Synthesis of Pectin and Eggshell Biowaste-Mediated Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp), Their Physicochemical Characterizations, and Use as Antibacterial Material.

The current study reports the synthesis of sustainable nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) using a wet chemical precipitation approach. The materials used in the green synthesis of nHAp were obtained from environmental biowastes such as HAp from eggshells and pectin from banana peels. The physicochemical characterization of obtained nHAp was carried out using different techniques. For instance, X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and FTIR spectroscopy were used to study the crystallinity and synthesis of nHAp respectively. In addition, the morphology and elemental composition of nHAP were studied using FESEM equipped with EDX. HRTEM showed the internal structure of nHAP and calculated its grain size which was 64 nm. Furthermore, the prepared nHAp was explored for its antibacterial and antibiofilm activity which has received less attention previously. The obtained results showed the potential of pectin-bound nHAp as an antibacterial agent for various biomedical and healthcare applications.

PPARɑ Ligand Caudatin Improves Cognitive Functions and Mitigates Alzheimer's Disease Defects By Inducing Autophagy in Mice Models.

The autophagy-lysosomal pathway (ALP) is a major cellular machinery involved in the clearance of aggregated proteins in Alzheimer disease (AD). However, ALP is dramatically impaired during AD pathogenesis via accumulation of toxic amyloid beta (Aß) and phosphorylated-Tau (phospho-Tau) proteins in the brain. Therefore, activation of ALP may prevent the increased production of Aß and phospho-Tau in AD. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), a transcription factor that can activate autophagy, and transcriptionally regulate transcription factor EB (TFEB) which is a key regulator of ALP. This suggests that targeting PPARα, to reduce ALP impairment, could be a viable strategy for AD therapy. In this study, we investigated the anti-AD activity of Caudatin, an active constituent of Cynanchum otophyllum (a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Qing Yang Shen; QYS). We found that Caudatin can bind to PPARα as a ligand and augment the expression of ALP in microglial cells and in the brain of 3XTg-AD mice model. Moreover, Caudatin could activate PPARα and transcriptionally regulates TFEB-augmented lysosomal degradation of Aß and phosphor-Tau aggregates in AD cell models. Oral administration of Caudatin decreased AD pathogenesis and ameliorated the cognitive dysfunction in 3XTg-AD mouse model. Conclusively, Caudatin can be a potential AD therapeutic agent via activation of PPARα-dependent ALP.

Acupuncture for Management of Endodontic Emergencies: a Review.

Root canal treatment (RCT) employed for painful endodontic conditions like apical periodontitis and irreversible pulpitis is associated with a high incidence of postoperative pain. Pharmacological management for this purpose is effective, but not entirely free from side effects and in some cases may fail to provide adequate relief. Furthermore, concerns have been raised regarding the transmission of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) as a result of the aerosols generated and prolonged chair side time required for RCT. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese therapy commonly employed as an alternative for the treatment of pain. And what's more, the use of acupuncture has been recently reported as treatment for the management of endodontic pain as well as on the anesthetic success in patients with irreversible pulpitis. This review aims to evaluate the current evidence for acupuncture in endodontics and its potential role in emergency pain relief and management for patients. To combat this, a thorough search for literature within the field was performed in five electronic databases. Retrieved studies were screened according to the pre-defined eligibility criteria. After both an electronic and manual search, five studies were selected for review. These studies reported the beneficial effects of acupuncture in reducing the failure of nerve block in patients with irreversible pulpitis and in controlling both intraoperative and postoperative pain following RCT. In addition, it was also reported to reduce anxiety surrounding the dental procedure and minimized the intake of analgesics after the endodontic procedure, which can result in some unwanted side effects. However, more in depth clinical research is required before any recommendation regarding the application of acupuncture in endodontic patients can be made.

"Corrigendum to Herbs and their bioactive ingredients in cardio-protection: Underlying molecular mechanisms and evidences from clinical studies".

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Visible-Blind ZnMgO Colloidal Quantum Dot Downconverters Expand Silicon CMOS Sensors Spectral Coverage into Ultraviolet and Enable UV-Band Discrimination.

