Nanozyme sensor array based on Fe, Se co-doped carbon material for the discrimination of Sulfur-containing compounds.

Developing methods for the accurate identification and analysis of sulfur-containing compounds (SCCs) is of great significance because of their essential roles in living organisms and the diagnosis of diseases. Herein, Se-doping improved oxidase-like activity of iron-based carbon material (Fe-Se/NC) was prepared and applied to construct a four-channel colorimetric sensor array for the detection and identification of SCCs (including biothiols and sulfur-containing metal salts). Fe-Se/NC can realize the chromogenic oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) by activating O2 without relying on H2O2, which can be inhibited by different SCCs to diverse degrees to produce different colorimetric response changes as "fingerprints" on the sensor array. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) revealed that nine kinds of SCCs could be well discriminated. The sensor array was also applied for the detection of SCCs with a linear range of 1-50 µM and a limit of detection of 0.07-0.2 µM. Moreover, colorimetric sensor array inspired by the different levels of SCCs in real samples were used to discriminate cancer cells and food samples, demonstrating its potential application in the field of disease diagnosis and food monitoring. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS: In this work, a four-channel colorimetric sensor array for accurate SCCs identification and detection was successfully constructed. The colorimetric sensor array inspired by the different levels of SCCs in real samples were also used to discriminate cancer cells and food samples. Therefore, this Fe-Se/NC based sensor array is expected to be applied in the field of environmental monitoring and environment related disease diagnosis.

Finite element analysis of cross fluid model over a vertical disk suspended to a tetra hybrid nanoparticles mixture.

Nanoparticles have numerous applications and are used frequently in different cooling, heating, treatment of cancer cells and manufacturing processes. The current investigation covers the utilization of tetra hybrid nanofluid (aluminum oxide, iron dioxide, titanium dioxide and copper) for Crossflow model over a vertical disk by considering the shape effects (bricks, cylindrical and platelet) of nanoparticles, electro-magneto-hydrodynamic effect and quadratic thermal radiation. In the current inspection model is first derived given PD-equations and then altered into a system of OD-equations by including similarity variables. The converted ordinary differential equations are solved by using the finite element procedure and the impact of the solution against numerous involved parameters is displayed through tables and graphs. It is observed that tetra-hybrid nanoparticles are recommended better in industrial applications where the highest production of thermal energy. Moreover, an enhancement of thermal production can be achieved utilizing different values of the magnetic parameter, time relaxation number, variable thermal radiation number and magnetic induction number but the opposite trend has been noticed with the effects of radiation number.

Analgesic efficacy and safety of erector spinae versus serratus anterior plane block in thoracic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) are regional anesthesia techniques that have shown favorable results in pain management following thoracic surgeries; however, their relative superiority is unclear. This review (PROSPERO: CRD42023443018) aims to compare the analgesic efficacy of ESPB and SAPB in patients undergoing thoracic surgeries through the pooled analysis of co-primary outcomes: postoperative oral-morphine-equivalent (mg) consumption in 24 h and pain scores (static) at 24 h. METHODS: A literature search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to May 2023, comparing ESPB and SAPB in thoracic surgeries. Statistical pooling was done using Review Manager 5.4.1. Bias assessment employed the Cochrane Collaboration Risk-of-Bias 2.0 tool. The strength of evidence was assessed using the guidelines from the GRADE working group. RESULTS: Nine RCTs (485 patients) were included in the study. Postoperative pain scores (static) at 24 h (mean difference (MD) = - 0.31 [- 0.57, 0.05], p = 0.02) and postoperative oral-morphine-equivalent (mg) consumption in 24 h (MD = - 19.73 [- 25.65, - 13.80], p < 0.00001) were significantly lower in the ESBP group. However, the MDs did not exceed the set threshold for clinical importance. No significant differences were observed in the opioid-related adverse effects and block-related complications. CONCLUSION: Our statistically significant results imply that ESPB has superior analgesic efficacy compared to SAPB; however, this difference is clinically unimportant. The safety profile of the two blocks is comparable; hence, current evidence cannot define the relative superiority of one block over the other. Our findings warrant further research with standardized methodologies and a longer duration of analgesic efficacy assessment to yield robust evidence for better clinical applications.

Entropy analysis of MHD hybrid nanoparticles with OHAM considering viscous dissipation and thermal radiation.

