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A high concentration of nitrate and total nitrogen (N) in Chinese violet (CV) weed (Asystasia gangetica) has a potential benefit as a digestible protein source for ruminant production in humid tropical regions. We conducted a study using twelve Kacang goats in a crossover design to investigate the effect of CV weed on intake, nutrient utilization, and growth. Four dietary treatments were tested: Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) ad libitum (GG), GG ad libitum and CV (1% live weight, LW) (GG + CV), CV ad libitum (CV), and CV ad libitum plus cassava chip (1% LW) (CV + CC) (dry matter, DM basis). No sign of nitrite toxicity was observed when the goat fed CV diet while intake, N retention, and LW gain was higher than goats on the GG and GG + CV diets (P

YdaT is a functional equivalent of the CII repressor in certain lambdoid phages and prophages. YdaT from the cryptic prophage CP-933P in the genome of Escherichia coli O157:H7 is functional as a DNA-binding protein and recognizes a 5′-TTGATTN6AATCAA-3′ inverted repeat. The DNA-binding domain is a helix–turn–helix (HTH)-containing POU domain and is followed by a long α-helix (α6) that forms an antiparallel four-helix bundle, creating a tetramer. The loop between helix α2 and the recognition helix α3 in the HTH motif is unusually long compared with typical HTH motifs, and is highly variable in sequence and length within the YdaT family. The POU domains have a large degree of freedom to move relative to the helix bundle in the free structure, but their orientation becomes fixed upon DNA binding.

In the present work, we obtained density (ρ123), speed of sound (u123), excess molar volume (Vm123E), and deviation in isentropic compressibility (Δks123) for ternary mixtures of {[BMIM][BF4] (x1) ...

Quantum chemical calculations have been performed at the M06–2X/6–31G(d,p) level of theory to investigate the strength and nature of interactions between the active site amino acids at positions 25 and 30 with darunavir (DRV) inhibitor of two native (D25 and D30 in 4LL3, 1T3R) and five mutant (N25 in 3BVB, 3SO9; N30 in 2F80, 3LZV, 3UCB) HIV–1 proteases. Molecular orbitals HOMO and LUMO noted down upon the M06–2X/6–31G(d,p) level optimized amino acid–DRV geometries helped us explain which region of the inhibitor has the ability to interact with the amino acid more effectively. This analysis of the molecular orbitals allowed us to explore the nature of the interactions present between active site amino acids and the DRV in native and mutated proteins. The electrostatic potential surface maps generated for the amino acid–DRV complexes investigated the extent of interactions within the active site of the protein. Natural bond order analysis performed on the optimized geometries suggested that the extent of charge transfer helps in determining the stability of the complexes, which is very important for drug design.

High-sensitivity detection of hydrogen (H) contained in zircaloy-4, a commonly used material for nuclear fuel containers, is crucial in a nuclear power plant. Currently, H detection is performed via gas chromatography, which is an offline and destructive method. In this study, we developed a technique based on metastable excited-state He-assisted excitation to achieve excellent quality of H emission spectra in double-pulse orthogonal laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The production of metastable excited-state He atoms is optimized by using LiF as sub-target material. The results show a narrow full-width-at-half-maximum of 0.5 Å for the H I 656.2 nm emission line, with a detection limit as low as 0.51 mg/kg. Thus, using this novel online method, H in zircaloy-4 can be detected efficiently, even at very low concentrations.

Amomum compactum Soland Ex Maton is one of the Zingiberaceae family plants which is the endemic plants from West Java, Indonesia. This study was aimed to determine the chemical structure of flavonoid compounds from n-hexane extract of A.compactum Sol. Ex Maton roots. Dried powder of the roots was extracted consecutively with n -hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol solvents. Three flavonoids, 5-hydroxy-3,7,4`-trimethoxy kaempferol ( 1 ), 5-hydroxy-3,7,3',4'-tetra methoxy kaempferol ( 2) and 4'-hydroxy-3,5,7-trimethoxy kaempferol ( 3 ), have been isolated from the roots of A. compactum Sol. Ex Maton. The chemical structures of compounds 1 - 3 were identified by spectroscopy data including infrared 1D-NMR, 2D-NMR and HRTOF-MS as well as by comparison with previously reported spectral data. Compounds 1-3 were isolated from this plant for the first time and showed free radical DPPH scavenging activity.

