Optimization of recombination of milk at different fat levels in a small volume universal disperser unit.

Recombined milk (RM) can be prepared by blending of butteroil, skim milk powder and water and used for variety of purposes in dairy industry. The present work was undertaken to investigate the feasibility of a custom designed and fabricated universal disperser unit for the preparation of recombined milk. Water, SMP and butteroil were used to manufacture the recombined milk. Three levels of fat viz 1.5%, 3.0% and 4.5% were evaluated to study the effect of fat content on the recombination efficiency of the universal disperser using a high shear saw tooth impeller to impart the required shear and disperse the fat in water-SMP matrix to form a stable emulsion. Two independent parameters i.e. temperature at three different levels (20, 35 and 50 °C) and impeller speed (10,000, 15,000 and 20,000 rpm) were selected for the study. All operations were carried out in heating cum process vessel having working capacity of 3 L. The efficiency of the operation was judged based on the dependent parameters namely, mixing time, mixing index, creaming index, power consumption and overall acceptability. Experiments were designed as per RSM in Design Expert V.10.0 software and results obtained were optimized and predicted solutions were compared with observed data. From the study, the optimal combinations for preparation of recombined milk were obtained as 1.5% Fat RM (17,820 rpm, 48 °C), 3.0% Fat RM (15,701 rpm, 48 °C) and 4.5% Fat RM (15,459 rpm, 48 °C).

Dispersion and Interaction of Charged Fluorescent Dyes in Protein-Polymer Surfactant-based Non-Aqueous Liquid.

Viscous, non-aqueous liquid comprising stoichiometric conjugates of polymer surfactant-bovine serum albumin (PSpBSA) is used as a host matrix for the dispersion of chemically distinct hydrophilic dyes. Using a combination of bright field polarized optical microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy, we investigate the dispersion of dry and powdered cationic (Rhodamine 6G; Rh6G) and anionic (Fluorescein; FL) dyes in the PSpBSA liquid at room temperature. As the dyes disperse and dissolve in the PSpBSA liquid, it results in a pronounced increase in emission intensity of the former. Interestingly, a shift from 571 to 582 nm is observed in the emission maxima of Rh6G as it disperses in the PSpBSA solvent. Whilst no such red shift is found for the Rh6G dispersion in the aqueous solutions of either native BSA or polymer-surfactant conjugated BSA, a similar shift occurs when Rh6G is dispersed in neat polymer-surfactant (PS), suggesting the interaction of the dye with the PS chains. In the case of anionic FL, no shift is observed in its emission maximum as it disperses in the PSpBSA liquid. Furthermore, within 120 minutes of FL dispersion in the PSpBSA liquid, we observe a ≈26 % decrease in the tryptophan emission intensity (λexc. =285 nm; λemi. =330 nm) of BSA, which could be attributed to both static and dynamic quenching. Our findings provide a proof of concept of an alternative non-aqueous solvent matrix which can dissolve and disperse charged fluorescent dyes, provide suitable binding sites, and show substantial photoluminescence. Thus, it can be envisaged for utilization as an alternative solvent medium for lasing dyes and related applications.

Hydrogels: An overview of its classifications, properties, and applications.

The review paper starts with the introduction to hydrogels along with broad literature survey covering different modes of synthesis including high energy radiation methods. After that, paper covered broad classification of the hydrogels depending upon the basis of their source of origin, method of synthesis, type of cross-linking present and ionic charges on bound groups. Another advanced category response triggered hydrogels, which includes pH, temperature, electro, and light and substrate responsive hydrogels was also studied. Presented paper summarises chemical structure, properties, and synthesis of different kinds of hydrogels. Main focus was given to the preparation super absorbents such as: Semi-interpenetrating networks (semi-IPNs), Interpenetrating networks (IPNs) and cross-linked binary graft copolymers (BGCPs). The weak mechanical properties and easy degradation limit the uses of bio-based -hydrogels in biomedical field. Their properties can be improved through different chemical and physical methods. These methods were also discussed in the current research paper. Also, it includes development of hydrogels as controlled drug delivery devices, as implants and biomaterials to replace malfunctioned body parts along with their use in several other applications listed in the literature. Literature survey on the application of hydrogels in different fields like biomedical, nano-biotechnology, tissue engineering, drug delivery and agriculture was also carried out.