This research explores the 3-D flow characteristics, entropy generation and heat transmission behavior of nanofluids consisting of copper and titanium in water as they flow across a bidirectional apparent, while considering the influence of magneto-hydrodynamics. The thermophysical properties of nanofluids are taken advantage of utilizing the Tiwari and Das demonstrate. The concept of the boundary layer has facilitated the comprehension of the physical ideas derived from it. By applying requisite transformations, the connected intricate sets of partial differential equation have been converted into ordinary differential equation. The modified model is calculated employing the widely recognized technique known as OHAM by using Mathematica program BVPh2.0 Software. For different dimensionless parameters computational and graphical investigations have been performed. It is notice that as fluid parameters change, they exhibit distinct responses in comparison to the temperature, velocity profiles and entropy generation. The results show that velocity profile rise with greater estimates of the magnetic parameter and the rate of entropy formation. Furthermore, thermal profiles become less significant as Eckert and Prandtl numbers increase.

Combined Medial And Lateral Bucket Handle Meniscus Tears With Associated Complete Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear: A Case Report.

The majority of meniscal tears in bucket handles are associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) impairment. Its a rare condition which is rarely encountered when the meniscus has a bucket handle on both sides of the compartment. Here we present the case of a 28-year- old male cricket player with a total ACL rupture, a double Posterior Cruciate ligament (PCL) sign on MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), an uncommon occurrence of a complex bucket handle rupture of the medial meniscus with a double PCL sign. It was a complete ACL tear and displaced bucket handle medial meniscus that was also visible on the magnetic resonance imaging. In this report, double PCL sign was shown on MRI and that was confirmed during the arthroscopic procedure.

Numerical thermal study of ternary nanofluid influenced by thermal radiation towards convectively heated sinusoidal cylinder.

Applications: The heat transfer remains a huge problem for industrialists and engineers because many production processes required considerable amount of heat to finish the process successfully. Although, conventional fluids have large scale industrial applications but unable to provide huge amount of heat transfer. Therefore, the study is organized to propose a new ternary heat transfer model using different physical constraints. The key applications area of nanofluid heat transfer are chemical, applied thermal and food processing engineering. Purpose: and Methodology: The key purpose of this research is introduce a new ternary nanofluid model using the impressive effects of thermal radiations, surface convection and saddle/nodal points. The results simulated via RKF-45 and discussed in detail. Core findings: The strength of Al2O3 nanoparticles form 1%-7% (keeping fixed CuO and Cu as 4% and 6%) and s1 = -0.2,-0.4,-0.6,-0.8 controlled the fluid movement while s1 = 0.2,0.4,0.6,0.8 boosted the velocity. Increasing the convection process Bi = 0.1,0.2,0.3,0.4 increased the temperature significantly. Further, shear drag is maximum for ternary nanofluid and thermal radiations Rd = 0.1,0.2,0.3,0.4 enhances the heat transfer rate.

Numerical simulations of heat generation, thermal radiation and thermal transport in water-based nanoparticles: OHAM study.

This study investigates the 3D flow properties and heat transfer of copper, titanium/ water nanofluids across a bidirectional surface under the impact of MHD. The thermophysical features of nanofluid are employed using the Tiwari and Das model. Boundary layer theory has simplified the resulting physical principles. By using the proper transformations, the complicated sets of connected PDEs have evolved into ODEs. Equations that have been modify by using OHAM. For various dimensionless component ranges between [Formula: see text].[Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] the results are investigated computationally and graphically. It is observed that fluid parameters improve; they react differently from temperature and velocity profile. Additionally, thermal profiles decrease in comparison to greater Eckert and Prandtl numbers.

Analysis of adverse drug reactions/events of cancer chemotherapy and the potential mechanism of Danggui Buxue decoction against bone marrow suppression induced by chemotherapy.

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of adverse reactions/events based on chemotherapy in cancer patients, and then explore the potential mechanism of Danggui Buxue Decoction (DBD) against chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression (BMS). Methods: Retrospectively collected and evaluated were the clinical data of patients in a hospital who experienced adverse reactions/events brought on by chemotherapeutic medications between 2015 and 2022. We explored the potential mechanism of DBD against BMS using network pharmacology based on the findings of the adverse reactions/events analysis. Results: 151 instances (72.25%) experienced adverse reactions/events from a single chemotherapy medication. Besides, platinum-based medications produced the most unfavorable effects. The study also found that chemotherapy caused the highest number of cases of BMS, including platinum drugs. Consequently, BMS is the most prevalent adverse reaction disease caused by chemotherapy found in this part. According to network pharmacology findings, DBD can prevent BMS primarily involving 1,510 primary targets and 19 key active ingredients. Based on the enrichment analysis, PI3K-AKT, TNF, MAPK, and IL-17 signaling pathways made up the majority of the DBD-resisting BMS pathways. Molecular docking displayed that kaempferol, the major active ingredient of DBD, had the highest binding energy (-10.08 kJ mol-1) with PTGS2 (a key target of BMS). Conclusion: Cancer patients who received chemotherapy had a risk to develop BMS. Regular blood tests should be performed while taking medicine; early discovery and treatment can reduce a patient's risk of experiencing adverse reactions/events. Additionally, this study demonstrated that DBD, through a variety of targets and pathways, may be crucial in avoiding BMS.

