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• Exploring the novel hybrid joints in natural fiber based composite materials. • Comparing the various mechanical, fusion and hybrid joining techniques in flax/PP composites. • Investigating the influence of number of bolts and bolt diameter on performance of various joints in flax/PP composites. • Investigating of effect of fusion bonding on the crystallinity and thermal decomposition behaviour of flax/PP composites. The current research endeavour reports the performance of single shear lap joints of flax/PP composite laminates. The joints were fabricated using mechanical joining, fusion bonding (ultrasonic and hot plate joining), and hybrid joining techniques (mechanical/ultrasonic joining and mechanical/hot plate joining). In case of the mechanical and hybrid joining, the effect of the bolt size, and number of bolts (single and double) on the tensile failure load was investigated. Pertaining to mechanical joining, the large bolt size and double bolts recorded higher tensile failure load compared to smaller bolt size and single bolt, respectively. Whereas with double bolts, no increase in the tensile failure load was observed for the hybrid joints, due to reduction in bonded area. The hybrid joints (mechanical/ultrasonic) recorded the maximum tensile failure load compared to all other type of joints. The load-extension behaviour and failure of joints was also examined. Expect mechanical joints, all other joints exhibited structural type of failure. In contrast, the mechanical joints resulted in a net-tension failure mode with failure line passing through the hole. However, the thermal decomposition and crystalline behaviour (XRD spectra) of developed joints did not vary significantly. The morphology of failed joints was examined using scanning electron microscope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fermented formulations are extensively used in Ayurveda due to several benefits like improved palatability, bioavailability, pharmacological potential, and shelf life. These formulations can also quench the heavy metals from the plant material and thus reduce the toxicity. Seeds of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. are widely used for the management of many liver diseases. In the present study, we developed a novel fermented formulation of S. marianum seeds and evaluated parameters like safety (heavy metal analysis) and effectiveness (hepatoprotective). As the developed formulation's validation is crucial, the critical process variables (time, pH, and sugar concentration) are optimized for alcohol and silybin content using the Box-Behnken design (BBD). The response surface methodology coupled with BBD predicted the optimized conditions (fermentation time (28 days), pH 5.6, and sugar concentration (22.04%)) for the development of a fermented formulation of the selected herb. Moreover, the alcohol content (6.5 ± 0.9%) and silybin concentration (26.1 ± 2.1%) were confirmed in optimized formulation by GC–MS and HPTLC analysis. The optimized formulation was also analyzed for heavy metals (Pb, As, Hg, and Cd); their concentration is significantly less than the decoction of herbs. Further, the comparative evaluation of the developed formulation with the marketed formulation also confirmed that the fermented formulation's silybin concentration and percentage release were significantly enhanced. In addition, the developed fermented formulation's percentage recovery of HepG2 cell lines after treatment with CCl4 was significantly improved compared with the marketed formulation. It can be summarized that the developed fermented formulation improves safety and effectiveness compared to other market formulations. Finally, it can be concluded that the developed fermented formulation could be further explored as a better alternative for developing Silybum marianum preparation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper Iodide (CuI) thin films are p-type transparent conductors. In the present investigation, the physical properties of thermally evaporated (at 300 K) γ-phase copper iodide (CuI) thin films (of thickness 120 nm) prepared on the quartz substrates have been reported. The grain size (from SEM measurements) is ~ 80 nm. The (direct) optical band gap of CuI is 3.0 eV; the films show >70% transmission in the wavelength range 550–1000 nm and have low electrical resistance 72 mΩ cm. The Photo-luminescence spectra (with excitation wavelength 325 nm) shows a violet emission at ~ 409.4 nm (corresponds to the near band edge emission) and a shoulder peak centered at 417.4 nm (indicates the trap level near to the valence band edge induced by Iodine). The Hall mobility and carrier density of holes (from room temperature Hall measurements) in CuI thin films calculated are 1.46 cm 2 /V/s and 5.8×10 19 cm −3 respectively. The disorder in the CuI thin films is evaluated by the temperature dependent (20–300 K) electrical resistivity measurements. The surface work-function of the CuI thin films measured by Kelvin probe technique; a non-destructive and sensitive surface analytical technique, is 4.71 eV (with reference to the gold probe). