Comparison of Different Genioplasty Techniques in Terms of Neurosensory Deficit and Haematoma Formation.

OBJECTIVE: To compare different types of genioplasty techniques (chin advancement, rotation and advancement, setback, and reduction) in terms of neurosensory deficit and haematoma formation. STUDY DESIGN: Comparative analytical study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from January 2022 to April 2023. METHODOLOGY: Patients requiring genioplasty and fulfilling the inclusion criteria i.e. both genders aged 16-60 years were included and divided into 4 groups according to the type of genioplasty performed. Genioplasty was planned as per the ortho treatment plan and performed under general anaesthesia. Setback genioplasty was performed on 8 patients, advancement genioplasty on 11 patients, reduction genioplasty on 3, and advancement with rotation genioplasty on 16 patients. Postoperatively neurosensory deficit was recorded on follow-up after 1 month by subjective and objective assessments, and haematoma formation was assessed clinically on the 7th day after the procedure. RESULTS: Advancement with rotation genioplasty showed the highest frequency of neurosensory deficit (almost 50%) and reduction type genioplasty showed the least frequency of neurosensory deficit (<1%, p = 0.49). The frequency of haematoma formation was maximum in the advancement with rotation genioplasty (62.5%) and minimum in equal setback genioplasty (25%, p = 0.61). CONCLUSION: Advancement with rotation genioplasty had the highest rate of postoperative neurosensory deficit and haematoma formation when compared with other techniques of genioplasty. KEY WORDS: Genioplasty, Neurosensory deficit, Haematoma, Advancement with rotation genioplasty, Setback genioplasty.

Assessment of phytochemicals, antioxidant, anti-hemolytic, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer potential of flowers, leaves and stem extracts of.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate phytochemicals and in vitro biological potential of flowers, leaves and stem extracts of Rosa arvensis. METHODS: Presence of twenty secondary metabolites was confirmed and then phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified spectrophotometrically. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy was conducted to ascertain functional groups and antioxidant potential was examined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity, total antioxidant capacity and total reducing power assays. Human erythrocytes were used to assess anti-hemolytic activity and five bacterial strains were examined to determine antibacterial potential of plant extracts. Radish seeds were used to perform phytotoxic activity and cytotoxic potential was evaluated via brine shrimps and PC3 cell lines. RESULTS: Highest phenolic contents were detected in the methanolic extract of Rosa arvensis flower (RAFM) [(151.635 ± 0.005) gallic acid equivalent mg/g] and highest flavonoid contents in the chloroform leaf extract (RALC) [(108.228 ± 0.004) quercetin equivalent mg/g]. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed the presence of wide range of functional groups. The antioxidant assays indicated highest DPPH scavenging activity [IC50 (23.5 ± 0.6) µg/mL] in the methanolic stem extract (RASM), highest total antioxidant capacity [(265.1 ± 0.9) µg/mL] in RAFM and highest reducing potential [(209.9 ± 0.6) µg/mL] in leaf extract (RALM). Highest anti-hemolytic activity [(90.0 ± 0.5) µg/mL] was recorded in RAFM and brine shrimp cytotoxicity potential [(52.3 ± 0.3) µg/mL] in RASM. The antimicrobial activity was detected highest [(21.1 ± 0.5) mm inhibition zones] in RALM against Streptococcus aureus. In the end, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity results depicted less than 50 % inhibition in the methanolic extracts. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings will be helpful in designing pharmaceutical regimens and therefore, more studies can be recommended to isolate and characterize compounds associated with the biological activities of Rosa arvensis.

Biogenic synthesis, characterization, and in vitro biological investigation of silver oxide nanoparticles (AgONPs) using Rhynchosia capitata.

