Novel magnetic organic–inorganic hybrids based on aromatic polyamides and ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles with biological activity

Magnetic nanoparticles were creatively selected as stable, inexpensive, biodegradable, facile recoverable, and functionalizable supports for a variety of synthetic and natural polymers. Herein, for the first time, aromatic polyamide was synthesized on the magnetic core of zinc iron oxide (ZnFe2O4). Terephthaloyl chloride and derivations of phenylenediamine were employed as monomers in this polymerization process. The toxicity of the synthesized hybrid at the highest concentration (1000 μg/ml) is 13.65% and on the other hand, the cell viability percentage is 86.35%. So, the prepared hybrid is biocompatible and non-toxic to Hu02 cells. Also, it has antibacterial ability against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Because the results show that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the synthesized polymer for bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 is in the range of 500–1000 µg/ml. Moreover, the hemolytic effect of ZnFe2O4 based hybrid was below 9% at the concentration of 1000 μg/ml. Therefore, it is compatible with red blood cells.

In vitro evaluation of hydroalcoholic extracts of Capparis Spinosa L., Ricinus communis, and Solanum luteum on Leishmania major (MRHO/IR/75/ER) promastigotes.

Background: Plant extracts or compounds derived from plants are a valuable source for finding new anti-leishmaniasis drugs. Objective: In this study, Capparis spinosa L., Ricinus communis, and Solanum luteum were used as lethal agents for the promastigotes of Leishmania major parasites in the culture medium. Methods: Diluted extracts of 12.5, 100, and 500 mg/mL were prepared from medicinal plant dried extracts. Glucantime at a concentration of 500 mg/mL was used as a positive control. Results: For all three extracts, concentrations of 100 and 500 mg/mL could kill promastigotes at higher rates and speeds compared to other concentrations. The high concentrations of extracts (500 mg/mL) presented similar effects. According to the findings, hydroalcoholic extract of C. Spinosa L. presented considerably lower antiparasitic effects, and S. luteum and R. communis extracts were could kill most of the parasitic promastigotes at higher doses. The ANOVA test did not show any significant viability percentage difference of Leishmania extracts between different extract types. Conclusions: In this study, the lethal effects of R. communis and S. luteum hydroalcoholic extracts on L. major promastigotes were found to be stronger than the C. Spinosa L. extract.

THE PRODUCTION OF FREEZE-DRIED EGG YOLK POWDER AND ITS EFFECT ON THE QUALITY OF GARUT RAM LIQUID SEMEN

This research aims to evaluate the protective potency of freeze-dried egg yolk powder on Garut ram sperm during the liquid semen preservation process. Semen with good sperm quality was divided into three groups and diluted using the following Tris diluents: fresh egg yolk-Tris (FEY-Tris), commercial egg yolk powder-Tris (CEY-Tris), and freeze-dried egg yolk powder-Tris (DEY-Tris). Semen that had been diluted was observed every 12 hours until sperm progressive motility was 50%. Sperm quality was tested for progressive motility percentages, viability, intact plasma membrane (IPM), and intact acrosome (IA). Fresh egg yolk had a particle size of 14460.00±330.76 nm, with polydispersity index value (PI) and zeta potential (ZP) being 1.00±0.11 and -9.22±0.30 mV, respectively. The particle size of commercial egg yolk powder was 877.90±168.86 nm with PI value 0.34±0.04 and ZP-28.7±1.24 mV. The particle size of freeze-dried egg yolk powder was 1296.00±86.73 nm, with PI value 0.70±0.04 and ZP -34.5±0.64 mV. Progressive motility percentage showed that DEY-Tris diluent managed to survive to 51.11±6.06% for 168 hours, compared to FEY-Tris (51.25±6.74%) which survived for 156 hours, although no longer than CEY-Tris diluent (53.47±6.33%) which survive for 180 hours (P0.05). Higher sperm motility was also supported by viability percentage, IPM, and IA, which were all higher (P0.05). In conclusion, freeze dried egg yolk powder mixed with Tris buffer was able to maintain sperm quality during the liquid semen preservation process.

