A comprehensive review of Bifidobacterium spp: as a probiotic, application in the food and therapeutic, and forthcoming trends.

Recently, more consumers are interested in purchasing probiotic food and beverage products that may improve their immune health. The market for functional foods and beverages that include Bifidobacterium is expanding because of their potential uses in both food and therapeutic applications. However, maintaining Bifidobacterium's viability during food processing and storage remains a challenge. Microencapsulation technique has been explored to improve the viability of Bifidobacterium. Despite the technical, microbiological, and economic challenges, the market potential for immune-supporting functional foods and beverages is significant. Additionally, there is a shift toward postbiotics as a solution for product innovation, a promising postbiotic product that can be incorporated into various food and beverage formats is also introduced in this review. As consumers become more health-conscious, future developments in the functional food and beverage market discussed in this review could serve as a reference for researchers and industrialist.

Seasonal influence on physicochemical properties of the sediments from Bay of Bengal coast with statistical approach.

The current study aims to investigate the influence of seasonal changes on the pollution loads of the sediment of a coastal area in terms of its physicochemical features. The research will focus on analyzing the nutrients, organic carbon and particle size of the sediment samples collected from 12 different sampling stations in 3 different seasons along the coastal area. Additionally, the study discusses about the impact of anthropogenic activities such as agriculture and urbanization and natural activities such as monsoon on the sediment quality of the coastal area. The nutrient changes in the sediment were found to be: pH (7.96-9.45), EC (2.89-5.23 dS/m), nitrogen (23.98-57.23 mg/kg), phosphorus (7.75-11.36 mg/kg), potassium (217-398 mg/kg), overall organic carbon (0.35-0.99%), and sediment proportions (8.91-9.3%). Several statistical methods were used to investigate changes in sediment quality. According to the three-way ANOVA test, the mean value of the sediments differs significantly with each season. It correlates significantly with principal factor analysis and cluster analysis across seasons, implying contamination from both natural and man-made sources. This study will contribute to developing effective management strategies for the protection and restoration of degraded coastal ecosystem.

The spatial distribution of physicochemical parameters in coastal sediments along the Bay of Bengal Coastal Zone with statistical analysis.

The current study focused on the monitoring of pollution loads in the Kalpakkam coastal zone of India in terms of physico-chemical characteristics of sediment. The investigation took place at 12 sampling points around the Kalpakkam coastal zone for one year beginning from 2019. The seasonal change of nutrients in the sediment, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, total organic carbon, and particles size distribution, was calculated. Throughout the study period, the pH (7.55 to 8.99), EC (0.99 to 4.98 dS/m), nitrogen (21.74 to 58.12 kg/ha), phosphorus (7.5 to 12.9 kg/ha), potassium (218 to 399 kg/ha), total organic carbon (0.11 to 0.88%), and particle size cumulative percent of sediments (from 9.01 to 9.39%) was observed. A number of multivariate statistical techniques were used to examine the changes in sediment quality. The population means were substantially different according to the three-way ANOVA test at the 0.05 level. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis showed a substantial association with all indicators throughout all seasons, implying contamination from both natural and anthropogenic causes. The ecosystem of the Kalpakkam coastal zone has been affected by nutrient contamination.

Comparison of characteristics and biocompatibility of green synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles with chemical synthesized nanoparticles.

Iron oxide nanoparticles synthesis is an expanding area of research due of their magnetic properties and possible applications in several novel technologies. FeONPs are indispensable in the biomedical field for diagnosis, treatments and drug delivery and in bioremediation applications. The synthesis route of nanoparticles is a major concern because biological methods are eco-friendly, and chemical methods are considered toxic. The objective of this study is to synthesize FeONPs by two different methods and to compare their properties and efficiency in applications. FeONPs were synthesized and characterized by microscopic and various spectroscopic techniques. The synthesized FeONPs were screened for their cytotoxic activity on PBMCs using MTT assay and found to exhibit good biocompatibility. Moreover, the GS FeONPs exhibited potential antibacterial activities and meanwhile showed less toxicity in brine shrimp lethality assay. Hence, these nanoparticles are biocompatible, environmentally safe and can be utilized in many medical applications.