Selective spectral detection of ultraviolet (UV) radiation is highly important across numerous fields from health and safety to industrial and environmental monitoring applications. Herein, a nontoxic, visible-blind, quantum dot (QD)-based sensing scheme that expands the spectral coverage of silicon complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors into the UV, enabling efficient UV detection without affecting the sensor performance in the visible and UV-band discrimination, is reported. This scheme uses zinc magnesium oxide (ZnMgO) QDs with compositionally tunable absorption across UV and high photoluminescence quantum yield in the visible. The efficient luminescence and large Stokes shift of these QDs are exploited herein to act as an efficient downconverting material that enhances the UV sensitivity of Si-photodetectors (Si-PDs). A Si-PD integrated with the QDs results in a ninefold improvement in photoresponsivity from 0.83 to 7.5 mA W-1 at 260 nm. Leveraging the tunability of these QDs, a simple UV-band identification scheme is further reported, which uses two distinct-bandgap ZnMgO QDs stacked in a tandem architecture whose spectral emission color depends on the UV-band excitation light. The downconverting stack enables facile discrimination of UV light using a standard CMOS image sensor (camera) or by the naked eye and avoids the use of complex optics.

Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Prevention by Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica).

Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Gaertn or Phyllanthus emblica Linn; family Phyllanthaceae) has a recognized history in Indian traditional medicine (Ayurveda). Various therapeutic properties have been attributed to gooseberry as a dietary supplement. Many parts of the plant (fruits, seed, leaves, root, bark, and flowers) possess various activities and are used to treat a range of diseases. This review focuses on the evidence for the cancer-preventive properties of gooseberry, its extracts, and its principal phytochemicals based on studies In Vitro and In Vivo. Most importantly, in multiple rodent models of cancer, treatment with P. emblica was found to prevent tumor incidence, number, and volume at various organ sites. The mechanism(s) implicated in gooseberry-mediated cancer inhibition are diverse and include antioxidants, Phase I and II enzyme modifications, anti-inflammatory action, regulation of the cell cycle, and modulation of oncogenic signaling genes. Studies in humans also indicate that P. emblica can offer various health benefits and synergize with other treatments. This review provides detailed information on the potential use of gooseberry extract as an anticarcinogenic in humans, illuminates the therapeutic applications, and discusses clinical trials.

Herbs and their bioactive ingredients in cardio-protection: Underlying molecular mechanisms and evidences from clinical studies.

BACKGROUND: Medicinal plants or herbs produce a bounty of bioactive phytochemicals. These phytochemicals can influence a variety of physiological events related to cardiovascular health through multiple underlying mechanisms, such as their role as antioxidative, anti-ischemic, anti-proliferative, hypotensive, anti-thrombotic, and anti-hypercholesterolemic agents. PURPOSE: The purpose of this review is to summarize and connect evidences supporting the use of phytotherapy in the management of some of the most common cardiovascular impairments, molecular mechanisms underlying cardio-protection mediated by herbs, and clinical studies which are positively linked with the use of herbs in cardiovascular biology. Additionally, we also describe several adverse effects associated with some of the herbal plants and their products to provide a balanced set of studies in favor or against phytotherapy in cardiovascular health that may help global discourses on this matter. METHODS: Studies relating to the use of medicinal plants were mined by strategically searching scientific databases including Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct. Investigations involving approximately 175 articles including reviews, research articles, meta-analyses, and cross-sectional and observational studies were retrieved and analyzed in line with the stated purpose of this study. RESULTS: A positive correlation between the use of medicinal plants and cardiovascular health was observed. While maintaining cardiovascular physiology, medicinal plants and their derivatives seem to govern a variety of cellular mechanisms involved in vasoconstriction and vasorelaxation, which in turn, are important aspects of cardiovascular homeostasis. Furthermore, a variety of studies including clinical trials, cross-sectional studies, and meta-analyses have also supported the anti-hypertensive and thus, cardio-protective effects, of medicinal plants. Apart from this, evidence is also available for the potential drawbacks of several herbs and their products indicating that the unsupervised use of many herbs may lead to severe health issues. CONCLUSIONS: The cardio-protective outcomes of medicinal plants and their derivatives are supported by ever-increasing studies, while evidences exist for the potential drawbacks of some of the herbs. A balanced view about the use of medicinal plants and their derivative in cardiovascular biology thus needs to be outlined by researchers and the medical community. The novelty and exhaustiveness of the present manuscript is reflected by the detailed outline of the molecular basis of "herbal cardio-protection", active involvement of several herbs in ameliorating the cardiovascular status, adverse effects of medicinal plants, and the clinical studies considering the use of phytotherapy, all on a single platform.

