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The drawbacks inherent to traditional antibacterial therapies, coupled with the escalating prevalence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) microorganisms, have prompted the imperative need for novel antibacterial strategies. Accordingly, the emerging field of piezocatalysis in semiconductors harnesses mechanical stress to drive chemical reactions by utilizing piezo-generated free charge carriers, presenting a promising technology. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to provide a comprehensive overview of the eradication of pathogenic S. aureus bacteria using few-layer black phosphorus (SCBP) piezo catalyst under mechanical stimuli, along with the exploration of temperature dependent dielectric properties. The synthesis of the piezo catalysts involved a one-step cost-effective sonochemical method, and its structural, morphological, elemental, optical, and overall polarization properties were thoroughly characterized and compared with the traditional method-derived product (TABP). The synthesis-introduced defects, reduced crystalline diameters, modified bandgap (1.76 eV), nanoparticle aggregation, photoluminescence quenching, along with interfacial polarization, synergistically contribute to SCBP's exceptional dielectric response (4.596 × 107 @40 Hz), which in turn enhanced the piezocatalytic activity. When subjected to soft ultrasound stimulation at 15 kHz, the piezo catalyst SCBP demonstrated significant ROS-mediated antibacterial activity, resulting in a ∼94.7% mortality rate within 40 minutes. The impact of this study extends to cost-effective energy storage devices and advances in antibacterial therapy, opening new dimensions in both fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term exposure to nicotine severely affects the immune system. Nicotine-addicted women suffer more to diseases because of their history to several disorders or susceptibility to nicotine-related morbidity and mortality. The beneficial uses of nano-curcumin in nicotine-addicted women are still unknown, possibly due to its poor pharmacokinetics and limited bioavailability. Nanocurcumin is administered to study the immune-protective effects in nicotine exposed female rats. Female albino rats of Wistar strain (Rattus norvegicus) are nicotine injected (2.5 mg/kg bodyweights s.c., daily) for 21 days. Three hours later nanocurcumin is administered by oral gavages (4 mg/kg bodyweights/day). The dose and period of nanocurcumin is adopted from our earlier publications elsewhere. Animals are eradicated after the treatment period and immune-related cytokines, apoptotic markers, sex hormones and other parameters are measured from individual serum. Molecular docking, as well as, in vitro interactions of nanocurcumin with nicotine and some specific cellular proteins are measured for understanding the mechanism of action of nanocurcumin. Nanocurcumin reduced protein oxidation, augmented the immune system by regulating the expression of immunity-related cytokines and apoptotic markers. It helps maintaining the healthy levels of sex hormones and protein content of cells under nicotine-stressed condition. Molecular docking and in vitro interactions reveal that nanocurcumin possesses higher binding ability to nicotine and several cellular proteins. Cytokines, apoptotic markers and steroidogenic hormones are severely affected by nicotine exposure. Bio-soluble nanocurcumin acts as significant immune-modulator, which offers better protection than curcumin to female rats from nicotine-induced complications. Heightened therapeutic effects of nanocurcumin are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia and cell damage are the major patho-physiological reasons behind type 2 diabetes (T2DM), which is one of the most prevalent non communicable metabolic disorders in the world. Oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin shots are usually exercised to treat the diabetic patients but it produces many side effects. Thereby paving the way for natural hypoglycemic agents; a Himalayan herb and alternative nutritional therapy; low glycaemic indexed pumpkin seed, are used in combination for a better management of the disease. The aim of the study was to explore the combined efficacy of Gymnadenia orchidis Lindl root Salep and low-glycemic indexed-pumpkin seeds in better management of T2DM and associated complications. Balb/c mice were randomly allocated to six different groups (n=5). Streptozotocin along with high-fat-diet was used to induce T2DM. The experimental animals were supplemented with low-glycemic food or root Salep (200 mg/kg body weight) or combination of both according to their groups for 21 days, post which various biochemical tests were performed. T2DM augmented the IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, BAX, Insulin levels, and HOMA-IR with concurrent reduction of IL-4, QUICKI, Bcl-2, estradiol and progesterone levels. FACS revealed augmented cellular damage in T2DM mice. Interestingly, root