Eleutherine americana (E. americana) is a medicinal plant commonly found on the island of Borneo, Indonesia. This plant is known to have several biological activities. However, anthraquinone residues are generally present as contaminants. This study was aimed to develop a method of determining the levels of 9,10-anthraquinone in plant extracts and fractions using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The research aims to optimize the mobile phase, the system suitability test, and the system validation. The optimal mobile phase was acetonitrile:distilled water 1:1 v/v with a flow rate of 1.25 mL/min. The validation result shows that the linearity was obtained with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.9995 and an r2 coefficient of 0.9991. The estimated limits for detection and quantification values were 0.178 and 0.594 µg/mL, respectively. In the intraday and inter-day accuracy test, the coefficient of variance for reference was 0.627 and 0.774, while the results for the sample were 2.966 and 2.658. The percentage recovery rate for reference was between 98.976–101.452%, and for the sample, the result was 89.191–94.667%. The average 9,10-anthraquinone content in the acetate fraction of E. americana plant was 9.799 µg/g ± 5.243.

Hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds were fabricated using the space holder method with a pressureless sintering process in a systematically developed manner at different fabrication stages to increase the strength of the scaffold at high porosity. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) were used as binders and space holder agents, respectively. The physical properties of the HA scaffolds were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), linear shrinkage test, and porosity measurements. The mechanical properties of the HA scaffolds were analyzed using compressive strength measurements. The results revealed that the HA scaffold met the expected quality requirements with a compressive strength of 2.2 MPa at a porosity of 65.6% with pore sizes distributed in the range of 126–385 μm. The shrinkage of the scaffold diameter occurred by 20.27%, this diameter shrinkage predominantly to the shrinkage of the HA scaffold caused by sintering. Besides, suspect that a higher PMMA concentration causes pore size shrinkage upon sintering. The formation of pore interconnections was evidenced by SEM observations and the ‘translucent light method’ developed in this study. The results of the scaffold phase test using XRD showed that the final scaffold consisted only of the HA phase, as the PVA and PMMA phases burned out during the sintering process.

Background Introduction of tenofovir (TDF) plus lamivudine (3TC) and dolutegravir (DTG) in first- and second-line HIV treatment regimens in South Africa warrants characterization of acquired HIV-1 drug resistance (ADR) mutations that could impact DTG-based antiretroviral therapy (ART). In this study, we sought to determine prevalence of ADR mutations and their potential impact on susceptibility to drugs used in combination with DTG among HIV-positive adults (≥ 18 years) accessing routine care at a selected ART facility in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods We enrolled adult participants in a cross-sectional study between May and September 2019. Eligible participants had a most recent documented viral load (VL) ≥ 1000 copies/mL after at least 6 months on ART. We genotyped HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and protease genes by Sanger sequencing and assessed ADR. We characterized the effect of ADR mutations on the predicted susceptibility to drugs used in combination with DTG. Results From 143 participants enrolled, we obtained sequence data for 115 (80%), and 92.2% (95% CI 85.7–96.4) had ADR. The proportion with ADR was similar for participants on first-line ART (65/70, 92.9%, 95% CI 84.1–97.6) and those on second-line ART (40/44, 90.9%, 95% CI 78.3–97.5), and was present for the single participant on third-line ART. Approximately 89% (62/70) of those on first-line ART had dual class NRTI and NNRTI resistance and only six (13.6%) of those on second-line ART had major PI mutations. Most participants (82%) with first-line viraemia maintained susceptibility to Zidovudine (AZT), and the majority of them had lost susceptibility to TDF (71%) and 3TC (84%). Approximately two in every five TDF-treated individuals had thymidine analogue mutations (TAMs). Conclusions Susceptibility to AZT among most participants with first-line viraemia suggests that a new second-line regimen of AZT + 3TC + DTG could be effective. However, atypical occurrence of TAMs in TDF-treated individuals suggests a less effective AZT + 3TC + DTG regimen in a subpopulation of patients. As most patients with first-line viraemia had at least low-level resistance to TDF and 3TC, identifying viraemia before switch to TDF + 3TC + DTG is important to avoid DTG functional monotherapy. These findings highlight a need for close monitoring of outcomes on new standardized treatment regimens.

In this article, we proposed a method to estimate pancreas shrinkage with pancreas β cell insulin secretion. The β cells in the pancreas secrete insulin and digestive enzymes after food consumption. Conventionally, the pancreas structure estimation is done with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound imaging techniques. However, the structure of the pancreas changes due to islet cell death. The presence of islet cells is detected through near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy signal acquired from the epigastric region (pancreas) of the abdomen. Subsequently, the NIR spectroscopy signal from the pancreas is analyzed with multi synchrosqueezing transform (MSST); whereas, the β cell insulin secretion varies for diabetic and nondiabetic persons. The existence of β cell and insulin secretion correlates with Root Mean Square (RMS) and kurtosis via a multivariate regression model to evaluate pancreas shrinkage. In terms of numerical results, NIR spectroscopy signal from the pancreas was obtained for about 20 nondiabetic and 20 diabetic persons. The pancreas shrinkage was estimated with 88% accuracy. The results are validated with MRI pancreas images for earlier detection of the apoptotic pancreas. The pancreas shrinkage causes lower insulin emission and unpredictable blood glucose in diabetic patients. Analysis of NIR spectroscopy signals of the pancreas with MSST was done to obtain higher-order and lower-order frequency components.

