Exploration of bioactive compounds from Olea dioica in Western Ghats of Karnataka using GC-MS

Bioactive compounds in plants are essential for the formation of novel chemotherapeutic drugs, which have been used in Ayurveda to treat a variety of illnesses. Indian medicinal herbs have been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of illnesses, such as fever, cancer, snake bites, rheumatism, skin problems, and neurodegenerative diseases. GC-MS was used to locate and categorize bioactive components in Olea dioica leaves. The results showed that presence of octanoic acid, methyl ester, decanoic acid, methyl ester, desulphosinigrin, l-gala-l-ido-octose, methyl tetradecanoate, Tetradecanoic acid, 6-benzoxazolesulfonamide, N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-methyl-, 10-chloro-5-methoxy-5H-dibenzo[a,d][7]annulene, pentadecanoic acid, oleic acid, n-hexadecanoic acid, hexanedioic acid, dioctyl ester, and squalene. The methanol extract of Olea dioica was effective against a wide spectrum of pathogenic bacteria at four different concentrations, with the highest activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Xanthomonas campestris, and Salmonella typhimurium. It also showed moderate activity against Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptomyces pneumonia, and Pseudomonas syringae. The pharmacological properties of O. dioica, as well as their variety and comprehensive phytochemistry, could be exploited as a potent antimicrobial agent for future therapeutics.

In vitro evaluation of the neuroprotective potential of Olea dioica against Aβ peptide-induced toxicity in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a type of neurodegenerative disease, associated with the hastening of ROS, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and amyloid β peptides plaques in the brain. The limitations and side effects of existing synthetic drugs incline toward natural sources. In the present communication active principles of methanolic extract of Olea dioica Roxb, leaves are explored as an antioxidant, AChE inhibitor, and anti-amyloidogenic. Furthermore, neuroprotection against the amyloid beta-peptide has been studied. The bioactive principles were identified by GC-MS and LC-MS and further subjected to antioxidant (DPPH and FRAP) and neuroprotection (AChE inhibition, ThT binding, and MTT assay, DCFH-DA and lipid peroxidation (LPO) assay using neuroblastoma (SHSY-5Y) cell lines) assays. Methanolic extract of O. dioica Roxb, leaves was found to contain polyphenols and flavonoids. In vitro assays exhibited potential antioxidant and anti-AChE (˃50%) activities. ThT binding assay indicated protection against amyloid-beta aggregation. MTT assay, Aβ1-40 (10 µM) with extract increase the cell viability (˃50%) and showed significant cytotoxicity to SHSY-5Y cells. ROS level (˃25%) significantly decreased in the Aβ1-40 (10 µM) + extract (15 and 20 μM/mL) and LPO assay (˃50%) suggesting prevention of cell damage. Results advocate that O. dioica leaves are a good source of antioxidants, anti-AChE, and anti-amyloidogenic compounds which may be further evaluated as a natural medicine for the treatment of AD.

Molecular characterization and mutational analysis of beta-globin gene among Kodagu population of Karnataka, India

Introduction and Aim: Beta-thalassemia is a hereditary blood disorder caused by genotypic alterations in the HBB gene. Over 400 mutations have been identified, which are known to be responsible for this disease. In this study, we investigated the mutations for the globin gene prevalent among adult beta-thalassemia trait positive individuals and their distribution within the Kodagu community of Karnataka, India.   Materials and Methods: This study included 100 individuals (81 Females and 19 males) in the age group of 18-28 years previously tested as carriers for beta-thalassemia trait. Blood collected from each individual was subjected to genomic DNA extraction and PCR amplification of a 610 bp fragment of the beta-globin gene. The PCR product was purified and sequenced. The gene sequences were subjected to mutation analyses and characterization using bioinformatics tools.   Results: The study identified 13 known and 27 novel mutations for this study population. Among the known mutations observed 2 were of type synonymous (HBB:c.9T>C and HBB:c.18T>G), 5 missense (HBB:c.146T>G; HBB:c.149C>T; HBB:c.151A>T; HBB:c.203T>G; HBB:c.269G >A) and 6 intronic (HBB:c.92+2T >G; HBB:c.92+5G>C; HBB:c.315+16G>C; HBB:c.315+74T>G and HBB:c.315+81C>T). HBB:c.-6G>C  at the 5'UTR region and IVS-II-16 G>C, an intronic variant, was observed to be the most common mutation showing highest frequency of 82.1%. Several novel mutation types were identified in Exon 2 (3 missense; 2 synonymous),            Intron I and Intron II.    Conclusion: This study is the first of its kind for the Kodagu population, which identified several previously known and novel mutations in the HBB gene within this population. Since, our study subjects were carriers of very mild or silent beta-thalassemia trait, the mutations observed particularly the novel mutations warrant further investigation for a better understanding and management of beta-thalassemia in this population.