Synthesis and characterization of magnetite carbon nanocomposite from agro waste as chromium adsorbent for effluent treatment.

The waste water released from industries which contain pollutants like heavy metals, dyes and other toxic chemicals brings numerous harms to the ecosystem and humans. Nowadays the nanocomposites based technologies are effectively used for environmental remediation. In the present study, hexavalent chromium was removed from the industrial effluent using magnetite carbon nanocomposite. The nanocomposite composed of highly porous carbon and iron oxide nanoparticles prepared by using agrowastes (sugarcane bagasse and orange peel extract). Iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) formation was confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy; incorporation of magnetite with highly porous carbon was established by Fourier Transforms Infrared Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction Spectroscopy. Morphological features of magnetite nanoparticles and highly porous carbon were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscope and Transmission Electron Microscope. Magnetic properties analyzed by Vibrating Sample Magnetometer revealed magnetite carbon nanocomposite exhibited better Ms value than highly porous carbon. The concentration of Cr6+ in treated effluent was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Pseudo-second order equation fitted with kinetics and the Langmuir monolayer favors for isotherm. This study reveals efficiency in Cr6+ removal from effluent using magnetite carbon nanocomposites which extends their application in waste water treatment.

Earthworms and vermicompost: an eco-friendly approach for repaying nature's debt.

The steady increase in the world's population has intensified the need for crop productivity, but the majority of the agricultural practices are associated with adverse effects on the environment. Such undesired environmental outcomes may be mitigated by utilizing biological agents as part of farming practice. The present review article summarizes the analyses of the current status of global agriculture and soil scenarios; a description of the role of earthworms and their products as better biofertilizer; and suggestions for the rejuvenation of such technology despite significant lapses and gaps in research and extension programs. By maintaining a close collaboration with farmers, we have recognized a shift in their attitude and renewed optimism toward nature-based green technology. Based on these relations, it is inferred that the application of earthworm-mediated vermitechnology increases sustainable development by strengthening the underlying economic, social and ecological framework.

In vivo anti-ulcer, anti-stress, anti-allergic, and functional properties of gymnemic acid isolated from Gymnema sylvestre R Br.

BACKGROUND: Gymnema sylvestre is a highly valued ethno pharmacologically important medicinal plant used currently in many poly-herbal formulations due to its potential antidiabetic activity and other health benefits. The present study was carried out to analyze the anti-stress, anti-allergic, and antiulcer activity of the bioactive compounds present in Gymnema sylvestre leaves. METHODS: The preliminary phytochemical screening for bioactive compounds from aqueous extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, triterpenes, flavonoids, steroids, and saponins. The antioxidant activities were investigated using DPPH radical scavenging method. The characterization of the extract was carried out using standard compound by High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) and phytochemical analysis in terms of total phenol, total flavonoids, reducing power and antioxidant potentials, etc. The in vivo studies on albino mice proved the purified fraction has anti-stress/anti-allergic activity against milk induced leucocytosis/eosinophilia and able to inhibit the aspirin induced gastric ulcers. RESULTS: The quantitative estimation for aqueous extract exhibited total antioxidant (9.13 ± 0.04 µg/g), flavonoids (125.62 ± 26.84 µg/g), tannin (111.53 ± 15.13 µg/g), total phenol content (285.23 ± 1.11 µg/g) and free radical scavenging (52.14 ± 0.32%). Further the aqueous extract was consecutively purified by TLC and silica column chromatography. The purified fractions were characterized by HPTLC and GC-MS and the component was identified as gymnemic acid. The potency of the antimicrobial activity of the extract was studied with bacteria. Pharmacological experiments clearly demonstrated that the extracts of all plants given orally showed significant gastric protection against the asprin-induced gastric ulcer model in mice. Furthermore, healing effects were also confirmed through histopathological examination. CONCLUSIONS: The aqueous extracts of the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre possess anti ulcerogenic, Anti allergic, Anti stress, properties that may be due to cytoprotective mechanism. These results support the ethno medical uses of the plant in the treatment of gastric ulcer.