Incomplete thermal ablation of tumors promotes increased tumorigenesis.

PURPOSE: While systemic tumor-stimulating effects can occur following ablation of normal liver linked to the IL-6/HGF/VEGF cytokinetic pathway, the potential for tumor cells themselves to produce these unwanted effects is currently unknown. Here, we study whether partially treated tumors induce increased tumor growth post-radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA). METHODS: Tumor growth was measured in three immunocompetent, syngeneic tumor models following partial RFA of the target tumor (in subcutaneous CT26 and MC38 mouse colorectal adenocarcinoma, N = 14 each); and in a distant untreated tumor following partial RFA of target subcutaneous R3230 rat breast adenocarcinoma (N = 12). Tumor cell proliferation (ki-67) and microvascular density (CD34) was assessed. In R3230 tumors, in vivo mechanism of action was assessed following partial RFA by measuring IL-6, HGF, and VEGF expression (ELISA) and c-Met protein (Western blot). Finally, RFA was performed in R3230 tumors with adjuvant c-Met kinase inhibitor or VEGF receptor inhibitor (at 3 days post-RFA, N = 3/arm, total N = 12). RESULTS: RFA stimulated tumor growth in vivo in residual, incompletely treated surrounding CT26 and MC38 tumor at 3-6 days (p < 0.01). In R3230, RFA increased tumor growth in distant tumor 7 days post treatment compared to controls (p < 0.001). For all models, Ki-67 and CD34 were elevated (p < 0.01, all comparisons). IL-6, HGF, and VEGF were also upregulated post incomplete tumor RFA (p < 0.01). These markers were suppressed to baseline levels with adjuvant c-MET kinase or VEGF receptor inhibition. CONCLUSION: Incomplete RFA of a target tumor can sufficiently stimulate residual tumor cells to induce accelerated growth of distant tumors via the IL-6/c-Met/HGF pathway and VEGF production.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles inhibit bacterial biofilm formation via altering cell membrane permeability.

In the current scenario nanoparticles (NPs) have gained a breathtaking impetus due to their multidimensional applications in varied fields. In the present effort, biogenic synthesis of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) was carried out using aqueous extract of dried powder of Emblica officinalis (Amla). Physicochemical characterization of nanoparticles was carried out via UV-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) wherein the particles were found to be quasi spherical and with a size ranging between 3 and 11 nm. The ZnO nanoparticles exhibited significant antibacterial activity against bacteria as Streptococcus pyogenes MTCC 442, Bacillus cereus MTCC 1272, Escherichia coli MTCC 1687 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 4673. The nanoparticles displayed high anti-biofilm activity toward all the bacterial strains, when tested against three different base materials viz. glass, plastic and metal (Aluminum). Further, the nanoparticle treatment of bacterial cells caused changes in their cell membrane permeability, leading to leakage of nucleic acid from the bacterial cells, thereby defining it as the most probable mechanism for their anti-biofilm potential.

Synthesis, In-Vitro and In-Silico Evaluation of Silver Nanoparticles with Root Extract of Withania somnifera for Antibacterial Activity via Binding of Penicillin-Binding Protein-4.