The current research aimed to study the green synthesis of silver oxide nanoparticles (AgONPs) using Rhynchosia capitata (RC) aqueous extract as a potent reducing and stabilizing agent. The obtained RC-AgONPs were characterized using UV, FT-IR, XRD, DLS, SEM, and EDX to investigate the morphology, size, and elemental composition. The size of the RC-AgONPs was found to be ~ 21.66 nm and an almost uniform distribution was executed by XRD analysis. In vitro studies were performed to reveal biological potential. The AgONPs exhibited efficient DPPH free radical scavenging potential (71.3%), reducing power (63.8 ± 1.77%), and total antioxidant capacity (88.5 ± 4.8%) to estimate their antioxidative power. Antibacterial and antifungal potentials were evaluated using the disc diffusion method against various bacterial and fungal strains, and the zones of inhibition (ZOI) were determined. A brine shrimp cytotoxicity assay was conducted to measure the cytotoxicity potential (LC50: 2.26 µg/mL). In addition, biocompatibility tests were performed to evaluate the biocompatible nature of RC-AgONPs using red blood cells, HEK, and VERO cell lines (< 200 µg/mL). An alpha-amylase inhibition assay was carried out with 67.6% inhibition. Moreover, In vitro, anticancer activity was performed against Hep-2 liver cancer cell lines, and an LC50 value of 45.94 µg/mL was achieved. Overall, the present study has demonstrated that the utilization of R. capitata extract for the biosynthesis of AgONPs offers a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and forthright alternative to traditional approaches for silver nanoparticle synthesis. The RC-AgONPs obtained exhibited significant bioactive properties, positioning them as promising candidates for diverse applications in the spheres of medicine and beyond.

SAR, Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamic Simulation of Natural Inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro Spike Protein.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus and its mutations have affected human health globally and created significant danger for the health of people all around the world. To cure this virus, the human Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor, the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), and spike proteins were found to be likely candidates for the synthesis of novel therapeutic drug. In the past, proteins were capable of engaging in interaction with a wide variety of ligands, including both manmade and plant-derived small molecules. Pyrus communis L., Ginko bibola, Carica papaya, Syrian rue, and Pimenta dioica were some of the plant species that were studied for their tendency to interact with SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) in this research project (6LU7). This scenario investigates the geometry, electronic, and thermodynamic properties computationally. Assessing the intermolecular forces of phytochemicals with the targets of the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro spike protein (SP) resulted in the recognition of a compound, kaempferol, as the most potent binding ligand, -7.7 kcal mol-1. Kaempferol interacted with ASP-187, CYS-145, SER-144, LEU 141, MET-165, and GLU-166 residues. Through additional molecular dynamic simulations, the stability of ligand-protein interactions was assessed for 100 ns. GLU-166 remained intact with 33% contact strength with phenolic OH group. We noted a change in torsional conformation, and the molecular dynamics simulation showed a potential variation in the range from 3.36 to 7.44 against a 45-50-degree angle rotation. SAR, pharmacokinetics, and drug-likeness characteristic investigations showed that kaempferol may be the suitable candidate to serve as a model for designing and developing new anti-COVID-19 medicines.

Predicting current and future habitat of Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) under climate change.

Climate change is among the greatest drivers of biodiversity loss, threatening up to 15-30% of described species by the end of the twenty-first century. We estimated the current suitable habitat and forecasted future distribution ranges of Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) under climate change scenarios. We collected occurrence records of Indian pangolin using burrow counts, remote camera records and previously published literature in Pakistan during 2021-2023. We downloaded bioclimatic data for current (1970-2000) and future (2041-2060, 2061-2080, 2081-2100) climate scenarios from the WorldClim database using the Hadley Global Environment Model (HadGEM3-GC31-LL). We used MaxEnt software to predict current and future distributions of Indian pangolin, then computed the amount of habitat lost, gained, and unchanged across periods. We obtained 560 Indian pangolin occurrences overall, 175 during the study, and 385 from our literature search. Model accuracy was very good (AUC = 0.885, TSS = 0.695), and jackknife tests of variable importance showed that the contribution of annual mean temperature (bio1) was greatest (33.4%), followed by the mean temperature of the coldest quarter (bio-12, 29.3%), temperature seasonality (bio 4, 25.9%), and precipitation seasonality (bio 15, 11.5%). The maxent model predicted that during the current time period (1970-2000) highly suitable habitat for Indian pangolin was (7270 km2, 2.2%), followed by moderately suitable (12,418 km2, 3.7%), less suitable (49,846 km2, 14.8%), and unsuitable habitat (268,355 km2, 79.4%). Highly suitable habitat decreased in the western part of the study area under most SSPs and in the central parts it declined under all SSPs and in future time periods. The predicted loss in the suitable habitat of the Indian pangolin was greatest (26.97%) under SSP 585 followed by SSP 126 (23.67%) during the time 2061-2080. The gain in suitable habitat of Indian pangolin was less than that of losses on average which ranged between 1.91 and 13.11% under all SSPs during all time periods. While the stable habitat of the Indian pangolin ranged between 64.60 and 83.85% under all SSPs during all time periods. Our study provides the current and future habitat ranges of Indian pangolin in the face of a changing climate. The findings of our study could be helpful for policymakers to set up conservation strategies for Indian pangolin in Pakistan.