Essential Oils Infused Poly-ε-Caprolactone/Gelatin Electrospun Nanofibrous Mats: Biocompatibility and Antibacterial Study.

Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens result in a delayed wound-healing process. As an approach to prevent infections, alternatives in the form of natural antimicrobial products have become public interest. Essential oils derived from plants are used as antimicrobials owing to their broad-spectrum activity against pathogenic organisms. In this study, essential oil from seeds of watermelon, jackfruit, and papaya was incorporated into poly-ε-caprolactone/gelatin nanofibers using an electrospinning technique. The synthesized nanofibers were smooth, continuous, and bead-free. The nanofibers were found to be mechanically competent as confirmed by the universal tensile tester. The antibacterial activity of the various essential oil-loaded nanofibrous mats was determined by disc diffusion assay. Furthermore, they were found to be non-toxic and biocompatible by MTT and CMFDA assays on fibroblast cells. The obtained results have demonstrated that essential oil-loaded nanofiber mats are promising alternatives to conventional antibacterial wound dressings.

Genotoxicity evaluation of 1,2 dichlorobenzene in the Indian major carp, Catla catla L. using alkaline comet assay.

The genotoxic effect of 1,2 dichlorobenzene (1,2 DCB), a volatile organic compound in the Indian Major Carp, Catla catla L. was assessed using the alkaline comet assay in the gills and blood. Fish were exposed to various sub-lethal concentrations of 1,2 DCB in vivo. At 24 h, DNA damage scores (expressed as arbitrary units) increased at 0.35 and 0.7 mg/L whereas at 28 days, there was a statistically significant increase in the DNA damage score at all the doses tested (0.175, 0.23, 0.35 and 0.7 mg/L). When the DNA damage scores were considered in the blood samples, the trend was similar to that observed in the gills - significant increase at 0.35 and 0.7 mg/L at 24 h and at all doses at 28 days. The results indicate that 1,2 DCB induces genotoxicity in the form of strand breaks in the DNA of fish as evidenced by the alkaline comet assay.

Health risk assessment of heavy metals in the seafood at Kalpakkam coast, Southeast Bay of Bengal.

The distribution of heavy metals in the seafood intake by various age group representatives around the Kalpakkam coastal region was part of the baseline study. Totally 40 different types of fish species were estimated on heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Co, Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn, and Mn) in the coastal zone; the average concentration of heavy metals were 0.71, 0.06, 0, 0, 0.07, 0.02, 1.06 and 0.36 ppm, respectively. Individual mean bioaccumulation index (IMBI) and Metal pollution index (MPI) with heavy metals distributed around the coastal zone were compared with fish tissue and were found to be higher for Zn and Cu. The human health risk was calculated using uncertainty modeling of risk assessment of Estimated daily intake (EDI), Maximum allowable consumption rate (CRlim), Target hazard quotient (THQ), and Hazard index (HI) were estimated for different age groups. Our present values were suggestively high (>1) for both kids and adults. The cumulative cancer risk assessment based on heavy metals and the Hospital-Based Cancer Registry (HBCR) compared to the region did not exceed the recommended threshold risk limit around the Kalpakkam coastal zone. Statistical analyses such as correlation, Principal component, and Cluster investigation ensure that heavy metal concentrations do not pose a major risk to occupants.

Environmental and anthropogenic impact on conservation and sustainability of marine fish diversity.