High-performance liquid chromatography method development and validation for the quantification of mangiferin in Coffea arabica leaves

Introduction and Aim: Mangiferin is accompanied by the therapeutic potential for various human ailments. The present study is aimed to develop a validated HPLC method for the quantification of mangiferin in coffee (Coffea arabica) leaves.   Materials and Methods: The ­­high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was carried out on Agilent Technologies 1260 LC Infinity Series liquid chromatography system (Agilent, USA) using an isocratic mobile phase of a mixture of methanol and 1% orthophosphoric acid v/v (70:30) at a flow rate 1mL min-1 for 14 min with the controlled temperature at 25°C. The mangiferin content was detected by a UV diode array detector at 258 nm.   Results: The linearity of the HPLC system was established in the range of 10-100 ppm mL-1 with a regression coefficient (R2) of 0.99670. The accuracy of the method was assessed by a study performed using 3 different levels, with a 99% average recovery. The limit of detection(LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 1.3 and 3.9 ppm mL-1. Intraday and interday precision analysis showed the relative standard deviation 0.012342 separately. The content of mangiferin in the coffee leaves was 94 mg/gram (w/w).   Conclusion: All necessary factors, such as linearity, accuracy, LOD, LOQ, precision, and % relative standard deviation(RSD), were inside the appropriate limits. The HPLC was validated using all necessary variables with a successful estimation of mangiferin.

Augmentation of in vitro cytotoxic potentiality of crude methanolic leaf extract of Olea dioica as a pivotal anticancer source

Introduction and Aim: Tumor is the major cause of death world-wide, with an approximate 10 million fatalities in 2020, or almost one in every six deaths. The concerns with the current commercially available anticancer medications' low selectivity and persistent side effects have driven the research of safer and more effective chemotherapeutic drugs. The current work is focused on determining the cytotoxic potential of crude methanolic extract of Olea dioica leaves against various cancer cell lines viz., A549 (human lung cancer), HCT116 (human colorectal cancer), HeLa (human cervical cancer), MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231 (human breast cancer).   Materials and Methods: The cells were treated with crude methanolic extract at five different concentrations viz., 25, 50, 100, 250 and 500 µg/ml to assess the cell viability.   Results: The results from the assay performed for five cell lines have shown that methanolic extract of O. dioica has an exponential cytotoxicity potential on HeLa cell line followed by MCF-7 (IC50 value 81.05), HCT116 (106.86) and MDA-MB-231 with IC50 value 81.05, 106.86, 141.34 and 499.24 µg/ml respectively, whereas the A549-human lung cancer cell has shown no cytotoxic activity.   Conclusion: The methanol extract of the O. dioica leaf could be recognized as a pivotal source of anticancer compounds, but furthermore research is needed to investigate the chemical components of O. dioica extracts that are mainly accountable for anticancer action and to expound more precise molecular processes of cell death.

Phagocytic and oxidative burst activity of neutrophils in type 2 diabetic patients with foot ulcers

Introduction and Aim: Diabetic foot ulcers are common complications seen in diabetic patients. Treatment of this  disabling foot sore remains a challenge to health care professionals. This study aimed at evaluating whether the neutrophils from type 2 diabetic patients with foot ulcers present an impairment of phagocytic index and impairment in respiratory burst. We also aimed at understanding whether the impairment in neutrophil phagocytic activity can be alleviated with short course of standard treatment regime for foot ulcers.   Methodology: For this case-controled study, 43 participants  with type 2 diabetes  (18  with foot ulcers and 25 without foot ulcers) were prospectively recruited along with 18 healthy volunteers. Phagocytic activity of neutrophils and respiratory burst of neutrophils was assessed  along with ESR, percentage neutrophil counts before and after 2 weeks of standard treatment for foot ulcers.   Results: Neutrophils of type 2 diabetic patients (with and without foot ulcers ) showed  lower levels of phagocytic index and lower percentage of respiratory burst  on  comparison with non-diabetic subjects. Furthermore, on receiving treatment for foot ulcers, a significant improvement in neutrophil phagocytic indices were observed, along with improvement in wound ulcer score.   Conclusion: Phagocytic activity of the neutrophils is impaired  in  type 2 diabetics (with and without foot ulcers). Neutrophil phagocytic indices can be improved on glycemic control. Additionally, improvement in neutrophil phagocytic indices after short course treatment for foot ulcers can be useful markers to predict treatment efficacy and in prognosis of diabetic foot ulcers.

