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Hydrophobic deep eutectic nanoemulsions derived from fatty acids and terpenes (referred to as HyDEN) were introduced as potential nano-coating to effectively combat anthracnose during the postharvest preservation of fruits. Anthracnose primarily caused by the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides species is known for causing substantial damage to fruits. Synthetic fungicides have proven to be effective but come with environmental, health, and safety concerns. In this study, hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs) were evaluated for their physical properties to identify the most suitable HDES for the formulation of HyDEN. Menthol-Thymol (MT) at 1:1 and 2:1 ratio met the criteria and was chosen for the formulation of HyDEN. HyDEN (MT-N 1:1) displayed a higher zeta potential value and smaller mean droplet diameter and then tested for its antifungal properties against C. gloeosporioides compared with selected antifungal agents. HyDEN (MT-N 1:1) exhibited strong antifungal activity against C. gloeosporioides and was attributed to its potent mode of action, binding affinity, and rapid onset compared to HDES and fungicide (Globus 5.5). This study also investigated how HyDEN (MT-N 1:1) affects mycelial growth, cell membrane permeability, and cellular leakage of C. gloeosporioides , highlighting its superior disruption of cell membranes compared to HDES and Globus 5.5. This research presents an eco-friendly alternative to the use of toxic chemicals and showcases an innovative and sustainable approach to controlling anthracnose in postharvest fruit preservation. [Display omitted] • HyDEN displayed strong antifungal activity against C. gloeosporioides compared to HDES and fungicide (Globus 5.5). • HyDEN exhibited strong mode of action, binding affinity, and rapid onset against C. gloeosporioides. • HyDEN showed high level of cell membranes disruptions and cellular leakage of C. gloeosporioides. • HyDEN exerted its effects and effectively combats anthracnose disease at lower concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mango has a high global demand. Fruit fungal disease causes post-harvest mango and fruit losses. Conventional chemical fungicides and plastic prevent fungal diseases but they are hazardous to humans and the environment. Direct application of essential oil for post-harvest fruit control is not a cost-effective approach. The current work offers an eco-friendly alternative to controlling the post-harvest disease of fruit using a film amalgamated with oil derived from Melaleuca alternifolia. Further, this research also aimed to assess the mechanical, antioxidant, and antifungal properties of the film infused with essential oil. ASTM D882 was performed to determine the tensile strength of the film. The antioxidant reaction of the film was assessed using the DPPH assay. In vitro and in vivo tests were used to evaluate the inhibitory development of the film against pathogenic fungi, by comparing the film with different levels of essential oil together with the treatment of the control and chemical fungicide. Disk diffusion was used to evaluate mycelial growth inhibition, where the film incorporated with 1.2 wt% essential oil yielded the best results. For in vivo testing of wounded mango, the disease incidence was successfully reduced. For in vivo testing of unwounded mango to which the film incorporated with essential oil was applied, although some quality parameters such as the color index were not significantly affected, weight loss was reduced, soluble solid content was increased, and firmness was increased, compared to the control. Thus, the film incorporated with essential oil (EO) from M. alternifolia can be an environmentally friendly alternative to the conventional approach and the direct application of essential oil to control post-harvest disease in mango. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biomarker is any measurable biological moiety that can be assessed and measured as a potential index of either normal or abnormal pathophysiology or pharmacological responses to some treatment regimen. Every tissue in the body has a distinct biomolecular make-up, which is known as its biomarkers, which possess particular features, viz., the levels or activities (the ability of a gene or protein to carry out a particular body function) of a gene, protein, or other biomolecules. A biomarker refers to some feature that can be objectively quantified by various biochemical samples and evaluates the exposure of an organism to normal or pathological procedures or their response to some drug interventions. An in-depth and comprehensive realization of the significance of these biomarkers becomes quite important for the efficient diagnosis of diseases and for providing the appropriate directions in case of multiple drug choices being presently available, which can benefit any patient. Presently, advancements in omics technologies have opened up new possibilities to obtain novel biomarkers of different types, employing genomic strategies, epigenetics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, lipid-based analysis, protein studies, etc. Particular biomarkers for specific diseases, their prognostic capabilities, and responses to therapeutic paradigms have been applied for screening of various normal healthy, as well as diseased, tissue or serum samples, and act as appreciable tools in pharmacology and therapeutics, etc. In this review, we have summarized various biomarker types, their classification, and monitoring and detection methods and strategies. Various analytical techniques and approaches of biomarkers have also been described along with various clinically applicable biomarker sensing techniques which have been developed in the recent past. A section has also been dedicated to the latest trends in the formulation and designing of nanotechnology-based biomarker sensing and detection developments in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer as a disease possess quite complicated pathophysiological implications and is among the prominent causes of morbidity and mortality on global scales. Anti-cancer chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy are some of the present-day conventional treatment options. However, these therapeutic paradigms own several retreats, including lack of specificity, non-targeted toxicological implications, inefficient drug delivery to targeted cells, and emergence of cancer resistance, ultimately causing ineffective cancer management. Owing to the advanced and better biophysical characteristic features and potentiality for the tailoring and customizations and in several fashions, nanotechnology can entirely transubstantiate the cancer identification and its managements. Additionally, nanotechnology also renders several answers to present-day mainstream limitations springing-up in anti-cancer therapeutics. Nanocarriers, owing to their outstanding physicochemical features including but not limited to their particle size, surface morphological features viz. shape etc., have been employed in nanomedicinal platforms for targeting various transcription factors leading to worthy pharmacological outcomes. This transcription targeting activates the wide array of cellular and molecular events like antioxidant enzyme-induction, apoptotic cell death, cell-cycle arrest etc. These outcomes are obtained after the activation or inactivation of several transcription factors and cellular pathways. Further, nanoformulations have been precisely calibrated and functionalized with peculiar targeting groups for improving their efficiency to deliver the drug-payload to specified and targeted cancerous cells and tissues. This review undertakes an extensive, across-the-board and all-inclusive approach consisting of various studies encompassing different types of tailored and customized nanoformulations and nanomaterials designed for targeting the transcription factors implicated in the process of carcinogenesis, tumor-maturation, growth and metastasis. Various transcription factors viz. nuclear factor kappa (NF-κB), signal transducer and activators of transcription (STAT), Cmyc and Twist-related protein 1 (TWIST1) along with several types of nanoparticles targeting these transcription factors have been summarized here. A section has also been dedicated to the different types of nanoparticles targeting