Marine fish biodiversity and conservation linked to human livelihoods along the coast were studied in 2019 using a survey and personal interviews to investigate the effects of environmental and anthropogenic issues on changes in marine fish diversity that affect sustainability. The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) authenticated 42 finfish, 6 crabs, and 1 shrimp from three groups collected along the coastal zone. The estimated fish species diversity index revealed that alpha and beta biodiversity were more prevalent in the study zone than gamma fish diversity. When the collected fish species were compared to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) threatened lists, 51% were found to be least concerned. The variation in the livelihood status, age group, religious, education, houses, training, graft, and gear of fishermen was 93.6% and 4.3%, respectively, according to the principle component analysis. The observation of 51% of the least concerned species in the study zone suggests species declination as a result of overexploitation of natural resources. The study suggests that strict conservation measures be put in place to ensure the sustainability and conservation of fish diversity.

Potential health risk caused by heavy metal associated with seafood consumption around coastal area.

The current study investigated seasonal fluctuations in diversity of fish and heavy metal concentrations in coastal areas, as well as the possible human health risks associated by the heavy metals (Mercury, Lead, Chromium, Cadmium, Copper and Zinc). From five different locations across the coastal area, 44 finfish species from 11 orders and 33 families were collected. Four finfish species such as Mugil cephalus, Lates calcarifer, Etroplus suratensis, and Chanos chanos were used to estimate and assess the heavy metal concentrations based on abundance and distribution across coastal area. Results revealed that the metal concentration in these fish species, water, and sediment were all found to be significantly comparable. During the southwest monsoon season, the highest concentrations of metals were found in Chanos chanos, Mugil cephalus, and Lates calcarifer. A hazard index and a target hazard quotient were calculated to determine the human-related health risk. Except for Hg and Cd in children, the anthropological health hazard assessment revealed that most element exposure doses are safe for both children and adults.

Uranium induces genomic instability and slows cell cycle progression in human lymphocytes in acute toxicity study.

In the situation of radiation triage, accidental exposure to uranium, or uranium contamination in food or water; haematopoietic decline or bone marrow sickness is observed in the aftermath followed by other systemic effects. Most studies done previously have been on cytogenetic analysis in blood lymphocytes of uranium miners wherein causal relationship was difficult to be established. This study provides new insights into the minimum risk level of uranium to human lymphocytes, DNA damage induced and alterations in the cell cycle progression through 96-h acute toxicity study. Cytotoxicity studies by MTT assay and flow cytometry showed that uranyl nitrate concentration of 1280 µM lead to 50% cell death, 640 µM caused 25% death, 250 µM caused 10% cell death and 5 µM was the NOAEL. Uranium caused DNA damages in a dose dependent manner as evident from comet and CBMN assays. A marked increase in G2/M phase cells was observed in the test culture groups. Halting of cell cycle at G2/M checkpoint also signified the extent of double strand breaks and genetic instability with increasing uranium dose in this study. Better cell cycle responses and lower genetic damage index observed in lower dosage of exposure, suggests adaptability and repair responses in human lymphocytes. Together these results advance our understanding of uranium effects on mammalian cells.

Assessment of seasonal variation in distribution and abundance of plankton and ichthyofaunal diversity in relation to environmental indices of Karankadu Mangrove, South East Coast of India.

Karankadu mangrove situated along the Southeast coast of India is known for its unique and extreme species diversity and richness. Ecological functions of this mangrove comprise of nutrient cycling, coastal protection, fish fauna production and carbon sequestration besides providing livelihood to nearby coastal communities. The current study having assessed seasonal fluctuations of various Physico-chemical factors viz., rainfall, pH, surface water temperature, salinity, dissolved nutrients in the water and sediments, primary productivity and plant pigments (chlorophylls a,b,c) during the study period from July 2018 to June 2019, recorded a total of 29 species of zooplankton, 26 species of phytoplankton, and 19 species of fish with observed maximum density at summer and pre-monsoon period of the year. Relationship between the biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem from the baseline data collected, was established through the statistical analysis performed.

Effects of radiation and role of plants in radioprotection: A critical review.