Nano-residronate loaded κ-carrageenan-based injectable hydrogels for bone tissue regeneration.

Bone tissue possesses intrinsic regenerative capabilities to address deformities; however, its ability to repair defects caused by severe fractures, tumor resections, osteoporosis, joint arthroplasties, and surgical reconsiderations can be hindered. To address this limitation, bone tissue engineering has emerged as a promising approach for bone repair and regeneration, particularly for large-scale bone defects. In this study, an injectable hydrogel based on kappa-carrageenan-co-N-isopropyl acrylamide (κC-co-NIPAAM) was synthesized using free radical polymerization and the antisolvent evaporation technique. The κC-co-NIPAAM hydrogel's cross-linked structure was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR). The hydrogel's thermal stability and morphological behavior were assessed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Swelling and in vitro drug release studies were conducted at varying pH and temperatures, with minimal swelling and release observed at low pH (1.2) and 25 °C, while maximum swelling and release occurred at pH 7.4 and 37oC. Cytocompatibility analysis revealed that the κC-co-NIPAAM hydrogels were biocompatible, and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining demonstrated their potential for tissue regeneration and enhanced bone repair compared to other experimental groups. Notably, digital x-ray examination using an in vivo bone defect model showed that the κC-co-NIPAAM hydrogel significantly improved bone regeneration, making it a promising candidate for bone defects.

First Report on Microplastics Quantification in Poultry Chicken and Potential Human Health Risks in Pakistan.

Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging environmental health concern due to their widespread occurrence in food sources such as fish, meat, chicken, honey, sugar, salt, tea and drinking water, thereby posing possible risks to human health. This study aimed to observe the existence of MPs in the crop and gizzard of the farm chicken, a significant food source in Pakistan. Twenty-four chicken samples were taken from eight poultry farms across Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 1227 MP particles were found from 24 samples (crop and gizzards) originating from the 8 poultry farms. In all, 429 MP particles were found in 24 chicken crops, with a mean of 17.8 ± 12.1 MPs/crop. In contrast, 798 MP particles were found in 24 chicken gizzards, with a mean of 33.25 ± 17.8 MPs/gizzard. Comparatively larger particles, ranging between 300-500 µm, were more abundant (63%) than other considered sizes (300-150 µm [21%] and 150-50 µm [16%]). Additionally, fragments were the dominant type of shape in both sample types (crop [64%] and gizzard [53%]). The predominant colours of particles extracted from gizzards and crops were yellow (32%) and red (32%), respectively. Chemical characterisation of these particles detected four types of polymers: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) at 51.2%, followed by low-density polyethylene (LDPE) at 30.7%, polystyrene (PS) at 13.6% and polypropylene homopolymer (PPH) at 4.5%. In conclusion, we provide evidence for MPs in the gizzards and crops of farmed chickens which may originate from contaminated poultry feed. Only a few studies have been reported globally to assess MPs ingestion in chickens. The current study is the first report from Pakistan. It could be a valuable addition to support MPs literature to establish a relationship between MPs contamination and intake through the food chain.

Comparing definitive unilateral cleft rhinoplasty with and without diced-cartilage alar-base augmentation: A retrospective cohort study.

