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• The present review highlights the potential of natural products as hepatoprotective agents. • Drugs-induced liver injury (DILI) has been discussed, and the role of phytochemicals in ameliorating liver injury has been summarised. • The review covers the role of plant secondary metabolites, probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and synbiotics in hepatoprotection. • Mechanistic insights into flavonoid-mediated hepatoprotection are also discussed. • This review aims to provide a systematically organized, state-of-the-art understanding of the role of phytochemicals in hepatoprotection. The liver is a well-known player in the metabolism and removal of drugs. Drug metabolizing enzymes in the liver detoxify drugs and xenobiotics, ultimately leading to the acquisition of homeostasis. However, liver toxicity and cell damage are not only related to the nature and dosage of a particular drug but are also influenced by other factors such as aging, immune status, environmental contaminants, microbial metabolites, gender, obesity, and expression of individual genes Furthermore, factors such as drugs, alcohol, and environmental contaminants could induce oxidative stress, thereby impairing the regenerative potential of the liver and causing several diseases. Persons suffering from other ailments and those with comorbidities are found to be more prone to drug-induced toxicities. Moreover, drug composition and drug-drug interactions could further aggravate the risk of drug-induced hepatotoxicity. A plethora of mechanisms are responsible for initiating liver cell damage and further aggravating liver cell injury, followed by impairment of homeostasis, ultimately leading to the generation of reactive oxygen species, immune-suppression, and oxidative stress. To summarize the potential of phytochemicals and natural bioactive compounds to treat hepatotoxicity and other liver diseases. A deductive qualitative content analysis approach was employed to assess the overall outcomes of the research and review articles pertaining to hepatoprotection induced by natural drugs, along with analysis of the interventions. An extensive literature search of bibliographic databases, including Web of Science, PUBMED, SCOPUS, GOOGLE SCHOLAR, etc., was carried out to understand the role of hepatoprotective effects of natural drugs. Bioactive natural products, including curcumin, resveratrol, etc., have been seen as neutralizing agents against the side effects induced by the drugs. Moreover, these natural products are dietary and are readily available; thus, could be supplemented along with drugs to reduce toxicity to cells. Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics have shown promise of improving overall liver functioning, and these should be evaluated more extensively for their hepatoprotective potential. Therefore, selecting an appropriate natural product or a bioactive compound that is free of toxicity and offers a reliable solution for drug-induced liver toxicity is quintessential. The current review highlights the role of natural bioactive products in neutralizing drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Efforts have been made to delineate the possible underlying mechanism associated with the neutralization process. General presentation showing major reasons for liver damage and role of flavonoids and probiotics as hepatoprotective agents. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aspartase gene (aspA) from Aeromonas media NFB-5 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 using pET21b(+) expression vector. Maximum production of aspartase was obtained at shake-flask after 5h of IPTG (1.5mM) induction at 37°C and by supplementing the media with KH2PO4 (0.3%, w/v) and K2HPO4 (0.3%, w/v). Further production was investigated at a laboratory scale stirred tank reactor using response surface methodology (RSM). Agitation (130–270rpm), aeration (0.30–1.70vvm) and IPTG induction time (3–7h) was optimized. Optimal levels of agitation (250rpm), aeration (1.25vvm) and induction time (6h) were determined by statistical analysis of the experimental data. More than 7-fold increase in recombinant aspartase (1234U/g wet weight) was observed than the parent strain (172U/g wet wt). Homogenized immobilized permeabilized recombinant cells (566mg/g wet cells) produced more l-aspartic acid as compared to permeabilized recombinant free cells (154mg/g wet cells). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Pneumoparotid is often seen in patients as a result of infection or following maneuvers that lead to increase in intraoral pressures. We describe a short series of 5 cases of incidental pneumoparotid, for the first time, detected during neck contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) examination. Methods: All neck CECT examinations that had been acquired over a 4-month period for indications other than pertaining to the parotid gland were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Four hundred cases were reviewed. Five of 80 patients in whom CECT was acquired after the “puffed cheek” maneuver were detected to have incidental pneumoparotid. All remained clinically asymptomatic during the examination. Conclusions: Pneumoparotid may be an incidental finding in patients asked to blow air in a closed mouth during CT/magnetic resonance acquisition. An awareness of this benign finding would prevent sudden alarm of interpreting it as an anaerobic infection of the parotid in such patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Rod shaped titanium based glycolates are synthesized by reaction of titanium butoxide with metal acetate (M = Co, Sb, Mn, Ni, Cr) and excess mono ethylene glycol. The products are characterized for composition, morphology and crystalline characteristics. Thermal treatment of metal glycolates led to the preparation of inorganic oxides. Replicated morphology of glycolates is observed for inorganic oxide. Mixed metal oxides are highly crystalline in nature and showed good color characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Lipoxygenase (linoleate:oxygen oxidoreductase; EC 1.13.11.12; LOX) catalyzes oxygenation of polyenoic fatty acids, which precedes the degradation of storage lipids during seed germination in sunflower. In the present work, it has been confirmed that 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA) produces fluorescence in presence of lipid hydroperoxides (LOX reaction products). This work provides new information on spatial localization of transiently enhanced