Navigating distress: Exploring factors affecting adolescent girls' wellbeing during and after a violence-focused survey in Maharashtra, India.

BACKGROUND: Ensuring the emotional wellbeing of participants in violence-focused research is a paramount ethical requirement. While previous research suggests that most participants in violence-focused studies do not report harmful consequences, little is known about the experiences of adolescent participants in low- and middle-income countries. OBJECTIVE: This study, conducted in Maharashtra, India, aims at assessing how participant, contextual, and interviewer characteristics affect the level of distress that adolescent girls experience after participation in a violence survey. METHODS: A total of 3049 13-18-year-old girls were interviewed on their experiences of family and intimate partner violence. Following the interview, both girls and interviewers completed a 5-item questionnaire on perceived participant distress. Linear regression analyses were conducted to identify possible correlates of girls' distress. RESULTS: Less than 10 % of participants reported feelings of distress upon completion of the interview. Higher levels of interviewers' empathy were significantly associated with decreased levels of participants' distress (standardised beta: -0.25, p < 0.001). Reported distress was also lower if girls had opted for an audio- and mobile-assisted self-interview (ACASI) format (standardised beta: -0.05, p < 0.01) and if the interview was conducted by someone older (standardised beta: -0.22, p < 0.001). Conversely, if interviews were conducted in participants' homes and by interviewers with higher education levels, reported distress was significantly higher (standardised beta: 0.06, p < 0.01 and 0.12, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that incorporating empathetic interviewing and trust-building techniques into interviewer training, offering ACASI interviews, and choosing interview locations that ensure confidentiality can help protect the wellbeing of participants in violence research.

Development and characterization of physical stability, glycemic index, flow behaviors, and antioxidant activity of finger millet-based beverage.

Millets are gaining attention as a superfood due to their higher nutritional value and cost-effectiveness. In this regard, extraction condition for the development of finger millet-based beverage was optimized using a central composite design. Soaking time (X1) and temperature (X2) in the range of 5-10 h and 40-60°C, respectively, were the independent variables taken for three responses, namely, yield, total solids, and sedimentation index. The optimized conditions are best fitted in quadratic model (R2 0.91) for all the dependent variables. Accordingly, the optimized levels selected for soaking time and temperature were 10 h and 60°C respectively, resulting in the yield (Y1) of 91.86% ± 0.94%, total solids (Y2) of 17.72% ± 0.56%, and sedimentation index (Y3) of 12.18% ± 0.06%. Further, xanthan gum (0.5%) and jaggery powder (5%) were added in the optimized beverage to improve its physicochemical and functional properties. Xanthan gum improved the physical stability and rheological properties of the beverage, whereas jaggery improved the flavor and phenolic content of the same. The optimized beverage had a good amount of phenolic content (53.70 µg GAE/mL), antioxidant activity (DPPH 13.76 µmol/mL), zeta potential (-19.8 mV), and glycemic index (57). The flow curve of beverages was obtained using power law model, and result indicated good consistency index (k = 0.7716 Pa s) with flow behavior (n = 0.3411) depicted its pseudoplastic nature. The optimized extraction condition significantly reduced the antinutrients, tannin, and phytic content by 47% and 14%, respectively, in optimized beverage than control.

Mechanisms behind gender transformative approaches targeting adolescent pregnancy in low- and middle-income countries: a realist synthesis protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Adolescent pregnancy is defined as pregnancy at the age of 19 or below. Pregnancy and childbirth complications are the most significant cause of death among 15-19-year-old girls. Several studies have indicated that inequitable gender norms can increase the vulnerability of adolescent girls, including violence exposure, early marriage, and adolescent pregnancy. To address these disparities, gender transformative approaches aim to challenge and transform restrictive gender norms, roles, and relations through targeted interventions, promoting progressive changes. This realist review aims to synthesise existing evidence from a broad range of data sources to understand how, why, for whom, and in what contexts gender transformative approaches succeed in reducing adolescent pregnancy in low- and middle-income countries. METHOD AND ANALYSIS: We employ a five-step realist synthesis approach: (1) clarify the scope of review and assessment of published literature, (2) development of initial programme theories, (3) systematic search for evidence, (4) development of refined programme theories, and (5) expert feedback and dissemination of results. This protocol presents the results of the first three steps and provides details of the next steps. We extracted data from 18 studies and outlined eight initial programme theories on how gender transformative approaches targeting adolescent pregnancy work in the first three steps. These steps were guided by experts in the field of sexual and reproductive health, implementation science, and realist methodology. As a next step, we will systematically search evidence from electronic databases and grey literature to identify additional studies eligible to refine the initial programme theories. Finally, we will propose refined programme theories that explain how gender transformative approaches work, why, for whom, and under which circumstances. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval is not required because the included studies are published articles and other policy and intervention reports. Key results will be shared with the broader audience via academic papers in open-access journals, conferences, and policy recommendations. The protocol for this realist review is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023398293).

