Plant Extract-Based Fabrication of Silver Nanoparticles and Their Effective Role in Antibacterial, Anticancer, and Water Treatment Applications.

Ammi visnaga is a biennial or annual herbaceous plant belonging to the family Apiaceae. For the first time, silver nanoparticles were synthesized using an extract of this plant. Biofilms are a rich source of many pathogenic organisms and, thus, can be the genesis of various disease outbreaks. In addition, the treatment of cancer is still a critical drawback for mankind. The primary purpose of this research work was to comparatively analyze antibiofilms against Staphylococcus aureus, photocatalytic activity against Eosin Y, and in vitro anticancer activity against the HeLa cell line of silver nanoparticles and Ammi visnaga plant extract. The systematic characterization of synthesized nanoparticles was carried out using UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, and X-ray diffraction microscopy (XRD). The initial characterization was performed with UV-Vis spectroscopy, where a peak appeared at 435 nm, which indicated the SPR band of the silver nanoparticles. AFM and SEM were performed to determine the morphology and shape of the nanoparticles, while EDX confirmed the presence of Ag in the spectra. The crystalline character of the silver nanoparticles was concluded with XRD. The synthesized nanoparticles were then subjected to biological activities. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by determining the inhibition of the initial biofilm formation with Staphylococcus aureus using a crystal violet assay. The response of the AgNPs against cellular growth and biofilm formation was found to be dose dependent. Green-synthesized nanoparticles showed 99% inhibition against biofilm and bacteria, performed excellent anticancer assay with an IC50 concentration of 17.1 ± 0.6 µg/mL and 100% inhibition, and photodegradation of the toxic organic dye Eosin Y up to 50%. Moreover, the effect of the pH and dosage of the photocatalyst was also measured to optimize the reaction conditions and maximum photocatalytic potential. Therefore, synthesized silver nanoparticles can be used in the treatment of wastewater contaminated with toxic dyes, pathogenic biofilms, and the treatment of cancer cell lines.

Sialic acid associated with oxidative stress and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) expression level as a predictive indicator in moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have shown many risk factors associated with disease onset, but the sialic acid association with oxidative stress biomarkers may a key factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We aim to find out the most specific biomarker from the peripheral blood samples in moderate to severe Alzheimer's patients. METHODS: This study examined the level of sialic acid associated with oxidative stress biomarkers and total antioxidant capacity level (TAC) in the plasma samples. Different parameters of Oxidative stress and Total antioxidant capacity by the immunoassay method have been examined in AD patients as compared to controls. The Catalase (CAT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Lipid peroxidation (LPO), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Total Glutathione (GSH), and Protein carbonyl group levels were estimated in this study. RESULTS: Increased level of sialic acid is found associated with a higher level of reactive oxygen species parameters in the patients. The antioxidant parameter levels have been found significantly lower in AD, while Protein carbonyl group and lipid peroxidation were increased in cases as compared to controls with the area under the curve (AUC) 0.816, p < 0.0001 and 0.754, p < 0.0001. The Protein carbonyl group, Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and Sigma-Aldrich TAC levels were higher in females as compared to males in AD patients. CONCLUSION: During AD pathology, sialic acid, protein carbonyl, and lipid peroxidation were found as the more sensitive marker that may be used as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker.

Emerging Applications of Porphyrins and Metalloporphyrins in Biomedicine and Diagnostic Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

In recent years, scientific advancements have constantly increased at a significant rate in the field of biomedical science. Keeping this in view, the application of porphyrins and metalloporphyrins in the field of biomedical science is gaining substantial importance. Porphyrins are the most widely studied tetrapyrrole-based compounds because of their important roles in vital biological processes. The cavity of porphyrins containing four pyrrolic nitrogens is well suited for the binding majority of metal ions to form metalloporphyrins. Porphyrins and metalloporphyrins possess peculiar photochemical, photophysical, and photoredox properties which are tunable through structural modifications. Their beneficial photophysical properties, such as the long wavelength of emission and absorption, high singlet oxygen quantum yield, and low in vivo toxicity, have drawn scientists' interest to discover new dimensions in the biomedical field. Applications of porphyrins and metalloporphyrins have been pursued in the perspective of contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer, bio-imaging, and other biomedical applications. This review discusses photophysics and the photochemistry of porphyrins and their metal complexes. Secondly, it explains the current developments and mode of action for contrast agents for MRI. Moreover, the application of porphyrin and metalloporphyrin-based molecules as a photosensitizer in PDT of cancer, the mechanism of the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), factors that determine the efficiency of PDT, and the developments to improve this technology are delineated. The last part explores the most recent research and developments on metalloporphyrin-based materials in bio-imaging, drug delivery, and the determination of ferrochelatase in bone marrow indicating their prospective clinical applications.