The carbon challenge

If one has a passion for the planet, then this is the right time to drastically lower the carbon emissions. A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions. The average carbon footprint for a person in the United States is 16 tons, one of the highest rates in the world. Some carbon emissions will probably never be eradicated entirely from certain industries, such as air travel or construction. When emissions cannot be further reduced, carbon offsetting is the next best thing, says Winters (1). Offsetting emissions is paying for or investing in organisations that can extract carbon from the atmosphere to help others reduce their footprint. It could include investing in reforestation projects or new technologies that suck carbon out of the atmosphere and sequester it underground permanently, technologies to replace jet fuel with alternative green fuels, or switching fossil-fuel-powered facilities with hydrogen-powered facilities.    Unless the global economy meets the aims of the Paris Agreement, keeping climate change well below 2°C, the world is expected to suffer extreme weather conditions leading to mass migration and global catastrophe. The argument for global companies to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is clearer than it has ever been. Business operations around the world are now subject to greater climate and transition risks. Consumers are insisting for eco-friendly products and responsible corporate behaviours. Investors are increasingly embracing capital-allocation strategies that take environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues into account. Policy makers and government organizations are exploring the potential regulation of carbon emissions. The more aggressive the targets, the better the results.   In COP26 climate summit in Glasgow held in November 2021, it was made clear that the current climate crisis has been precipitated by unsustainable lifestyles and wasteful consumption patterns mainly in the developed countries. The world needs to awaken to this reality. Globally, the building and construction sectors account for nearly 40% of global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in constructing and operating buildings (2). Current building codes address operating energy but do not typically address the impacts of embodied carbon in building materials and products. However, more than half of all GHG emissions is related to materials management (including material extraction and manufacturing) when aggregated across industrial sectors (3).   In order to reduce our carbon footprint, we can start an eco-friendlier life. In winter, instead of heating, insulate the loft and walls which will make sure our home retains heat during the winter and stays cool in summer. By switching to a company that provides electricity from solar, wind, or hydroelectric energy, we can reduce our household emissions. Buy energy efficient electrical appliances. Additionally, make sure to turn off and unplug anything we are not using. It takes energy and resources to process and deliver water to our homes. So, by using less water, we can help the environment and lower our carbon footprint. The food we eat can have a significant impact on the environment. For example, meat and dairy products require a lot of land, water and energy to produce. They also create a lot of methane, a greenhouse gas. Moreover, food shipped from overseas uses a lot more resources than local produce. By eating fewer animal products, especially red meat, (or choosing a plant-based diet) and shopping for locally sourced food, we can make a big difference.  Why not support our local farmers’ market?   Powering empty rooms and office space is a huge energy drain. By making sure we turn off lights and appliances when they are not in use, we can make sure we are not wasting power. we can also request to install automatic, movement-sensing lights and energy-saving LED bulbs to address the issue. It has never been easier to collaborate with others online. Whether through sharing documents using cloud storage or video conferencing instead of travelling, we can reduce our waste and emissions. Try moving away from printed documents where possible, and encourage others to work on their digital skills for the workplace. Cycling and walking are two of the most environmentally friendly ways to travel. And, not only are they good for the planet, but they are also good for our health. If we can, choose to cycle or walk to work where possible. ‘Reduce, reuse, recycle’ is a popular slogan. Companies of all sizes use a host of different products in their day-to-day running. Whether it has things like paper, electronic devices, packaging, or water, it all has a carbon footprint. By reducing the amount of waste, we generate, reusing IT equipment, and recycling waste, we can make a real difference. Single use plastics may be convenient, yet they are fairly dreadful for the environment. Not only do they pollute our waterways and oceans, but they also require energy to produce and recycle. We can stop using things like disposable coffee cups and cutlery to reduce our company’s carbon footprint. Instead of preaching, let us practise and bring a change.