Sociological Theories to Explain Intimate Partner Violence: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a highly prevalent public health challenge and human rights violation. Sociological theories address social structures to understand prevalence and dynamics of IPV against women. This systematic review aims (1) to identify, describe, categorize, and synthesize sociological theories that account for predictors of IPV against women, and (2) to compare and contrast sociological theories of predictors of IPV against women. Following a structured search of nine electronic databases, members of the review team screened title/abstract and full texts against inclusion and exclusion criteria, to identify studies that engaged with theory/ies of predictors of IPV. Review team members extracted data according to a data extraction template developed for the review. Results are presented using a narrative synthesis approach. Following review of 108 included articles, included articles were grouped into sub-theories. The sub-theories provide differing, yet overlapping, accounts of predictors of male perpetration of IPV and women's experience of IPV. Sociological theories primarily engage with exo- and macro-system levels of the social-ecological framework, yet some also address structural influences on individual behaviors. This systematic review fills a gap in theoretical syntheses of sociological theories of predictors of male-perpetrated IPV against women and also provides critical analysis of how these theories overlap and intersect. While sociological theories may not be able to fully explain all aspects of dynamics of male-perpetrated IPV against women, this overview indicates that there are several compelling components of sociological theory that hold explanatory power for comprehending how, where, and why IPV occurs.

Revolutionizing goat milk gels: A central composite design approach for synthesizing ascorbic acid-functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles decorated alginate-chitosan nanoparticles fortified smart gels.

Goat milk gels (GMGs) are popular food due to their high water content, low-calorie density, appealing taste, texture enhancers, stability, and satiety-enhancing characteristics, making them ideal for achieving food security and zero hunger. The GMGs were optimized using the central composite design matrix of response surface methodology using goat milk powder (35-55 g), whole milk powder (10-25 g), and potato powder (10-15 g) as independent variables. In contrast, complex modulus, flow stress, and forward extrudability were chosen as dependent variables. The maximum value of complex modulus 33670.9 N, good flow stress 7863.6 N, and good extrudability 65.32 N was achieved under optimal conditions. The optimized goat milk gel was fortified with ascorbic acid-coated iron oxide nanoparticle (magnetic nature) decorated alginate-chitosan nanoparticles (AA-MNP@CANPs), making it nutritionally rich in an economically feasible way-the decorated AA-MNP@CANPs characterized for size, shape, crystallinity, surface charge, and optical characteristics. Finally, the optimized fortified smart GMGs were further characterized via Scanning electron microscopy, Rheology, Texture profile analysis, Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The fortified smart GMGs carry more nutritional diversity, targeted iron delivery, and the fundamental sustainability development goal of food security.

Factors associated with adolescent pregnancy in Maharashtra, India: a mixed-methods study.

