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This work evaluated the effect of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW), fumaric acid (FA) and antioxidant solution treatments on the quality of red and yellow fresh-cut bell pepper (FCBP) challenged with foodborne pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella sp.). The quality of the FCBP was determined in terms of the microbial contamination, and sensory properties. The sanitizer treatment such as (T1-T6) significantly inhibited the microbial colonization comparing to the untreated control (T0) group of R-FCBP and Y-FCBP. Total bacterial count (TBC) was reduced by 4.1 and 76.8 fold for Y-FCBP and R-FCBP respectively when treated with T6 during the 15 day of storage. The treatment of T6 significantly reduced the total fungal (TF) counts by 7.9 fold for Y-FCBP and 7.7 fold for R-FCBP comparing to T0 at 15 day of interval. Also, this treatment inhibited the total Salmonella sp., (TSC) by 4.93 fold for Y-FCBP and 4.23 fold for R-FCBP when comparing to T0 at 15 day of interval. These results proved the efficiency of T6 (FA, SAEW, and antioxidant solution) treatment compared to untreated control (T0) expands the quality of FCBP up to 9 days when preserved at 4 °C through inhibiting the microbial colonization. [Display omitted] • Effect of SAEW and organic acids treatments on quality fresh-cut bell pepper (FCBP). • The FCBP quality was determined by microfloral nutritional and sensory properties. • SAEW and organic acids treatments inhibited microfloral colonization in FCBP. • Newly composed sanitizer treatments were promising in expanding the shelf life of FCBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Dual-stimuli responsive nano-drug delivery system (nDDS) for nucleolin targeted glioma treatment. • CS assisted pH 5.4 dependent release of 5FU and Dox triggered anti-tumor activity. • Apt-Dox-CS-Au-5FU NPs are efficaciously taken up by the LN229 cell via nucleolin. • Flow cytometer examines evidenced the synergetic anti-tumor activity of drugs from nDDS. This study developed the pH, and over-expressed nucleolin receptor responsive nano-drug delivery system (nDDS) composed by bio-synthesized gold nanoparticles (Au NPs), chitosan (CS) with aptamer (Apt) to deliver the 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and doxorubicin (Dox) for the improved glioblastoma treatment. The characterization results demonstrated that Apt-Dox-CS-Au-5FU NPs were monodispersed in nature with an average hydrodynamic particle size of 196.2 ± 2.89 nm and zeta potential of 16.26 ± 0.51 mV. The drug release, drug encapsulation efficiency (DEE), and loading efficiency (DLE) were measured by HPLC. The pH-responsive dual drug release was instigated the higher glioblastoma cell death instead of the single drug release through G 0 /G 1 phase cell cycle arrest. In addition, the internalization of Apt-Dox-CS-Au-5FU NPs in cell organelles was affirmed by bio-TEM analysis. Overall, this work revealed the newly designed drug-loaded smart nDDS improved the glioblastoma treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Mycogenic silver nanoparticles (PRE-AgNPs) was prepared and characterized for bioactivities. • Capping of Penicillium radiatolobatum extract in PRE-AgNPs evidacned by FTIR. • PRE-AgNPs inhibited the bacteral pathognes thorugh cell damage. • PRE-AgNPs showed the cytotoxcity to A549 cells through ROS gerenation. The present work studied the characterization and bioactivities of the mycogenic silver nanoparticles (PRE-AgNPs) synthesized from the endophytic fungus Penicillium radiatolobatum. The maximum UV-spectrum absorption peak at 410–420 nm indicated the formation of PRE-AgNPs. The average zeta potential, size, and PDI of –22.2 ± 0.8 mV, 72.04 nm, and 0.143 were found for PRE-AgNPs respectively. The face-centered cubic crystal structure of PRE-AgNPs was indicated by XRD analysis. TEM micrograph showed the polydispersed and anisotropic structure of PRE-AgNPs with size ranged from 5.09 to 24.85 nm. FTIR evidenced that involvements of functional molecules from the PRE in the synthesis of PRE-AgNPs. The PRE-AgNPs inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enterica higher than the Bacillus cereus , Escherichia coli , and Listeria monocytogenes. Further, the higher concentration of PRE-AgNPs (120 µg/mL) did not show any cytotoxicity to HEK293 cells. But it caused significant cytotoxicity to the human lung carcinoma cell line (A549) with the IC50 of 19.67 ± 3.09 µg/ mL through activation of ROS-induced cell death. Overall, this work proved the antibacterial and cytotoxicity activity of the PRE-AgNPs derived from P. radiatolobatum and which is deserved for the further molecular elucidation of bioactivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work reported synthesis, characterization, and biocompatibility of starch encapsulated silver nanoparticles (St-PF-AgNPs) and their antibacterial activity. The synthesis of St-PF-AgNPs involved in two steps: (i) synthesis of the biogenic silver nanoparticles using the fungal extracts (PF-AgNPs); and, (ii) encapsulation of starch in PF-AgNPs (St-PF-AgNPs). The surface plasmon resonance was found at 420 nm for the PF-AgNPs