the hypoxia inducing factors. Efforts have been made to summarize several other transcription factors implicated in various stages of cancer development, growth, progression and invasion, and their targeting with different kinds of nanomedicinal agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeman's pioneer idea has led to the foundation of DNA nanostructures, resulting in a remarkable advancement in DNA nanotechnology. Over the last few decades, remarkable advances in drug delivery techniques have resulted in the self-assembly of DNA for encapsulating candidate drug molecules. The nuclear targeting capability of DNA nanostructures is lies within their high spatial addressability and tremendous potential for active targeting. However, effective programming and assembling those DNA molecules remains a challenge, making the path to DNA nanostructures for real-world applications difficult. Because of their small size, most nanostructures are self-capable of infiltrating into the tumor cellular environment. Furthermore, to enable controlled and site-specific delivery of encapsulated drug molecules, DNA nanostructures are functionalized with special moieties that allow them to bind specific targets and release cargo only at targeted sites rather than non-specific sites, resulting in the prevention/limitation of cellular toxicity. In light of this, the current review seeks to shed light on the versatility of the DNA molecule as a targeting and encapsulating moiety for active drugs in order to achieve controlled and specific drug release with spatial and temporal precision. Furthermore, this review focused on the challenges associated with the construction of DNA nanostructures as well as the most recent advances in the functionalization of DNA nanostructures using various materials for controlled and targeted delivery of medications for cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer has complex pathophysiology and is one of the primary causes of death and morbidity across the world. Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy are examples of traditional cancer treatments. However, these conventional treatment regimens have many drawbacks, such as lack of selectivity, non-targeted cytotoxicity, insufficient drug delivery at tumor sites, and multi-drug resistance, leading to less potent/ineffective cancer treatment. Due to its immanent biophysical property and ability to change in numerous ways, nano-technology has completely transformed how cancer is identified and treated in recent years. Furthermore, nanotechnology providing solutions to these restrictions and boosting cancer therapy. Nanoparticles are widely used nanomedicine platform in cancer immunotherapy due to their excellent physicochemical properties that include size, shape, and surface features, resulting into desirable biological interactions and have been categorized into several types. Nanoparticles can also be potentially be up taken by antigen-presenting cells that promote the cytosolic delivery of encapsulated antigens and adjuvants. Furthermore, nanoparticles can be fine-tuned and functionalized with specific moieties to promote their efficacy in targeting and delivering cargo materials to specific locations. In this review, we summarized and discussed nanoparticles and potential features to be used as carriers in cancer immunotherapy, the current status of different types of nanoparticles, and the importance of their functionalization. Furthermore, we have also discussed nanoparticles-based nanomedicine in targeted delivery of encapsulated cancer immunotherapeutic and their involvement in the modulation of the tumor microenvironment, promoting cancer immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeman's pioneer idea has led to the foundation of DNA nanostructures, resulting in a remarkable advancement in DNA nanotechnology. Over the last few decades, remarkable advances in drug delivery techniques have resulted in the self-assembly of DNA for encapsulating candidate drug molecules. The nuclear targeting capability of DNA nanostructures is lies within their high spatial addressability and tremendous potential for active targeting. However, effective programming and assembling those DNA molecules remains a challenge, making the path to DNA nanostructures for real-world applications difficult. Because of their small size, most nanostructures are self-capable of infiltrating into the tumor cellular environment. Furthermore, to enable controlled and site-specific delivery of encapsulated drug molecules, DNA nanostructures are functionalized with special moieties that allow them to bind specific targets and release cargo only at targeted sites rather than non-specific sites, resulting in the prevention/limitation of cellular toxicity. In light of this, the current review seeks to shed light on the versatility of the DNA molecule as a targeting and encapsulating moiety for active drugs in order to achieve controlled and specific drug release with spatial and temporal precision. Furthermore, this review focused on the challenges associated with the construction of DNA nanostructures as well as the most recent advances in the functionalization of DNA nanostructures using various materials for controlled and targeted delivery of medications for cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer has complex pathophysiology and is one of the primary causes of death and morbidity across the world. Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy are examples of traditional cancer treatments. However, these conventional treatment regimens have many drawbacks, such as lack of selectivity, non-targeted cytotoxicity, insufficient drug delivery at tumor sites, and multi-drug resistance, leading to less potent/ineffective cancer treatment. Due to its immanent biophysical property and ability to change in numerous ways, nano-technology has completely transformed how cancer is identified and treated in recent years. Furthermore, nanotechnology providing solutions to these restrictions and boosting cancer therapy. Nanoparticles are widely used nanomedicine platform in cancer immunotherapy due to their excellent physicochemical properties that include size, shape, and surface features, resulting into desirable biological interactions and have been categorized into several types. Nanoparticles can also be potentially be up taken by antigen-presenting cells that promote the cytosolic delivery of encapsulated antigens and adjuvants. Furthermore, nanoparticles can be fine-tuned and functionalized with specific moieties to promote their efficacy in targeting and delivering cargo materials to specific locations. In this review, we summarized and discussed nanoparticles and potential features to be used as carriers in cancer immunotherapy, the current status of different types of nanoparticles, and the importance of their functionalization. Furthermore, we have also discussed nanoparticles-based nanomedicine in targeted delivery of encapsulated cancer immunotherapeutic and their involvement in the modulation of the tumor microenvironment, promoting cancer immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hydrophobic deep eutectic oil-in-water nanoemulsion (HyDEN) was developed as a potential edible coating for preserving 'Harumanis' mango. Preventing water loss in mango during postharvest handling and storage is crucial to maintain their quality and market value. Mango with high respiration rates during storage tend to have shorter shelf life due to issues like softening and over-ripening. Edible coating materials such as lipids, polysaccharides, and proteins have setbacks such as poor water vapor barrier and potential contamination which affect their performance in preserving fruit quality. In this study, a HyDEN coating was prepared to preserve 'Harumanis' mango. The HyDEN coating exhibited good stability, with a high zeta potential value of −42.02 ± 0.12 mV, a robust antioxidant property of 97.89 ± 0.14%, and relatively low mean droplet sizes averaging 210.04 ± 0.89 nm. The application of HyDEN coating effectively extended the shelf life of 'Harumanis' mango. Additionally, it slowed down the ripening process, preserving the fruit's quality in terms of weight loss, firmness, total soluble solids, colour, titratable acidity, pH, radical scavenging rate, browning index, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and sensory attributes