In-silico analysis and transformation of OsMYB48 transcription factor driven by CaMV35S promoter in model plant - Nicotiana tabacum L. conferring abiotic stress tolerance.

Global crop yield has been affected by a number of abiotic stresses. Heat, salinity, and drought stress are at the top of the list as serious environmental growth-limiting factors. To enhance crop productivity, molecular approaches have been used to determine the key regulators affecting stress-related phenomena. MYB transcription factors (TF) have been reported as one of the promising defensive proteins against the unfavorable conditions that plants must face. Different roles of MYB TFs have been suggested such as regulation of cellular growth and differentiation, hormonal signaling, mediating abiotic stress responses, etc. To gain significant insights, a comprehensive in-silico analysis of OsMYB TF was carried out in comparison with 21 dicot MYB TFs and 10 monocot MYB TFs. Their chromosomal location, gene structure, protein domain, and motifs were analyzed. The phylogenetic relationship was also studied, which resulted in the classification of proteins into four basic groups: groups A, B, C, and D. The protein motif analysis identified several conserved sequences responsible for cellular activities. The gene structure analysis suggested that proteins that were present in the same class, showed similar intron-exon structures. Promoter analysis revealed major cis-acting elements that were found to be responsible for hormonal signaling and initiating a response to abiotic stress and light-induced mechanisms. The transformation of OsMYB TF into tobacco was carried out using the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method, to further analyze the expression level of a gene in different plant parts, under stress conditions. To summarize, the current studies shed light on the evolution and role of OsMYB TF in plants. Future investigations should focus on elucidating the functional roles of MYB transcription factors in abiotic stress tolerance through targeted genetic modification and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing. The application of omics approaches and systems biology will be indispensable in delineating the regulatory networks orchestrated by MYB TFs, facilitating the development of crop genotypes with enhanced resilience to environmental stressors. Rigorous field validation of these genetically engineered or edited crops is imperative to ascertain their utility in promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Advanced feature learning and classification of microscopic breast abnormalities using a robust deep transfer learning technique.

Breast cancer is a major health threat, with early detection crucial for improving cure and survival rates. Current systems rely on imaging technology, but digital pathology and computerized analysis can enhance accuracy, reduce false predictions, and improve medical care for breast cancer patients. The study explores the challenges in identifying benign and malignant breast cancer lesions using microscopic image datasets. It introduces a low-dimensional multiple-channel feature-based method for breast cancer microscopic image recognition, overcoming limitations in feature utilization and computational complexity. The method uses RGB channels for image processing and extracts features using level co-occurrence matrix, wavelet, Gabor, and histogram of oriented gradient. This approach aims to improve diagnostic efficiency and accuracy in breast cancer treatment. The core of our method is the SqE-DDConvNet algorithm, which utilizes a 3 × 1 convolution kernel, SqE-DenseNet module, bilinear interpolation, and global average pooling to enhance recognition accuracy and training efficiency. Additionally, we incorporate transfer learning with pre-trained models, including mVVGNet16, EfficientNetV2B3, ResNet101V2, and CN2XNet, preserving spatial information and achieving higher accuracy under varying magnification conditions. The method achieves higher accuracy compared to baseline models, including texture and deep semantic features. This deep learning-based methodology contributes to more accurate image classification and unique image recognition in breast cancer microscopic images. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Introduces a low-dimensional multiple-channel feature-based method for breast cancer microscopic image recognition. Uses RGB channels for image processing and extracts features using level co-occurrence matrix, wavelet, Gabor, and histogram of oriented gradient. Employs the SqE-DDConvNet algorithm for enhanced recognition accuracy and training efficiency. Transfer learning with pre-trained models preserves spatial information and achieves higher accuracy under varying magnification conditions. Evaluates predictive efficacy of transfer learning paradigms within microscopic analysis. Utilizes CNN-based pre-trained algorithms to enhance network performance.