BACKGROUND: Metal Nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely used for various applications in biomedical sciences, including in drug delivery, and as therapeutic agents, but limited owing to their toxicity towards the healthy tissue. This warrants an alternative method, which can achieve the desired activity with much reduced or no toxicity. Being a biological product, Withania somnifera (W. somnifera) is environment friendly, besides being less toxic as compared to metal-based NPs. However, the exact mechanism of action of W. somnifera for its antibacterial activities has not been studied so far. OBJECTIVE: To develop "silver nanoparticles with root extract of W. somnifera (AgNPs-REWS)" for antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Furthermore, the analysis of their mechanism of action will be studied. METHODS: Using the in-silico approach, the molecular docking study was performed to evaluate the possible antibacterial mechanism of W. somnifera phytochemicals such as Anaferine, Somniferine, Stigmasterol, Withaferin A, Withanolide- A, G, M, and Withanone by the inhibition of Penicillin- Binding Protein 4 (PBP4). Next, we utilized a bottom-up approach for the green synthesis of AgNPs- REWS, performed an in-detail phytochemical analysis, confirmed the AgNPs-REWS by SEM, UVvisible spectroscopy, XRD, FT-IR, and HPLC. Eventually, we examined their antibacterial activity. RESULTS: The result of molecular docking suggests that WS phytochemicals (Somniferine, Withaferin A, Withanolide A, Withanolide G, Withanolide M, and Withanone) possess the higher binding affinity toward the active site of PBP4 as compared to the Ampicillin (-6.39 kcal/mol) reference molecule. These phytochemicals predicted as potent inhibitors of PBP4. Next, as a proof-of-concept, AgNPs- REWS showed significant antibacterial effect as compared to crude, and control; against Xanthomonas and Ralstonia species. CONCLUSION: The in-silico and molecular docking analysis showed that active constituents of W. somnifera such as Somniferine, Withaferin A, Withanolide A, Withanolide G, Withanolide M, and Withanone possess inhibition potential for PBP4 and are responsible for the anti-bacterial property of W. somnifera extract. This study also establishes that AgNPs via the green synthesis with REWS showed enhanced antibacterial activity towards pathogenic bacteria.

Biosynthesis, characterization, bactericidal and sporicidal activity of silver nanoparticles using the leaves extract of Litchi chinensis.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plant extracts has become a promising alternative to the conventional chemical synthesis approach. In this study, cost-effective synthesis of AgNPs was attempted using leaves extract of Litchi chinensis. Bio-reduction reaction for the synthesis of NPs was checked by confirming the presence of AgNPs in solution by UV-vis spectrophotometry and with further characterization by fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band showed absorption peak at 422 nm indicating the formation of AgNPs, and FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of biological molecules involved in AgNPs synthesis. TEM analysis revealed the spherical shape of AgNPs with particle size distribution in a range of 5-15 nm. Further, the biosynthesized AgNPs showed significant bactericidal and sporicidal activity against model spore former Bacillus subtilis. AgNPs at concentrations ranging from 25 to 100 µg/mL showed bactericidal activity with inhibition zone ranging from 4-19 mm and sporicidal activity at 100-200 µg/mL in a range of 4.46-61.6% with an exposure time of 2-8 h. These findings exhibit distinctive potential of biogenic AgNPs for their efficient use in developing novel bactericidal and sporicidal agent against spore forming bacilli.

Moderate hyperthermic heating encountered during thermal ablation increases tumor cell activity.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine whether moderate hyperthermic doses, routinely encountered in the periablational zone during thermal ablation, activate tumor cells sufficiently to secrete pro-tumorigenic factors that can induce increased proliferation.Material and methods: R3230 rat mammary tumor cells and human cancer cell lines, MCF7 breast adenocarcinoma, HepG2 and Huh7 HCC, and HT-29 and SW480 colon adenocarcinoma, were heated in to 45 ± 1 °C or 43 ± 1 °C in vitro for 5-10 min and incubated thereafter at 37 °C for 1.5, 3 or 8 hr (n = 3 trials each; total N = 135). mRNA expression profiles of cytokines implicated in RF-induced tumorigenesis including IL-6, TNFα, STAT3, HGF, and VEGF, were evaluated by relative quantitative real-time PCR. HSP70 was used as control. c-Met and STAT3 levels were assessed by Western blot. Finally, naïve cancer cells were incubated with medium from R3230 and human cancer cells that were subjected to 43-45 °C for 5 or 10 min and incubated for 3 or 8 h at 37 °C in an xCELLigence or incuCyte detection system.Results: Cell-line-specific dose and time-dependent elevations of at least a doubling in HSP70, IL-6, TNFα, STAT3, and HGF gene expression were observed in R3230 and human cancer cells subjected to moderate hyperthermia. R3230 and several human cell lines showed increased phosphorylation of STAT3 3 h post-heating and increased c-Met following heating. Medium of cancer cells subject to moderate hyperthermia induced statistically significant accelerated cell growth of all cell lines compared to non-heated media (p < 0.01, all comparisons).Conclusion: Heat-damaged human tumor cells by themselves can induce proliferation of tumor by releasing pro-tumorigenic factors.