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are engaged in pathologies associated with infections, tumors, autoimmune disorders and neurological dysfunctions. With the identification of an upstream regulator of MMPs, EMMPRIN ( E xtracellular m atrix m etalloproteinase in ducer, CD147), it is relevant to address if EMMPRIN plays a role in the pathology of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. This would enable the possibility of a more upstream and effective therapeutic target. Indeed, conditions including gliomas, Alzheimer's disease (AD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and other insults such as hypoxia/ischemia show elevated levels of EMMPRIN which correlate with MMP production. In contrast, given EMMPRIN's role in CNS homeostasis with respect to regulation of monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) and interactions with adhesion molecules including integrins, we need to consider that EMMPRIN may also serve important regulatory or protective functions. This review summarizes the current understanding of EMMPRIN's involvement in CNS homeostasis, its possible roles in escalating or reducing neural injury, and the mechanisms of EMMPRIN including and apart from MMP induction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Multivariate optimization strategy predicted the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) conditions for Nardostachys jatamansi root extracts. • GC–MS analysis pointed out improvement in the concentration of the bioactive sesquiterpenes and steroidal compounds with the UAE method. • Optimized extracts using the UAE method demonstrated better anti-oxidant and AChE inhibitory potentials. • UAE could be assumed as a 'green approach' for the extraction of selected medicinal herbs. Extracts from medicinal plants are generally obtained by conventional methods like percolation and maceration. Owing to limitations of traditional methods and to meet the rising demand of extracts, the development of new green approaches is need of hour. In the present research, we have developed an ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method for the Nardostachys jatamansi (NJ) D. Don, DC roots and optimized the extraction parameters for possible improved extract yield. A multivariate optimization strategy using the Centre Composite Design coupled with response surface methodology was applied. A numerical optimization approach accurately predicted the extraction conditions (sonication time ∼ 20 min, ethanol ∼ 70 % and a liquid/solid ratio of about 21:1). Scanning electron microscopy of the plant samples after UAE also indicated the cavitation effect due to sound waves. GC–MS analysis of the optimized ultrasound extract (OUNJ) confirmed improvement in the concentration of various secondary metabolites like jatamansone (91.8 % increase), spirojatamol (42.3 % increase), globulol (130.4 % increase), sitosterol (84.6 % increase) as compared to the soxhlet extract (SXNJ). Different anti-oxidant parameters (DPPH, Glutathione, Catalase SOD and NO) were also significantly altered (p < 0.05) in the optimized extracts. The IC 50 to inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) in vitro and its concentration in brain homogenates were significantly (p < 0.05) improved by OUNJ extract as compared to the SXNJ ones. To conclude, we can say that established optimized conditions for UAE of N. jatamansi roots not only reduce the extraction time but also improved the pharmacological potential of the extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is one of the life-taking diseases worldwide and among cancer-related death; colorectal cancer is the third most. Though conventional methods of treatment are available, multidrug resistance and side effects are predominant. Physicians and scientists are working side by side to develop an effective medicament, which is safe and cost-effective. However, most failures are obtained when focused on the clinical perspective. This review mainly brings out the correlation between the curcumin and its use for the mitigation of colorectal cancer, the use of curcumin as a chemotherapeutic agent, chemosensitizer, and in a combination and synergistic approach. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics properties of curcumin and its formulation approach helps in giving an idea to develop new approaches for the treatment of colorectal cancer using curcumin. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioblastoma multiforme is one of the most deadly malignant tumors, with more than 10,000 cases recorded annually in the United States. Various clinical analyses and studies show that certain chronic diseases, including cancer, interact between cell-reactive radicals rise and pathogenesis. Reactive oxygen and nitrogenous sources include endogenous (physiological processes), and exogenous sources contain reactive oxygen and nitrogen (xenobiotic interaction). The cellular oxidation/reduction shifts to oxidative stress when the regulation mechanisms of antioxidants are surpassed, and this raises the ability to damage cellular lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. This review is focused on how phytochemicals play crucial role against glioblastoma multiforme and to combat these, bioactive molecules and their derivatives are either used alone, in combination with anticancer drugs or as nanomedicine formulations for better cancer theranostics over the conventional approach. Bioactive molecules found in seeds, vegetables, and fruits have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties that may help cancer survivors feel better throughout chemotherapy or treatment. However, incorporating