Function of PD-L1 in antitumor immunity of glioma cells.

Human glioma is a highly fatal tumor with a significant feature of immune suppression. The functions of PD-L1 refer to co-simulation and immune regulation. To investigate expression and functional activity of PD-L1 in human glioma cell in vivo and in vitro. Expressions of PD-L1mRNA and protein in the human glioma cell line were analyzed with quantitative RT-PCR and flow cytometer; and then expression of PD-L1 in tissue specimens of 10 glioma patients was treated with immunohistochemical analysis; glioma cell and allogeneic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were co-cultured, and cytokine IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-10 in cultured supernatant fluid were determined with ELISA; upon blocking the interaction between glioma cell and the immune cell with PD-L1 monoclonal antibody (5H1), surface markers on immune cells were analyzed using flow cytometer. All human glioma cell lines constitutively expressed PD-L1, and IFN-γ induced glioma cell to highly express PD-L1. It was shown through immunohistochemical analysis that glioma specimen expressed PD-L1, while expression of PD-L1 was not observed in normal tissue and normal human brain near the tumor location. The release of IFN-γ and IL-2 was inhibited, while IL-10 was increased slightly. Glioma cell may escape from immune recognition and injury with the help of PD-L1, which is a significant pathogenic mechanism of glioma.

Green biocides, a promising technology: current and future applications to industry and industrial processes.

The study of biofilms has skyrocketed in recent years due to increased awareness of the pervasiveness and impact of biofilms. It costs the USA literally billions of dollars every year in energy losses, equipment damage, product contamination and medical infections. But biofilms also offer huge potential for cleaning up hazardous waste sites, filtering municipal and industrial water and wastewater, and forming biobarriers to protect soil and groundwater from contamination. The complexity of biofilm activity and behavior requires research contributions from many disciplines such as biochemistry, engineering, mathematics and microbiology. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of emerging novel antimicrobial techniques, including those using myriad organic and inorganic products as well as genetic engineering techniques, the use of coordination complex molecules, composite materials and antimicrobial peptides and the use of lasers as such or their modified use in combination treatments. This review also addresses advanced and recent modifications, including methodological changes, and biocide efficacy enhancing strategies. This review will provide future planners of biofilm control technologies with a broad understanding and perspective on the use of biocides in the field of green developments for a sustainable future.

Paraspinal and presacral extramedullary hematopoiesis: a rare manifestation of polycythemia vera.

Extramedullary hematopoiesis is characterized by the presence of hematopoietic tissue outside the bone marrow. Extrathoracic extramedullary hematopoiesis is a rare and usually asymptomatic condition. We report a case of a 38-year-old female with paraspinal and presacral extramedullary hematopoiesis with polycythemia vera. Clinical and laboratory evaluation, along with radiological and histopathological findings are described. The diagnosis of the disease was confirmed by CT-guided biopsy. Review of literature is presented.

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis: a rare case report.

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is an uncommon infiltrative pulmonary disease characterized by deposition of microliths in the alveoli. We present the case of a young adult with complaints of shortness of breath on exertion. Chest radiograph showed innumerable small, dense nodules, diffusely involving both the lungs - predominantly in the lower zones. High-resolution CT scan illustrated widespread intra-alveolar microliths, diffuse ground-glass attenuation areas, septal thickening, and black pleural lines - predominantly in the basal regions. Transbronchial biopsy confirmed the diagnosis.

Aneurysmal bone cyst of temporal bone.