Analysis of food frequency and acquired dietary allowance (ADA) in relation to dental caries and dental erosion affecting dental postgraduate students of Sawangi: A cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: The development and integrity of the oral cavity and the progression of oral diseases may be affected by the nutritional status and diet of the person. The most ubiquitous oral diseases are found to be dental caries and periodontal diseases in the world. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the correlation between food frequency with nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR), NAR with dental caries, and dental erosion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted among dental postgraduate (PG) students. A self-administered questionnaire was developed with consisted food frequency, acquired dietary allowance, Decayed, Missing Filled teeth (DMFT) index, and tooth wear index. Correlation was assessed between food frequency and NAR, NAR with dental caries and dental erosion. RESULTS: Out of 123 PGs 100 PGs participated in the study making response rate 81%. Consumption of chapatti, pulses vegetables white rice, sugar, milk and milk products, and acidic food is on the daily basis mostly and it was statistically significant (P < 0.05). A statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) was also seen between frequency of consuming food items in decreasing order is fats, legumes, roots and tubers, fruits, meat and meat products, fried foods, vitamin and mineral supplements those who eat daily and never. CONCLUSION: The significant association between food frequency and nutrient adequacy ratio might be helpful assessing nutritional values. The high use of acidic beverages is a serious threat to the health of the oral cavity.

Impact of monopolar TURP, bipolar TURP and photoselective vaporization of prostate for enlarged prostate on erectile function.

OBJECTIVES: To compare monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), bipolar TURP and photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) by 120-W GreenLight laser with regard to the impact on International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 score in patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to prostate >80 mL. METHODS: Between April 2012 and March 2015, 110 patients who satisfied eligibility criteria were divided into three groups according to surgical modality adopted to treat benign prostatic enlargement. Preoperative, perioperative, and follow-up data were collected. The three groups were as follows: group A, monopolar TURP; group B, bipolar TURP; and group C, PVP. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics of the three groups were similar. All the perioperative parameters were significantly favorable in group C compared with the other two groups, except for mean operative time, which was significantly higher in group C. International Prostate Symptom Score, postvoid residual urine, maximum flow rate and quality of life score had significant and similar improvement during follow up in all three groups. Also, prostate volume reduced significantly in all three groups following surgery, but it remained significantly higher in group C patients compared with groups A and B. Mean IIEF-5 score was similar between the three groups at baseline and during each of the follow-up visits. Groups A, B and C had declines of 3.27% (P = 0.34), 2.68% (P = 0.40) and 3.36% (P = 0.35), respectively, in mean IIEF-5 score at 12-month follow up compared with baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Monopolar TURP, bipolar TURP and PVP by 120-W GreenLight laser for prostate size >80 mL do not have a significant impact on IIEF-5 score at 12-month follow up.

Effect of Chlorogenic Acid Supplementation in MPTP-Intoxicated Mouse.

Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation play a key role in dopaminergic (DA) neuronal degeneration, which results in the hindrance of normal ongoing biological processes in the case of Parkinson's disease. As shown in several studies, on 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) administration, different behavioral parameters have suggested motor impairment and damage of antioxidant defence. Thus, some specific biological molecules found in medicinal plants can be used to inhibit the DA neuronal degeneration through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. With this objective, we studied chlorogenic acid (CGA), a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound, for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in MPTP-intoxicated mice. We observed significant reoccurrence of motor coordination and antioxidant defence on CGA supplementation, which has been in contrast with MPTP-injected mice. Moreover, in the case of CGA-treated mice, the enhanced expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) within the nigrostriatal region has supported its beneficial effect. The activation of glial cells and oxidative stress levels were also estimated using inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreactivity within substantia nigra (SN) and striatum of MPTP-injected mice. Administration of CGA has prevented the neuroinflammation in SN by regulating the nuclear factor-κB expression in the MPTP-induced group. The significant release of certain pro-inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin (IL)-1ß has also been inhibited by CGA with the enhanced expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Moreover, reduced GFAP staining within the nigrostriatal region has supported the fact that CGA has significantly helped in the attenuation of astrocyte activation. Hence, our study has shown that CGA supplementation shows its therapeutic ability by reducing the oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in MPTP-intoxicated mice.