after 20 days of storage, whereas the control fruit began to overripe and deteriorate after 10 days. This study introduces a novel delivery system for applying HyDEN as an edible coating for postharvest fruit preservation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linalool is a commonly used monoterpene obtained from the essential oils of plants that impart multiple pharmacological effects. However, because of poor aqueous solubility, therapeutic efficacy is low, therefore effective methods are desired for improving the efficacy of linalool. In this study, instead of encapsulating linalool, we directly amalgamated linalool with glyceryl monostearate (GMS) and formulate linalool-based nanoparticles (Lin-NPs) using the hot melt method. Subsequently, we characterized Lin-NPs for targeting and suppressing the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 cells. The hydrodynamic diameter of GMS-NPs was ∼175 nm but after amalgamating with linalool, the hydrodynamic diameter was found to be ∼214 nm. Furthermore, particle size and surface morphological characteristics were further confirmed with scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The formulation of Lin-NPs was also demonstrated with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). These Lin-NPs were then assessed for their pharmacological efficacy in terms of their anti-inflammatory potential. These Lin-NPs effectively suppressed the ROS generation. Finally, investigated the effects of Lin-NPs on the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway as confirmed by the inhibition of NLRP-3, caspase-1 (inhibition of the inflammatory response initiator), and significant suppression of the other downstream biomarkers of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway such as interleukin-1β and interleukin-18. In conclusion, amalgamation of linalool in GMS to develop Lin-NPs improved the efficacy of linalool, and plausible anti-inflammatory effects of Lin-NPs might be due to inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Moreover, the GMS and linalool both are listed under the FDA-approved Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) material and therefore Lin-NPs could supplement as potential NPs to combat inflammation. [Display omitted] • Developed a nanoparticles using linalool and glyceryl monostearate (GMS). • Linalool was amalgamated with GMS instead of loading to overcome low drug loading. • Linalool-based nanoparticles mitigate inflammation by targeting NLPR-3 inflammasome. • Linalool-based nanoparticles is highly cytocompatible and hemocompatible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) are the most widely researched nanoformulations and gained broad acceptance in nanotherapeutics for targeted drug delivery and theranostics. However, lack of regulations, guidelines, harmonized standards, and limitations with their employability in clinical circumstances necessitates an in-depth understanding of their toxicology. Here, we examined the in-vivo toxicity of core-shell polymeric NPs made up of gelatin core coated with an outer layer of aminocellulose-grafted polycaprolactone (PCL-AC) synthesized for drug delivery purposes in inflammatory disorders. Nanoparticles were administered intravenously in Swiss albino mice, in multiple dosing (10, 25, and 50 mg/kg body weight) and outcomes of serum biochemistry analysis and histopathology evaluation exhibited that the highest 50 mg/kg administration of NPs altered biochemistry and histopathology aspects of vital organs, while doses of 10 and 25 mg/kg were safe and biocompatible. Further, mast cell (toluidine blue) staining confirmed that administration of the highest dose enhanced mast cell infiltration in tissues of vital organs, while lower doses did not exhibit any of these alterations. Therefore, the results of the present study establish that the NPs disposal in-vivo culminates into alterations in organ structure and function consequences such that lower doses are quite biocompatible and do not demonstrate any structural or functional toxicity while some toxicological effects start appearing at the highest dose. [Display omitted] • Aminocellulose-grafted polymeric NPs were tested for acute toxicity & safety in-vivo • Generalized & organ-specific toxicity parameters were assessed in three doses of NPs • Lower two doses of NPs viz. 10 and 25 mg/kg were quite safe and biocompatible. • However, the highest dose of 50 mg/kg induced functional and histological changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Administration of nanomaterials based medicinal and drug carrier systems into systemic circulation brings about interaction of blood components e.g. albumin and globulin proteins with these nanosystems. These blood or serum proteins either get loosely attached over these nanocarriers and form soft protein corona or are tightly adsorbed over nanoparticles and hard protein corona formation occurs. Formation of protein corona has significant implications over a wide array of physicochemical and medicinal attributes. Almost all pharmacological, toxicological and carrier characteristics of nanoparticles get prominently touched by the protein corona formation. It is this interaction of nanoparticle protein corona that decides and influences fate of nanomaterials-based systems. In this article, authors reviewed several diverse aspects of protein corona formation and its implications on various possible outcomes in vivo and in vitro. A brief description regarding formation and types of protein corona has been included along with mechanisms and pharmacokinetic, pharmacological behavior and toxicological profiles of nanoparticles has been described. Finally, significance of protein corona in context of its in vivo and in vitro behavior, involvement of biomolecules at nanoparticle plasma interface and other interfaces and effects of protein corona on biocompatibility characteristics have also been touched upon. • Nanotechnology brought revolutionary changes in pharmaceutical sciences specifically drug delivery systems in recent decades. • Serum proteins play a significant role in the formation of protein corona over nanoparticles. • Protein corona provides identity to nanoparticles and controls overall fate in biological system. • Hard and soft corona formation is equilibrium process and both are having different composition. • Strategies for protein corona modulation affect pharmacological efficacies of nanomedicinal drug delivery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work evaluates the fungicidal effect of essential oil from Coleus aromaticus (C. aromaticus) by solvent-free microwave-assisted extraction with a yield of 0.54%. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was utilised to identify the functional groups, which were O–H, C–O, C–H, and C=C. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis was performed to determine the primary essential oil components, namely, thymol (92.62%), thymoquinone (2.64%), creosol (1.77%), linalool (1.68%), p-Cymene-2,5-diol (0.73%), and p-Cymene (0.56%). The inhibitory effect of essential oil extracted from C. aromaticus against the isolated fungi, Aspergillus niger from mango, was investigated. The mycelial growth inhibition of the extracted essential oil by the poisoned food test and disc diffusion assay showed the reduction at 79.63 ± 1.7 and 70.45 ± 6.54%, respectively. In vivo experiment was conducted with artificially wounded and unwounded mangoes, applying the extracted essential oil to the wounded mangoes inoculated with A. niger that could decrease the disease incidence from 100 to 58.33 ± 14.43%. Meanwhile, the treatment of the extracted essential oil did not affect the quality of the mango and it also shows improvement in weight loss reduction of the mango in comparison to the chemical fungicide and untreated mango. Hence, essential oil from C. aromaticus by solvent-free microwave-assisted extraction could be used as an effective control for the fruit spoilage and potential source of fruit preservative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron-oxide nanoparticles are one of the most commercialized nanomaterials and have gained widespread acceptance in nanotherapeutics due to their ability for targeted drug delivery, bioimaging, and various other preclinical and clinical theranostic biomedical applications. However, the absence of regulations, guidelines, and harmonized