Impact of artificial intelligence in healthcare

Artificial intelligence (AI) is prepared to become a transformational force in healthcare. From chronic diseases and cancer to radiology and risk assessment, there are nearly endless opportunities to influence technology to install more precise, efficient, and impactful interventions at exactly the right moment in a patient’s care.AI offers a number of benefits over traditional analytics and clinical decision-making techniques.  Learning algorithms can become more specific and accurate as they interact with training data, allowing humans to gain unique insights into diagnostics, care processes, treatment variability, and patient outcomes (1).     Using computers to communicate is not a new idea by any means, but creating direct interfaces between technology and the human mind without the need for keyboards, mice, and monitors is a cutting-edge area of research that has significant applications for some patients. Neurological diseases and trauma to the nervous system can take away some patients’ abilities to speak, move, and interact meaningfully with people and their environments.  Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) backed by artificial intelligence could restore those fundamental experiences to those who feared them lost forever. Brain-computer interfaces could drastically improve quality of life for patients with ALS, strokes, or locked-in syndrome, as well as the 500,000 people worldwide who experience spinal cord injuries every year (2).   Radiological images obtained by MRI machines, CT scanners, and x-rays offer non-invasive visibility into the inner workings of the human body.  But many diagnostic processes still rely on physical tissue samples obtained through biopsies, which carry risks including the potential for infection. AI will enable the next generation of radiology tools that are accurate and detailed enough to replace the need for tissue samples in some cases, experts predict. Diagnostic imaging team with the surgeon and the pathologist can be brought together which will be a big challenge (3).   Succeeding in the pursuit may allow clinicians to develop a more accurate understanding of how tumours behave as a whole instead of basing treatment decisions on the properties of a small segment of the malignancy. Providers may also be able to better define the aggressiveness of cancers and target treatments more appropriately. Artificial intelligence is helping to enable “virtual biopsies” and advance the innovative field of radiomics, which focuses on harnessing image-based algorithms to characterize the phenotypes and genetic properties of tumours (1).   Shortages of trained healthcare providers, including ultrasound technicians and radiologists can significantly limit access to life-saving care in developing nations around the world. AI could help mitigate the impacts of this severe deficit of qualified clinical staff by taking over some of the diagnostic duties typically allocated to humans (4).   For example, AI imaging tools can screen chest x-rays for signs of tuberculosis, often achieving a level of accuracy comparable to humans.  This capability could be deployed through an app available to providers in low-resource areas, reducing the need for a trained diagnostic radiologist on site.   However, algorithm developers must be careful to account for the fact that different ethnic groups or residents of different regions may have unique physiologies and environmental factors that will influence the presentation of disease.The course of a disease and population affected by the disease may look very different in India than in the US. As these algorithms are being developed,  it is very important to make sure that the data represents a diversity of disease presentations and populations. we cannot just develop an algorithm based on a single population and expect it to work as well on others (1).   Electronic health records (EHRs) have played an instrumental role in the healthcare industry’s journey towards digitalization, but the switch has brought myriad problems associated with cognitive overload, endless documentation, and user burnout. EHR developers are now using AI to create more intuitive interfaces and automate some of the routine processes that consume so much of a user’s time. Users spend the majority of their time on three tasks: clinical documentation, order entry, and sorting through the in-basket (5).   Voice recognition and dictation are helping to improve the clinical documentation process, but natural language processing (NLP) tools might not be going far enough. Video recording a clinical encounter would be helpful while using AI and machine learning to index those videos for future information retrieval. And it would be just like in the home, where we are using Siri and Alexa.  The future will bring virtual assistants to the bedside for clinicians to use with embedded intelligence for order entry(5). AI may also help to process routine requests from the inbox, like

Insecticidal efficacy of <i>Rubus steudneri</i> and <i>Rubus apetalus</i> against <i>Aedes</i> (Diptera: Culicidae) and <i>Culex</i> (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes

Introduction and Aim: Rubus steudneri Schweinf. and Rubus apetalus Poir. belonging to the family Rosaceae is one of the ethnomedicinal plants used widely in Ethiopia as food, for construction and as medicine. To the best of our knowledge, insecticidal activity of R. steudneri and R. apetalus has not been investigated so far. In this study, we report insecticidal efficacy of R. steudneri and R. apetalus in terms of larvicidal effect against II and III instar larvae of Aedes and Culex mosquitoes. Materials and Methods: The shade-dried and powdered leaves were extracted using methanol by maceration process. Insecticidal activity of leaf extract was determined by larvicidal assay against II and III instar larvae of Aedes and Culex species. LC50 and LC90 values were calculated. Results: The leaf extract of both Rubus species exhibited concentration dependent larvicidal effect. II instar larvae were shown to be highly susceptible than III instar larvae. Among leaf extracts, extract of R. steudneri exhibited marked insecticidal activity when compared to extract of R. apetalus as revealed by lower LC50 and LC90 values. Culex larvae displayed marked susceptibility to leaf extracts when compared to Aedes larvae. Conclusion: Marked larvicidal effect was observed against larvae of Culex species when compared to Aedes species as indicated by lower LC50 and LC90 values. It is evident that the leaf extracts of both Rubus contain insecticidal principles.