Salep and pumpkin seeds normalized those parameters in T2DM animals suggesting significant (p<0.001) improvement of immunity of the diseased animals and ameliorated associated complications. Root Salep and pumpkin seed display synergism among binomial set of herbal agents which may be safely used for T2DM management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unavoidable cracks cause a significant reduction in the strength and longevity of concrete. Water and several harmful ions seep through the cracks, initiate corrosion of the reinforcement, and affect the self-life of concrete. Self-repaired concrete will stand for a longer period and thus is gaining interest for constructions purposes. This work was an attempt to design a microbial protein (∼28 kDa) that incorporated self-healing cementitious material for future construction needs. The protein was isolated from an alkaliphilic hot spring bacterium (BKH4) of Bakreshwar, West Bengal, India. The prepared control and protein-amended cementitious mortar samples were subjected to simulate cracks and cured under water for several days. Images and microstructures of the control and protein-incorporated samples were analyzed, which established that there was a tiny fingers-like crystalline substance developed on the cracked surfaces. The developed substance was identified as a silicate phase (Gehlenite) by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic analysis. The microbial protein enhanced the mechanical strengths and durability of the protein-incorporated samples that were supported by the increments of ultrasonic pulse velocity, compressive strength, and sulfate resistance as well as reduction of water permeability and slow water movement (sorptivity test) of the experimental samples. This self-healing phenomenon is eco-efficient and developed due to the bio-silicification action of the microbial protein that was incorporated in mortar samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ayurveda classifies human populations into three predominant groups as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha based on their "Prakriti'. Any disturbance in the equilibrium of Prakriti can cause various diseases. Objectives: The aim of the study was to link genotoxic variation among the three Prakriti having type 2 diabetes. Design: Type 2 diabetic patients and healthy individuals belonging to three predominant Prakriti were selected through the Prakriti Questionnaire screening as per the guidelines of the CSIR-TRISUTRA unit modified for type 2 diabetes disease. Settings/Location: Sixty individuals from three predominant Prakriti, each consisting of 10 diabetic patients and 10 healthy individuals, were chosen. Subjects: Clinically diagnosed outdoor patients of JBRMCH suffering from type 2 diabetes for 5 years (fasting blood glucose >140 mg/dL; HbA1C > 7.0) and healthy individuals were the subjects for study. Inclusion Criteria: Age limit: 30–70 years, Sex: Both, Habitant: Participants residing in West Bengal for the last five generations, Religion: Unspecified, Social entity: Both urban and rural, Education: High school to college, Economic status: Lower middle to middle classes. Exclusion Criteria: Participants were nonsmokers and nonalcoholics. An individual having a medical history of long-term illness or dwandaja Prakriti type was excluded here. Outcome Measures: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, blood DNA content, DNA damage, apoptosis of blood cells, and interaction of DNA with various carcinogens were observed. Results: The yield of ROS and total cell damage were significantly higher in the diabetic Vata (p < 0.001) group compared with other Prakriti Decreased DNA content and increased DNA damage were observed in type 2 diabetic patients who belonged to Vata (p < 0.01) Prakriti. DNA of Vata Prakriti was more prone to lead and arsenic. Conclusions: The diabetic Vata Prakriti is a genetically susceptible group as it has a tendency to get affected by increased DNA damage, which could help in creating personalized management of diabetes among individual Prakriti. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of multi-organ affecting Type 2 diabetes mellitus is increasing day by day that consequently becomes a serious threat to public health. According to Ayurveda, individual's basic constitution (Prakriti) describes its predisposition and prognosis to disease status and also the treatment for disease but no detailed studies carried out yet on diabetic individuals of three Prakriti groups on biochemical aspects. This study was conducted with twelve patients in each three Prakriti groups having Type 2 diabetes mellitus to determine the differences of some anthropometrical and biochemical parameters amongst them. Clinical profiling and various biochemical parameters of liver and kidney, lipid profiles and antioxidant enzymes were assayed. Significant differences were observed amongst the subjects belonging in different Prakriti groups. Differences in liver function