Reducing the adolescent birth rate is paramount in achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals, given that pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of mortality among young women aged 15-19. This study aimed to explore predictors of adolescent pregnancy among girls aged 13-18 years in Maharashtra, India, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a mixed-methods approach, primary data were gathered from two regions in Maharashtra between February and April 2022. Quantitative data from face-to-face interviews with 3049 adolescent girls assessed various household, social, and behavioural factors, as well as the socioeconomic and health impacts of COVID-19. Qualitative data from seven in-depth interviews were analysed thematically. The findings reveal that girls from low socioeconomic backgrounds face a higher likelihood of adolescent pregnancy. Multivariable analysis identified several factors associated with increased risk, including older age, being married, having more sexual partners, and experiencing COVID-19-related economic vulnerability. On the other hand, rural residence, secondary and higher secondary education of the participants, and higher maternal education were associated with a decreased likelihood of adolescent pregnancy. In the sub-sample of 565 partnered girls, partner's emotional abuse also correlated with higher rates of adolescent pregnancy. Thematic analysis of qualitative data identified four potential pathways leading to adolescent pregnancy: economic hardships and early marriage; personal safety, social norms, and early marriage; social expectations; and lack of knowledge on contraceptives. The findings underscore the significance of social position and behavioural factors and the impact of external shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic in predicting adolescent pregnancy in Maharashtra, India.Plain Language Summary: Adolescent pregnancy is an important health issue for young girls. In South Asia, one out of every five adolescent girls becomes a mother before turning 18, and in India, around 9% of girls aged 15-19 get pregnant yearly. This study focused on understanding the factors associated with adolescent pregnancy in Maharashtra, India, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. We collected information from both urban and rural areas in Maharashtra. A total of 3049 adolescent girls participated in a survey, and seven girls participated in detailed interviews. Our analysis showed that factors like older age, being married, having multiple sexual partners, and experiencing economic difficulties due to COVID-19 increased the chances of adolescent pregnancy. On the other hand, living in rural areas, higher education for both the girls and their mothers reduced the likelihood of adolescent pregnancy. Qualitative analysis revealed that economic challenges, concerns about safety and societal norms, early marriage, societal expectations, and lack of knowledge about contraceptives could contribute to adolescent pregnancy in Maharashtra.

Biogenic engineered nanomaterials for enhancing bioavailability via developing nano-iron-fortified smart foods: advances, insight, and prospects of nanobionics in fortification of food.

Iron deficiency is a significant cause of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Treatment of IDA is challenging due to several challenges, including low target bioavailability, low palatability, poor pharmacokinetics, and extended therapeutic regimes. Nanotechnology holds the promise of revolutionizing the management and treatment of IDA. Smart biogenic engineered nanomaterials (BENMs) such as lipids, protein, carbohydrates, and complex nanomaterials have been the subject of extensive research and opened new avenues for people and the planet due to their enhanced physicochemical, rheological, optoelectronic, thermomechanical, biological, magnetic, and nutritional properties. Additionally, they show eco-sustainability, low biotoxicity, active targeting, enhanced permeation and retention, and stimuli-responsive characteristics. We examine the opportunities offered by emerging smart BENMs for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia by utilizing iron-fortified smart foods. We review the progress made so far and other future directions to maximize the impact of smart nanofortification on the global population. The toxicity effects are also discussed with commercialization challenges.

Drug Repurposing Against Novel Therapeutic Targets in Plasmodium falciparum for Malaria: The computational perspective.

Malaria remains one of the most challenging tropical diseases. Since malaria cases are reportedly alarming in terms of infections and mortality, urgent attention is needed for addressing the issues of drug resistance in falciparum malaria. High throughput screening methods have paved the way for rapid identification of anti-malarial. Furthermore, drug repurposing helps in shortening the time required for drug safety approvals. Hence, the discovery of new antimalarials by drug repurposing is a promising approach for combating the disease. This article summarizes the recent computational approaches used for identifying novel antimalarials by using drug target interaction tools followed by pharmacokinetic studies.

Scope of Onsite, Portable Prevention Diagnostic Strategies for Alternaria Infections in Medicinal Plants.