Inhibition of Gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) by Withania somnifera Phytochemicals Confers Neuroprotection in Stroke: An In Silico Analysis.

A stroke or cerebrovascular accident is a serious, life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is severely reduced or cut off, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Studies suggested that level of gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) usually increases in the brain after stroke. The elevated activity of gelatinases plays the deleterious role in ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke and perinatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. Therefore, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 inhibition have therapeutic importance in stroke condition. Present in silico study investigates whether Withania somnifera (WS) phytochemicals inhibit the MMP-2 and MMP-9 by binding to the catalytic domain, as similar to their inhibitor or not. For that, we performed molecular docking study to evaluate the gelatinases-inhibitory potential of 36 WS phytochemicals, which compared with gelatinases inhibitors viz. hydroxamic acid, quercetin, doxycycline, minocycline and reverse hydroxamate. The results suggest that 28 out of 36 WS phytochemicals show higher affinity for MMP-2 owing to bind with active site residues of S1'-pocket with lower binding energy and smaller inhibition constant (Ki) than considered inhibitors. As well as, withanolide G and withafastuosin E show higher affinity for MMP-9 than reverse hydroxamate inhibitor. These phytochemicals have neuroprotective potential as an inherently useful oral drug to combat ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke mediated by gelatinases.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Holarrhena antidysenterica (L.) Wall.bark extract and their larvicidal activity against dengue and filariasis vectors.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the larvicidal potential of methanol, hexane, acetone, chloroform, and aqueous bark extracts of Holarrhena antidysenterica (L.) Wall. and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using aqueous bark extract against the third instar larvae of Aedes aegypti L. and Culex quinquefasciatus Say. AgNPs were prepared by adding 10 ml of aqueous bark extract in 90 ml of 1 mM silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution. After 5 min of mixing, a change in color from yellow to dark brown occurred indicating the synthesis of AgNPs. Their further characterization was done through ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). UV-Vis spectrum of synthesized AgNPs showed a maximum absorption peak at 420 nm wavelength. Crystalline nature of AgNPs was confirmed by the presence of characteristic Bragg reflection peaks in XRD pattern. TEM images have shown that most of the AgNPs were spherical in shape with an average size of 32 nm. FT-IR spectrum of AgNPs showed prominent absorbance peaks at 1012.2 (C-O) and 3439.44 cm-1 (O-H) which represent the major constituents of phenolics, terpenoids, and flavonoids compounds. LC-MS analysis of the bark extract confirmed the presence of carbonyl and hydroxyl functional groups which were directly correlated with FT-IR results. These AgNPs were assayed against different mosquito vectors, and the maximum mortality was recorded against the larvae of A. aegypti with LC50 and LC90 values being 5.53 and 12.01 ppm, respectively. For C. quinquefasciatus, LC50 and LC90 values were 9.3 and 19.24 ppm, respectively, after 72 h of exposure. Bark extracts prepared in different solvents such as methanol, chloroform, hexane, acetone, and water showed moderate larvicidal activity against A. aegypti their respective LC50 values being 71.74, 94.25, 102.25, 618.82, and 353.65 ppm and LC90 values being 217.36, 222.24, 277.82, 1056.36, and 609.37 ppm. For C. quinquefasciatus, their LC50 values were 69.43, 112.39, 73.73, 597.74, and 334.75 ppm and LC90 values of 170.58, 299.76, 227.48, 1576.98, and 861.45 ppm, respectively, after 72 h of treatment. AgNPs proved to be nontoxic against the non-target aquatic organism, Mesocyclops thermocyclopoides Harada when exposed for 24, 48, and 72 h. The results showed that bark extract-derived AgNPs have extremely high larvicidal potential compared to other organic solvents as well as aqueous bark extract alone. These AgNPs, therefore, can be used safely for the control of dengue and filarial vectors that cause severe human health hazards.

Hepatic Thermal Ablation: Effect of Device and Heating Parameters on Local Tissue Reactions and Distant Tumor Growth.