standards as well as limitations associated with their use in clinical settings in the context of their safety and toxicity profiling necessitates in-depth understanding of their toxicological paradigms. Here we examine the toxicity of modified superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in Swiss albino mice in terms of body weight changes, organ coefficients, generalized and organ-specific biochemical, and various histological staining parameters after administration of bare (uncoated) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and triple polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNP-AC-G2-pPEG). Both types of nanoparticles were administered intravenously, in three doses (5, 10, and 25 mg/kg body weight) and results of biochemical and histopathological assessment revealed that the highest dose of bare (uncoated) MNPs significantly altered biochemical and histoarchitectural aspects in vital organs, while coated NPs (MNP-AC-G2-pPEG) was found safe in almost all doses. Furthermore, results of toluidine blue (for mast cells) and Prussian blue (for iron deposition) staining also established that the highest dose administration of bare MNPs in animals significantly enhanced mast cell infiltration and iron deposition in tissue sections of most vital organs, while coated NPs did not demonstrate any such adverse effects. Overall, outcomes of this study aid in establishing that administration of uncoated (bare) magnetic NPs in vivo results in structural and functional toxicological modifications while the coating of these NPs with biocompatible and biodegradable polymers can significantly bring down the toxicity of these NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to review the literature of community-based mental health services (CMHS) optimization in Malaysia that focus on the aspects of perceived challenges or barriers and facilitating factors for community-based mental health centre (CMHC). Design/methodology/approach: Relevant peer-reviewed literature was identified and being reviewed in three databases and one local journal. Findings: Nine studies were eligible for inclusion and the extracted data were summarized into a narrative review. The evidence provided for what constituting an optimal implementation of CMHS in Malaysia appeared lacking. However, there are adequate recommendations and suggestions on the component of facilitating factors; on how to increase service user's engagement towards the improvement of mental health systems. Research limitations/implications: Research in the literature had focussed on the optimization aspects from the perspective of the service user. Additionally, this had been discussed through the lens of a variety of mental health systems and not specifically on the community-based perspectives. Originality/value: This current systematic review provides valuable and important evidence that further explorations of the existing experiences of the mental health care professionals in delivering CMHS in Malaysia CMHC. The review serves as the foundation for future research to explain the local explanatory framework on what are the best practise models for local CMHS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The review article focuses on free radicals and oxidative stress involved in ophthalmological diseases such as retinopathy, cataract, glaucoma, etc. Oxidative stress is considered as a key factor involved in the pathology of many chronic diseases including ophthalmic complication and inflammatory process. Oxidative stress and inflammation are closely related pathophysiological processes and are simultaneously found in many pathological conditions. The free radicals produced oxidize cellular components such as lipids and phospholipids leading to lipid peroxidation and trigger the onset of retinopathy. Cataract is a significant cause of visual disability and it is proposed that the high incidence is related to oxidative stress induced by continued intraocular penetration of light and consequent photochemical generation of free radical oxidants. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness and comprises a group of diseases characterized by progressive optic nerve degeneration. Oxidative injury and altered antioxidant defense mechanisms in glaucoma appear to play a role in the pathophysiology of glaucomatous neurodegeneration that is characterized by death of retinal ganglion cells. The UVB radiations through this way may cause a number of diseases like photo-keratitis, pterygium, damage to epithelium, edema, and corneal cell apoptosis. Abbreviations: ROS: reactive oxygen species; RNS: reactive nitrogen species; O2.: superoxide anion; H2O2: hydrogen peroxide;. OH: hydroxyl radicals; ONOO−, ONO2−: peroxynitrite; NO: nitric oxide; IOP: intraocular pressure; RGC: retinal ganglion cells. WHO: World Health Organization; IAPB: International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is a multi-step process during which cells acquire mutations that eventually lead to uncontrolled cell growth and division and evasion of programmed cell death. The oncogenes such as Ras and c-Myc may be responsible in all three major stages of cancer i.e., early, intermediate, and late. The NF-κB has been shown to control the expression of genes linked with tumor pathways such as chronic inflammation, tumor cell survival, anti-apoptosis, proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis. In the last few decades, various biomarker pathways have been identified that play a critical role in carcinogenesis such as Ras, NF-κB and DNA damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES)-Halophilic Cellulase for lignocelluloses hydrolysis. • DES-halophilic cellulase system improved saccharification efficiency. • High stability of halophilic cellulase at 10–20% (v/v) DES. • In situ saccharification of the rice husk produced three folds higher glucose. • Yield was >1 mM of glucose with the hydrolysis for 36 h. Pre-treatment of lignocellulosic biomass is essential for the cost-effective saccharification process to produce fermentable sugars. In this study, Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) and halophilic cellulase system were used as a new green and cost-effective approach for lignocellulose hydrolysis. The stability and compatibility between DES and halophilic cellulase for lignocellulose hydrolysis were investigated by monitoring the stability of halophilic cellulase in the occurrence of different concentrations of DESs. It was found that halophilic cellulase showed higher stability in the occurrence of 10–20% (v/v) DES. It has been noticed that 20% of DESs, enhanced 2–3 folds in the release of glucose. The compatibility of the DES-halophilic cellulase system has been further evaluated and improved the saccharification efficiency even at high solid loadings. Using the system, saccharification of the rice husk produced three folds of glucose higher than the untreated sample. The yield was estimated to be higher than 1 mM of glucose using the halophilic cellulase-DES system with the hydrolysis for 36 h. DESs-halophilic cellulase system offers a good alternative compared to the available lignocelluloses pre-treatment method in terms of cost, environmental and compatibility with enzyme aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic lethality is a molecular-targeted therapy for selective killing of cancer cells. We exploited a lethal interaction between superoxide dismutase 1 inhibition and Bloom syndrome gene product (BLM) defect for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells (HCT 116) with a customized lung cancer screen-1-loaded nanocarrier (LCS-1-NC). The drug LCS-1 has poor aqueous solubility. To overcome its limitations, a customized NC, composed of a magnetite core coated with three polymeric shells, namely, aminocellulose (AC), branched poly(amidoamine), and paraben-PEG, was developed for encapsulating LCS-1. Encapsulation efficiency and drug loading were found to be 74% and 8.2%, respectively. LCS-1-NC exhibited sustained release, with ~85% of drug release in 24 h. Blank NC (0.5 mg/mL) exhibited cytocompatibility toward normal cells, mainly due to the AC layer. LCS-1-NC demonstrated high killing selectivity (104 times) toward BLM-deficient HCT 116 cells over BLM-proficient HCT 116 cells. Due to enhanced efficacy of the drug using NC, the sensitivity difference for BLM-deficient cells increased to 1.7 times in