Medicinal plants are constantly challenged by different biotic inconveniences, which not only cause yield and economic losses but also affect the quality of products derived from them. Among them, Alternaria pathogens are one of the harmful fungal pathogens in medicinal plants across the globe. Therefore, a fast and accurate detection method in the early stage is needed to avoid significant economic losses. Although traditional methods are available to detect Alternaria, they are more time-consuming and costly and need good expertise. Nevertheless, numerous biochemical- and molecular-based techniques are available for the detection of plant diseases, but their efficacy is constrained by differences in their accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, dependability, and speed in addition to being unsuitable for direct on-field studies. Considering the effect of Alternaria on medicinal plants, the development of novel and early detection measures is required to detect causal Alternaria species accurately, sensitively, and rapidly that can be further applied in fields to speed up the advancement process in detection strategies. In this regard, nanotechnology can be employed to develop portable biosensors suitable for early and correct pathogenic disease detection on the field. It also provides an efficient future scope to convert innovative nanoparticle-derived fabricated biomolecules and biosensor approaches in the diagnostics of disease-causing pathogens in important medicinal plants. In this review, we summarize the traditional methods, including immunological and molecular methods, utilized in plant-disease diagnostics. We also brief advanced automobile and efficient sensing technologies for diagnostics. Here we are proposing an idea with a focus on the development of electrochemical and/or colorimetric properties-based nano-biosensors that could be useful in the early detection of Alternaria and other plant pathogens in important medicinal plants. In addition, we discuss challenges faced during the fabrication of biosensors and new capabilities of the technology that provide information regarding disease management strategies.

Violence Against Adolescent Girls During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Quantitative Evidence From Rural and Urban Communities in Maharashtra, India.

PURPOSE: While the "shadow pandemic" of violence against women during the global health crisis caused by COVID-19 is well documented, little is known about its impact on adolescent girls. This study assesses the pandemic's effect on different forms of violence against girls in Maharashtra, India. METHODS: Adolescent girls from rural communities and urban slum pockets in Pune and Sangli, Maharashtra, were recruited between February and April 2022. Girls were eligible for participation if they were aged 13-18 years, irrespective of additional characteristics such as school attendance, caste or socioeconomic status. Quantitative data on health-related and socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, family violence, and intimate partner violence (IPV; for married/partnered girls) were collected using audio- and computer-assisted self-interview techniques. We estimated a multivariable logistic regression model to assess the pandemic's impact on violence risk. RESULTS: Three thousand forty-nine adolescent girls were recruited into the study, 251 (8.2%) of whom had been married as children. Two thousand and three (65.7%) girls reported exposure to at least one form of family violence in the preceding year and 405 (71.7%) partnered girls reported incidents of IPV. Domestic violence risk increased significantly in households that suffered greater economic harm (odds ratio = 1.19, 95% confidence interval 1.13-1.26) and negative health consequences (odds ratio = 1.76, 95% confidence interval 1.54-2.02) from the pandemic. Similarly, greater detrimental health and economic impacts were associated with higher IPV risk. DISCUSSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially increased girls' vulnerability to violence. Preventive measures and concerted, youth-focused policy efforts to extend support services to adolescent violence survivors are urgently needed.

Association between public health emergencies and sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, and early marriage among adolescent girls: a rapid review.

BACKGROUND: As COVID-19 continues to impact lives and livelihoods around the world, women and girls are disproportionately affected. Crisis situations and related response measures, such as lockdowns, school closures, and travel restrictions, often exacerbate the adversities and human rights violations faced by adolescent girls. We conducted a rapid review to synthesise evidence on the impact of public health emergencies (PHEs) related to gender-based inequalities among adolescent girls. METHODS: We systematically searched five major databases. Records were imported into the online screening tool Rayyan, and 10% of the records were triple screened for eligibility. We included qualitative, mixed-methods, and quantitative studies that assessed the relationship between PHEs and any of the following outcomes: (1) gender-based violence, (2) early/forced marriage, and (3) sexual and reproductive health. Due to the heterogeneity of included study designs, no meta-analysis was performed, and studies were summarised narratively. FINDINGS: Out the initial 6004 articles, 11 studies met our eligibility criteria. Five of these assessed the impact of natural disasters and six were focused on consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Seven studies focused on the impact of PHEs on gender-based violence, three focused on sexual and reproductive health, and only one study looked at early marriage. The main impacts highlighted by the studies included (1) increases in physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, (2) increase in the occurrence of teenage pregnancy, (3) poor menstruation hygiene management, and (4) occurrence of early marriages. Mechanisms underlying these impacts were PHE-specific response strategies like home confinement, closure of schools, the worsening of families' financial situation such as the inability to pay for school fees or day-to-day living costs, and the disempowerment of and increased workloads for adolescent girls. CONCLUSION: Although evidence on the impact of COVID-19 on gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health, and especially forced or early marriage of adolescent girls is limited, results from studies on other PHEs indicate that during crises, these detrimental outcomes are exacerbated. Findings from our review have important implications for policies and programs providing life skills training, financial literacy training, credit support, and safe spaces for adolescent girls.