This retrospective cohort study aimed to compare the long-term aesthetic outcomes and satisfaction of patients who underwent two techniques of definitive unilateral cleft rhinoplasty. The two cohorts, comprising patients with mature unilateral cleft deformity, were managed with definitive rhinoplasty, either with or without diced-cartilage alar-base and peri-alar augmentation (ABPA). Thirty patients were included in each cohort. Anthropometric measurements, complications, patient satisfaction scores, and third-party surgeon assessment scores were reviewed. In both cohorts, anthropometric parameters improved. Rhinoplasty with ABPA was the superior cohort in terms of columellar length (10.3 ± 1.0 in the cohort with ABPA, compared with 7.9 ± 0.6 in the cohort without ABPA; p < 0.001), alar-base angle (0.2 ± 0.2, compared with 4.3 ± 0.3; p < 0.001), and columellar deviation (2.5 ± 1.4, compared with 10.3 ± 2.1; p < 0.001). This cohort also had more symmetry in nostril height and nostril width (p < 0.001), a lower recurrence rate (one case compared with 22 cases; p < 0.001), a higher patient satisfaction score (p = 0.002), and a higher surgeon assessment score (p < 0.001, Cronbach's alpha = 0.706, Kendall's coefficient of concordance = 0.787). Within the limitations of this study, it appears that the described technique for augmenting the alar-base and peri-alar maxillary area is manageable, and yields consistent long-term results.

Gold nanoparticles-anchored peptides enable precise colorimetric estimation of microplastics.

Microplastics (MPs, particle size < 5 mm) are an emerging contaminant in aquatic environment, which have attracted increasing attention worldwide. In this study, a colorimetric method for MPs detection was developed based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)-anchored peptides (LCI or TA2), which are able to specifically recognize and adhere to polypropylene (PP) or polystyrene (PS). The AuNPs-anchored peptides accumulated on the surface of MPs, rendering a color change from red to gray-blue and transforming the surface plasmon absorption intensity and wavelength. The designed method presented high selectivity, stability, and reproducibility, with a detection range of 2.5-15 µg/mL. The results demonstrated that the developed approach will be valuable in the precise, facile, and cost-effective estimation of MPs in different matrices, regulating the control over MPs pollution and its hazardous impact on health and ecosystems.

Unsteady hybrid nanofluid ([Formula: see text], MWCNTs/blood) flow between two rotating stretchable disks with chemical reaction and activation energy under the influence of convective boundaries.

Hybrid nanofluids are extensively analyzed in recent studies due to their better performance in numerous areas such as heat and mass transfer enhancement, biological fluid movement, medical equipment, heat exchangers, electronic cooling and automotive industry. In current study the nanoparticle concentration utilized is much important in biomedical industry. Major applications include drug delivery, radio-pharmaceuticals, centrifuging blood to obtain red blood cells and plasma, medical implants, onco therapeutics and photo thermal cancer therapy. In this regard, the primary focus of this study is to simulate a blood based unsteady hybrid nanofluid flow between two rotating, stretching disks and convective boundaries. The two nanoparticles in this study are uranium dioxide [Formula: see text] and multi-walled carbon nanotubes MWCNTs. The hybrid nanofluid is under the influence of magnetohydrodynamic effects and chemical reaction with activation energy. The governing partial differential equations (PDEs) are transformed into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using suitable similarity transform. Homotopy analysis method is used to solve the non-linear system of ODEs and [Formula: see text]-curves are plotted to find suitable region of [Formula: see text] for convergent series solution. Velocity profile is examined for axial, radial and tangential direction against various fluid parameters. Temperature and concentration profiles are analyzed for both convective and non-convective cases. It is observed that convective boundaries result in elevated temperature when compared with non-convective case. Moreover, skin friction, heat and mass transfer rates are also examined with respect to changing volume fraction [Formula: see text].The results revealed that skin friction and rate of heat transfer increases with increase in volume fraction of both nanoparticles [Formula: see text] and MWCNTs while the mass transfer rate depicts contrasting behavior.

Folic acid-decorated alginate nanoparticles loaded hydrogel for the oral delivery of diferourylmethane in colorectal cancer.

