Pufferfish Optimization Algorithm: A New Bio-Inspired Metaheuristic Algorithm for Solving Optimization Problems.

A new bio-inspired metaheuristic algorithm named the Pufferfish Optimization Algorithm (POA), that imitates the natural behavior of pufferfish in nature, is introduced in this paper. The fundamental inspiration of POA is adapted from the defense mechanism of pufferfish against predators. In this defense mechanism, by filling its elastic stomach with water, the pufferfish becomes a spherical ball with pointed spines, and as a result, the hungry predator escapes from this threat. The POA theory is stated and then mathematically modeled in two phases: (i) exploration based on the simulation of a predator's attack on a pufferfish and (ii) exploitation based on the simulation of a predator's escape from spiny spherical pufferfish. The performance of POA is evaluated in handling the CEC 2017 test suite for problem dimensions equal to 10, 30, 50, and 100. The optimization results show that POA has achieved an effective solution with the appropriate ability in exploration, exploitation, and the balance between them during the search process. The quality of POA in the optimization process is compared with the performance of twelve well-known metaheuristic algorithms. The simulation results show that POA provides superior performance by achieving better results in most of the benchmark functions in order to solve the CEC 2017 test suite compared to competitor algorithms. Also, the effectiveness of POA to handle optimization tasks in real-world applications is evaluated on twenty-two constrained optimization problems from the CEC 2011 test suite and four engineering design problems. Simulation results show that POA provides effective performance in handling real-world applications by achieving better solutions compared to competitor algorithms.

Sulforaphane ameliorate Arsenic induced cardiotoxicity in rats: Role of PI3k/Akt mediated Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Arsenic (As) toxicity can generate reactive free radicals, which play an important role in the evolution of cardiomyopathy. The aim of this research is to see if sulforaphane (SFN) protects against As-induced heart damage, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial complex dysfunction via the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathway. The rats were placed into four groups, each with eight rats. Group 1: Normal rats (control group); Group 2: Treatment group (5 mg/kg body weight); Group 3: SFN+As-treatment group (80 mg/kg body weight + 5 mg/kg body weight); Group 4: SFN group only (80 mg/kg body weight). The swot will last 4 weeks. At the end of the intermission (28 days), all of the rats starved overnight and killed with cervical decapitation. As administration considerably (p < 0.05) inflated the extent of free radicals (O2-, OH-), lipoid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal), lipoid profile (low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C), total cholesterol, triglyceride, and phospholipids), cardiac Troponin (cTnT&I), and Mitochondrial complex III. A noteworthy (p < 0.05) diminish the level of HDL-C, Mitochondrial complex I and II, enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase), and nonenzymatic antioxidant (glutathione and total sulfhydryl groups) and PI3k, Akt, and Nrf2 sequence in As treated rats. The western blot, real-time polymerase chain reaction, flowcytometric, and histology studies all corroborated the biochemical findings which revealed significant heart damage in rats. Pretreatment with SFN significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the invitro free radicals, lipid oxidative indicators, mitochondrial complex, lipid profiles, and increased phase II antioxidants in the heart. This result shows that dietary supplementation of SFN protects against As-induced cardiotoxicity via PI3k/Akt/Nrf2 pathway in rats.

The Journey of Resveratrol from Vineyards to Clinics.