Unraveling the role of superalkalis in modulating the static and dynamic hyperpolarizabilities of emerging calix[4]arenes.

Calixarenes, as novel organic materials, can play a pivotal role in the development of high-performance nonlinear optical materials due to the ease of design and fabrication. In this study, DFT simulations were employed to investigate the geometric, electronic, and NLO responses of calix[4]arene doped with Li3O, Na3O, and K3O superalkalis. The computed values of the vertical ionization energies and interaction energies indicate the chemical and thermodynamic stabilities of the targeted M3O@calix[4]arene complexes. The corresponding energy gaps (2.01 to 3.49 eV) are notably reduced, indicating the semiconductor nature of the materials. Surprisingly, the M3O@calix[4]arene complexes exhibit transparency in the UV/visible range as the absorption peaks are shifted in the near infrared (NIR) region. The highest values of 5.9 × 105 a.u. and 2.3 × 108 a.u. for the respective first and second hyperpolarizabilities are observed for Na3O@calix[4]arene. Furthermore, the Na3O@calix[4]arene complex exhibits maximum values of 2.3 × 105 a.u. for second harmonic generation (SHG) and (K3O@calix[4]arene) 2.3 × 106 a.u. for the electro-optical Pockels effect (EOPE) at 1064 nm. Similarly, approximations are made for the dynamic second hyperpolarizability coefficients (EOKE and EFISHG) at different wavelengths. Notably, the Na3O@calix[4]arene complex demonstrates the highest quadratic nonlinear refractive index (n2) of 9.5 × 10-15 cm2 W-1 at 1064 nm. This research paves the way for the development of stable calix[4]arenes doped with superalkalis, leading to an improved nonlinear optical (NLO) response.

Historical and current distribution ranges of the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus).

The current distribution of Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) is available on the IUCN Red List of Threatened species website; however, nothing is known about the historical extent and occurrence of this species. Therefore, we aimed to understand the historical distribution of the Asiatic black bear, and map and estimate its total size, to compare it with that of species current distribution. In addition, we analyzed a network of protected areas in the past and current ranges of the species. We employed geographic information system (GIS) software to reconstruct and measure the historical range of the Asiatic black bear, comparing past and current ranges to analyze its expected range contraction. The main focus of the study was to enhance our understanding of the species' historical distribution, contributing to better conservation strategies for the present and future perspectives. The utilization of GIS tools facilitates a comprehensive exploration of the factors influencing the species' decline, ultimately aiding in more effective management and conservation efforts. We used published records of black bear's occurrence in anywhere in history to reconstruct its historical distribution range. Results revealed that the Asiatic black bear was more widely distributed in historical times and its range spanned across approximately 15.86 million km2 while its current range is limited to approximately 7.85 million km2, showing a range contraction of approximately 49.5% (8.02 million km2 reduced). The total protected areas in the historical range of the species were found to be N = 9933, with total size of 0.946 million km2, against N = 6580 (0.667 million km2) that are present in the current range. Approximately 27.5% of the protected areas have lost the Asiatic black bear since historical times.

Predicting the Length of Stay of Cardiac Patients Based on Pre-Operative Variables-Bayesian Models vs. Machine Learning Models.