Mycotoxins in food and feed: toxicity, preventive challenges, and advanced detection techniques for associated diseases.

Mycotoxins are produced primarily as secondary fungal metabolites. Mycotoxins are toxic in nature and naturally produced by various species of fungi, which usually contaminate food and feed ingredients. The growth of these harmful fungi depends on several environmental factors, such as pH, humidity, and temperature; therefore, the mycotoxin distribution also varies among global geographical areas. Various rules and regulations regarding mycotoxins are imposed by the government bodies of each country, which are responsible for addressing global food and health security concerns. Despite this legislation, the incidence of mycotoxin contamination is continuously increasing. In this review, we discuss the geographical regulatory guidelines and recommendations that are implemented around the world to control mycotoxin contamination of food and feed products. Researchers and inventors from various parts of the world have reported several innovations for controlling mycotoxin-associated health consequences. Unfortunately, most of these techniques are restricted to laboratory scales and cannot reach users. Consequently, to date, no single device has been commercialized that can detect all mycotoxins that are naturally available in the environment. Therefore, in this study, we describe severe health hazards that are associated with mycotoxin exposure, their molecular signaling pathways and processes of toxicity, and their genotoxic and cytotoxic effects toward humans and animals. We also discuss recent developments in the construction of a sensitive and specific device that effectively implements mycotoxin identification and detection methods. In addition, our study comprehensively examines the recent advancements in the field for mitigating the health consequences and links them with the molecular and signaling pathways that are activated upon mycotoxin exposure.

A cationic amino acid polymer nanocarrier synthesized in supercritical CO2 for co-delivery of drug and gene to cervical cancer cells.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the ability of a drug curcumin-loaded polymer to inhibit the growth of cervical cancer cells by enhancing the anti-cancer efficiency of curcumin. We synthesized poly(methacryloyl beta-alanine) (PMBA) as a nanocarrier by radical polymerization in supercritical CO2. The results showed that the curcumin encapsulated and folic acid (FA)-treated PMBA (Poly@Cur-FA) for 24 h activated the reactive oxygen species-mediated programmed cell death machinery in HeLa cells. This remarkable effect of Poly@Cur-FA treatment was visualized using different fluorescent probes, which demonstrated that the Poly@Cur-FA treatment disrupted the cell membrane, as also supported by scanning electron microscopy observations. The effect of Poly@Cur-FA dispersion on the cells was observed under a transmission electron microscope. Further, the HeLa cells were treated with the polymer encapsulated curcumin and Bcl2 siRNA (Pol-Cur-siRNA) for 24 h, which effectively suppressed the Bcl2 and simulated the autophagic pathway. This co-delivery system was designed to inhibit curcumin efflux and can enhance the treatment efficacy by targeting multiple signaling pathways, including cell cycle, apoptotic, and autophagic pathways. Collectively, the Pol-Cur-siRNA system appears to offer an efficient combinational therapeutic strategy that might overcome the problems associated with the chemosensitivity against the standard synthetic anti-cancer drugs. To support the experimental data, an artificial neural network model was developed to foresee the drug and gene release behaviors.