Mimicking the functional hematopoietic stem cell niche in vitro: recapitulation of marrow physiology by hydrogel-based three-dimensional cultures of mesenchymal stromal cells.

BACKGROUND: A culture system that closely recapitulates marrow physiology is essential to study the niche-mediated regulation of hematopoietic stem cell fate at a molecular level. We investigated the key features that play a crucial role in the formation of a functional niche in vitro. DESIGN AND METHODS: Hydrogel-based cultures of human placenta-derived mesenchymal stromal cells were established to recapitulate the fibrous three-dimensional architecture of the marrow. Plastic-adherent mesenchymal stromal cells were used as controls. Human bone marrow-derived CD34(+) cells were co-cultured with them. The output hematopoietic cells were characterized by various stem cell-specific phenotypic and functional parameters. RESULTS: The hydrogel-cultures harbored a large pool of primitive hematopoietic stem cells with superior phenotypic and functional attributes. Most importantly, like the situation in vivo, a significant fraction of these cells remained quiescent in the face of a robust multi-lineage hematopoiesis. The retention of a high percentage of primitive stem cells by the hydrogel-cultures was attributed to the presence of CXCR4-SDF1α axis and integrin beta1-mediated adhesive interactions. The hydrogel-grown mesenchymal stromal cells expressed high levels of several molecules that are known to support the maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells. Yet another physiologically relevant property exhibited by the hydrogel cultures was the formation of hypoxia-gradient. Destruction of hypoxia-gradient by incubating these cultures in a hypoxia chamber destroyed their specialized niche properties. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that hydrogel-based cultures of mesenchymal stromal cells form a functional in vitro niche by mimicking key features of marrow physiology.

Impact of a CD36 inhibitor on Porphyromonas gingivalis mediated atherosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if AP5055 drug, an inhibitor of CD36, prevents the increase in Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) mediated atherosclerosis in low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLR KO) mice by targeting CD36. METHODS: Male LDLR KO mice were infected with P. gingivalis by oral lavage to induce periodontal disease and fed a western diet to induce atherosclerosis. Mice were treated with the CD36 inhibitor, AP5055 (1 mg/kg), or vehicle (1% DMSO). Aortae were dissected and stained with oil red-O for morphometric analysis; blood/plasma was collected to determine markers of inflammation by cytokine array and cholesterol levels. P. gingivalis-induced bone loss in mandibles was assessed using micro-CT. P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide stimulated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activity was measured using a reporter gene (secreted alkaline phosphatase) assay in AP5055 treated or untreated RAW-Blue macrophages. RESULTS: Isolated aortae showed a significant decrease in lesion area in the AP5055 treated group as compared to the control group. Mechanistically, in vitro analysis demonstrated that AP5055 inhibited NF-κB activity. Cytokine array showed a decrease in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and decreased levels of plasma cholesterol in AP5055 treated mice. Micro-CT measurements of bone loss were not significant between the two groups. CONCLUSION: CD36 inhibitor AP5055 abrogates atherosclerotic lesion burden associated with periodontal disease, accompanied by a reduction in markers of inflammation. These experiments may support the development of drugs targeting CD36 for human disease.

Investigations of potent biocompatible metal-organic framework for efficient encapsulation and delivery of Gemcitabine: biodistribution, pharmacokinetic and cytotoxicity study.

Gemcitabine (GEM), a nucleoside analogue, is used for the treatment of various cancers. However, this drug possesses several limitations such as poor pharmacokinetics, metabolic degradation by cytidine deaminase, development of drug resistance, and schedule dependent toxicity. To circumvent these drawbacks, it can be entrapped in a suitable formulation for protection against metabolic degradation or urinary excretion. To this end, we have synthesized and investigated different iron (Fe-III)-based biocompatible metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), namely, MIL-101-NH2 (rigid), MIL-88A, and MIL-53 (flexible). All these MOFs have different topologies, connectivity, and chemical composition. MIL-53 was identified as a promising carrier for GEM delivery, with enhanced encapsulation and progressive release in relation to other candidates. The release of GEM from MIL-53 followed zero order kinetics, leading to an effective plasma concentration within the therapeutic range. Furthermore, in- vitro cytotoxicity study by using pancreatic cancer cell lines (MIAPaCa-2 and PANC1) stipulated that GEM loaded in MIL-53 (MIL53-GEM) had an increased cytotoxic effect relative to native GEM. Additionally, the slow release of GEM in a controlled manner could protect the drug from enzymatic degradation to increase its efficacy, half-life, and bioavailability without toxicity to organs as evidenced by in-vivo studies. This study demonstrates the potential of MIL53-GEM in upgrading the clinical outcome of GEM-based chemotherapy against cancer.