Length of stay (LoS) prediction is deemed important for a medical institution's operational and logistical efficiency. Sound estimates of a patient's stay increase clinical preparedness and reduce aberrations. Various statistical methods and techniques are used to quantify and predict the LoS of a patient based on pre-operative clinical features. This study evaluates and compares the results of Bayesian (simple Bayesian regression and hierarchical Bayesian regression) models and machine learning (ML) regression models against multiple evaluation metrics for the problem of LoS prediction of cardiac patients admitted to Tabba Heart Institute, Karachi, Pakistan (THI) between 2015 and 2020. In addition, the study also presents the use of hierarchical Bayesian regression to account for data variability and skewness without homogenizing the data (by removing outliers). LoS estimates from the hierarchical Bayesian regression model resulted in a root mean squared error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) of 1.49 and 1.16, respectively. Simple Bayesian regression (without hierarchy) achieved an RMSE and MAE of 3.36 and 2.05, respectively. The average RMSE and MAE of ML models remained at 3.36 and 1.98, respectively.

Exploring the Sensing Potential of g-C3N4 versus Li/g-C3N4 Nanoflakes toward Hazardous Organic Volatiles: A DFT Simulation Study.

Ab initio calculations were performed to determine the sensing behavior of g-C3N4 and Li metal-doped g-C3N4 (Li/g-C3N4) quantum dots toward toxic compounds acetamide (AA), benzamide (BA), and their thio-analogues, namely, thioacetamide (TAA) and thiobenzamide (TAA). For optimization and interaction energies, the ωB97XD/6-31G(d,p) level of theory was used. Interaction energies (Eint) illustrate the high thermodynamic stabilities of the designed complexes due to the presence of the noncovalent interactions. The presence of electrostatic forces in some complexes is also observed. The observed trend of Eint in g-C3N4 complexes was BA > TAA > AA > TBA, while in Li/g-C3N4, the trend was BA > AA > TBA > TAA. The electronic properties were studied by frontier molecular orbital (FMO) and natural bond orbital analyses. According to FMO, lithium metal doping greatly enhanced the conductivity of the complexes by generating new HOMOs near the Fermi level. A significant amount of charge transfer was also observed in complexes, reflecting the increase in charge conductivity. NCI and QTAIM analyses evidenced the presence of significant noncovalent dispersion and electrostatic forces in Li/g-C3N4 and respective complexes. Charge decomposition analysis gave an idea of the transfer of charge density between quantum dots and analytes. Finally, TD-DFT explained the optical behavior of the reported complexes. The findings of this study suggested that both bare g-C3N4 and Li/g-C3N4 can effectively be used as atmospheric sensors having excellent adsorbing properties toward toxic analytes.

Frequency-dependent nonlinear optical response and refractive index investigation of lactone-derived thermochromic compounds.

Nonlinear optical (NLO) switchable materials play a crucial role in the fields of electronics and optoelectronics. The selection of an appropriate switching approach is vital in designing such materials to enhance their NLO response. Among various approaches, thermos-switching materials have shown a 4-fold increase in NLO response compared to other photo-switching materials. In this study, we computationally investigated the geometric, electronic, and nonlinear optical properties of reversible lactone-based thermochromic compounds using the ωB97XD/6-311+G (d,p) level of theory. Molecular orbital studies are employed to analyze the electronic properties of the close and open isomers of these compounds, while time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) analysis is utilized to evaluate their molecular absorption. Our findings reveal that the π-electronic conjugation-induced delocalization significantly influences the ON-OFF switchable nonlinear optical response of the lactone-based thermochromic compounds. Notably, among all compounds, the open isomer of lactone 2 exhibits the highest hyperpolarizability value (6596.69 au). Furthermore, we extended our analysis to investigate the frequency-dependent second and third-order hyperpolarizabilities. The most pronounced frequency-dependent NLO response is observed at 532 nm. Additionally, we calculated the refractive index of these thermochromic compounds to further assess their nonlinear optical response. The open isomer of lactone 1 demonstrates the highest refractive index value (3.99 × 10-14 cm2/W). Overall, our study highlights the excellent potential of reversible thermochromic compounds as NLO molecular thermos-switches for future applications.