Cardiac MRI viability study and its role in revascularization- Excerpts from a tertiary care cardiac centre

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Assessment of cardiac viability based revascularization has not convincingly demonstrated, to improve patient outcomes statistically even by large trials like STITCH and PPAR-2 using SPECT and PET analysis. Here we used cardiac viability by cardiac MRI to guide us for revascularization and also found out problems arising in the statistical analysis for the same Methods It is a retrospective observational longitudinal follow up study whereby patients who had ischemic cardiomyopathy (confirmed with coronary angiogram) and who were admitted with features of heart failure or with acute coronary syndrome and who subsequently underwent cardiac MRI viability testing during the period from 1/02/2017 to 31/01/2020 were included. Patients were excluded who had non ischemic cardiomyopathy. Using cardiac MRI- LVEF, RVEF, Wall motion severity Index and Total viability percentage were additionally computed and analyzed. Patients were deemed having viable myocardium on ≤50% LGE in cardiac MRI and final treatment of CABG, PCI or only medical management was analyzed for the Primary end points of CV mortality, non-fatal CVA and non-fatal AMI Results Based on the criteria total of 94 patients were selected for the study, 53 patients kept on only medical management, 19 patients underwent PCI and 22 patients had CABG. The baseline characteristics of the study population were an average age of 60years, male (76%) with Diabetes Mellitus(69%) and Hypertension (41.5%) in them. Coronary Angiogram showed that 10.6% patients had LM involvement, 92% had LAD disease, 72% patients had LCX lesion and 74% had RCA disease. While average Echo LVEF was 35.82%, Cardiac MRI based mean LVEF was 30.78%. It was found that patients who were kept only on medical management had higher Wall motion Severity Index (2.05) over patients who were treated with PCI (1.94) or CABG (1.80) (p = 0.006). Also it was found that the Total viability percentage was less in patients kept only on medical management (74%) vs patients who were treated with PCI (78%) or CABG (77.8%)(p = 0.08) .It was found by cardiac MRI that patients with significant LAD lesions with viable LAD territory, those who underwent CABG or PCI based therapy had lesser mortality(7.69%,10%) over patients kept only on medical management (23%) (p = 0.407). Among patients with significant LAD lesions with non-viable LAD territory, those who underwent CABG or only medical management had lesser mortality (11.5%) than patients who underwent PCI (50%) (p = 0.137). Conclusion(s) Cardiac MRI based viability testing may guide the physician for optimal treatment but it does not reach statistical significance. The reasons maybe different arterial segments having different viability and anatomical hazards acting as cofounding factors. Viability being a continuum process does not follow a strict cut off of 50% LGE and 100% acute occluded vessel may not allow LGE.

Ameliorative Effects of Boswellic Acid on Fipronil-Induced Toxicity: Antioxidant State, Apoptotic Markers, and Testicular Steroidogenic Expression in Male Rats

The study investigated the ability of boswellic acid (BA) to alleviate the testicular and oxidative injury FPN insecticide intoxication in the male rat model. Rats were randomly assigned to six equivalent groups (six rats each) as the following: control rats orally administered with 2 mL physiological saline/kg of body weight (bwt); boswellic acid (BA1) rats orally administered 250 mg BA/kg bwt; boswellic acid (BA2) rats orally administered 500 mg BA/kg bwt; fipronil (FPN) rats orally administered 20 mg FPN/kg bwt; (FPN + BA1) rats orally administered 20 mg FPN/kg bwt plus 250 mg BA/kg bwt, and (FPN + BA2) rats orally administered 20 mg FPN/kg bwt plus 500 mg BA/kg bwt. After 60 days, semen viability percentage and live spermatozoa percentage were decreased, and a considerably increased abnormality of the sperm cells in FPN-administered rats improved substantially with the co-administration of BA. BA had refinement of the histological architecture of testes and sexual glands. Quantitative analysis recorded a noticeable decline in the nuclear cell-proliferating antigen (PCNA) percentage area. FPN triggered cell damage, which was suggested by elevated malondialdehyde and interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factors alpha, and decreased glutathione level. Proapoptotic factor overexpression is mediated by FPN administration, while it decreased the antiapoptotic protein expression. Similarly, BA has shown significant upregulation in steroidogenic and fertility-related gene expression concerning the FPN group. Pathophysiological damages induced by FPN could be alleviated by BA’s antioxidant ability and antiapoptotic factor alongside the upregulation of steroidogenic and fertility-related genes and regimented the detrimental effects of FPN on antioxidant and pro-inflammatory biomarkers.

pH-dependent delivery of chlorhexidine from PGA grafted mesoporous silica nanoparticles at resin-dentin interface