while it was at 260 and 420 nm for the St-PF-AgNPs. FTIR spectrum demonstrated the capping and encapsulation of the fungal extracts and starch in PF-AgNPs and St-PF-AgNPs. The XRD and TEM-EDS confirmed the crystalline nature, spherical-shaped , and polydispersed- PF-AgNPs and St-PF-AgNPs with strong signals of Ag. The St-PF-AgNPs showed a Z -average size of 115.2 d.nm and zeta potential of −17.8 (mV) as indicated by DLS and zeta potentials. The cytotoxicity results demonstrated higher toxicity of PF-AgNPs than St-PF-AgNPs in HEK293 cells. The antibacterial activity of St-PF-AgNPs were higher than PF-AgNPs in S. aureus. Overall, this work concluded that the starch encapsulation significantly increased the antibacterial activity of PF-AgNPs and this opens a new avenue for the treatment of bacterial infections through the sustained release of PF-AgNPs to target pathogenic bacterial cells. [Display omitted] • Starch capped silver nanoparticles (St-PF-AgNPs) prepared and characterized. • Encapsulation of starch reduced the cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles (PF-AgNPs). • Starch encapsulation improved the stability and antibacterial activity of St-PF-AgNPs. • St-PF-AgNPs exhibited the antibacterial activity through bacterial cell damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Bioactive endophytic strain Diaporthe sp., was isolated from leaf of Ligustrum obtusifolium. • Secondary metabolites from Diaporthe sp., were was extracted using different solvents. • Ethyl acetate extract (FEAE) exhibited antibacterial, antidiabetic, anticancer activities. • Profile of volatile and low molecular weight metabolites of FEAE was determined using GC–MS. • Identified metabolites were docked with breast related heat shock protein (HSP90). The present work analyzed the antibacterial, cytotoxic, and antidiabetic activities of endophytic Diaporthe eres (SPEF004). The profiling of bioactive molecules was determined using GC MS analysis and these molecules were docked with breast cancer-related heat shock protein (HSP90). Among the extracts, FEAE (Fungal ethyl acetate extract) showed zone of inhibition in the range of 9.06–27.5 mm against Staphylococcusaureus , Escherichia coli,Salmonella enterica, Bacillus cereus, and Listeria monocytogenes. The FEAE showed DPPH (61.53 ± 1.47 %), ABTS (85.62 ± 2.48 %) scavenging property, and inhibitory activity of 41.11 ± 1.52 % for α amylase and 13.28 ± 0.94 % for α glucosidase at the concentration of 100 μg/mL. Interestingly, FEAE was found to be not toxic to mouse fibroblast (NIH3T3) cells, but, toxic to human breast cancer cell line (MDA MB231) through the damaging nucleus at an IC 50 value of 27.5 ± 0.25 μg/mL. Furthermore, pyrrolidine-5-one, 2-[3-hydroxypropyl] derived from Diaporthe sp., exhibited a strong binding affinity score (-5.4 kcal/mol) with HSP90 through the interaction of hydrogen bonds, and it is expected to regulate the apoptosis in breast cancer cells. This work proved the bioactivities of the novel compounds identified from Diaporthe sp. (SPEF004) for the possible development of pharmaceutically viable agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• pH-sensitive and tumor sensing drug delivery system (DDS) for the targeted cancer therapy. • Tumor-targeted release of Erlotinib from chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs). • Enloaded aptamer-CSNPs (APT-En-CSNPs) triggered ROS, nucleus damage, and Δψm loss. • APT-En-CSNPs is promising in non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) therapy. The present work was developed the pH dependent-aptamer AS1411 (APT) decorated and erlotinib (En) loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) for promising non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) treatment. The characterization studies revealed that formulated APT-En-CSNPs were spherical in shape with size of 165.95 d. nm and PDI of 0.212. FTIR spectrum recorded molecular chemical interactions with composition of En or En-CSNPs. Cell viability assay, flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy results revealed that APT-En-CSNPs triggered cancer cell death through pH-sensitive and nucleolin receptor-targeted release of En. The decoration of the APT improved the cellular uptake of En as evidenced by cellular sensing fluorescence and BioTEM assay. The APT-En-CSNPs induced the apoptosis through excessive ROS generation, nucleus damage and Δψm loss in the A549 cells. Hence, the present study revealed that the APT-En-CSNPs improved the therapeutic efficiency of En in NSCLC through the nucleolin targeted drug release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungi are ubiquitous in distribution and are found in grasses to hot springs. Their mode of nutrition provides sustenance for living and propagation. Ironically, varied fungal species have developed customized strategies for protection and survival by producing diverse secondary metabolites. The review aimed to project the contrasting potential features of the endophytic and thermophilic fungi groups. The metabolites and the enzymes of endophytic and thermophilic fungi served as the backbone to thrive and adapt within-host and in extreme conditions like higher