Radiation can be lethal at high doses, whereas controlled doses are useful in medical applications. Other applications include power generation, agriculture sterilization, nuclear weapons, and archeology. Radiation damages genetic material, which is reflected in genotoxicity and can cause hereditary damage. In the medical field, it is essential to avoid the harmful effects of radiation. Radiation countermeasures and the need for radioprotective agents have been explored in recent years. Considering plants that evolve in radiative conditions, their ability to protect organisms against radiation has been studied and demonstrated. Crude extracts, fractioned extracts, isolated phytocompounds, and plant polysaccharides from various plants have been used in radioprotection studies, and their efficiency has been proven in various in vitro and in vivo experimental models. It is important to identify the mechanism of action to develop a potent plant-based radioprotective agent. To identify this protective mechanism, it is necessary to understand the damage caused by radiation in biological systems. This review intends to discuss the effects of ionizing radiation on biological systems and evaluate plant-based radioprotectants that have tested thus far as well as their mechanism of action in protecting against the toxic effects of radiation. From the review, the mechanism of radioprotection exhibited by the plant-based products could be understood. Meanwhile, we strongly suggest that the potential products identified so far should undergo clinical trials for critically evaluating their effects and for developing an ideal and compatible radioprotectant with no side-effects.

Core-Shell Structured Antimicrobial Nanofiber Dressings Containing Herbal Extract and Antibiotics Combination for the Prevention of Biofilms and Promotion of Cutaneous Wound Healing.

Burn wounds are susceptible to microbial invasion from both resident and exogenous bacteria, which becomes a critical public health issue and causes substantial economic burden. There is a perceived demand to produce new antimicrobial wound dressings that hinder bacterial colonization while accelerating the healing process and hence would provide an improved standard of care for patients. Since ancient times, herbal extracts from medicinally important plants have extensively been used for treating burn injuries. This work reports the utility of electrospun nanofibers containing plant extracts and antibiotics combination as a multifunctional scaffold for treating second-degree burns. First, we determined the various components of plant extracts from Gymnema sylvestre by two different processing methods and their synergism with minocycline antibiotics. Then, we prepared core-shell nanofibrous dressings with poly-ε-caprolactone/gelatin laden with minocycline hydrochloride as a shell and gelatin infused with G. sylvestre extracts (ultrasound-assisted extracts and cold macerated extracts) as the core using coaxial electrospinning. The electrospun nanofibers displayed a smooth, continuous, and bead-free morphology with adequate wettability. The presence of extract components in the core-shell nanofibers resulted in enhanced mechanical properties when compared to pristine mats. The core-shell structures resulted in sustained release of the bioactive components when compared to nanofiber blends. Core-shell nanofiber mats containing plant extracts and antibiotic combinations displayed potent antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties while promoting the spread and proliferation of skin cells when compared to pristine mats. In a porcine model of cutaneous second-degree burns, we showed that wounds treated with the antimicrobial dressing improved re-epithelialization and collagen organization in comparison to untreated wounds.

Poly-ε-Caprolactone/Gelatin Hybrid Electrospun Composite Nanofibrous Mats Containing Ultrasound Assisted Herbal Extract: Antimicrobial and Cell Proliferation Study.

Electrospun fibers have emerged as promising materials in the field of biomedicine, due to their superior physical and cell supportive properties. In particular, electrospun mats are being developed for advanced wound dressing applications. Such applications require the firers to possess excellent antimicrobial properties in order to inhibit potential microbial colonization from resident and non-resident bacteria. In this study, we have developed Poly-ε-Caprolactone /gelatin hybrid composite mats loaded with natural herbal extract (Gymnema sylvestre) to prevent bacterial colonization. As-spun scaffolds exhibited good wettability and desirable mechanical properties retaining their fibrous structure after immersing them in phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.2) for up to 30 days. The initial burst release of Gymnema sylvestre prevented the colonization of bacteria as confirmed by the radial disc diffusion assay. Furthermore, the electrospun mats promoted cellular attachment, spreading and proliferation of human primary dermal fibroblasts and cultured keratinocytes, which are crucial parenchymal cell-types involved in the skin recovery process. Overall these results demonstrated the utility of Gymnema sylvestre impregnated electrospun PCL/Gelatin nanofibrous mats as an effective antimicrobial wound dressing.