Purpose To determine whether variable hepatic microwave ablation (MWA) can induce local inflammation and distant pro-oncogenic effects compared with hepatic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in an animal model. Materials and Methods In this institutional Animal Care and Use Committee-approved study, F344 rats (150 gm, n = 96) with subcutaneous R3230 breast adenocarcinoma tumors had normal non-tumor-bearing liver treated with RFA (70°C × 5 minutes), rapid higher-power MWA (20 W × 15 seconds), slower lower-power MWA (5 W × 2 minutes), or a sham procedure (needle placement without energy) and were sacrificed at 6 hours to 7 days (four time points; six animals per arm per time point). Ablation settings produced 11.4 mm ± 0.8 of coagulation for all groups. Distant tumor growth rates were determined to 7 days after treatment. Liver heat shock protein (HSP) 70 levels (at 72 hours) and macrophages (CD68 at 7 days), tumor proliferative indexes (Ki-67 and CD34 at 7 days), and serum and tissue levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) at 6 hours, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) at 72 hours, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) at 72 hours after ablation were assessed. All data were expressed as means ± standard deviations and were compared by using two-tailed t tests and analysis of variance for selected group comparisons. Linear regression analysis of tumor growth curves was used to determine pre- and posttreatment growth curves on a per-tumor basis. Results At 7 days, hepatic ablations with 5-W MWA and RFA increased distant tumor size compared with 20-W MWA and the sham procedure (5-W MWA: 16.3 mm ± 1.1 and RFA: 16.3 mm ± 0.9 vs sham: 13.6 mm ± 1.3, P < .01, and 20-W MWA: 14.6 mm ± 0.9, P < .05). RFA and 5-W MWA increased postablation tumor growth rates compared with the 20-W MWA and sham arms (preablation growth rates range for all arms: 0.60-0.64 mm/d; postablation: RFA: 0.91 mm/d ± 0.11, 5-W MWA: 0.91 mm/d ± 0.14, P < .01 vs pretreatment; 20-W MWA: 0.69 mm/d ± 0.07, sham: 0.56 mm/d ± 1.15; P = .48 and .65, respectively). Tumor proliferation (Ki-67 percentage) was increased for 5-W MWA (82% ± 5) and RFA (79% ± 5), followed by 20-W MWA (65% ± 2), compared with sham (49% ± 5, P < .01). Likewise, distant tumor microvascular density was greater for 5-W MWA and RFA (P < .01 vs 20-W MWA and sham). Lower-energy MWA and RFA also resulted in increased HSP 70 expression and macrophages in the periablational rim (P < .05). Last, IL-6, HGF, and VEGF elevations were seen in 5-W MWA and RFA compared with 20-W MWA and sham (P < .05). Conclusion Although hepatic MWA can incite periablational inflammation and increased distant tumor growth similar to RFA in an animal tumor model, higher-power, faster heating protocols may potentially mitigate such undesired effects. © RSNA, 2016.

Molecular targets of gambogic acid in cancer: recent trends and advancements.

Natural compounds have been known as biosafety agents for their significant clinical and biological activity against dreadful diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative disorders. Gambogic acid (GA), a naturally occurring xanthone-based moiety, reported from Garcinia hanburyi tree, is known to perform numerous intracellular and extracellular actions, including programmed cell death, autophagy, cell cycle arrest, antiangiogenesis, antimetastatic, and anti-inflammatory activities. In addition, GA-based synergistic approaches have been proven to enhance the healing strength of existing chemotherapeutic agents along with lesser side effects. The present review uncovers the bio-therapeutic potential of gambogic acid along with the possible mechanistic interactions of GA with its recognized cellular targets.

Molecular mechanisms underlying chemopreventive potential of curcumin: Current challenges and future perspectives.

In recent years, natural compounds have received considerable attention in preventing and curing most dreadful diseases including cancer. The reason behind the use of natural compounds in chemoprevention is associated with fewer numbers of side effects than conventional chemotherapeutics. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane, PubMed CID: 969516), a naturally occurring polyphenol, is derived from turmeric, which is used as a common Indian spice. It governs numerous intracellular targets, including proteins involved in antioxidant response, immune response, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation and tumor progression. A huge mass of available studies strongly supports the use of Curcumin as a chemopreventive drug. However, the main challenge encountered is the low bioavailability of Curcumin. This extensive review covers various therapeutic interactions of Curcumin with its recognized cellular targets involved in cancer treatment, strategies to overcome the bioavailability issue and adverse effects associated with Curcumin consumption.