them into the nanocarrier-based drug delivery for the treatment of GBMs, which could be a promising therapeutic strategy for this tumor entity, increasing targeting effectiveness, increasing bioavailability, and reducing side effects with this target-specificity, drug internalization into cells is significantly improved, and off-target organ aggregation is reduced. [Display omitted] • Bioactive molecules are the best approach in GBM. • Bioactive molecules effective against GBM. • Phytonanocarriers enhanced the bioavailability and reduced severe side effects. • Target-specificity and drug internalization into cells is significantly improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral mucocutaneous cancers (OMCs) are cancers that affect both the oral mucosa and perioral cutaneous structures. Common OMCs are squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and malignant melanoma (MM). Anatomical similarities and conventions which categorizes these lesions blur the magnitude of OMCs in diverse populations. The burden of OMC is high in the sub-Saharan Africa and Indian subcontinents, and the cost of management is prohibitive in the resource-limited, developing world. Hence, there is a pressing demand for the use of cost-effective in silico approaches to identify diagnostic tools and treatment targets for diseases with high burdens in these regions. Due to their ubiquitousness and accessibility, the use of therapeutic efficacy of plant bioactive compounds in the management of OMC is both appropriate and plausible. Furthermore, screening known mechanistic disease targets with well annotated plant bioactive compound libraries is poised to improve the routine management of OMCs provided that the requisite access to database resources are available and accessible. Using natural products minimizes the side effects and morbidities associated with conventional therapies. The development of innovative treatments approaches would tremendously benefit the African and Indian populace and reduce the mortalities associated with OMCs in the developing world. Hence, we discuss herein, the potential benefits, opportunities and challenges of using bioactive compound libraries in the management of OMCs. [Display omitted] • Comprehensive review of the bioactive compounds and their libraries. • Extraction of bioactive phyto-chemicals. • Biomedical Applications of Plant Derived Bioactive Compounds. • Commercially accessible plant derived compounds for treating oral cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells that occurs due to impairment of cell division and apoptosis process. Cancer is categorized into several types on the basis of affected organs and breast cancer (BC) is the most predominant cause of mortality among women. Although, several synthetic and semi-synthetic therapies have been developed for the treatment of BC but they exhibit numerous serious adverse effects therefore; pharmacological agents with fewer/no side effects need to be explored. Plants and phytoconstituents perhaps fulfill the aforementioned requirement and could serve as a potential and alternative therapy for BC treatment. The ongoing biomedical research, clinical trials and number of patents granted have further boosted the acceptance of the plants and plant-derived constituents in the effective treatment of BC. Various treatment strategies such as checkpoint inhibitors, targeting micro RNA, apoptotic pathway, BRCA-1 gene, P 53 protein, P13K/Akt/mTOR pathway, notch signaling pathway, hedgehog/gli-1 signaling pathway, poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors, mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors etc. are available for BC. In addition to these synthetic and semi-synthetic drug therapies, several natural constituents such as alkaloids, sesquiterpenes, polyphenols, flavonoids and diterpenoids from medicinal plants, vegetables and fruits are reported to possess promising anti-cancer activity. The purpose of the present review is to highlight the various signaling pathways through which plants/herbs show the anti-cancer potential especially against the BC. The literature for the present study was collected from various databases such as Pubmed, Scopus, Chemical Abstracts, Medicinal and aromatic plant abstracts, Web of Science etc. The different patent databases were also reviewed for the anti-cancer (BC) potential of the particular herbs/plants and their formulations. In this review, we have discussed the number of plants along with their patents of different herbal formulations which are being used for the treatment of BC and other types of cancers. We have also delineated the different signaling mechanisms through which they inhibit the growth of BC cells. In nutshell, we can conclude that large numbers of herbs or their extracts are reported for the treatment of BC. But still, there is further need for research in-depth to translate the use of natural products clinically BC treatment. [Display omitted] • 90–95% cases of breast cancer (BC) occurs due to mutation in tumor suppressor genes. • Hormone receptor-positive BC, human epidermal growth factor-2 positive BC, triple-negative BC, Claudin-low subtype BC are types of breast cancer. • Various treatment strategies are available for the treatment of breast cancer. • Signaling mechanisms of various plants are patented for the treatment of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]