pH, heat, and salinity, respectively. Identification, knowledge of their biochemistry and pathway, exploration, production, and utilization of these bioactive molecules in various commercial, industrial, and pharmaceutical domains were briefly discussed. The uniqueness of endophytes includes stress management and improved biomass production of the host, green fuel production, omnipresence, selected triple-symbiosis with the virus, synthesis of polyketides, and other active metabolites are widely used in biomedical applications and agriculture management. This review attempted to limelight the specific applications of thermophilic fungal metabolites and the roles of thermo-stable enzymes in bioprospecting. Moreover, probing the metabolites of thermophiles rendered novel antibiotic compounds, which were proven effective against multi-drug resistant bacteria and harboured the potential to curtail infectious diseases. [Display omitted] • Fungi metabolites are potent candidates of relevance from clinical studies to greener biopesticide progress. • Thermophilic fungi harbour heat-tolerant compounds that best suit in bioprospecting. • Antibiotics from certain thermophiles is used against multi drug resistant microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnology has underpinned vital progress in current research and has immensely promoted the food production chain. This review projected the critical intervention of nano-based technologies like modern advancements of nano-based biosensors in detecting mycotoxins, microbial contaminations, antibiotics, pesticides, food additives, and dyes. It also highlighted the starring roles of nanotechnology in terms of active, intelligent food packaging and food safety. These approaches have certainly intensified the strength of food processing technology and improved food quality and maintenance standards during shelf life. Apart from these trending facets, this review throw light on the utilisation of food waste for the biogenic synthesis of nanoparticles and the application of nano-based materials for the recycling process in food production units to ensure a complete cleaner technology. However, monitoring the chronic exposure of food contact nanomaterials should be critically evaluated to ensure food safety. Nanotechnology embraced an influential role in the food sector by providing effective avenues for energy conservation, sustainability, and cues to improve the capital funds well. [Display omitted] • Role of nano-biosensors for detection of toxic residues in food. • Naturally occurring nano-foods as models to understand the penetrable properties. • Utilisation of food waste for energy sustainability through eco-waste management. • Nanomaterials in recycling units of food factories ensure cleaner production. • Improved bioavailability of nutrients and food safety through active packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrons exchange amongst the chemical species in an organism is a pivotal concomitant activity carried out by individual cells for basic cellular processes and continuously contribute towards the maintenance of bioenergetic networks plus physiological attributes like cell growth, phenotypic differences and nutritional adaptations. Humans exchange matter and energy via complex connections of metabolic pathways (redox reactions) amongst cells being a thermodynamically open system. Usually, these reactions are the real lifeline and driving forces of health and disease in the living entity. Many shreds of evidence support the secondary role of reactive species in the cellular process of control apoptosis and proliferation. Disrupted redox mechanisms are seen in malaises, like degenerative and metabolic disorders, cancerous cells. This review targets the importance of redox reactions in the body's normal functioning and the effects of its alterations in cells to obtain a better understanding. Understanding the redox dynamics in a pathological state can provide an opportunity for cure or diagnosis at the earlier stage and serve as an essential biomarker to predict in advance to give personalized therapy. Understanding redox metabolism can also highlight the use of naturally available antioxidant in the form of diet. [Display omitted] • Redox is the lingua franca of the body and maintenance of cellular health. • Activities of mitochondria release the reactive species, peroxisomes, detached NO synthases. • Disruption in reactive species level leads to the tumorous and pathological environment. • Reactive species directly impact the major biomolecules like proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids. • Naturally available micronutrients can be obtained from the food and maintain reactive species levels by producing antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a stern dominant progressive neurological development disorder linked with X chromosome ranking second for mental slowdown, exclusively in females after few months of birth with normal development and growth period. Genetically any defects in universally expressed methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) transcription regulator gene are considered as radix for RTT in almost all the previous