells. The nanocomposites exhibited the ability to induce ROS generation, decrease MMP levels, and trigger apoptosis in SK-MEL-3 cells. Collectively, the findings demonstrated a distinct pattern for the synthesized bimetallic nanocomposites. Furthermore, these nanocomposites also displayed significant (p < 0.05) antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer effects when tested on the SK-MEL-3 cell line.

Synthesis and characterization of 4-nitro benzaldehyde with ZnO-based nanoparticles for biomedical applications.

Globally, cancer is the leading cause of death and morbidity, and skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis. Skin problems can be treated with nanoparticles (NPs), particularly with zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs, which have antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. An antibacterial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles prepared in the presence of 4-nitrobenzaldehyde (4NB) was also tested in the present study. In addition, the influence of synthesized NPs on cell apoptosis, cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptosis, and cell adhesion was also examined. The synthesized 4-nitro benzaldehyde with ZnO (4NBZnO) NPs were confirmed via characterization techniques. 4NBZnO NPs showed superior antibacterial properties against the pathogens tested in antibacterial investigations. As a result of dose-based treatment with 4NBZnO NPs, cell viability, and MMP activity of melanoma cells (SK-MEL-3) cells were suppressed. A dose-dependent accumulation of ROS was observed in cells exposed to 4NBZnO NPs. As a result of exposure to 4NBZnO NPs in a dose-dependent manner, viable cells declined and apoptotic cells increased. This indicates that apoptotic cell death was higher. The cell adhesion test revealed that 4NBZnO NPs reduced cell adhesion and may promote apoptosis of cancer cells because of enhanced ROS levels.

Biogenic synthesis of dopamine/carboxymethyl cellulose/TiO2 nanoparticles using Psidium guajava leaf extract with enhanced antimicrobial and anticancer activities.

The green synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) has garnered considerable attention from researchers due to its utilization of eco-friendly solvents during synthesis and cost-effective approaches. This study focuses on the synthesis of titanium oxide (TiO2) and dopamine (DA) carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-doped TiO2 (DA/CMC/TiO2) NP using Psidium guajava leaf extract, while also investigating the structural, optical, and morphological and biocidal potential of the prepared NPs. Significantly larger zones of inhibition were observed for DA/CMC/TiO2 NPs compared to TiO2 against various pathogens. Moreover, the MTT assay was carried out to evaluate the anticancer activity of the prepared samples against MG-63 cells, and the results revealed that DA/CMC/TiO2 NPs exhibited significantly higher level of anticancer activity compared to TiO2. The experimental results demonstrated that DA/CMC/TiO2 NPs exhibited enhanced anticancer activity in a dose-dependent manner when compared to TiO2 NPs.

Precise Construction of Dual-Promising Anticancer Drugs Associated with Gold Nanomaterials on Glioma Cancer Cells.

Multiple chemodrugs with nanotechnology have proven to be an effective cancer treatment technique. When taken combined, cabazitaxel (CTX) and cisplatin (PT) have more excellent cytotoxic effects than drugs used alone in the chemotherapy of several different cancers. However, several severe side effects are associated with using these chemotherapy drugs in cancer patients. Gold nanomaterials (AuNMs) are promising as drug carriers because of their small diameter, easy surface modifications, good biocompatibility, and strong cell penetration. This work aimed to determine the CTX and PT encapsulated with AuNMs against human glioma U87 cancer cells. The fabrication of the AuNMs achieved a negative surface charge, polydispersity index, and the mean sizes. The combined cytotoxic effect of CTX and PT bound to AuNMs was greater than that of either drug alone when tested on U87 cells. The half inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for free PT were 54.7 µg/mL (at 24 h) and 4.8 g µg/mL (at 72 h). Results acquired from the MTT assay show cell growth decreases time- and concentration-dependent AuNMs, free CTX, free PT, and AuNMs@CTX/PT-induced cytotoxicity and, ultimately, the cell death of U87 cells via apoptosis. The biochemical apoptosis staining techniques investigated the cells' morphological changes of the cells (acridine orange and ethidium bromide (AO-EB) and nuclear staining (DAPI) techniques). The AO-EB and nuclear staining results reveal that the NPs effectively killed cancer cells. Furthermore, the flow cytometry analysis examined the mode of cell death. Therefore, AuNMs@CTX/PT has excellent potential in the cancer therapy of different cancer cells.

Evaluating Gaps in Otolaryngology Training: An In-Depth Needs Assessment in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: The landscape of otolaryngology training in Saudi Arabia is undergoing transformation due to the expansion of medical colleges and increased overseas medical scholarships. However, concerns persist regarding the satisfaction and adequacy of surgical education. This study aims to assess gaps in otolaryngology training through an in-depth needs assessment. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 85 otolaryngology-head and neck surgery residency graduates in Saudi Arabia between 2019 and 2021. Participants completed a validated questionnaire assessing deficiencies, importance, and competence in different subspecialty areas. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, median comparisons, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: Participants identified deficiencies in training across domains, with significant variations in specific subspecialties among different regions. Dissatisfaction with clinical discussions, research training, access to simulation labs, and training in emerging subspecialties was evident. CONCLUSION: The study highlights challenges within otolaryngology training, emphasizing the need for continuous evaluation and adaptation to ensure high-quality and comprehensive training. Addressing these gaps is essential to produce well-rounded otolaryngologists capable of meeting the evolving demands of modern healthcare.