comparison to that with free LCS-1. LCS-1-NC induced persistent DNA damage and apoptosis, which demonstrates that LCS-1-NC effectively and preferentially killed BLM-deficient CRC cells. This is the first report on the development of a potential drug carrier to improve the therapeutic efficacy of LCS-1 for specific killing of CRC cells having BLM defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Future Internet consists of a wide spectrum of applications with different bit rates and quality of service (QoS) requirements. Prioritizing the services is essential to ensure that the delivery of information is at its best. Existing technologies have demonstrated how service differentiation techniques can be implemented in optical networks using data link and network layer operations. However, a physical layer approach can further improve system performance at a prescribed received signal quality by applying control at the bit level. This paper proposes a coding algorithm to support optical domain service differentiation using spectral amplitude coding techniques within an optical code division multiple access (OCDMA) scenario. A particular user or service has a varying weight applied to obtain the desired signal quality. The properties of the new code are compared with other OCDMA codes proposed for service differentiation. In addition, a mathematical model is developed for performance evaluation of the proposed code using two different detection techniques, namely direct decoding and complementary subtraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) have recently emerged as a new generation of ionic liquids for lignocellulose pretreatment. However, DESs contain salt components which tend to inactivate cellulase in the subsequent saccharification process. To alleviate this problem, it is necessary to evaluate the applicability of the DESs–Cellulase system. This was accomplished in the present study by first studying the stability of cellulase in the presence of selected DESs followed by applicability evaluation based on glucose production, energy consumption and kinetic performance. Results showed that the cellulase was able to retain more than 90% of its original activity in the presence of 10% (v/v) for glycerol based DES (GLY) and ethylene glycol based DES (EG). Furthermore, both DESs system exhibited higher glucose percentage enhancement and lower energy consumption as compared to diluted alkali system. Among the two DESs studied, EG showed comparatively better kinetic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Aspergillus terreus UniMAP AA-6: a newly isolated halophilic cellulases-producing strain. [•] Thermotolerant properties of halophilic cellulases are improved with the increment of salt concentration. [•] Halophilic cellulases exhibits compatibility with ionic liquids. [•] Halophilic cellulases of A. terreus UniMAP AA-6 promise a single pot system for saccharification of ionic liquid pretreated lignocelluloses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We have implemented a new service differentiation technique in the optical domain using a spectral-amplitude-coding (SAC) variant of optical code division multiple access (OCDMA). The newly developed code, named KS (Khazani–Syed) is compared mathematically with other codes which use similar techniques. In our proposal, multiple weights are used to support ‘triple-play’ services (audio, video and data) with different quality-of-service (QoS) requirements. The results characterizing the bit-error-rate (BER) with respect to the total number of active users show that KS offers a significantly improved performance over the previous reported techniques by accommodating additional 30 users with shorter code length and smaller code weight at BER of 10−9. In variable weight system, we have shown that KS codes with larger weight always have the best performance when other users of different weights are present in the system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The work demonstrates the effect of dispersion management by varying the single-mode fiber (SMF) lengths on noise-like pulse (NLP) performance in a figure-of-eight nonlinear optical loop mirror (NOLM) erbium-doped fiber (EDF) laser cavity. • The experimental results show that a stable NLP was attained by inserting a 25.9 m at a threshold pump of 260.6 mW. • The NLP generation was still observed using longer SMF lengths until 103.7 m. • The NLP formation was obtained at a threshold pump power of 260.6 mW with a repetition rate of 4.25 MHz. • At the maximum pump power of 344.7 mW, the pulse energy was 7 nJ with an SNR of 45.58 dB. • The long-term stability test was conducted over 350 min, and the results show an insignificant standard deviation in spike width, pedestal width, central wavelength, and spectral bandwidth. • The experimental findings show that the optimization of NLP performance can be achieved by managing the fiber dispersion in the bi-loop of the figure-of-eight NOLM cavity. A stable noise-like pulse (NLP) in a figure-of-eight nonlinear optical loop mirror (NOLM) erbium-doped fiber (EDF) laser is proposed and demonstrated. The work experimentally investigated the effect of dispersion in the generation and evolution of the NLP by varying the length of single mode fiber (SMF) in the NOLM bidirectional loop (bi-loop). The lengths are 5 m, 10 m, 15.2 m, 20.2 m, 25.9 m, 50.1 m, 76.9 m, and 103.7 m with their net cavity dispersion of −0.275 ps2, −0.386 ps2, −0.500 ps2, −0.611 ps2, −0.737 ps2, −1.269 ps2, −1.859 ps2, and −2.447 ps2, respectively. The stability of the NLP was first evaluated by analyzing a temporal trace of the spike and its pedestal from an autocorrelator, followed by a long-term stability test of 350 min. The work demonstrated a stable NLP was obtained at the SMF length of 25.9 m at a threshold pump of 260.6 mW. At the maximum pump power of 344.7 mW, the pulse energy of 7 nJ was obtained with the highest output power of 29.77 mW. The respective spike and pedestal widths were demonstrated to be at 236.87 fs and 65.74 ps, respectively. The net cavity dispersion was −0.737 ps2 with 49.82 m total cavity length, and the corresponding repetition rate was 4.25 MHz. This work presents the importance of dispersion management of the NOLM to generate a stable NLP at low threshold power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Aminocellulose-grafted polycaprolactone (PCL-AC) coated gelatin NPs were formulated. • NPs significantly reduced joint swelling and redness of rheumatoid arthritis. • PCL-AC-gel NPs appreciably ameliorated cartilage and bone damage in arthritic rats. • NPs also reduced inflammatory biomarkers like TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS and COX-2. • Overall, DDL NPs showed superior anti-arthritic effects as compared to free drugs. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder and serious cause of disability. Despite considerable advances in RA management, challenges like extensive drug metabolism and rapid clearance causes poor bioavailability. Core-shell nanocarriers for co-delivery of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) and budesonide against RA were developed. GA-loaded gelatin nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized and coated with budesonide encapsulated aminocellulose-grafted polycaprolactone (PCL-AC). GA- and budesonide-loaded PCL-AC-gel NPs had diameter of 200−225 nm. Dual drug-loaded (DDL) NPs reduced joint swelling and erythema in rats while markedly ameliorating bone erosion evidenced by radiological analysis, suppressed collagen destruction, restored synovial tissue, bone and cartilage histoarchitecture with reduced inflammatory cells infiltration. NPs also reduced various inflammatory biomarkers such as TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2, iNOS. Results of this study suggest that dual NPs exerted superior therapeutic effects in RA compared to free drugs which may be attributed to slow and sustained drug release and NPs' ability to inhibit inflammatory mediators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an idiopathic bowel disease involving chronic inflammation and ulcers in colon and implicates severe epithelial damage with disruption in colon homeostasis. Presently existing treatments possess serious concerns like off target effects and adverse reactions, drug inactivation, poor absorption and other complications resulting in poor