Background A low pH environment is created due to the production of acids by oral biofilms that further leads to the dissolution of hydroxyapatite crystal in the tooth structure significantly altering the equilibrium. Although the overall bacterial counts may not be eradicated from the oral cavity, however, synthesis of engineered anti-bacterial materials are warranted to reduce the pathogenic impact of the oral biofilms. The purpose of this study was to synthesize and characterize chlorhexidine (CHX)-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) grafted with poly-L-glycolic acid (PGA) and to test the in vitro drug release in various pH environments, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial capacity. In addition, this study aimed to investigate the delivery of CHX-loaded/MSN-PGA nanoparticles through demineralized dentin tubules and how these nanoparticles interact with tooth dentin after mixing with commercial dentin adhesive for potential clinical application. Results Characterization using SEM/TEM and EDX confirmed the synthesis of CHX-loaded/MSN-PGA. An increase in the percentage of drug encapsulation efficiency from 81 to 85% in CHX loaded/MSN and 92–95% in CHX loaded/MSN-PGA proportionately increased with increasing the amount of CHX during the fabrication of nanoparticles. For both time-periods (24 h or 30 days), the relative microbial viability significantly decreased by increasing the CHX content (P < 0.001). Generally, the cell viability percentage of DPSCs exposed to MSN-PGA/Blank, CHX-loaded/MSN, and CHX-loaded/MSN-PGA, respectively was > 80% indicating low cytotoxicity profiles of experimental nanoparticles. After 9 months in artificial saliva (pH 7.4), the significantly highest micro-tensile bond strength value was recorded for 25:50 CHX/MSN and 25:50:50 CHX/MSN-PGA. A homogenous and widely distributed 50:50:50 CHX-loaded/MSN-PGA nanoparticles exhibited excellent bonding with the application of commercially available dentin adhesive. Conclusions A pH-sensitive CHX release response was noted when loaded in MSN grafted PGA nanoparticles. The formulated drug-loaded nanocarrier demonstrated excellent physicochemical, spectral, and biological characteristics. Showing considerable capacity to penetrate effectively inside dentinal tubules and having high antibacterial efficacy, this system could be potentially used in adhesive and restorative dentistry.

pH dependent delivery of chlorhexidine from PLGA grafted mesoporous silica nanoparticles at resin-dentin interface

Background: A low pH environment is created due to the production of acids by oral biofilms that further leads to the dissolution of hydroxyapatite crystal in the tooth structure significantly altering the equilibrium. Although the overall bacterial counts may not be eradicated from the oral cavity, however, synthesis of engineered anti-bacterial materials are warranted to reduce the pathogenic impact of the oral biofilms. The purpose of this study was to synthesize and characterize chlorhexidine (CHX)-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) grafted with poly-L-glycolic acid (PGA) and to test the in vitro drug release in various pH environments, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial capacity. In addition, this study aimed to investigate the delivery of CHX-loaded/MSN-PGA nanoparticles through demineralized dentin tubules and how these nanoparticles interact with tooth dentin after mixing with commercial dentin adhesive for potential clinical application.Results: Characterization using SEM/TEM and EDX confirmed the synthesis of CHX-loaded/MSN-PGA. An increase in the percentage of drug encapsulation efficiency from 81% to 85% in CHX loaded/MSN and 92% to 95% in CHX loaded/MSN-PGA proportionately increased with increasing the amount of CHX during the fabrication of nanoparticles. For both time-periods (24 h or 30 Days), the relative microbial viability significantly decreased by increasing the CHX content (P<0.001). Generally, the cell viability percentage of DPSCs exposed to MSN-PGA/Blank, CHX-loaded/MSN, and CHX-loaded/MSN-PGA, respectively was >80% indicating low cytotoxicity profiles of experimental nanoparticles. After 9 months in artificial saliva (pH 7.4), the significantly highest micro-tensile bond strength value was recorded for 25:50 CHX/MSN and 25:50:50 CHX/MSN-PGA. A homogenous and widely distributed 50:50:50 CHX-loaded/MSN-PGA nanoparticles exhibited excellent bonding with the application of commercially available dentin adhesive.Conclusions: A pH-sensitive CHX release response was noted when loaded in MSN grafted PGA nanoparticles. The formulated drug-loaded nanocarrier demonstrated excellent physicochemical, spectral, and biological characteristics. Showing considerable capacity to penetrate effectively inside dentinal tubules and having high antibacterial efficacy, this system could be potentially used in adhesive and restorative dentistry.

pH Dependent Delivery of Chlorhexidine From PLGA Grafted Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles at Resin-Dentin Interface