Unraveling the Power of Topical Inhaled Steroids in Treating Laryngeal Granulomas: A Systematic Review.

The efficacy of inhaled steroids in the treatment of airway laryngeal granuloma is an important topic of research, given the increasing prevalence of this condition. In this systematic review, we aimed to evaluate the existing evidence on the effectiveness of inhaled steroids in treating airway granuloma. The search was performed in several electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. We included all relevant studies that were published in the English language between 2005 and 2021. A total of nine studies were eligible for inclusion in our systematic review, including one randomized controlled trial, one case-control study, and seven retrospective studies. The results of our review suggest that inhaled steroids may be effective in treating airway granuloma, but more research is needed to confirm these findings. The limitations of the included studies, such as small sample sizes, inconsistent study designs, and a lack of long-term follow-up, suggest that additional research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of inhaled steroids in treating airway granuloma. Overall, this systematic review highlights the need for further studies to confirm the effectiveness of inhaled steroids in treating airway granuloma.

Diterpene Coronarin Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Both In Vivo and In Vitro Models.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a clinical condition occurs due to severe systemic inflammatory response for clinical stimulus like pneumonia, sepsis, trauma, aspiration, inhalation of toxic gases, and pancreatitis. Disruption of alveolar barriers, activation of macrophages, infiltration of neutrophils, and proinflammatory cytokines are the vital events occurs during ALI. The drugs which inhibit these inflammatory response can protect lungs from inflammatory insults. In this study, we examined the potency of phytochemical coronarin, a diterpene which have been proven to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiangiogenic, and antitumor activities. Healthy BALB/c mice were induced to acute lung injury with intra-tracheal administration of LPS and then treated with 5 and 10 mg/kg concentration of coronarin. The wet/dry lung weight of mice were estimated to assess the induction of pulmonary edema. BALF fluid was analyzed for protein concentrations and immune cells count. Myeloperoxidase activity and levels of chemokines MCP-2 and MIP-2, iNOS, COX-2, and PGE-2 were quantified to assess the immunomodulatory effect of coronarin against LPS-induced ALI. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines was measured to examine the anti-inflammatory property of coronarin, and it was confirmed with histopathological analysis of the lung tissue. Murine RAW 264.7 cells were utilized for the in vitro analysis. Cell cytoxicity and cytoprotective property of coronarin was assessed with MTT assay in LPS-treated Murine RAW 264.7. The anti-inflammatory property of coronarin was further confirmed in in vitro condition by estimating the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in coronarin-treated and untreated LPS-induced cells. Overall, our in vivo and in vitro results confirm coronarin significantly inhibited the infiltration of neutrophils prevented immunodulatory activity and synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines and alleviated the acute lung injury induced by LPS. Coronarin is a potent anti-inflammatory drug which can be subjected to further research to be prescribed as drug for ALI.

Zinc Foliar Application Mitigates Cadmium-Induced Growth Inhibition and Enhances Wheat Growth, Chlorophyll Contents, and Yield.

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that significantly threatens plants and the environment. Its toxicity in plants can result in various adverse effects, including reduced growth, altered metabolism, and cell damage. Cadmium can also interfere with nutrient uptake, particularly zinc (Zn), leading to Zn deficiency and further exacerbating Cd toxicity. On the other hand, foliar application of zinc might be a useful strategy to mitigate cadmium (Cd) toxicity in plants. Hence, a pot experiment was conducted with three replications. The wheat plants were treated with various concentrations of Zn as a foliar spray (control, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.5%) in Cd-spiked soil in pots. The results showed that foliar use of Zn at 0.4 or 0.5% resulted in higher plant height, grain yield, and dry matter yield than the control group. Using Zn as foliar spray enriched shoot and grain Zn content while reducing Cd content in the shoot and grain. The leaf's electrolyte leakage (EL) decreased by 15.4, 29.8, 40.7, and 45.9% in the Zn 0.1%, Zn 0.2%, Zn 0.4%, and Zn 0.5% treatments, respectively, compared to the control treatment. Regarding superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, Zn 0.5% treatment showed a decrease of 42.9% over control. Specifically, the Zn 0.1% showed a 27.2%, Zn 0.2% showed a 56.8%, Zn 0.4% showed a 91.1%, and Zn 0.5% showed a 133.7% increase in total chlorophyll content than control. Based on the results, it is recommended that 0.4% Zn solution may be used for foliar application for enhancing crop productivity and Zn concentration in plants under high Cd stress. Additionally, continued research on the mechanisms of cadmium uptake, transport, and detoxification in plants may lead to the identification of new targets for intervention.