enzymes and kidney function parameters and lipid profiles revealed that the subjects of Kapha and Pitta Prakriti were predominant groups. Glycosylated haemoglobin percentage was higher in Pitta Prakriti individuals. The screening process of the study indicated that diabetic individuals mostly belong to the Pitta and Kapha Prakriti groups of which Kapha Prakriti was more prone to hepatic and renal disorder and Pitta Prakriti was more susceptible towards cardiac disorder due to their diabetic complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcumin, a nontoxic bioactive agent of turmeric significantly reduces nicotine-induced toxicity both at cellular and genetic levels. The clinical implication of native curcumin is hindered in the target cells due to its low aqueous solubility, poor bioavailability and poor pharmacokinetics. The problem was tried to overcome by preparing nanocurcumin with a view to improve its aqueous solubility and better therapeutic efficacy against nicotine-induced toxicity. The prepared nanocurcumin was characterized by Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy; Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM); X-ray diffraction (XRD); and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Female albino rats of Wistar strain were daily exposed to effective dose of nicotine (2.5 mg/kg, injected subcutaneously) and supplemented with effective dose of curcumin (80 mg/kg body weight orally) or nanocurcumin (4 mg/kg body weight orally) for 21 days. The preventive efficacies of curcumin and nanocurcumin were evaluated against the changes in liver function enzymes, kidney function parameters, lipid profiles, lipid-peroxidation, anti-oxidant status, and tissues damages etc. Results revealed that nanocurcumin more effectively ameliorated the nicotine-induced toxicities at much lower concentration due to its higher aqueous solubility and more bioavailability. The nanocurcumin can be used as a potential therapeutic agent for better efficacy against nicotineinduced toxicities than native curcumin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nicotine causes oxidative and genotoxic damages in the tissues leading to several diseases. Any strategy through natural diet that prevents or slows the progression and severity of nicotine toxicity has a significant health impact. This work is designed to investigate natural antioxidants that play effective protective role against nicotine-induced toxicity. Experiments were conducted on male albino rats by injecting nicotine tartrate (3.5mg/kg body wt./day for 15days) subcutaneously and thereby supplementing sesame lignans (0.1g/100g diet and 0.2g/100g diet) orally to them. Significant (P <0.01) increase of total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, decrease of HDL-cholesterol, decrease in antioxidant enzymes and increase in concentration of lipid peroxidative product has been observed in plasma due to nicotine toxicity. Significant (P <0.01) decrease of total DNA contents and highly significant (P <0.001) DNA damage of liver tissue is also observed on nicotine treatment. Sesame lignans minimizes the above mentioned effects. The nicotine-induced oxidative and genotoxic damages on the tissues can be effectively attenuated by sesame lignans supplemented diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The drawbacks inherent to traditional antibacterial therapies, coupled with the escalating prevalence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) microorganisms, have prompted the imperative need for novel antibacterial strategies. Accordingly, the emerging field of piezocatalysis in semiconductors harnesses mechanical stress to drive chemical reactions by utilizing piezo-generated free charge carriers, presenting a promising technology. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to provide a comprehensive overview of the eradication of pathogenic S. aureus bacteria using few-layer black phosphorus (SCBP) piezo catalyst under mechanical stimuli, along with the exploration of temperature dependent dielectric properties. The synthesis of the piezo catalysts involved a one-step cost-effective sonochemical method, and its structural, morphological, elemental, optical, and overall polarization properties were thoroughly characterized and compared with the traditional method-derived product (TABP). The synthesis-introduced defects, reduced crystalline diameters, modified bandgap (1.76 eV), nanoparticle aggregation, photoluminescence quenching, along with interfacial polarization, synergistically contribute to SCBP's exceptional dielectric response (4.596 × 10 7 @40 Hz), which in turn enhanced the piezocatalytic activity. When subjected to soft ultrasound stimulation at 15 kHz, the piezo catalyst SCBP demonstrated significant ROS-mediated antibacterial activity, resulting in a ∼94.7% mortality rate within 40 minutes. The impact of this study extends to cost-effective energy storage devices and advances in antibacterial therapy, opening new dimensions in both fields.

