Bombax ceiba flower extract mediated synthesis of Se nanoparticles for antibacterial activity and urea detection.

Plant mediated synthesis of metallic nanomaterials has emerged as a non-toxic and economical approach to their applications in diverse fields especially in biomedical sciences. Herein, this study first time reporting the use of Bombax ceiba flower extract for synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). Initially, SeNPs were confirmed by turning the color of reaction mixtures from light yellow to brick-red. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed spherical shaped nanoparticles with smooth surface, size ranges between 30 and 150 nm. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) showed 100-150 nm for the distribution of particle size. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed SeNPs crystallinity and confirmed by matching with selenium JCPD card No. 06-362. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectra showed presence of pure Se peaks that corroborate the conversion of selenium ions into its elemental form by bio-reduction. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra demonstrated that involvement of -OH, C-H, C=C, and C=O functional groups for SeNPs formation. Raman Spectra peaks at 250 cm-1 represent asymmetric trigonal selenium (t-Se). Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (UV-Vis) peaks at 296 and 306 nm which is an indication of surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Moreover, maximum antibacterial activity of SeNPs were observed against Staphylococcus aureus- a gram positive bacteria that possess zone of inhibition (ZOI) 20 mm and Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa-gram negative bacteria with ZOI 28 mm, respectively, at concentration 100 µg/ml. In addition, the surface functionalities induced through extract components adhere over Se binds with urea and give its detection up to 1mM in milk sample. Conclusively, synthesized SeNPs may function as a potential antibacterial pharmaceutical candidate.

Role of mTORC1 and mTORC2 in Breast Cancer: Therapeutic Targeting of mTOR and Its Partners to Overcome Metastasis and Drug Resistance.

Based on the insights gleaned from decades of research, it seems clear that mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an essential signaling node that integrates environmental clues for regulation of cell survival, metabolism and proliferation of the cells. However, overwhelmingly increasing scientific evidence has added a new layer of intricacy to already complicated and versatile signaling pathway of mTOR. Deregulation of spatio-temporally controlled mTOR-driven pathway played contributory role in breast cancer development and progression. Pharmacologists and molecular biologists have specifically emphasized on the identification and development of mTOR-pathway inhibitors. In this chapter we have attempted to provide an overview of the most recent findings related to therapeutic targeting of mTOR-associated mTORC1 and mTORC2 in breast cancer. We have also comprehensively summarized regulation of mTOR and its partners by microRNAs in breast cancer.

Prenatal findings and neonatal immature gastric teratoma.

Immature teratoma of the stomach in the neonate is extremely rare.1(,)2 This report outlines a case of giant immature teratoma of the stomach, which was detected by prenatal ultrasonography in the third trimester as an echogenic mass contiguous with the stomach bubble. It increased from 4.5 cm in diameter to 7 cm between 34 and 37 weeks gestation. The baby was delivered by elective caesarean section at 37 weeks gestation. Neonatal imaging highlighted a differential diagnosis of nephroblastoma, neuroblastoma, pancreatoblastoma and teratoma. The infant underwent surgical excision of the abdominal mass on the 10th day of life. Histology revealed grade III immature gastric teratoma arising from the posterior wall of stomach, outlining the unknown implications of such a designation in an extraovarian site. The infant made a good postoperative recovery and is currently well 9 months later, without adjuvant therapy, and with no evidence of recurrent disease.