Unveiling the Potential of B3O3 Nanoflake as Effective Transporter for the Antiviral Drug Favipiravir: Density Functional Theory Analysis.

In this study, for the first time, boron oxide nanoflake is analyzed as drug carrier for favipiravir using computational studies. The thermodynamic stability of the boron oxide and favipiravir justifies the strong interaction between both species. Four orientations are investigated for the interaction between the favipiravir and the B3O3 nanoflake. The Eint of the most stable orientation is -26.98 kcal/mol, whereas the counterpoise-corrected energy is -22.59 kcal/mol. Noncovalent interaction index (NCI) and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analyses are performed to obtain insights about the behavior and the types of interactions that occur between B3O3 nanoflake and favipiravir. The results indicate the presence of hydrogen bonding between the hydrogen in the favipiravir and the oxygen in the B3O3 nanoflake in the most stable complex (FAV@B3O3-C1). The electronic properties are investigated through frontier molecular orbital analysis, dipole moments and chemical reactivity descriptors. These parameters showed the significant activity of B3O3 for favipiravir. NBO charge analysis transfer illustrated the charge transfer between the two species, and UV-VIS analysis confirmed the electronic excitation. Our work suggested a suitable drug carrier system for the antiviral drug favipiravir, which can be considered by the experimentalist for better drug delivery systems.

In vitro antioxidant and anti-cancer activities and phytochemical analysis of Commelina benghalensis L. root extracts

Objective: To explore antioxidant potential, anti-cancer activity, and phytochemicals of Commelina benghalensis L. Methods: The roots of Commelina benghalensis were extracted in different solvents (methanol, ethanol, benzene, chloroform, n-hexane) with a range of polarity. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by reducing power assay, DPPH radical scavenging activity and phosphomolybdenum method, cytotoxicity by MTT assay, apoptotic and cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry, migratory and invasive potential by wound scratch assay and invasion assay, respectively, functional groups analysis by FT-IR spectroscopy and phytochemicals by aluminum chloride colorimetric and Folin-Ciocalteu methods. Results: The extracts showed worthy antioxidant potential. The chloroform extract demonstrated the most significant cytotoxic effect on MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer) cell line, induced apoptosis and reduced migratory and invasive potential of MDA-MB-231 cells. Methanol and ethanol extracts presented good yield of total phenolic and total flavonoid contents. The FTIR spectroscopic studies revealed different characteristic peak values with various functional compounds such as alkenes, alkanes, aliphatic amines, aromatics, alkyl halides, carboxylic acid, alcohols, ester, aldehydes and ketones. Conclusions: The results demonstrate the potential use of Commelina benghalensis as a good antioxidant with significant anti-cancer effect.

Silymarin-laden PVP-PEG polymeric composite for enhanced aqueous solubility and dissolution rate: Preparation and in vitro characterization / 药物分析学报

The aim of this work was to develop, optimize and characterize a silymarin-laden polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymeric composite to resolve low aqueous solubility and dissolution rate problem of the drug. A number of silymarin-laden polymeric formulations were fabricated with different quantities of PVP K-30 and PEG 6000 by the solvent-evaporation method. The effect of PVP K-30 and PEG 6000 on the aqueous solubility and dissolution rate was investigated. The optimized formula-tion and its constituents were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. Both the PEG 6000 and PVP K-30 positively affected the aqueous solubility and dis-solution rate of the drug. In particular, a formulation consisting of silymarin, PVP K-30 and PEG 6000 (0.25/1.5/1.5, w/w/w) furnished the highest solubility (24.3972.95 mg/mL) and an excellent dissolution profile (～100％ in 40 min). The solubility enhancement with this formulation was ～1150-fold as com-pared to plain silymarin powder. Moreover, all the constituents existed in the amorphous state in this silymarin-laden PVP-PEG polymeric composite. Accordingly, this formulation might be a promising tool to administer silymarin with an enhanced effect via the oral route.