Bioterrorism

Terrorism that involves the deliberate release or distribution of biological agents is called bioterrorism. These pathogens are bacteria, viruses, fungi, other microorganisms and their related toxins, insects, and they can be natural or human-modified forms, which are roughly the same way as in biological warfare that can sicken or kill people, livestock, or crops. These high-priority means include organisms or toxins that pose the greatest risk to the public and national security: Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) Botulism (Clostridium botulinum toxin) Plague (Yersinia pestis). They have the ability to have harmful effects on human health in many ways, from relatively mild allergic reactions to serious medical conditions and even death. Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium that produces anthrax, and is one of the pathogens most likely to be used for biological attacks.Bioterrorism cancausemass deaths, epidemics, medical staff illness, environmental pollution, legal issues, and cause anxiety in the medical community and the wider community (1). Unfortunately, bioterrorism agents are difficult to control and affect military personnel and civilian men, women and children. In the past 100 years, the United States and the international community have experienced various acts of bioterrorism against civilians. The model shows that the economic impact of bioterrorism attacks ranges from an estimated US$477.7 million per 100,000 people exposed (brucellosis scenario) to US$26.2 billion per 100,000 people exposed (anthrax scenario). The possibility of bioterrorism is particularly worrying because it causes disease, death and panic, disproportionate to the resources consumed (2). The purpose of bioterrorism is usually to create fear and / or threaten the government or society in order to obtain political, religious or ideological objectives. Compared to weapons like explosives, it can have a unique impact on society. Depending on the situation, wear a mask to reduce inhalation or spread of bacteria. If you have been in contact with biological agents, remove and store your clothing and personal things. Follow official instructions for disposing of contaminated items. Wash with soap and water and put on clean clothes. Bioterrorism agents can be spread through the air or into food or water, and are extremely difficult to detect. The outbreak of biological weapons’ diseases may lead to the extinction of endangered wild animal species, the erosion of genetic diversity of domesticated animals and plants, and the destruction of traditional human livelihoods (3). Symptoms of exposure to biological agents may include sore throat, fever, blurred vision or diplopia, rash or blistering, exhaustion, slurred speech, confusion, muscle weakness, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and cough. The occurrence of a weapon attack may be impossible, but planning and preparation can greatly reduce the death and suffering caused by it. Only 16 countries plus Taiwan possess or presumably possess biological weapons programs: Canada, China, Cuba, France, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Libya, North Korea, Russia, South Africa, Syria, and the United States. Britain and the United States. The way to deal with such threats is through international law and carefully negotiated treaties and verification mechanisms. An important protection measure against biological weapons is currently being negotiated in Geneva. Available protective equipment includes respiratory protection devices, full-face protective masks and surgical masks for respiratory protection, combat suits, protective gloves, and skin-protecting boots. Full protection is required when the agent is not recognized. The inherent characteristics of biological agents that affect their potential for use as weapons include: virulence; toxicity; pathogenicity; incubation period; transmissibility; lethality and stability. Now regarding the COVID19 pandemic, there is a game of blame between the two superpowers, the United States and China. It is not clear whether the spread of COVID19 is intentional or unintentional, whether it is a natural virus threatening the world or an artificial virus. Two conspiracy theories about the origin of COVID19 are widely circulated in China and the West, one accusing the United States and the other accusing the higher-level biological containment laboratory in Wuhan, the epicentre of the pandemic (4). However, this has caused pain, death, mental distress, depression, and billions of dollars in treatment and vaccine costs all over the world. This whole process reminds us of Frankenstein's sci-fi monster. The moral lesson learned from this is that people need to blend in and feel connected to others in order to survive. In addition, humans must carefully consider the cost of scientific progress.

Optimization and green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticle using Garcinia cambogia leaf and evaluation of their antioxidant and anticancer property in kidney cancer (A498) cell lines

Introduction and Aim: In 21stcentury, nanomedicine has turned out to be an emergent modulus operation for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The current study includes the optimization and green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles from the leaves of Garcinia cambogia and interpretation of its antioxidant and anticancer activity.   Materials and Methods: Synthesized ZnO NPs were investigated by UV–vis, FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX, HR-TEM, SAED, particle size distribution and DLS analysis. Furthermore, different antioxidant assays were conducted for evaluating the antioxidant activity of (ZnO NPs) and its anticancer activity using (A498) cell lines along with non-cancerous (HEK-293) cell line using MTT assay and XTT assay.   Results: The UV–visible spectrum showed an absorption peak at 277 nm that reflects surface plasmon resonance (SPR) ZnONPs. The presence of various functional groups was confirmed by FTIR analysis. XRD patterns indicated that the ZnO NPs had a single-phase nature with the wurtzite structure. SEM, TEM pictures confirmed the size and shape of synthesized Nanoparticles ranges of 11–32 nm and mostly hexagonal forms. The Zeta potential value of 57.9 mV revealed the surface charge of green synthesized ZnONPs. The cytotoxicity of the ZnO NPs with various concentrations (6.25 to 200 µg/mL) was measured in (A498) cell lines along with non-cancerous (HEK-293) cell line. After the exposure, to MTT and XTT assay, cellular morphology studies showed that the cancer cell viability decreased with increasing ZnO NP concentration.   Conclusion: The synthesized ZnONPs via a green synthetic route could be developed as anti-cancer agent against cancer cells.