Molecular Diagnostic of Ochratoxin A With Specific Aptamers in Corn and Groundnut via Fabrication of a Microfluidic Device.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the predominant mycotoxins that contaminate a wide range of food commodities. In the present study, a 36-mer aptamer was used as a molecular recognition element coupled with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for colorimetric detection of OTA in a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (µPADs). The µPADs consisted of three zones: control, detection, and sample, interconnected by channels. UV-vis spectroscopy (UV-vis), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were used for characterization of AuNPs and AuNPs/Aptamer. According to the colorimetric assay, limit of detection (LOD) was found to be 242, 545.45, and 95.69 ng/mL in water, corn, and groundnut, respectively. The HPLC detection method achieved acceptable coefficient in standard curves (r 2 = 0.9995), improved detection range, and recovery rates in spiked corn and groundnut samples as 43.61 ± 2.18% to 87.10 ± 1.82% and 42.01 ± 1.31% to 86.03 ± 2.64% after multiple sample extractions and cleanup steps. However, the developed µPADs analytical device had the potent ability to rapidly detect OTA without any extraction pre-requirement, derivatization, and cleanup steps, thus illustrating its feasibility in the animal health sector, agricultural, and food industries.

N-Acetyldopamine dimers from Oxya chinensis sinuosa attenuates lipopolysaccharides induced inflammation and inhibits cathepsin C activity.

Oxya chinensis sinuosa (rice field grasshopper) is an edible insect with numerous health beneficial properties, traditionally being used to treat many ailments in Korea and other countries. O. chinensis sinuosa has been used from centuries, however, a little is known about the chemical functionality of its bioactive compounds. Therefore, this study examined the anti-inflammatory and cathepsin C inhibitory activities of N-acetyldopamine dimer (2R, 3S)-2-(3',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-acetylamino-7-(N-acetyl-2″-aminoethyl)-1,4-benzodioxane (DAB1) isolated from O. chinensis sinuosa. Results showed that DAB1 reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory mediator (iNOS, COX-2) and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6), and curtailed the nuclear translocation of NF-κB by inhibiting the phosphorylation of IκBα in lipopolysaccharide stimulated macrophages. Additionally, DAB1 inhibited cathepsin C activity at the cellular level, supported by in vitro assay (Ki, 71.56 ± 10.21 µM and Kis, 133.55 ± 18.2 µM). Moreover, combinatorial molecular simulation and binding free energy analysis suggested a significant stability and binding affinity of cathepsin C-DAB1 complex via formation of hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interactions with the catalytic residues (Gln228, Thr379, Asn380, and Hie381). Also, essential dynamics analysis showed DAB1 induced non-functional motions in cathepsin C structure. Collectively, DAB1 was concluded as anti-inflammatory and cathepsin C inhibiting agent and could be used in the drug development against respective diseases.

Cellular antioxidant potential and inhibition of foodborne pathogens by a sesquiterpene ilimaquinone in cold storaged ground chicken and under temperature-abuse condition.

A sesquiterpene quinone, ilimaquinone, was accessed for its cellular antioxidant efficacy and possible antimicrobial mechanism of action against foodborne pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) in vitro and in vivo. Ilimaquinone was found to be protective against H2O2-induced oxidative stress as validated by the reduction in the ROS levels, including increasing expression of SOD1 and SOD2 enzymes. Furthermore, ilimaquinone evoked MIC against S. aureus and E. coli within the range of 125-250 µg/mL. Ilimaquinone established its antimicrobial mode of action against both tested pathogens as evident by bacterial membrane depolarization, loss of nuclear genetic material, potassium ion, and release of extracellular ATP, as well as compromised membrane permeabilization and cellular component damage. Also, ilimaquinone showed no teratogenic effect against zebrafish, suggesting its nontoxic nature. Moreover, ilimaquinone significantly reduced the S. aureus count without affecting the sensory properties and color values of cold-storaged ground chicken meat even under temperature abuse condition.