With rising technological advancements, several factors influence the lifestyle of people and stimulate chronic inflammation that severely affects the human body. Chronic inflammation leads to a broad range of physical and pathophysiological distress. For many years, non-steroidal drugs and corticosteroids were most frequently used in treating inflammation and related ailments. However, long-term usage of these drugs aggravates the conditions of chronic diseases and is presented with morbid side effects, especially in old age. Hence, the quest for safe and less toxic anti-inflammatory compounds of high therapeutic potential with least adverse side effects has shifted researchers' attention to ancient medicinal system. Resveratrol (RSV) - 3,4,5' trihydroxystilbene is one such naturally available polyphenolic stilbene derivative obtained from various plant sources. For over 2000 years, these plants have been used in Asian medicinal system for curing inflammation-associated disorders. There is a wealth of in vitro, in vivo and clinical evidence that shows RSV could induce anti-aging health benefits including, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, phytoesterogenic, and cardio protective properties. However, the issue of rapid elimination of RSV through the metabolic system and its low bio-availability is of paramount importance which is being studied extensively. Therefore, in this article, we scientifically reviewed the molecular targets, biological activities, beneficial and contradicting effects of RSV as evinced by clinical studies for the prevention and treatment of inflammation-mediated chronic disorders.

Differential roles of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in modulating apoptosis in cancer cells.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in the world. The conventional treatment strategies of cancer are surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. However, in the advanced stage of the disease chemotherapy is the prime treatment and it is effective in only less than 10% of the patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find out novel therapeutic targets and delineate the mechanism of action of these targets for better management of this disease. Recent studies have shown that some of the proteins have differential role in different cancers. Therefore, it is pertinent that the targeting of these proteins should be based on the type of cancer. The nuclear receptor, FXR, is one of the vital proteins that regulate cell apoptosis. Besides, it also regulates other processes such as cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and migration. Studies suggest that the low or high expression of FXR is associated with the progression of carcinogenesis depending on the cancer types. Due to the diverse expression, it functions as both tumor suppressor and promoter. Previous studies suggest the overexpression of FXR in breast, lung, esophageal, and prostate cancer, which is related to poor survival and poor prognosis in patients. Therefore, targeting FXR with agonists and antagonists play different outcome in different cancers. Hence, this review describes the role of FXR in different cancers and the role of its inhibitors and activators for the prevention and treatment of various cancers.

COVID-19, cytokines, inflammation, and spices: How are they related?

BACKGROUND: Cytokine storm is the exaggerated immune response often observed in viral infections. It is also intimately linked with the progression of COVID-19 disease as well as associated complications and mortality. Therefore, targeting the cytokine storm might help in reducing COVID-19-associated health complications. The number of COVID-19 associated deaths (as of January 15, 2021; https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/) in the USA is high (1199/million) as compared to countries like India (110/million). Although the reason behind this is not clear, spices may have some role in explaining this difference. Spices and herbs are used in different traditional medicines, especially in countries such as India to treat various chronic diseases due to their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. AIM: To evaluate the literature available on the anti-inflammatory properties of spices which might prove beneficial in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 associated cytokine storm. METHOD: A detailed literature search has been conducted on PubMed for collecting information pertaining to the COVID-19; the history, origin, key structural features, and mechanism of infection of SARS-CoV-2; the repurposed drugs in use for the management of COVID-19, and the anti-inflammatory role of spices to combat COVID-19 associated cytokine storm. KEY FINDINGS: The literature search resulted in numerous in vitro, in vivo and clinical trials that have reported the potency of spices to exert anti-inflammatory effects by regulating crucial molecular targets for inflammation. SIGNIFICANCE: As spices are derived from Mother Nature and are inexpensive, they are relatively safer to consume. Therefore, their anti-inflammatory property can be exploited to combat the cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients. This review thus focuses on the current knowledge on the role of spices for the treatment of COVID-19 through suppression of inflammation-linked cytokine storm.

Targeting Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) for developing novel therapeutics against cancer.