studies. Our study mainly focuses in unraveling the genetic alterations like identifying MeCP2 gene polymorphisms, chromosomal abnormalities, or X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) as underlying cause of RTT in prototypes sorted through Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Text Revised (DSM IV). In addition, we have examined the probable surrogates of brain function disabilities like serotonin, homocysteine (Hcy), calcium, potassium, and lead from blood in both RTT porotypes and their mothers. In our investigation, we have observed varied amino acid substitution of MeCP2 and varied frequency of skewed XCI in RTT prototype. Our study validates that the demonstration of chromosomal analysis, biochemical analysis, and genomic observations helps in concluding RTT condition and can be helpful in providing appropriate treatment and counseling as well as improve the currently available protocol of diagnosis. Unlabelled Image • Rett syndrome(RTT)-Progressive neurodevelopment disorder, X-linked mental retardation, foremost in females, defect in MeCP2. • Amino acid substitution- MeCP2 of the RTT-with C to T transition-exon 2 of MeCP2 -results in R106W amino acid substitution. • 95% confidence interval as degree of skewing in XCI in RTT subjects than mothers. • Novel mutation of MECP2 gene can help in futuristic therapeutic modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anemia is one of the predominant hematological conditions, whereas chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a predominant respiratory disease. These two diseases were found to be interlinked, but the physiological pathways are still unclear., Aim: The current study has been aimed at analysing the genetic interrelationship between anemia and COPD in accordance with different altitudes. Methodology . The genetic analysis was performed in the SERPINA1 gene of anemia, COPD, and healthy individuals for the analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism at rs28949274 and rs17580 locations. Result and Discussion . The single nucleotide polymorphism at the locations rs28949274 and rs17580 was present in both anemic and COPD patients. The COPD patients were more prone to mutations (63% had rs28949274, and 11% had rs17580 polymorphisms) than the anemic patients (40% had rs28949274, and 1% had rs17580 polymorphisms). On the basis of altitude, high-altitude individuals were found to be more susceptible to both the polymorphisms., Conclusion: Based on the current findings, we suggest that the SERPINA1 gene has a positive correlation with anemia as well as COPD, and the increase in altitude also influences the diseased conditions in a positive manner., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Thangavelu Sangeetha et al.)

The present study was carried out to evaluate the in vitro cytoprotective effects of Psidium guajava and their isolated quercetin fraction to reduce the CCl 4 (carbon tetrachloride) induced toxicity in HepG2 cell lines (Hepatocellular carcinoma G2). Silymarin was used as a standard drug to compare the protective effects of plant extracts in infected cell lines. MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) assay, cell viability assay, leakage parameters [Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)], lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were used to find out the protection of human derived HepG2 cells against CCl 4 -induced damage. The levels of cytotoxicity, viability and GSH were reduced. While the activities of AST, ALT, LDH and lipid peroxidation was increased in CCl 4 -treated groups. The treatment of P. guajava and their isolated quercetin fractions (100, 200, 300 µg/mL) decreased the elevated levels of all these parameters. The results of the present study suggest that the ethanolic extract of P. guajava leaf and their isolated quercetin fractions can able to reduce the CCl 4 -induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cell lines., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors declare no conflict of interest.

Diabetes is a chronic, lifelong condition due to inadequate production of insulin or the cells does not properly respond it. Recently, the significance and effectiveness of herbal drugs associated with diabetes has emerged. The aim of the present study was to determine the anti-diabetic effects of Terminalia catappa L. leaves on streptozotocin (STZ)-treated rats. Two different concentrations of ethanolic leaf extract (300 and 500 mg/kg) of T. catappa were used to treat diabetic rats, and biochemical parameters were analyzed in blood samples. The results of herbal treatments were compared with the standard drug, glibenclamide. The ethanol extract (500 mg/kg) had significant anti-diabetic activity by altering blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, liver glycogen, glucose 6-phosphatase, fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase, glucokinase, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, urea, uric acid and creatinine levels while increasing insulin levels. Thus, the present study suggests that the supplementation of the diabetic patients with T. catappa leaves can lead to recovery from diabetic effects.