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) are benign neoplasms frequently occurring in the long tubular bones. It is very rare in temporal bone. We report a case of ABC of the left temporal bone in an 8-year-old Asian boy who presented clinically with swelling over the left temporal region for 5 months. CT and MRI features were suggestive of ABC. Surgical resection was performed and on follow-up the patient was doing well. CT and MRI are the imaging modalities for proper evaluation of ABC, aiding to diagnosis and helpful in treatment planning.

Pott's Spine: Diagnostic Imaging Modalities and Technology Advancements.

Spinal tuberculosis (TB) or Pott's spine is the commonest extrapulmonary manifestation of TB. It spreads through hematogenous route. Clinically, it presents with constitutional symptoms, back pain, tenderness, paraplegia or paraparesis, and kyphotic or scoliotic deformities. Pott's spine accounts for 2% of all cases of TB, 15% of extrapulmonary, and 50% of skeletal TB. The paradiscal, central, anterior subligamentous, and neural arch are the common vertebral lesions. Thoracic vertebrae are commonly affected followed by lumbar and cervical vertebrae. Plain radiographs are usually the initial investigation in spinal TB. For a radiolucent lesion to be apparent on a plain radiograph there should be 30% of bone mineral loss. Computed tomographic scanning provides much better bony detail of irregular lytic lesions, sclerosis, disc collapse, and disruption of bone circumference than plain radiograph. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the best diagnostic modality for Pott's spine and is more sensitive than other modalities. MRI frequently demonstrates disc collapse/destruction, cold abscess, vertebral wedging/collapse, marrow edema, and spinal deformities. Ultrasound and computed tomographic guided needle aspiration or biopsy is the technique for early histopathological diagnosis. Recently, the coexistence of human immunodeficiency virus infections and TB has been increased globally. In recent years, diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) and apparent diffusion coefficient values in combination with MRI are used to some extent in the diagnosis of spinal TB. We have reviewed related literature through internet. The terms searched on Google scholar and PubMed are TB, extrapulmonary TB, skeletal TB, spinal TB, Pott's spine, Pott's paraplegia, MRI, and computed tomography (CT).

Esthesioneuroblastoma: one of the causes of proptosis.

Esthesioneuroblatoma (Olfactory neuroblastoma) is a rare malignant neoplasm arising from the olfactory epithelium with bimodal age distribution between with first peak in second decades and second peak in sixth decade. Proptosis due to esthesioneuroblastoma is one of the rare causes. They have a long natural history characterized by frequent local or regional recurrence. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are the imaging modalities for diagnosing these tumors. A multidisciplinary approach with surgery and radiation therapy is an excellent treatment options for these tumors with chemotherapy being used to treat advanced or recurrent disease.

Role of color Doppler ultrasonography in evaluation of scrotal swellings: pattern of disease in 120 patients with review of literature.

PURPOSE: To determine the value of color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) as a routine investigational method for diagnosis of scrotal pathologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study (case series) was carried out over a period of 16 months on 122 patients in the age range of 13 to 70 years old, who presented with scrotal swellings. After adequate history taking and examination, CDUS was performed. The diagnosis of the surgeon and that of radiologist were compared with final outcome, which was based on course and outcome of the disease, fine needle aspiration cytology results, and operative findings. RESULTS: The final diagnoses were epididymitis or epididymo-orchitis (46), hydrocele (26), varicocele (16), testicular malignancy (16), orchitis (6), testicular torsion (4), spermatic cord injury (2), hematocele (2), and pyocele (2). Color Doppler ultrasonography accurately diagnosed all cases of epididymitis or epididymo-orchitis, spermatic cord injury, testicular torsion, varicocele, and hydrocele (sensitivity 100% and specificity 100%). Of 16 subjects diagnosed as testicular malignancy on CDUS, only 14 were subsequently found to have malignancy. Two cases of orchitis were wrongly diagnosed as malignancy. Similarly, of 6 patients diagnosed as orchitis, 1 was found to have seminoma (sensitivity 87.5% and specificity 66.7%). Overall sensitivity of CDUS in diagnosing scrotal diseases was 98% while specificity was 66.7%. CONCLUSION: Color Doppler ultrasonography is an excellent, a safe, and reliable method for evaluating patients with scrotal diseases. It aids in diagnosis of testicular tumors and reduces the number of unnecessary exploratory operations. It is especially important in conditions like testicular torsion where immediate diagnosis is required.