LOX activity in protoplasts from 5 d old seedling cotyledons of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L. cv. Morden) by exploiting H2DCFDA as a probe for fluorescence detection from LOX activity sites. Use of LOX inhibitors [nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and propyl gallate (PG)] confirms oil bodies as LOX activity sites. Oil body surface has been shown to possess LOX activity in 5 d old seedling cotyledons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This image highlights the common findings on CT in Henoch-Schonelin Purpura, namely 'target sign' and comb sign. We discuss the common CT findings in this disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) based dosimeters are garnering attention in the field of radiation dosimetry due to a number of benefits like portable equipment, easy and efficient excitation and read out process, re-readability of the dose etc.. Though varieties of fluoroperovskites have been studied as OSL materials, no research on LiMgF 3 (Lithium Magnesium Fluoride) as an OSL material has yet been conducted. In the current work, LiF–MgF 2 system with a low effective atomic number was synthesized using the high temperature solid state reaction approach and its OSL dosimetry properties were investigated. The prepared sample was thoroughly characterized by employing a variety of techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV–Vis (ultraviolet–visible) spectrophotometry. The structure of the sample was found to be polycrystalline with size in the micrometre range. OSL properties of LMF have been investigated for different doses of gamma and beta along with related OSL kinetic parameters. It exhibits good dose linearity under blue stimulation for gamma (100 mGy - 700 Gy) and beta (30 mGy - 5Gy) radiation. We have also investigated the reusability (3%), reproducibility (2–3%), and fading (45% in 40 days) of the phosphor. To check the viability of the sample in radiation dosimetry under medical treatment in radiotherapy, various dosimetric properties were studied in Linear Accelerator (LINAC) x-rays in MV energy range and Cobalt-60 gamma radiation. These studies include the response of the phosphor to various energies (called energy dependence), field size effect, the effect of the dose rate of the radiation beam, and relative depth dose response. The overall response of the phosphor (comparable with ion chamber in RT experiments) makes the material a potential candidate to be used as an OSL phosphor in medical radiation dosimetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ADP-ribosylation factor (Arf) GTPases and their regulatory proteins are implicated in cancer progression. NAV-2729 was previously identified as a specific inhibitor of Arf6 that reduced progression of uveal melanoma in an orthotopic xenograft. Here, our goal was to assess the inhibitory effects of NAV-2729 on the proliferation of additional cell types. We found NAV-2729 inhibited proliferation of multiple cell lines, but Arf6 expression did not correlate with NAV-2729 sensitivity, and knockdown of Arf6 affected neither cell viability nor sensitivity to NAV-2729. Furthermore, binding to native Arf6 was not detected; however, we determined that NAV-2729 inhibited both Arf exchange factors and Arf GTPaseactivating proteins. ASAP1, a GTPase-activating protein linked to cancer progression, was further investigated. We demonstrated that NAV-2729 bound to the PH domain of ASAP1 and changed ASAP1 cellular distribution. However, ASAP1 knockdown did not fully recapitulate the cytoskeletal effects of NAV-2729 nor affect cell proliferation. Finally, our screens identified 48 other possible targets of NAV-2729. These results illustrate the complexities of defining targets of small molecules and identify NAV-2729 as a model PH domain-binding inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Badland evolution in the Sher river valley is controlled by fault system. • Regional basinal stress regime has strong control on Badland orientation. • Landforms developed in the valley are moderately disintegrated. • The results are applicable to any tectonically governed region of world. The Central Narmada Basin (CNB) in India is a seismically active region comprising the ENE-WSW trending Narmada-Son Lineament (NSL) bounded by the Narmada North Fault (NNF) and the Narmada South Fault (NSF). Despite the multiple badland zones in the Indian subcontinent, the Sher river valley badland of the CNB is yet to be adequately explored in terms of in-depth research on the evolution of badlands associated with intraplate zones. Using the Cartosat-1 digital elevation model, field investigation and morphometric analysis of the upper Sher river valley zone near the NSF, this study can help to understand the morphogenesis of the badlands in relation to tectonics or climate and describe the erosional history. Litho-stratigraphically, the bottom ∼ 7 m thick Baneta Formation is overlain by the 12–14 m thick Hirdepur Formation. According to peculiar litho-units chronology, the ravine's expansion began post-LGM. Fractures filled with muddy carbonate material strike in a mean direction of 99°±7°. Moreover, the azimuthal direction of the first-order ravines indicates a mean direction of 81°±3°. Consequently, the direction of the conjugate fracture and the ravines corresponded to the ENE-WSW, suggesting that the basin is primarily controlled by movements along the boundary faults. The morphometric characteristics indicate relative movement along the NSF, which would lead to the incision of the Sher river and the formation of badlands. This also implies that the badlands were mostly tectonically controlled or formed by the reactivation of the NSF. A coarser badland landscape is characterized by an abundance of sandy silt to silty sand particles associated with badland surfaces. In addition, the smectite-rich swelling clay helps to promote instability and enhancement of gully surfaces. The average sediment yield of the seven sub-catchments of the Sher river valley varies from 1230 to 321 t/km2/yr, which is significantly lower than that of the Yamuna badlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals (HMs) enter waterbodies through various means, which, when exceeding a threshold limit, cause toxic effects both on the environment and in humans upon entering their systems. Recent times have seen an increase in such HM influx incident rates. This requires an instant response in this regard to review the challenges in the available classical methods for HM detection and removal. As well as provide