Silymarin-Laden PVP-Nanocontainers Prepared Via the Electrospraying Technique for Improved Aqueous Solubility and Dissolution Rate

Abstract The aim of the present research was to develop a silymarin-laden PVP-nanocontainer providing ameliorated aqueous solubility and dissolution of the drug. Several silymarin-laden formulations were formed with varying quantities of PVP and SDS via the solvent evaporation method using the electrospraying technique. The influence of the hydrophilic carriers on solubility and dissolution was explored. The solid-state characterization was carried out by particle-size analysis, PXRD, DSC, FTIR and SEM. All of the formulations demonstrated better solubility and dissolution than did silymarin plain powder. Both the SDS and PVP had positive effects on solubility and dissolution of silymarin in the aqueous media. An increased solubility was attained as the drug/PVP ratio was 1/4; however, further increase in PVP did not provide significant improvement. In particular, a nanocontainer formulation prepared with silymarin, PVP and SDS (1/4/0.5, w/w/w) exhibited the best solubility (26432.76 ± 1749.00 μg/mL) and an excellent dissolution (~92 % in 20 min) than did silymarin plain powder. Also, it demonstrated similar dissolution profiles compared to a commercial product; therefore, might be bioequivalent to the commercial product (f 1 = 3 and f 2 = 69). Moreover, cumulative undersize distribution values as represented by X10, X50 and X90 were 201 ± 21.01 nm, 488 ± 36.05 nm and 392 ± 48.10 nm, respectively. The drug existed in the amorphous state in the PVP-nanocontainers with no strong chemical bonding with other excipients. Thus, this formulation might be used for more effective administration of silymarin via the oral route.

Plant-derived anticancer agents: A green anticancer approach

Cancer is a frightful disease and represents one of the biggest health-care issues for the human race and demands a proactive strategy for cure.Plants are reservoirs for novel chemical entities and provide a promising line for research on cancer.Hitherto,being effective,chemotherapy is accompanied by certain unbearable side effects.Nevertheless,plants and plant derived products is a revolutionizing field as these are Simple,safer,ecofriendly,low-cost,fast,and less toxic as compared with conventional treatment methods.Phytochemicals are selective in their functions and acts specifically on tumor cells without affecting normal cells.Carcinogenesis is complex phenomena that involves many signaling cascades.Phytochemicals are considered suitable candidates for anticancer drug development due to their pleiotropic actions on target events with multiple manners.The research is in progress for developing potential candidates (those can block or slow down the growth of cancer cells without any side effects) from these phytochemicals.Many phytochemicals and their derived analogs have been identified as potential candidates for anticancer therapy.Effort has been made through this comprehensive review to highlight the recent developments and milestones achieved in cancer therapies using phytomolecules with their mechanism of action on nuclear and cellular factors.Furthermore,drags for cancer treatment and their limitations have also been discussed.

Molecular Characterization of a MYB Protein from Oryza sativa for its Role in Abiotic Stress Tolerance

ABSTRACT The MYB family represents one of the most abundant classes of transcriptional regulators that perform pivotal role under different developmental processes and abiotic stresses. In present study, a MYB gene from Oryza sativa was selected for functional characterization. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that OsMYB1 cDNA encodes R2-R3 type DNA binding domain consisting of 413 amino acids having size of 44 kDa and pI of 6.24. DNA binding domain containing region was cloned and over-expressed in E. coli. Then, the survival of pGEX-OsMYB1 transformed E. coli cells was compared with control plasmid under different concentrations of NaCl, mannitol, high and low temperature. pGEX-OsMYB1 enhanced the survival of cells at high temperature and salinity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) have shown that recombinant OsMYB1 protein was able to bind with DIG labeled probe containing MYB binding site. RT-qPCR analysis revealed high MYB1 expression under wounding, salt, drought and heat stresses in rice. Expression was 23 fold higher in response to wounding demonstrating the worth of OsMYB1 up-regulation in wounding. Intrinsic disorder profile predicted that OsMYB1 exhibits 60% degree of intrinsic disorder proposing that these regions might be involved in DNA binding specificity and protein-protein interaction. The positive response of OsMYB1 suggests that its over-expression in crop plants may help in providing protection to plants to grow under abiotic stresses.