Objectives: Inflammation, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia and cell damage are the major patho-physiological reasons behind type 2 diabetes (T2DM), which is one of the most prevalent non communicable metabolic disorders in the world. Oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin shots are usually exercised to treat the diabetic patients but it produces many side effects. Thereby paving the way for natural hypoglycemic agents; a Himalayan herb and alternative nutritional therapy; low glycaemic indexed pumpkin seed, are used in combination for a better management of the disease. The aim of the study was to explore the combined efficacy of Gymnadenia orchidis Lindl root Salep and low-glycemic indexed-pumpkin seeds in better management of T2DM and associated complications., Methods: Balb/c mice were randomly allocated to six different groups (n=5). Streptozotocin along with high-fat-diet was used to induce T2DM. The experimental animals were supplemented with low-glycemic food or root Salep (200 mg/kg body weight) or combination of both according to their groups for 21 days, post which various biochemical tests were performed., Results: T2DM augmented the IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, BAX, Insulin levels, and HOMA-IR with concurrent reduction of IL-4, QUICKI, Bcl-2, estradiol and progesterone levels. FACS revealed augmented cellular damage in T2DM mice. Interestingly, root Salep and pumpkin seeds normalized those parameters in T2DM animals suggesting significant (p<0.001) improvement of immunity of the diseased animals and ameliorated associated complications., Conclusions: Root Salep and pumpkin seed display synergism among binomial set of herbal agents which may be safely used for T2DM management., (© 2021 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston.)

Background: In Archaea, previous studies have revealed the presence of multiple intron-containing tRNAs and split tRNAs. The full unexpurgated analysis of archaeal tRNA genes remains a challenging task in the field of bioinformatics, because of the presence of various types of hidden tRNA genes in archaea. Here, we suggested a computational method that searched for widely separated genes encoding tRNA halves to generate suppressive variants of missing tRNAs., Objectives: The exploration of tRNA genes from a genome with varying hypotheses, among all three domain of life (eukaryotes, bacteria and archaea), has been rapidly identified in different ways in the field of bioinformatics. Like eukaryotic tRNA genes, it has been established that two separated regions of the coding sequence of a tRNA gene are essential and sufficient for promotion of transcription. Our objective is to find out the two essential regions in the genome sequence which comprises two halves of the hidden tRNAs., Material and Methods: Considering the existence of split tRNA genes widely separated throughout the genome, we developed our tRNA search algorithm to predict such separated tRNA genes by searching both a conserved terminal 5'- and 3'-motif of tRNA in agreement with the split hypothesis on the basis of cloverleaf prediction and precise insilico determination of bulge-helix-bulge secondary structure at the splice sites., Results: By a comprehensive search for all kinds of missing tRNA genes, we have constructed hybrid tRNA genes containing one essential region from tDNA (XYZ) and the other from tDNA (ABC), both from same species in the archaea. We have also found, this type of hybrid tRNA genes are identified in the different species of the archaea (XYZ ASN, ARG and MET; ABC ASP,SER, ARG and PRO).These hybrid split tRNA share a common structural motif called bulge-helix-bulge (BHB) a more relaxed bulge-helix loop (BHL), at the leader exon boundary and suggested to be evolutionary interrelated., Conclusions: Analysis of the complete genome sequences of Metallosphaera sedula DSM 5348, Desulfurococcus kamchatkensis 1221n and Ignicoccus hospitalis KIN4/I in archaea by our algorithm revealed that a number of hybrid tRNAs are constructed from different tDNAs . Asymmetric combination of 5' and 3' tRNA halves may have generated the diversity of tRNA molecules. Our study of hybrid tRNA genes will provide a new molecular basis for upcoming tRNA studies., (Copyright: © 2019 The Author(s); Published by National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology.)

Various aspects of hot springs at Bakreshwar (Lat. 23°52'48″N; Long. 87°22'40″E) in West Bengal, India have been investigated since the middle of 20th century, but comprehending the complete diversity and the complexity of the microbial population therein has been in the continuing process. Some of these microorganisms are found to have immense industrial importance. Microbes generally exist in milieus of varying complexities and diversities. Attempting the usually employed cultivation-based techniques in experimentation with those microbes had confronted various limitations. To overcome these limitations a strategy based on high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicon analysis was employed for studying the differential diversity and the detailed nature of microbial population of the two hot springs of Bakreshwar (54 °C & 65 °C). Paired-end libraries of amplified V-3 hyper-variable 16S rDNA fragments from sets of samples that varied in their contents, ranging from a single bacterium to highly complex communities were sequenced. The comparison revealed the differential aspects in the two hot spring waters; the samples at 54 °C showed the bacterial phylum Firmicutes (65.85%) and Synergistetes (27.24%) predominating and those from hot spring water at 65 °C showed the abundance of the phyla Firmicutes (96.10%) and Proteobacteria (3.36%). The presence of Archaea in the hot springs could not be ascertained.