Cancer is one of the lethal diseases that arise due to the molecular alterations in the cell. One of those alterations associated with cancer corresponds to differential expression of Farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a nuclear receptor regulating bile, cholesterol homeostasis, lipid, and glucose metabolism. FXR is known to regulate several diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases, the two highly reported causes of mortality globally. Recent studies have shown the association of FXR overexpression with cancer development and progression in different types of cancers of breast, lung, pancreas, and oesophagus. It has also been associated with tissue-specific and cell-specific roles in various cancers. It has been shown to modulate several cell-signalling pathways such as EGFR/ERK, NF-κB, p38/MAPK, PI3K/AKT, Wnt/ß-catenin, and JAK/STAT along with their targets such as caspases, MMPs, cyclins; tumour suppressor proteins like p53, C/EBPß, and p-Rb; various cytokines; EMT markers; and many more. Therefore, FXR has high potential as novel biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of cancer. Thus, the present review focuses on the diverse role of FXR in different cancers and its agonists and antagonists.

Rationalizing the therapeutic potential of apigenin against cancer.

BACKGROUND: Despite the remarkable advances made in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer during the past couple of decades, it remains the second largest cause of mortality in the world, killing approximately 9.6 million people annually. The major challenges in the treatment of the advanced stage of this disease are the development of chemoresistance, severe adverse effects of the drugs, and high treatment cost. Therefore, the development of drugs that are safe, efficacious, and cost-effective remains a 'Holy Grail' in cancer research. However, the research over the past four decades shed light on the cancer-preventive and therapeutic potential of natural products and their underlying mechanism of action. Apigenin is one such compound, which is known to be safe and has significant potential in the prevention and therapy of this disease. AIM: To assess the literature available on the potential of apigenin and its analogs in modulating the key molecular targets leading to the prevention and treatment of different types of cancer. METHOD: A comprehensive literature search has been carried out on PubMed for obtaining information related to the sources and analogs, chemistry and biosynthesis, physicochemical properties, biological activities, bioavailability and toxicity of apigenin. KEY FINDINGS: The literature search resulted in many in vitro, in vivo and a few cohort studies that evidenced the effectiveness of apigenin and its analogs in modulating important molecular targets and signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT, NF-κB, MAPK/ERK, Wnt/ß-catenin, etc., which play a crucial role in the development and progression of cancer. In addition, apigenin was also shown to inhibit chemoresistance and radioresistance and make cancer cells sensitive to these agents. Reports have further revealed the safety of the compound and the adaptation of nanotechnological approaches for improving its bioavailability. SIGNIFICANCE: Hence, the present review recapitulates the properties of apigenin and its pharmacological activities against different types of cancer, which warrant further investigation in clinical settings.

Diosgenin, a steroidal saponin, and its analogs: Effective therapies against different chronic diseases.

BACKGROUND: Chronic diseases are a major cause of mortality worldwide, and despite the recent development in treatment modalities, synthetic drugs have continued to show toxic side effects and development of chemoresistance, thereby limiting their application. The use of phytochemicals has gained attention as they show minimal side effects. Diosgenin is one such phytochemical which has gained importance for its efficacy against the life-threatening diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, nervous system disorders, asthma, arthritis, diabetes, and many more. AIM: To evaluate the literature available on the potential of diosgenin and its analogs in modulating different molecular targets leading to the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. METHOD: A detailed literature search has been carried out on PubMed for gathering information related to the sources, biosynthesis, physicochemical properties, biological activities, pharmacokinetics, bioavailability and toxicity of diosgenin and its analogs. KEY FINDINGS: The literature search resulted in many in vitro, in vivo and clinical trials that reported the efficacy of diosgenin and its analogs in modulating important molecular targets and signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT, NF-κB, MAPK, etc., which play a crucial role in the development of most of the diseases. Reports have also revealed the safety of the compound and the adaptation of nanotechnological approaches for enhancing its bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties. SIGNIFICANCE: Thus, the review summarizes the efficacy of diosgenin and its analogs for developing as a potent drug against several chronic diseases.

Bi-doped suppression of antisite disordering and associated magnetic properties of La2-x Bi x MnNiO6 (x = 0 and 1).