Antibacterial activity of aquatic actinomycete,Actinoplanes digitatisDnj-2 (MN567713)

Introduction and Aim: There are centers for antibiotics in the nature to treat disease by looking for different sources, for example, actinomycetes, are approximately two-thirds of naturally occurring antibiotics, having much of medical importance, have been isolated from actinomycetes.The aim of the present study was to isolate and to identify the actinomycetes having antagonistic activity.   Materials and Methods: An actinomycetes strain isolated from dam soil sample collected from Alnajl dam of Hadhramout Yemen, showed antibacterial activity against selected microbial pathogens. The nutritional requirements and cultural conditions for maximal growth to produce secondary metabolites have been optimized under shake flask conditions. The growth and production of secondary metabolites were maximal with the use of SCA medium supplemented at pH 7.0, and incubation temperature and time of 37?and 20 days respectively.   Results:Based on morphological, biochemical, physiological and phylogenetic characterization, the strain was identified as Actinoplanes digitatisDnj-2 (MN567713). The ethyl acetate extract (1g/mL) obtained from the isolate showed significant antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria- Escherichiacoli (21cm) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (29cm) and Gram-positive bacteria- Bacillus subtitles(31cm) and Staphylococcus aureus (22cm) when compared with penicillin G 10 units.   Conclusion:In conclusion, the isolated strain has broad spectrum of antagonistic activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negativebacteria.

Salivary biomarkers for diagnosing renal functions in patients with type 2 diabetes: A correlative study

Introduction and Aim:  One of the major complications of the diabetes is End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Thus, it is of utmost importance to conduct research on the diagnosis and management of diabetes mellitus (DM), as it is considered as a major public health issue. Both blood and urine samples are generally used in the diagnosis of DM. Though blood offers more advantages as a diagnostic tool in DM, there is a scope for the development of a non-invasive method for the regular monitoring of glucose and renal function test, since venipuncture induces psychological stress in the patients. The aim of the current study was to correlate blood and salivary renal biomarkers. Materials and Methods: We classified the study subjects into three groups, healthy (Group 1), Type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients without nephropathy (Group 2) and T2D patients with nephropathy (Group 3). We carried out estimation of various parameters such as glucose and renal function tests in both blood and saliva of all the three groups. Results: This study confirmed that many of the parameters studied in both blood and saliva showed good positive correlation. The changes in serum parameters are in agreement with that of the salivary parameters in healthy, T2D without nephropathy and T2D with nephropathy groups. Conclusion: This study corroborated that the saliva can be a very potential indicative means to diagnose and manage diabetes and its complications. Therefore, saliva can be effectively used as a sample for measuring and controlling diabetes in near future.

Preliminary phytochemical screening, physicochemical analysis and in-vitro antioxidant activity of selected Holigarna species- Endemic plant species of Western Ghats

Introduction and Aim: Plants from Anacardiaceae family are used in indigenous system of medicine for their anti-arthritic, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Among them, Holigarna species are widely known as toxic members of Anacardeaceae family which are endemic to Western Ghats. It is commonly known as allergic plant which causes contact dermatitis if contacted. However, young leaves and seeds are used against haemorrhoids, obesity, and cancer and skin diseases. Despite the claims and the use of Holigarna ferrugenia, Holigarna nigra and Holigarna grahamii for the management of skin diseases in traditional medicine, little is known and documented so the aim of the study was to explore the in vitro antioxidant activity and to analyse qualitative and quantitative of phytochemicals along with their physicochemical properties. Materials and Methods: Physicochemical parameters such as moisture, pH, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, and elemental values were determined. Qualitative and quantitative analysis were carried out along with different antioxidant assays for evaluating the antioxidant activity of aqueous crude extract of H. ferrugenia, H. nigra and H. grahamii. Results: Physicochemical analysis revealed the presence of trace elements. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins and steroids in aqueous crude extract of H. ferrugenia, H. nigra and H. grahamii. The free radical scavenging activity of all plants exhibited better antioxidant properties. Conclusion: The results indicated that the leaves contain an appreciable number of bioactive compounds and presence of these phytochemicals, especially the phenols and flavonoids could be the reason behind the use of both plants in ethno-medicine for the management of various ailments.

Potential of medicinal plant compounds to targeting Tau protein in the therapy of Alzheimer’s disease– A review

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastative neurodegenerative disorder with complex etiology. AD is characterized by blood-brain barrier disruption, oxidative stress, mitochondrial impairment, neuro- inflammation, hypo-metabolism; it decreases in acetylcholine levels and a reduction of cerebral blood flow. It is also not solely the end-product of aberrantly processed, misfolded, and aggregated oligomeric amyloid- beta peptides but hyper phosphorylated Tau (tubulin binding protein) which formed senile plaque and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles respectively. However, despite the long-term and worldwide effort for a more effective therapy, the only available treatment is a symptomatic use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine. Then, many researchers focused their attention to modulate amyloid-beta peptides. These therapeutic approaches as well as those based on cholinergic or amyloid theory have not brought the desired benefits yet. Thus, the main features related with the Tau pathology found in AD are Tau phosphorylation and aggregation. Based on the biochemically diverse range of pathological Tau protein, a number of approaches have been proposed to develop new potential therapeutics like inhibition of Tau phosphorylation, proteolysis and aggregation; promotion of intra- and extracellular Tau clearance and stabilization of microtubules (MTs). Medicinal plants have been used in different systems of medicine and exhibited their powerful roles in the management and cure of memory disorders. This review paper discusses the potential of medicinal plant molecules to targeting Tau protein in Alzheimer’s disease therapy.    