Partners in crime: The Lewis Y antigen and fucosyltransferase IV in Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric cancer.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a major causative agent of chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer and gastric carcinoma. H. pylori cytotoxin associated antigen A (CagA) plays a crucial role in the development of gastric cancer. Gastric cancer is associated with glycosylation alterations in glycoproteins and glycolipids on the cell surface. H. pylori cytotoxin associated antigen A (CagA) plays a significant role in the progression of gastric cancer through post-translation modification of fucosylation to develop gastric cancer. The involvement of a variety of sugar antigens in the progression and development of gastric cancer has been investigated, including type II blood group antigens. Lewis Y (LeY) is overexpressed on the tumor cell surface either as a glycoprotein or glycolipid. LeY is a difucosylated oligosaccharide, which is catalyzed by fucosyltransferases such as FUT4 (α1,3). FUT4/LeY overexpression may serve as potential correlative biomarkers for the prognosis of gastric cancer. We discuss the various aspects of H. pylori in relation to fucosyltransferases (FUT1-FUT9) and its fucosylated Lewis antigens (LeY, LeX, LeA, and LeB) and gastric cancer. In this review, we summarize the carcinogenic effect of H. pylori CagA in association with LeY and its synthesis enzyme FUT4 in the development of gastric cancer as well as discuss its importance in the prognosis and its inhibition by combination therapy of anti-LeY antibody and celecoxib through MAPK signaling pathway preventing gastric carcinogenesis.

Au@Zr-based metal-organic framework composite as an immunosensing platform for determination of hepatitis B virus surface antigen.

An ultrasensitive electrochemical immunosensor has been prepared using an immunofunctionalized zirconium (Zr)-based metal-organic framework (MOF) with gold (Au) decoration Au@UiO-66(NH2) composite-coated glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for the determination of infectious hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). We fabricated GCE with specific composite via immune-functionalization using anti-HBsAg with Au nanoparticles embedded in UiO-66(NH2). The electrochemical sensing performance of the immunofunctionalized Au@UiO-66(NH2)/GCE with HBsAg was characterized by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. Under optimized conditions, there was a linear dynamic relationship in the buffer system between the electrical signal and HBsAg levels over the range 1.13 fg mL-1-100 ng mL-1 (R2 = 0.999) with a detection limit of 1.13 fg mL-1. The total analysis time was 15 min per sample. Further validations were performed with HBsAg-spiked human serum samples, and similar detection limits as in the buffer system were observed with reduced signal intensities at lower concentrations of HBsAg (1, 10, and 100 fg mL-1) and minimal interference. The HBsAg electrochemical immunosensing assay had good selectivity and excellent reproducibility, thereby indicating its significant potential in the super-fast diagnosis of hepatitis B.

Insights into cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition by isolated bioactive compounds 3-caffeoyl-4-dihydrocaffeoyl quinic acid and isorhamnetin 3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside from Salicornia herbacea.

BACKGROUND: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an important enzyme with numerous biological functions. Overexpression of COX-2 has been associated with various inflammatory-related diseases and therefore, projected as an important pharmacological target. PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the inhibitory potential of isolated bioactive compounds, 3-caffeoyl-4-dihydrocaffeoyl quinic acid (CDQ) and isorhamnetin 3-O-ß-d-glucopyranoside (IDG), from Salicornia herbacea against COX-2 using both computational and in vitro approaches. METHODS: Computational analysis, including molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and post-simulations analysis, were employed to estimate the binding affinity and stability of CDQ and IDG in the catalytic pocket of COX-2 against Celecoxib as positive control. These predictions were further evaluated using in vitro enzyme inhibition as well as gene expression mediation in macrophages cells. RESULTS: Molecular docking analysis revealed substantial binding energy of CDQ (-6.1 kcal/mol) and IDG (-5.9 kcal/mol) with COX-2, which are lower than Celecoxib (-8.1 kcal/mol). MD simulations (100 ns) and post simulation analysis exhibited the substantial stability and binding affinity of docked CDQ and IDG compounds with COX-2. In vitro assays indicated significant COX-2 inhibition by CDQ (IC50 = 76.91 ± 2.33 µM) and IDG (IC50 = 126.06 ± 9.44 µM). This result supported the inhibitory potential of isolated bioactive compounds against COX-2. Also, a cellular level study revealed a downregulation of COX-2 expression in tumor necrosis factor-alpha stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages treated with CDQ and IDG. CONCLUSION: Computational and experimental analysis of CDQ and IDG from S. herbacea established their potential in the inhibition and mediation of COX-2. Hence, CDQ and IDG can be considered for therapeutic development against COX-2 linked disorders, such as inflammation and cancer. Furthermore, CDQ and IDG structures can be served as a lead compound for the development of advanced novel anti-inflammatory drugs.