Background: A low pH environment is created due to the production of acids by oral biofilms that further leads to the dissolution of hydroxyapatite crystal in the tooth structure significantly altering the equilibrium. Although the overall bacterial counts may not be eradicated completely from the oral cavity, however, synthesis of engineered anti-bacterial materials are warranted in order to reduce the pathogenic impact of the oral biofilms. The purpose of this study was to synthesize and characterize chlorhexidine-loaded mesoporous silica nanoaprticles (MSN) grafted with poly-L-glycolic acid (PLGA) and to test the in vitro drug release in various pH environments, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial capacity. In addition, to investigate the delivery of CHX-loaded/MSN-PLGA through dentin tubules of demineralized dentin substrates and the interaction of these nanoparticles with commercial dentin adhesive after applying it on demineralized substrates for potential clinical application.Results: Characterization using SEM/TEM and EDX confirmed the synthesis of CHX-loaded/MSN-PLGA. An increase in the percentage of drug encapsulation efficiency from 81% to 85% in CHX loaded/MSN and 92% to 95% in CHX loaded/MSN-PLGA proportionately increased with increasing the amount of CHX during the fabrication of nanoparticles. For both time-periods (24 h or 30 Days), the relative microbial viability significantly decreased by increasing the CHX content (P<0.001). Generally, the cell viability percentage of DPSCs exposed to MSN-PLGA/Blank, CHX-loaded/MSN, and CHX-loaded/MSN-PLGA, respectively was >80% indicating low cytotoxicity profiles of experimental nanoparticles. After 9 months in artificial saliva (pH 7.4), significantly highest micro-tensile bond strength value was recorded for 25:50 CHX/MSN and 25:50:50 CHX/MSN-PLGA. A homogenous and widely distributed 50:50:50 CHX-loaded/MSN-PLGA nanoparticles exhibited excellent bonding with the application of commercially available dentin adhesive.Conclusions: A pH sensitive CHX release response was noted when loaded in MSN grafted PLGA nanoparticles. The formulated drug loaded nanocarrier demonstrated excellent physicochemical, spectral, and biological characteristics. Showing considerable capacity to penetrate effectively inside dentinal tubules and having high antibacterial efficacy, this system could be potentially used in adhesive and restorative dentistry.

Meiotic behavior and fertility of Capsicum interspecific hybrids

ABSTRACT This study was performed to evaluate the meiotic behavior and fertility of four hybrids obtained from the crossing of Capsicum baccatum and its botanical forms with Capsicum chinense and Capsicum frutescens. We aimed to identify the causes of the low fertility in interspecific hybrids involving species from different gene pools of Capsicum. Hybrid flower buds were fixed in fixative solution and the slides were prepared using 1%-acetic carmine solution. Meiosis was observed in all phases and the main meiotic abnormality observed was the complete or partial lack of chromosome pairing, indicating that the species are either genetically distant or that some asynaptic gene was present in the hybrids. Meiotic index (MI), the frequency of unreduced gametes (type 2n), and pollen viability were estimated. MI and pollen viability of the hybrids were low. We concluded that due to the complete or partial lack of chromosome pairing, the species used in the hybrid combinations are genetically distant. We also noticed that the low-fertility hybrids are a consequence of the lack of chromosome homology between the two genomes involved. The hybrids were considered partially sterile since their pollen viability percentage was lower than 50%.

Antihyperglycemic, Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Properties of Smilax wightii A.DC. : an Endemic Plant of Western Ghats

Phytotherapy is an inevitable companion of human civilization. Smilax wightii is an ethnomedicinal plant in Smilacaceae, with unexplored scientifically therapeutic potential. The antihyperglycemic, antioxidant and hepatoprotective capabilities of the methanolic extract of leaf, stem, rhizome and root of S. wightii were inspected in the present study. Hyperglycemia is a manifestation of the prevalent metabolic disorder, Type 2 Diabetes mellitus. Inhibitors of α –glucosidase and α – amylase could be efficiently employed in diabetes mellitus therapy as hypoglycemic agents. In the α –glucosidase and α – amylase inhibitory assays, root and rhizome extracts recorded better antihyperglycemic activity. DPPH radical scavenging activity and total antioxidant capacity were the parameters employed to determine the antioxidant activity. Hepatoprotectivity determines the capability of samples to safeguard the hepatocytes from damage. Novel hepatoprotective agents are in demand since the incidence of liver impairment is on a high among global population. The rhizome extract showed comparatively superior hepatoprotectivity followed by the leaf, stem and root extracts. Rhizome, at 100μg/ml guaranteed a cell viability percentage of 77.43 in the Chang liver cell line treated with Carbon tetrachloride. So the root and rhizome of S. wightii are the therapeutically significant plant parts with hypoglycemic, free radical scavenging and hepatoprotective potentialities.