The disease-related suffering in colorectal cancer remains prevalent despite advancements in the field of drug delivery. Chemotherapy-related side effects and non-specificity remain a challenge in drug delivery. The great majority of hydrophobic drugs cannot be successfully delivered to the colon orally mainly due to poor solubility, low bioavailability, pH differences, and food interactions. Polymeric nanoparticles are potential drug delivery candidates but there are numerous limitations to their usefulness in colon cancer. The nanoparticles are removed from the body rapidly by p-glycoprotein efflux, inactivation, or breakdown by enzymes limiting their efficiency. Furthermore, there is a lack of selectivity in targeting cancer cells; nanoparticles may also target healthy cells, resulting in toxicity and adverse effects. The study aimed to use nanoparticles for specific targeting of the colorectal tumor cells via the oral route of administration without adverse effects. Folic acid (FA), a cancer-targeting ligand possessing a high affinity for folate receptors overexpressed in colorectal cancers was conjugated to sodium alginate- nanoparticles by NH2-linkage. The folic-acid conjugated nanoparticles (FNPs) were delivered to the colon by a pH-sensitive hydrogel synthesized by the free radical polymerization method to provide sustained drug release. The developed system referred to as the "Hydrogel-Nano (HN) drug delivery system," was specifically capable of delivering diferourylmethane to the colon. The HN system was characterized by DLS, FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, and SEM. The FNPs size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential were measured. The folic acid-conjugation to nanoparticles' surface was studied by UV-visible spectroscopy using Beer-Lambert's law. In-vitro studies, including sol-gel, porosity, drug loading, entrapment efficiency, etc., revealed promising results. The swelling and release studies showed pH-dependent release of the drug in colonic pH 7.4. Cellular uptake and cytotoxicity studies performed on FR-overexpressed Hela cell lines and FR-negative A-549 cell lines showed facilitated uptake of nanoparticles by folate receptors. A threefold increase in Cmax and prolongation of the mean residence time (MRT) to 14.52 +/- 0.217 h indicated sustained drug release by the HN system. The findings of the study can provide a sufficient ground that the synergistic approach of the HN system can deliver hydrophobic drugs to colorectal cancer cells via the oral route, but further in-vivo animal cancer model studies are required.

An insight into recent developments of copper, silver and gold carbon dots: cancer diagnostics and treatment.

Cancer is one of the most fatal diseases globally, however, advancement in the field of nanoscience specifically novel nanomaterials with nano-targeting of cancer cell lines has revolutionized cancer diagnosis and therapy and has thus attracted the attention of researchers of related fields. Carbon Dots (CDs)-C-based nanomaterials-have emerged as highly favorable candidates for simultaneous bioimaging and therapy during cancer nano-theranostics due to their exclusive innate FL and theranostic characteristics exhibited in different preclinical results. Recently, different transition metal-doped CDs have enhanced the effectiveness of CDs manifold in biomedical applications with minimum toxicity. The use of group-11 (Cu, Ag and Au) with CDs in this direction have recently gained the attention of researchers because of their encouraging results. This review summarizes the current developments of group-11 (Cu, Ag and Au) CDs for early diagnosis and therapy of cancer including their nanocomposites, nanohybrids and heterostructures etc. All The manuscript highlights imaging applications (FL, photoacoustic, MRI etc.) and therapeutic applications (phototherapy, photodynamic, multimodal etc.) of Cu-, Ag- and Au-doped CDs reported as nanotheranostic agents for cancer treatment. Sources of CDs and metals alogwith applications to give a comparative analysis have been given in the tabulated form at the end of manuscript. Further, future prospects and challenges have also been discussed.

Investigations on the structural and optoelectronic characteristics of cadmium-substituted zinc selenide semiconductors.

A change in the composition and dopant content of selective atoms in a material leads to their new desired properties by altering the structure, which can significantly improve the performance of relevant devices. By acknowledging this, we focused on characterizing the optoelectronic and structural properties of cadmium-substituted zinc selenide (Zn1-xCdxSe; 0 ≤ X ≤ 1) semiconductors using density functional theory (DFT) within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA), EV-GGA, and mBJ approximations. The results proved the cubic symmetry of the investigated materials at all Cd concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1). Although a linear surge in the lattice constant is observed with the change in Cd content, the bulk modulus exhibits a reverse trend. These materials are observed to be direct bandgap semiconductors at all Cd concentrations, with a decrease in electronic bandgap from 2.76 eV to 1.87 eV, and have isotropic optical properties, showing their potential applicability as a blue-to-red display. The fundamental optical properties of the materials, such as optical conductivity, reflectance, refractive index, absorption, and extinction coefficient, are also discussed. These outcomes provide a computational understanding of the diverse applications of Zn1-xCdxSe semiconductors in optoelectronic, photonic, and photovoltaic devices, particularly for a visible-range display.

Applications of Material-Binding Peptides: A Review.

Material-binding peptides (MBPs) are functionalized adhesive materials consisting of a few to several dozen amino acids. This affinity between MBPs and materials is regulated by multiple interactions, including hydrogen bonding, electrostatic, hydrophobic interactions, and π-π stacking. They show selective binding and high affinity to a diverse range of inorganic and organic materials, such as silicon-based materials, metals, metal compounds, carbon materials, and polymers. They are used to improve the biocompatibility of materials, increase the efficiency of material synthesis, and guide the controlled synthesis of nanomaterials. In addition, these can be used for precise targeting of proteins by conjugating to target biomolecules. In this review, we summarize the main designs and applications of MBPs in recent years. The discussions focus on more efficient and functional peptides, including evolution and overall design of MBPs. We have also highlighted the recent applications of MBPs, such as functionalization of material surfaces, synthesis of nanomaterials, drug delivery, cancer therapy, and plastic degradation. Besides, we also discussed the development trend of MBPs. This interpretation will accelerate future investigations to bottleneck the drawbacks of available MBPs, promoting their commercial applications.