Interprofessional Education: An Approach to Improve Healthcare Outcomes.

Interprofessional education (IPE) approach allows learners from different health professions viz. - medical, dental, nursing, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, psychology etc., learn from, learn with, and learn about, each other. The scope of learning depends upon the requirements and curriculum. Interprofessional education can help in creating a workforce that learns to perform collaborative practice thereby ensuring better health-care outcomes. Medical educators' and practitioners' understanding about teaching, learning, and assessment of IPE is rudimentary. Strategies to incorporate IPE in regular curricula need to be debated and barriers associated with its implementation require to be identified. This review highlights the teaching-learning and assessment tools for IPE and discusses potential challenges in its implementation.

Salmeterol, a Long-Acting ß2-Adrenergic Receptor Agonist, Inhibits Macrophage Activation by Lipopolysaccharide From Porphyromonas gingivalis.

BACKGROUND: Salmeterol is a long-acting ß2-adrenergic receptor agonist used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The authors of the current study previously showed that preincubation of primary microglial-enriched cells with salmeterol could inhibit the inflammatory response induced by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 agonist. In this study, the authors sought to determine if salmeterol had a similar inhibitory effect on the inflammatory response of the murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7 and human monocyte THP-1 to LPS from Porphyromonas gingivalis (PgLPS), an oral microbe implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. METHODS: RAW264.7 and THP-1 cells were pretreated with salmeterol, followed by PgLPS, and monitored for production of inflammatory mediators by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The nitric oxide concentration and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activity were measured by Griess method and secretory alkaline phosphatase reporter activity assay, respectively. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot analysis were used to measure messenger RNA and protein levels. Nuclear translocation of NF-κB was detected by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Pretreatment with salmeterol significantly inhibited production of proinflammatory mediators by RAW264.7 and THP-1 cells. Salmeterol downregulated PgLPS-mediated phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase but not p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Salmeterol also attenuated activation of NF-κB via inhibition of nuclear translocation of p65-NFκB, the transcriptional activity of NF-κB and IκBα phosphorylation. CONCLUSION: Salmeterol can significantly inhibit activation of macrophage-mediated inflammation by PgLPS, suggesting that use of salmeterol may be an effective treatment in inhibiting or lessening the inflammatory response mediated through TLR pathway activation.

Oleanolic-bioenhancer coloaded chitosan modified nanocarriers attenuate breast cancer cells by multimode mechanism and preserve female fertility.

Addressing multidrug resistant stage of breast cancer is an impediment for chemotherapy. Moreover, breast cancer chemotherapy has potential enduring confrontations i.e. related toxicity including effect on fertility of young female patients. The co-delivery of polyphenolic bio-enhancers with oleanolic acid in chitosan coated PLGA nanoparticles was designed for oral delivery with enhanced antitumor effect consecutively preserving the female fertility. The optimized oleanolic- bio-enhancer nano formulation CH-OA-B-PLGA with particle size was 342.2±3.7nm and zeta potential of 34.2±3.1mV was capable of lowering viability in MDAMB 231 cell line 16 times than OA. Further, mechanistic studies in MDAMB-231 cells revealed that CH-OA-PLGA induces apoptosis by mitochondrial membrane disruption; follows ROS mediated and caspase dependent apoptosis. The antitumor effect studied in 4-T1 induced Balb/c mice mammary tumor model displayed augmented antitumor potency by CH-OA-B-PLGA in comparison to OA. In the in vivo toxicity on Sprague-Dawley rat model, CH-OA-B-PLGA significantly displayed the safe profile and also preserves fertility in female rats. The experiment result suggests co-delivery of oleanolic acid with bio-enhancers as a breakthrough for developing safe chemotherapy for hormone independent breast cancer therapy countering the toxicity issues.