bioavailability. In context of high risk of thrombotic events in UC patients, heparin can offer appreciable benefits in UC management due to its remarkable anti-coagulating properties, its ability to intervene inflammatory pathways and acceleration of wound healing process. However, oral administration of heparin being impractical due to harsh gastric acidic environment and heparin degradation, conventional heparin administration is done via intravenous route. Present study was designed to formulate, characterize and evaluate sustained release heparin formulation in mice model of experimental colitis. Heparin liposomes (HLp) were formulated by solvent evaporation and extrusion process and possessed hydrodynamic diameter of 242 ± 4.3 nm. Size, shape and surface morphology was confirmed by TEM, SEM and AFM micrographs while encapsulation efficiency and loading of heparin in optimized HLp were 59.61% and 12.27%, respectively. HLp enema administration ameliorated gross disease indices like body weight, colon length, stool consistency, fecal occult blood. Further, anti-inflammatory efficacy of HLp was established in histopathological analysis where HLp appreciably restored protective mucin layer, colon epithelial mucosal histoarchitecture and considerably attenuated mast cell infiltration in colon epithelia. Overall, results of this study indicate that HLp demonstrated an appreciable therapeutic efficacy in experimental colitis and these results are attributed to their ability to suppress inflammation. Unlabelled Image • Heparin-loaded liposomes were formulated using phospholipid, cholesterol and stearylamine by film hydration method. • Various physico-chemical properties of developed HLp were analyzed using DLS, SEM, TEM, and AFM etc. • HLp possessed optimum physicochemical characteristics and showed sustained release of heparin in physiological solution. • HLp showed therapeutic effects in colitis by alleviation of disease severity via FOBT, colon length and histopathology. • Overall, HLp exerted strong anti-inflammatory effects by ameliorating inflammation in experimental colitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory condition involving ulcers in colon and rectum. Conventional treatments for colitis confront serious limitations like off target systemic side effects, drug degradation and inactivation, restricted absorption and other complications culminating in poor bioavailability. These limitations necessitate localized drug delivery to inflamed colon such that drug can bypass abrasive gastric surroundings, availing protection form gastric acid and has selective access to colonic mucosa. Therefore, present study was designed to formulate Eudragit-S100 coated 5-amino salicylic acid (5-ASA)-loaded gelatin nanoparticles (NPs) for localized delivery of 5-ASA for treatment of ulcerative colitis. NPs were formulated by nanoprecipitation and solvent evaporation method, had hydrodynamic diameter of 225–250 nm, smooth and spherical surface morphology under TEM, SEM and AFM. Oral administration of NPs ameliorated disease activity indices like fecal occult bleeding, colon length and stool consistency. NPs treatment significantly reduced mast cells infiltration in colon, restored protective mucin layer and appreciably reinstated colonic histoarchitecture. Furthermore, inflammatory biomarkers like TNF-α, IL1-β, COX-2, iNOS, myeloperoxidase and nitrite levels were also significantly reduced by NPs treatment. Overall, results of this study indicate that 5-ASA NPs possessed superior therapeutic efficacy over free 5-ASA in experimental colitis and these results are attributed to their ability to significantly suppress inflammation. Unlabelled Image • 5-ASA loaded Eudragit S100-coated gelatin NPs were prepared by nanoprecipitation. • Physicochemical properties of NPs were assessed using DLS, SEM, TEM, and AFM etc. • NPs showed desired physicochemical characteristics and sustained release of 5-ASA. • Superior therapeutic effects were shown by NPs compared to 5-ASA in DSS colitis. • NPs exerted strong anti-inflammatory effects by alleviating inflammatory biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic mucosal inflammatory condition that adversely affects colon and rectum. Celecoxib is a selective inhibitor of inducible cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and is prescribed for the management of pain and other inflammatory disorders. The physicochemical properties of celecoxib limit its clinical potency. Here we developed nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) using Generally Recognized as Safe and US-FDA approved compounds for encapsulating celecoxib. Present study was aimed to evaluate efficacy of eudragit-S100-coated celecoxib-loaded NLCs against DSS-induced colitis in mice. NLCs were formulated by hot-melt method and possessed the average particle size of 250.90 nm and entrapment efficiency (%) was 59.89%. Furthermore, size, shape and morphology of NLCs were confirmed using TEM, SEM and AFM. The blank NLCs were cytocompatible against hTERT-BJ cells up to a dose of 200 μg/ml. Treatment with celecoxib-loaded NLCs alleviated severity of colitis as demonstrated by disease activity index, colon length, fecal occult blood test, and histopathological analysis. Moreover, treatment with celecoxib-loaded NLCs reduced disintegration of goblets cells and restores sulfomucin in colon. Celecoxib-nanoformulation markedly reduced colonic inflammation as evidenced by decreased immunohistochemical expression of COX-2 and iNOS. The observations of study suggest that lipid-based colon specific delivery of celecoxib may be used for management of colitis. Unlabelled Image • Nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) was prepared using FDA approved generally recognized as safe materials. • Physico-chemical properties of developed NLCs were characterized using DLS, SEM, TEM, AFM etc. • EUD S100-coated celecoxib-loaded NLC showed sustained release of encapsulated drug in physiological solution. • Celecoxib NLCs resulted in alleviation of colitis disease severity as shown by FOBT, colon length and histopathology. • Treatment with celecoxib NLCs effectively reduced the expression of inflammatory biomarkers such as iNOS and COX-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The liver plays a crucial role in biotransformation but it is susceptible to chemical-induced damage, known as hepatotoxicity. Traditional therapies for protecting the liver face significant challenges, including poor bioavailability, off-target effects, adverse reactions, drug breakdown, and inadequate uptake. These issues emphasize the need for precise, targeted therapeutic approaches against hepatotoxicity. The objective of our research was to develop a customized, biocompatible, and biodegradable nanodrug delivery system for hepatoprotection. We chose collagen hydrolyzed protein, or gelatin, as the base material and utilized solvent evaporation and nanoprecipitation methods to create nanoparticles with size ranging from 130 to 155 nm. The resulting nanoparticles exhibited a spherical and smooth surface, as confirmed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Bioactive aescin (AES), into these gelatin nanoparticles (AES-loaded gel NPs), we tested these nanoparticles using a hepatotoxicity model. The results were indicating a significant reduction in the levels of key biomolecules, including NF-κB, iNOS, BAX, and COX-2 and decreased serum levels of enzymes ALT and AST. This reduction correlated with a notable alleviation in the severity of hepatotoxicity. Furthermore, the treatment with AES-loaded gel NPs resulted in the downregulation of several inflammatory and liver-specific biomarkers, including nitrite, MPO, TNF-α, and IL-6. In summary, our study demonstrates that the AES-loaded gel NPs were markedly more effective in mitigating experimental hepatotoxicity when compared to the free aescin. The nanoparticles exhibited a propensity for suppressing liver damage, showcasing the potential of this targeted therapeutic approach for safeguarding the liver from harmful chemical insults. • Aescin loaded gelatin NPs were synthesized successfully. • NPs significantly decreased hepatic damage. • Overall aescin loaded gelatin nanoparticles showed enhanced hepatoprotection than free drugs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work assesses the real-world performance of novel improved mud-based cookstoves (MBC) - Pavak 1 (P1) and Pavak 2 (P2) in a remote community in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, India. These MBC's were designed using multi-parameter optimization based on extensive laboratory testing. These MBCs are affordable and durable, and can be locally manufactured without compromising cooking quality, taste, or convenience while still meeting the Indian cookstove performance standards (BIS IS 13152 (Part 1): 2013) for emissions and efficiency. MBC's performance was compared to traditional stoves (TS) in accordance with the ISO 19869:2019 cookstove field testing protocol. 