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) from Olea dioica Roxb., leaf extracts and its biological activity

Introduction and Aim: The silver nanoparticles have attained a special place in the area of nanotechnology because of their different biological applications. Fabrication of nanoparticles using green synthesis is  done because of its wide applications in different fields such as biomedical, medicine, agriculture and food engineering. This study is to develop an easy and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of Ag-NPs using leaf extracts of the medicinal plant. Materials and Methods: The medicinal plants are rich sources of various medicinal properties. Olea dioica Roxb., leaf extract was used to investigate the effects of Ag-NPs having antibacterial activity and antioxidant capacity.  The plant leaf extract contains flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and phenolic compounds which acts as reducing and stabilizing agents. The green synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by various techniques like UV- visible spectrophotometer, FTIR spectroscopy, and SEM analysis. Results: The synthesis of sliver nanoparticles from plant source, and analysis of nano particles by UV-Vis spectra, SEM and FTIR. The biological evaluations of Ag-NPs indicated an excellent inhibitory efficacy, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity for their future applications in medicine. Conclusion: The synthesized silver nanoparticles exhibited potent antioxidant and antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The silver (Ag-NPs) nanoparticles synthesized by the pot green synthesis method proves its potential use in various medical applications. Keywords: Silver nanoparticles; Medicinal plants; Ag-NPs; Olea dioica Roxb.,

Assessment of biomarkers in type 2 diabetic subjects without any complications

BACKGROUND

Type 2-diabetes (T2D), is a public health problem which has reached epidemic proportions due to the rapidly increasing rates of this disease worldwide. It is known that adipose tissue can synthesize and release pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1, adiponectin and leptin that are associated with body fat mass. Hence comparing the biomarkers with individuals without hyperglycemia would help us to understand the level of increase in their values though the vascular complications have not begun.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a cross sectional study comprising 229 diabetic persons and 205 healthy individuals. High sensitivity reactive protein (hs-CRP) was estimated using nephelometry technique. Inflammatory markers and adiponectin were measured using ELISA instrument.

RESULTS

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) (40.56%) and Leptin (45.43%) were significantly increased in the diabetic group when compared with normal study population. Adiponectin was significantly decreased in diabetic study population (11.94%). This was supported by a significant correlation between the glycemic index HbA1c and TNF-α (r=0.376, p=0.01), adiponectin (r=-0.381, p=0.01) and leptin (r=0.269, p=0.01) in diabetic population, but the significance was lost among the normal healthy individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

The most promising biomarkers of diabetes such as TNF-α, adiponectin, leptin has shown a marked difference in this diabetic population. This study proves the assessment of these biomarkers as future predictors of type 2 diabetes.

Relationship of Caffeine with Adiponectin and Blood Sugar Levels in Subjects with and without Diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Coffee though not usually thought of as healthy food but can be treated as one of the beneficial drink. Many researchers have found strong evidence that coffee reduces the risk of several serious ailments, including diabetes, heart disease, cirrhosis of the liver, etc. The long term beneficial effect of coffee on diabetes is now understood to be more influential and obliging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study comprised 220 healthy subjects of which 143 consumed coffee and 77 did not. These were matched with 90 diabetic subjects. Among the 90 diabetics, 48 consumed coffee and 42 did not consume coffee.

RESULTS

The mean adiponectin value was significantly higher in coffee consumed normal and diabetic subjects than the subjects who did not consume coffee. The decrease in fasting blood sugar and HbA1c values were also observed in normal and diabetic subjects who consumed coffee than the other groups who did not consume coffee. Significant difference (p<0.05) in mean FBG, PPBS, HbA1c and adiponectin were observed between coffee consumed and no coffee consumed groups.

CONCLUSION

The long term use of caffeine is more efficient on blood sugar and adiponectin levels, which needed in the prevention of complications in diabetic subjects.

Antimicrobial properties of Cocos nucifera (coconut) husk: An extrapolation to oral health

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Brushing the teeth with fibrous husk of Cocos nucifera (coconut) is a common oral hygiene practice among people of rural areas of South India. However, the probable antimicrobial properties of this plant material against common oral pathogens have not been proved scientifically. Therefore, the present study was designed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Alcoholic extract of the husk of Cocos nucifera was prepared and the antimicrobial properties against common oral pathogens like cariogenic bacteria, periodontal pathogens, and candidal organisms were performed by the Agar Well Diffusion Method. The results obtained were then subjected to statistical analysis using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference (HSD).