Fabrication and Characterization of Gliclazide Loaded Microcapsules

This study aimed to formulate, characterize and evaluate the Gliclazide (GLZ) microcapsules prepared with sodium alginate, guar gum and pectin in different ratios by ionotropic-gelation method. The microcapsules were evaluated against different parameters such as particle size and shape, Carr's index, Hausner's ratio, rheological studies and drug release kinetics. Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetric (DSC) studies demonstrated the absence of any drug - polymers interaction. Promising characteristics were observed in rheological behavior and release kinetics. The size of microcapsules and percentage yield was in the range of 676 to 727 µm and 69 to 77%, respectively. Scanning electron micrographs revealed that microcapsules were discrete, spherical and free flowing. Entrapment efficiency and uniform drug release kinetics were some of the probable characteristics depicting the novel formulation design of Gliclazide microcapsules.

Fabrication, physicochemical characterization and preliminary efficacy evaluation of a W/O/W multiple emulsion loaded with 5% green tea extract

Complex multiple emulsions have an excellent ability to fill large volumes of functional cosmetic agents. This study was aimed to encapsulate large volume of green tea in classical multiple emulsion and to compare its stability with a multiple emulsion without green tea extract. Multiple emulsions were developed using Cetyl dimethicone copolyol as lipophilic emulsifier and classic polysorbate-80 as hydrophilic emulsifier. Multiple emulsions were evaluated for various physicochemical aspects like conductivity, pH, microscopic analysis, rheology and these characteristics were followed for a period of 30 days in different storage conditions. In vitro and in vivo skin protection tests were also performed for both kinds of multiple emulsions i.e. with active (MeA) and without active (MeB). Both formulations showed comparable characteristics regarding various physicochemical characteristics in different storage conditions. Rheological analysis showed that formulations showed pseudo plastic behavior upon continuous shear stress. Results of in vitro and in vivo skin protection data have revealed that the active formulation has comparable skin protection effects to that of control formulation. It was presumed that stable multiple emulsions could be a promising choice for topical application of green tea but multiple emulsions presented in this study need improvement in the formula, concluded on the basis of pH, conductivity and apparent viscosity data.

Emulsões múltiplas complexas possuem excelente habilidade de agregar grandes quantidades de agentes cosméticos funcionais. Este estudo teve por objetivo encapsular grandes volumes de chá verde em uma emulsão múltipla clássica e comparar sua estabilidade com a emulsão múltipla sem o extrato do chá verde. Emulsões múltiplas são desenvolvidas usando cetil dimeticona copoliol como emulsificante lipofílico e o clássico polissorbato-80 como emulsificante hidrofílico. As emulsões múltiplas foram avaliadas por meio de vários aspectos fisico-químicos como condutividade, pH, análise microscópica e reologia. Estas características foram observadas por um período de 30 dias sob diferentes condições de armazenamento. Testes de proteção da pele in vivo e in vitro foram realizados para ambos os tipos de emulsões testadas, i.e. com o ativo em estudo (MeA) e sem ativo (MeB). Ambas as formulações apresentaram características comparáveis no que diz respeito aos diferentes fatores físico-químicos avaliados sob diferentes condições de armazenamento. A análise reológica mostrou que as formulações apresentaram comportamento pseudo-plástico sob contínuo estresse de cisalhamento. Os resultados dos testes in vivo e in vitro sobre a proteção da pele revelaram que a formulação ativa promoveu efeitos comparáveis à formulação controle. Nossos dados mostraram que emulsões múltiplas estáveis poderiam ser escolhas promissoras para a aplicação tópica do chá verde. Entretanto, a fórmula das emulsões múltiplas apresentadas neste estudo precisam ser melhoradas no que diz respeito ao pH, condutividade e viscosidade aparente.