45 cooking sessions were captured (22 P1; 13 P2; 10 TS). Fuel-based emission factors (EF) for PM 2.5 and CO were estimated using the carbon balance method. Results indicate reductions in PM 2.5 (56% for P1 and 46% for P2) and CO emissions (15% for P1 and 0.85% for P2) compared to TS. Analysis of real-time modified combustion efficiencies showed that MBCs exhibited prolonged periods in pure flaming conditions compared to TS. A user perception survey was conducted in the intervention households to understand community acceptability. Our results demonstrate the potential for increased adoption rates, emphasizing the importance of information, education, and communication (IEC) programs to maximize health and climate benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A report on the de novo Whole Genome Sequence (WGS) of Marinobacter litoralis SW-45, a moderately salt-tolerant bacterium isolated from the seawater in Malaysia is presented. The strain has a genome size of 3.45 Mb and is capable of producing halophilic lipase, protease and esterase enzymes. Computational prediction of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) genes in M. litoralis SW-45 was performed using standalone software known as the non-coding RNA characterization (nocoRNAc). In addition, a phylogenetic tree showing the evolutionary relationship between the strain and other members of the genus Marinobacter was constructed using 16SrRNA sequence information. A total of 385 ncRNA transcripts, 1124 terminator region, and 2350 Stress Induced Duplex Destabilization sites were predicted. The current WGS shotgun project has provided the relevant genetic information that may be useful for the strain's improvement studies. This manuscript gives the first description of M. litoralis with a complete genome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is defined as an abnormal femoral acetabular contact that occurs within the normal range of motion caused by alterations of the acetabulum and/or the femoral head or neck. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of MR arthrography (MRA) with arthroscopic correlation for detecting labral tears and articular cartilage abnormalities. Materials and Methods: MRA was performed in 29 patients (16 males, 13 females with symptomatic FAI. The MRI images assessed for presence of labral tears, chondral lesions and osseous abnormalities. Arthroscopic correlation was obtained in all cases. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of MRA for detecting labral tears were 87.5 %, 71.4%, 91.3% and 62.5%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of MRA for detecting chondral damage were 76.5%, 91.7%, 86.7% and 78.6% respectively. Conclusion: MRA appears to be an accurate imaging modality in the evaluation of labral tears. MRA is less accurate in the diagnosis of cartilage abnormalities in the hip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the biodiversity of thermophilic cellulolytic bacterial strains that present in the north Malaysian mangrove ecosystem. Soil samples were collected at the four most northern state of Malaysia (Perak, Pulau Pinang, Kedah and Perlis). The samples obtained were first enriched in nutrient broth at 45°C and 55°C prior culturing in the carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) agar medium. Repeated streaking was performed on the CMC agar to obtain a pure culture of each isolate prior subjecting it to hydrolysis capacity testing. The isolates that showing the cellulolytic zone (halozone) were sent for 16S rRNA sequencing. Total seven isolates (two from Perak, three from Kedah, another two were from Perlis and Penang each) showed halozone. The isolate (KFX-40) from Kedah exhibited highest halozone of 3.42 ± 0.58, meanwhile, the one obtained from Perak (AFZ-0) showed the lowest hydrolysis capacity (2.61 ± 0.10). Based on 16S rRNA sequencing results, 5 isolates (AFY-40, AFZ-0, KFX-40, RFY-20, and PFX-40) were determined to be Anoxybacillus sp. The other two isolates were identified as Bacillus subtilis (KFY-40) and Paenibacillus dendritiformis (KFX-0). Based on growth curve, doubling time of Anoxybacillus sp. UniMAP-KB06 was calculated to be 32.3 min. Optimal cellulose hydrolysis temperature and pH of this strain were determined to be 55°C and 6.0 respectively. Addition of Mg2+ and Ca2+ were found to enhance the cellulase activity while Fe3+ acted as an enzyme inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipase secretion by halophilic strains under solid state fermentation has been relatively understudied, especially when utilizing agro-industrial substrates. Eleven halophilic bacterial strains were locally isolated and screened for lipase secretion. All the strains were subsequently subjected to the screening on various agro-industrial substrates for the lipase production, and to assess the best supporting substrate. The halophilic strain with the maximum lipase secretion (0.264 U/g) potential was selected and identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens AIKK2. Coconut fibre was found the best supporting substrate for halophilic lipase secretion and influence of nutritional and environmental parameters on halophilic lipase secretion was determined using One-Factor-At-A-Time. The optimized experiment was conducted at 6% glucose, 9% NaCl, 40 °C, and 200 rpm agitation speed resulted in the enhanced lipase secretion (0.29 U/g). Further, halophilic lipase characterization studies revealed that the enzyme was thermally stable at 50 °C, showed the improved activity at moderate NaCl and rare tolerance in hydrophilic solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a green material that has widespread applications in pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and other industries because of its biocompatibility, biodegradability, hydrophilicity, and acidinsolubility. In this study, MCC was prepared from cotton waste via alkaline treatment and sulfuric acid hydrolysis. Further, the synthesized cottonbased MCC was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Xray photoelectron, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopies. Based on these results, the major components were identified as carbon and oxygen. This finding was evidenced by the FTIR analysis, which displayed peak wavenumbers at 3446.9, 2891.1, 1649.5, 1380.1, 1061.2, and 1050 to 1150 cm-1 . The surface morphology was also examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy and field emission transmission electron microscopy, which showed that the prepared MCC has a smooth surface and a consistent, rod-like shape. In addition, the MCC exhibited the typical diffraction peaks of a crystalline structure of cellulose II at 12.2°, 20°, and 22.03°, which correspond to the diffraction planes of 1-10, 110, and 020, respectively, and had a crystallinity index of 78.7%. Moreover, the prepared MCC had a diameter of 37.8 µm and exhibited good stability with a peak at -76.5 mV. Further, the cotton-based MCC exhibited high thermal stability, as revealed by the TGA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt-adapted fungi are well-known inhabitants of hypersaline environments such as saltern, brine, estuary, salt lake, and marine environment, characterized by a high salt tolerance. Halophilic and halotolerant fungi have evolved with various special adaptive mechanisms, enable them to survive in elevated salt conditions. In most cases, these organisms are able to adapt extreme environmental conditions of temperature, pH, and ultraviolet radiation. Due to their successful thrive in high saline condition and combination of other harsh conditions, have been considered to be a paramount in the search for novel strains with industrial and environment biotechnological potentials. Salt adapted fungi possess a remarkable genetic reservoir, will culminate in the