an opportunity to explore the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for the identification and further redemption of water and wastewater from the HMs. This review of research focuses on such applications in conjunction with the available in-silico models producing worldwide data for HM levels. Furthermore, the effect of HMs on various disease progressions has been provided, along with a brief account of prediction models analysing the health impact of HM intoxication. Also discussing the ethical and other challenges associated with the use of AI and ML in this field is the futuristic approach intended to follow, opening a wide scope of possibilities for improvement in wastewater treatment methodologies. [Display omitted] • Heavy metals are detrimental contaminants which are toxic in nature to human disorder. • There are various heavy metal removal techniques where AI and ML tends to be the most promising one. • Prediction of heavy metals using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine learning shows better results. • ANN based adsorption separation of heavy metals in wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is becoming a growing global concern by being the second most prevalent disease next to Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Henceforth new exploration is needed in search of new aspects towards the disease mechanism and origin. Evidence from recent studies has clearly stated the role of Gut Microbiota (GM) in the maintenance of the brain and as a root cause of various diseases and disorders including other neurological conditions. In the case of PD, with an unknown etiology, the GM is said to have a larger impact on the disease pathophysiology. Although GM and its metabolites are crucial for maintaining the normal physiology of the host, it is an undeniable fact that there is an influence of GM in the pathophysiology of PD. As such the Enteroendocrine Cells (EECs) in the epithelium of the intestine are one of the significant regulators of the gut-brain axis and act as a communication mediator between the gut and the brain. The communication is established via the molecules of neuroendocrine which are said to have a crucial part in neurological diseases such as AD, PD, and other psychiatry-related disorders. This review is focused on understanding the proper role of GM and EECs in PD. Here, we also focus on some of the metabolites and compounds that can interact with the PD genes causing various dysfunctions in the cell and facilitating the disease conditions using bioinformatical tools. Various mechanisms concerning EECs and PD, their identification, the latest studies, and available current therapies have also been discussed. • Enteroendocrine system plays a pivotal role in the progression of PD. • GM's control major functions of CNS. • Low secretion of EECs can increase inflammation in PD brain. • Dysbiosis of certain microbes can be a promising therapy for NDDs. • Gut brain axis has a major role in PD pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal drugs, which possess immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-infective, and anti-allergic activities, encompass various therapeutic areas, and have been used as traditional medicines for thousands of years. Fermentation is an indispensable traditional technology for the improving the efficacy or reducing adverse effects of herbal medicines. The fermentation process has been shown to improve biological properties of plants, vegetables, and herbs. More specifically, fermentation causes decomposition and/or biotransformation of complex substrates into compatible components, thereby modulating product properties or changing the quantity of certain bioactive compounds. Accumulating evidence indicates the valuable contribution of probiotics and their fermented food products to health. In recent years, considerable attention has been paid to fermentation technology across the globe for improving herbal drugs through production and enrichment of additional bioactive metabolites of medicinal importance including isoflavones, saponins, phytosterols, and phenols. For example, the phenolic contents of the herbal preparation can be increased as a consequence of fermentation and a positive correlation between polyphenols and the anti-oxidant activities of herbs has been well demonstrated. This is in agreement with evidence showing fermentation-mediated enhancement of the pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacies of herbal formulations against a number of diseases including obesity and inflammation. The subject of fermentation of herbal preparations has been maturing and gaining considerable attention of scientific and technical communities worldwide. In the current review we have addressed these issues in detail with emphasis on understanding the contribution of fermentation-derived bioactive substances to therapies against a number of diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A strong windstorm struck south-central Nepal on March 31, 2019. Southern parts of Bara and Parsa districts were affected by the storm. The storm caused 28 casualties, 1155 injuries, damaged 2637 houses and affected 16 infrastructures. The effect of the storm was observed along a NW-SE stretch for ~25 ​km ​at a width of around 250 ​m. This paper presents an account of the damage observed during the field reconnaissance conducted between April 2–4, 2019. Reinforced concrete (RC), brick masonry, and vernacular wattle and daub construction systems are considered to depict storm vulnerability of residential buildings. As storms are not frequent in Nepal, and Nepal had not witnessed storm of this scale in the past seven decades or more, this paper assesses storm vulnerability of structures and infrastructures combining the field observations and forensic interpretations. A new storm intensity scale is proposed, and the affected areas are mapped based on the assigned intensities. Empirical fragility functions for wattle and daub houses are also derived from the damage statistics. Finally, some lessons regarding storm damage and vulnerability are also outlined in this paper. • Damage mechanisms due to storm Parvana in Nepal are reported. • Storm vulnerability of RC, masonry, and wattle and daub construction is presented. • Storm vulnerability of infrastructures is outlined based on the field evidence. • Intensity mapping is done for the storm affected areas using new approach. • Fragility functions for wattle and daub houses are constructed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]