Antimicrobial properties and biocompatibility of electrospun poly-ε-caprolactone fibrous mats containing Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract.

Wound care management presents one of the substantial and tenacious challenges to the healthcare systems worldwide. Microbial colonization and subsequent biofilm formation after injury have garnered much attention, as there is an appreciable correlation between biofilms formation and delayed healing in chronic wounds. Nanotechnology has emerged as a potential platform for the management of treating acute and chronic wounds. This study presents the utility of electrospun nanofiber mats containing a natural extract (Gymnema sylvestre) that averts biofilm formation but supports human dermal fibroblasts (hDFs) attachment. The scaffolds exhibited good wettability, enhanced mechanical properties and contact mediated inhibition of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. MTS viability assay and confocal imaging further confirmed that the natural extract loaded mats remained non-cytotoxic for hDFs. Overall these findings evidenced the suitability of the Gymnema sylvestre (GS) functionalized electrospun poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) nanofibers, as an effective wound dressing with broad spectrum anti-bacterial properties.

Uranium (238U)-induced ROS and cell cycle perturbations, antioxidant responses and erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities in the freshwater iridescent shark fish Pangasius sutchi.

The strategic plan of this study is to analyze any possible radiological impact on aquatic organisms from forthcoming uranium mining facilities around the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam in the future. The predominantly consumed and dominant fish species Pangasius sutchi, which is available year-round at Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, was selected for the study. To comprehend the outcome and to understand the mode of action of 238U, the fish species Pangasius sutchi was exposed to » and ½ of the LC50 doses of waterborne 238U in a static system in duplicate for 21 days. Blood and organs, including the gills, liver, brain and muscles, were collected at different time periods-0h, 24h, 48h, 72h, 96h, 7, days 14days and 21 days-using ICP-MS to determine the toxic effects of uranium and the accumulation of 238U concentrations. The bioaccumulation of 238U in P. sutchi tissues was dependent on exposure time and concentration. The accumulation of uranium was, in order of magnitude, measured as gills>liver>brain>tissue, with the highest accumulation in the gills. It was observed that exposure to 238U significantly reduced antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and lipid peroxidase. The analysis of DNA fragmentation by comet assay and cell viability by flow cytometry was performed at different time intervals. DNA histograms by flow cytometry analysis revealed an increase in the G2/M phase and the S phase. The long-term 238U exposure studies in fish showed increasing micronucleus frequencies in erythrocytes with greater exposure time. The higher the concentration of 238U is, the greater is the effect observed, suggesting a close relationship between accumulation and toxicity. A possible ROS-mediated 238U toxicity mechanism and antioxidant responses have been proposed.

Natural radionuclide dose and lifetime cancer risk due to ingestion of fish and water from fresh water reservoirs near the proposed uranium mining site.

Ten sampling locations in Nagarjuna Sagar Dam have been selected to assess the suitability of the reservoir water for human consumption. The sediment, water, and fish samples were collected and analyzed for radionuclide (238U, 232Th, 210Po, 226Ra, 210Pb) and physicochemical parameters like pH, TOC, total hardness, alkalinity, DO, cation exchange capacity, and particle size. The spatial variations among the radionuclides (238U, 232Th, 210Po, 226Ra, 210Pb) in water and bottom sediments of Nagarjuna Sagar Dam were determined. The uranium concentration in the sediment and water was in BDL (<0.5 ppb). The maximum permissible limits in water samples of the analyzed radionuclides are 238U-10 Bq/l, 210Po-0.1 Bq/l, 226Ra-1 Bq/l, and 210Pb-0.1 Bq/l. The radionuclides in our water samples were approximately 50 times far below the recommended limit. The ingestion of water and fish would not pose any significant radiological impact on health or cancer risk to the public, implicating that the fishes from Nagarjuna Sagar Dam reservoir are safe for human consumption except the fisherman community.