development of robust industrial organisms. Thus, in this review an approach has been made to concisely elucidate the biodiversity and eco-physiology of salt-adapted/salt-tolerant yeasts and filamentous fungi, their mechanism of adaptation in the hypersaline environment, as well as their biotechnological potentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flutamide is frequently used in the management of prostate cancer, hirsutism, and acne. It is a non-steroidal anti-androgenic drug and causes hepatotoxicity. The current study's objective is to evaluate sophorin's hepatoprotective effectiveness against flutamide-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Sophorin is a citrus flavonoid glycoside, also known as rutin, which is a low molecular weight polyphenolic compound with natural antioxidant properties and reported to have promising hepatoprotective efficacy. In this study, sophorin was used at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight in purified water via oral route for 4 week daily whereas, flutamide was used at a dose of 100 mg kg/b.wt for 4 weeks daily in 0.5% carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) through the oral route for the induction of hepatotoxicity. Flutamide administration leads to enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, an imbalance in redox homeostasis and peroxidation of lipid resulted in reduced natural antioxidant level in liver tissue. Our result demonstrated that sophorin significantly abrogate flutamide induced lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl (PC), and also significantly increasesed in enzymatic activity/level of tissue natural antioxidant such as reduced glutathione(GSH), glutathione reductase(GR), catalase, and superoxide dismutase(SOD). Additionally, sophorin reduced the activity of cytochrome P450 3A1 in liver tissue which was elevated due to flutamide treatment. Furthermore, sophorin treatment significantly decreased the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) level. Immunohistochemical analysis for the expression of inflammatory proteins (iNOS and COX-2) in hepatic tissue was decreased after sophorin treatment against flutamide-induced hepatotoxicity. Moreover, sophorin suppressed the infiltration of mast cells in liver tissue which further showed anti-inflammatory potential of sophorin. Our histological investigation further demonstrated sophorin's hepatoprotective function by restoring the typical histology of the liver. Based on the aforementioned information, we are able to come to the conclusion that sophorin supplementation might benefit wistar rats with flutamide-induced hepatic damage by reducing oxidative stress and hepatocellular inflammation. [Display omitted] • Sophorin supplementation reverse flutamide-induced liver toxicity. • Sophorin alleviate the various key inflammatory biomarkers. • Sophorin regulated several oxidative stress biomarkers. • Sophorin has potential to be used as adjunct therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • 3-MA-loaded NLCs were prepared using natural and FDA-approved materials under the GRAS category. • Various techniques were used to characterize the physicochemical properties of 3-MA- NLCs. • 3-MA-loaded NLCs were used to treat cells exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation. • Therapeutic efficacy of 3-MA loaded NLCs was also assessed in-ovo and in-vivo in I/R. • 3-MA-NLCs offer protection in I/R in-vitro, in-ovo, and in-vivo by preventing autophagy activity. Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is linked to myocardial infarction, brain infarction, and other peripheral vascular diseases. Nanocarrier-based medicine delivery has a lot of potential for enhancing I/R disorder recovery. In the current study, we identified autophagy as the primary cause of cellular damage and death. We used 3-methyladenine (3-MA)-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) to treat human SH-SY5Y cells exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation, I/R-treated right vitelline artery of 3-day developed chick embryos, and the middle cerebral artery blocked Wistar rats' right cerebral hemispheres. We have formulated 3-MA-NLCs nanoformulations to improve their efficacy in I/R diseases. Microscopic methods such as TEM, SEM, and AFM were used to examine the structure, size, and surface morphology of the NLCs. In addition, the nanocarrier loading capacity, encapsulation efficiency, and drug release profile were all confirmed using FT-IR and UV–Vis methods, and NLCs possessed a loading capacity of 8.69% and an encapsulation efficiency of 83.27%. Further, we used morphological assessments, oxidative stress tests (DHE and DCFDA), cell viability (Trypan blue and MTT), and autophagy-related markers such as Beclin1 and Atg7 evaluations via western-blotting and immunofluorescence to check the efficacy of our formulation against I/R injuries. The findings show that 3-MA-loaded NLCs protect against I/R in vitro, in ovo, and in vivo models by preventing excessive autophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to understand the determinants affecting behavioral intention (BI) to use ePharmacy services. The moderating role of technology discomfort in the relationship between BI and the actual use of ePharmacies in the context of Bangladesh is also examined. Design/methodology/approach: A descriptive, quantitative approach was used to consider the UTAUT-2 model. Using the convenience sampling method, 255 responses were collected. The data were analyzed using Smart-PLS 3.2 software to investigate the hypothesized relationships. Findings: The findings reveal that website information, doctors' services, performance expectancy, return policy, social influence, perceived reliability and facilitating conditions are significantly related to the BI to use ePharmacy services. Interestingly, the structural equation modeling results also confirmed that technology discomfort has no moderating effect on the relationship between BI and actual usage behavior. Research limitations/implications: This research provides theoretical contribution by extending the practical knowledge focusing on the relationship of ePharmacy, BI and actual usage behavior by using UTAUT-2 model – a relevant and unexplored issue in the easting literature, offering several research opportunities as the future avenue. Practical implications: The result highlights the economic and social relevance from the perspective of a developing country. As people are showing their intention toward ePharmacy, managers and decision-makers need to take strategic decision to overcome any difficulties. Policymakers need to improve their services for the expansion of ePharmacy through different development projects. Originality/value: This study advances past studies on the use of ecommerce in the pharmaceutical industry and provides a general understanding of customers in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adsorption of remazol brilliant blue R (RBBR) dye on pinang frond based activated carbon (PF-AC) was investigated in a batch process. The effects of initial dye concentration, contact time, solution temperature, and solution pH were evaluated. The adsorption equilibrium and kinetic were found to follow Freundlich isotherm models and pseudo-second-order kinetic model, respectively. The mechanism of the adsorption process was found from the intraparticle diffusion model. Result from adsorption thermodynamic show that interaction for RBBR dye was found to be feasible, nonspontaneous, and endothermic. The results indicated that the PF-AC is very effective for the RBBR adsorption from aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adsorption of remazol brilliant blue R (RBBR) dye on pinang frond based activated carbon (PF-AC) was investigated in a batch process. The effects of initial dye concentration, contact time, solution temperature, and solution pH were evaluated. The adsorption equilibrium and kinetic were found to follow Freundlich isotherm models and pseudo-second-order kinetic model, respectively. Themechanism of the adsorption processwas found from the intraparticle diffusionmodel. Result from adsorption thermodynamic show that interaction for RBBR dye was found to be feasible, nonspontaneous, and endothermic. The results indicated that the PFAC is very effective for the RBBR adsorption from aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]