Topical lycopene emulgel significantly improves biophysical parameters of human skin.

Carotenoids, including lycopene, are promising antioxidants that sequester free radicals and counterbalance oxidative stress, preventing cardiovascular diseases, cancer, photo-damage, and decelerating aging. Fabricating the antioxidant effective and stable topical formulations with efficient skin penetration and preserving their activity by minimizing the oxidative damage due to ionization, pH extremes, high storage temperature, and metal ions, has been challenging. Herein, we developed a lycopene-based topical emulgel and investigated its impact on biophysical parameters of human skin using non-invasive in vivo techniques and sensory evaluation for consumer acceptability to bottleneck the demerits of conventional formulations. The results demonstrated that the designed formulation significantly enhanced the skin hydration and elasticity, p-value < 0.05, whereas erythema, melanin and sebum contents were considerably reduced, p-value < 0.05, when compared with placebo formulation over 12 weeks. These findings were attributed to the potent antioxidant potential of lycopene that was preserved in the stable formulation, halting the cascade of free radical-related subsequent reactions in the skin. To the best of our knowledge, there is no report about the topical effects of lycopene-based emulgel in human volunteers. Besides, the average scores by the volunteers concerning sensory evaluation at the end of the 12th week of the study indicated that the formulation will be commercially acceptable by the consumers. We believe that formulation will be valuable commercially in promoting the treatment of topical infections, such as acne, and oxidative stress-related skin disorders, and decelerating the aging process.

Pterostilbene improves CFA-induced arthritis and peripheral neuropathy through modulation of oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines and neurotransmitters in Wistar rats.

Pterostilbene is a stilbene flavonoid that occurs naturally in various plants as well as produced by genetic engineering. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-oxidant and neuroprotective activities. This research was aimed to determine the potential of pterostilbene against arthritis and peripheral neuropathy in Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis. Rat hind paw was injected with 0.1 ml CFA to induce arthritis. Standard control animals received oral methotrexate (3 mg/kg/week). Pterostilbene at 12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg was given orally to different groups of arthritic rats from day 7-28 for 21 days. Pterostilbene significantly reduced paw diameter and retarded the decrease in body weight of arthritic rats. It profoundly (p < 0.05-0.0001) reduced lipid peroxidation and nitrites, while increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the liver tissue. Pterostilbene treatment significantly (p < 0.0001) reduced TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Pterostilbene markedly improved (p < 0.05-0.001) motor activity and showed analgesic effect in arthritic rats at 25 and 50 mg/kg as compared to disease control rats. Furthermore, it notably (p < 0.05-0.0001) increased SOD activity, nitrites, noradrenaline and serotonin levels in the sciatic nerve of arthritic rats. Treatment with pterostilbene also ameliorated the CFA-induced pannus formation, cartilage damage and synovial hyperplasia in the arthritic rat paws. It is determined from the current study that pterostilbene was effective in reducing CFA-induced arthritis in rats through amelioration of oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. It was also effective to treat peripheral neuropathy through modulation of oxidative stress and neurotransmitters in sciatic nerves.

Inferring Epistasis from Genetic Time-series Data.

Epistasis refers to fitness or functional effects of mutations that depend on the sequence background in which these mutations arise. Epistasis is prevalent in nature, including populations of viruses, bacteria, and cancers, and can contribute to the evolution of drug resistance and immune escape. However, it is difficult to directly estimate epistatic effects from sampled observations of a population. At present, there are very few methods that can disentangle the effects of selection (including epistasis), mutation, recombination, genetic drift, and genetic linkage in evolving populations. Here we develop a method to infer epistasis, along with the fitness effects of individual mutations, from observed evolutionary histories. Simulations show that we can accurately infer pairwise epistatic interactions provided that there is sufficient genetic diversity in the data. Our method also allows us to identify which fitness parameters can be reliably inferred from a particular data set and which ones are unidentifiable. Our approach therefore allows for the inference of more complex models of selection from time-series genetic data, while also quantifying uncertainty in the inferred parameters.