Here we report synthesis, structure, microstructure and magnetic properties of La2-x Bi x MnNiO6 (x = 0 and 1) double perovskites. Ricciardo et al (2009 Mater. Res. Bull. 44 239) have attempted to synthesize LaBiMnNiO6 (x = 1), but no further characterization was done due to large impurity content in the sample. We have been able to synthesize LaBiMnNiO6 phase at ambient pressure with traces of impurity at 750 °C using sol-gel method. This achievement leads us to compare the structural and magnetic properties of LaBiMnNiO6 with parent phase La2MnNiO6 to highlight the effect of Bi-doping in double perovskite. In contrast to the biphasic rhombohedral (R-3c) and monoclinic (P21/n) crystal structures of La2MnNiO6, LaBiMnNiO6 crystallized in single monoclinic (P21/n) phase. The EDX mapping confirmed the chemical homogeneity of the samples. The electron diffraction confirms the ordered structure of the sample. The microstructure analysis from HAADF-STEM revealed random distribution of misfit dislocations in the structure. Such defects are created to relax the strain due to unusual replacement of Mn/Ni atoms by La/Bi. We observed a decrease in TC with a large increase in magnetic moment of LaBiMnNiO6 compare to La2MnNiO6. There is also large suppression of low-temperature magnetic anomaly in Bi-substituted sample. The lowering of TC can be rationalized to the local structural distortion associated with the stereoactive 6s2-lone pair electron of Bi3+. On the other hand, the increase in magnetic moment and suppression of low-temperature magnetic anomaly for LaBiMnNiO6 can be ascribed to the suppression of antisite disorder in Bi-substituted sample.

A revisit to the effect of annealing temperature on magnetic properties of LaFe0.5Mn0.5O3.

We report an experimental study for the structural and magnetic properties of highly pure LaFe0.5Mn0.5O3 perovskite phase. The impurity free LaFe0.5Mn0.5O3 has been prepared by sol-gel technique at 500 °C and annealed at different temperatures up to 1000 °C. Previous works on LaFe0.5Mn0.5O3 revealed presence of secondary phases along with contradicting magnetic properties. Such as, Bhame et al (2005 Phys. Rev. B 72 054426-7) reported the superparamagnetic or spin-glass like behavior for 200 °C treated sample that persisted even at 700 °C sample. However, Wei et al (2012 Mater. Chem. Phys. 136 755-61) claimed room temperature ferromagnetism in all the samples annealed in the range of 600 °C-700 °C where the saturation magnetization decreases with the increase in temperature. These contradicting results lead us to revisit the effect of annealing temperature on the magnetic properties of LaFe0.5Mn0.5O3. We noticed a gradual increase in magnetization with increase in annealing temperatures without any signature of long range spin ordering for pure single phase samples. The increased magnetic moment with annealing temperatures has been attributed to the suppression of surface contribution of disordered spin. The low temperature magnetic behaviors can be explained by the interacting cluster glass behavior for the pristine as well as for 1000 °C annealed samples.

Ultra-high sensitivity of luminescent ZnCr2O4 nanoparticles toward nitroaromatic explosives sensing.

Here, we report the luminescence based sensing of trace amounts of nitroaromatic explosive organic compounds. The luminescence emission of nanosized spinel oxide ZnCr2O4 with high chemical and thermal stabilities has been used as a potential probe to detect such organic explosives. Low temperature solution combustion synthesized ZnCr2O4 oxide with an average particle size of ∼9 nm exhibits strong luminescence emission at 410 nm upon excitation at 260 nm in an aqueous suspension. The presence of nitroaromatics in ZnCr2O4 suspension dramatically suppresses the luminescence emission providing an opportunity to detect it quantitatively. The detection limit for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) is as low as 23 ppb. A number of organic compounds have been investigated for a comprehensive understanding. The astonishing sensitivity of ZnCr2O4 nanoparticles towards nitro explosives is appealing for sensing application. A plausible explanation of such luminescence quenching has been ascribed to a two-fold mechanism. The underling mechanism is further substantiated by a similar study on ZnO nanoparticles.