RESULTS

The alcoholic extract of Cocos nucifera showed a significant concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity, expressed as a zone of inhibition with respect to all tested organisms except Actinomyces species. The inhibitory effect was more significant, with a majority of cariogenic organisms and Candida, with a zone of inhibition ranging from 4.6 mm to 16.3 mm. However, the effect was lesser with Cocos nucifera compared to chlorhexidine. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranged from 50 mg/ml to 75 mg/ml.

CONCLUSION

Cocos nucifera has a significant inhibitory action against common oral pathogens, indicating the presence of highly effective antimicrobial compounds. Therefore, it is proved that its use can contribute to oral health to a great extent. Identification of these active compounds provides the scope for incorporating it into a modern oral care system, so as to control oral diseases.

The crouzan syndrome-a case report

The Crouzon syndrome is a genetic disorder which is known as the brachial arch syndrome. It is an autosomal dominant disorder which is one of a rare group of syndromes which is characterized by cranio synostosis or a premature closing of the cranial sutures. The major features are brachiocephaly, occular proptosis, an under developed maxilla, mid face hypoplasia, a rare cleft lip or palate, hypodontia (some teeth missing) and crowding of teeth. Due to the maxillary hypoplasia, the Crouzon syndrome patients generally have a considerable permanent underbite and they subsequently cannot chew by using their incisors. We have presented in this article, a case of the Crouzon syndrome which was seen in a girl who was aged six years, with similar symptoms and the multidisciplinary approach which has to be followed in managing the case.

Is HbA1c a risk factor for type 2 diabetic subjects without macro and micro vascular complications?

OBJECTIVE

Our study attempted to evaluate the diagnostic value of HbA1c in predicting diabetic dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

METHODS

Study comprised 229 subjects (156 males and 73 females) with diabetic dyslipidemia without any micro and macro vascular disorders. Fasting blood samples were taken to analyse biochemical parameters like HbA1c, sugar and lipid profile.

RESULTS

The HbA1c levels did not differ much between males (6.96 ± 1.11) and females (7.01 ± 1.19). HbA1c demonstrated a positive significant correlation with cholesterol, LDL and a negative significant correlation with HDL. Patients with HbA1c >7.0% had significantly higher value of cholesterol, LDL when compared with <7.0%.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study clearly suggest that HbA1c endures the ability of predicting CVD risk in the diabetic patients without any micro and macro vascular disorder. Therefore study recommends using HbA1c as a marker for predicting the risk of developing CVD.

Assessment of total sialic acid and lipid-bound sialic acid in management of brain tumors

BACKGROUND

Glycoconjugate molecules expressed at the plasma membrane of mammalian cells have been reported to be associated with tumor progression. The measurement of total sialic acid (TSA) and lipid-bound sialic acid (LBSA) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is suggested to be useful for the diagnosis of brain tumors. But there are very few reports available on the serum glycoconjugate levels in patients with brain tumors.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to check the feasibility of using serum glycoconjugates such as TSA and LBSA as tumor markers in brain tumor patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Colorimetric estimation of TSA using diphenylamine was done on 100 patients with intracranial tumors; follow-up study was carried out in 24 cases. The LBSA fraction was isolated from the serum of 68 brain tumor patients and evaluated using phosphotungstic acid and resorcinol; follow-up study was done on 23 patients. The various types of brain tumors included in this study were glioma, meningioma, and acoustic neurinoma as well as some other types such as medulloblastoma, secondary tumors, and craniopharyngioma.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the TSA and LBSA concentrations seen in pretreatment or post-treatment cases and that seen in control subjects.

DISCUSSION

TSA and LBSA do not have the ability to discriminate between benign and malignant brain tumors. TSA and LBSA appear to be tumor markers of very limited value in patients with brain tumors.

Molecular variants of epidermal growth factor in malignant astrocytoma

The present study has measured EGF levels in primary brain tumor tissues. EGF levels were measured by specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) and further analyzed by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) followed by RIA and radioreceptor binding. The levels of EGF-like immunoreactivity (EGF-LI) in astrocytoma-IV tumors were fourfold greater than those in normal brain tissues. In astrocytoma-II and astrocytoma-III tumors, however, levels of EGF-LI were not different from those in normal brain. HPLC analysis of extracts from normal brain tissue and astrocytoma-II showed one peak of EGF-LI that coeluted with standard human EGF (retention time 22 min). Interestingly, EGF-LI in extracts of astrocytoma-IV tumors eluted in two distinct peaks with retention times of 24 and 26 min (Astro-A and Astro-B, respectively). Materials in both Astro-A and Astro-B peaks reduced the specific binding of [125I]hEGF to EGF receptors in human placental membranes. These studies demonstrate elevated levels of EGF-LI in malignant astrocytoma, but not in benign tumors. Furthermore, two different EGF-like molecules that are different from native EGF are present in malignant astrocytoma.