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) has high level of flavonoids which are proven to have anti-inflammatory activity. Effect of flavonoids can be enhanced by nano-chitosan capsulation as drug carrier. Chitosan is polysaccharide derived from crustacean shells that mostly used as matrix of various drugs and plant extracts. The aim of this study was to determine the effectivity of flavonoids in green tea extract in nanochitosan capsulation towards the number of fibroblasts on proliferative phase of gingival wound healing process. Green tea was extracted, encapsulated with nano-chitosan and then made into gel. Gingiva labial of 24 male white 3-month-old Wistar rats were wounded by punch biopsy (2 mm diameter), then were treated two times a day, and were divided randomly into four groups of topical gel applications: green tea extract gel encapsulated nano-chitosan, green tea extract gel, base gel as negative control, and NSAIDs gel as positive control, starting at 0 day until 7th day. At 5th and 7th day, three rats from each group were decapitated and the mandibular gingiva was taken in order to make histology slides with hematoxylin eosin staining. Under microscope, the number of fibroblasts were examined. The data were analysed using ANOVA test with 95% confidence level. The results showed that the number of fibroblasts on proliferative phase was significantly higher than control negative (p < 0.05) and has no significant differences (p > 0.05) with control positive. In conclusion, topical application of green tea extract gel encapsulated nano-chitosan was effective to accelerate rats gingival wound healing process by increasing the fibroblasts.

The purpose of this study was as a feasibility study of the utilization of oleamide as a new additive for natural rubber (NR) filled with silica using the semi-efficient vulcanization system. Silica fillers used as much as 30 parts per hundred parts rubber (phr). Oleamide was obtained from the synthesis of oleic acid with urea. Oleamide was inserted into the silica filled NR compounds with the varied composition of 0.0 phr; 2.0 phr; 4.0 phr; 6.0 phr, and 8.0 phr. The influence of oleamide on the curing characteristic of the silica filled NR compounds was observed. It was obtained that the oleamide functions as a curative and also a plasticizer. The greater the levels of oleamide added, the shorter the scorch time and optimum curing time were. Oleamide also decreased the minimum torque with addition up to 8.0 phr. The greater the levels of oleamide was, the lower the minimum torque was. Oleamide also increased the maximum torque and torque difference of the silica-filled NR composites at the addition of 2.0 phr. The 2.0 phr was the optimum composition of the oleamide.

Reduced shear stress resulting from disturbed blood flow can impair endothelial integrity and drive the development of vascular inflammatory lesions. Metalloproteinases of the ADAM family have been implicated in the regulation of cell survival and inflammatory responses. Here we investigate the mechanism and function of ADAM15 upregulation in primary flow cultured endothelial cells. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that within the ADAM family ADAM15 mRNA is most prominently upregulated (4-fold) when endothelial cells are exposed to physiologic shear stress. This induction was confirmed in venous, arterial and microvascular endothelial cells and is associated with increased presence of ADAM15 protein in the cell lysates (5.6-fold) and on the surface (3.1-fold). The ADAM15 promoter contains several consensus sites for the transcription factor KLF2 which is also upregulated by shear stress. Induction of endothelial KLF2 by simvastatin treatment is associated with ADAM15 upregulation (1.8-fold) which is suppressed by counteracting simvastatin with geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate. KLF2 overexpression promotes ADAM15 expression (2.1-fold) under static conditions whereas KLF2 siRNA knockdown prevents ADAM15 induction by shear stress. Functionally, ADAM15 promotes survival of endothelial cells challenged by growth factor depletion or TNF stimulation as shown by ADAM15 shRNA knockdown (1.6-fold). Exposure to shear stress increases endothelial survival while additional knockdown of ADAM15 reduces survival (6.7-fold) under flow conditions. Thus, physiologic shear stress resulting from laminar flow promotes KLF2 induced ADAM15 expression which contributes to endothelial survival. The absence of ADAM15 at low shear stress or static conditions may therefore lead to increased endothelial damage and promote vascular inflammation.

The topical antioxidant product may be useful for the treatment of oxidative stress-related skin disorder. This research aimed to evaluate a topical gel formulation of Garcinia mangostana L. fruit pericarp (GMP) extract. GMP extract was formulated into a gel and characterized for its physical properties. The antioxidant activity was evaluated based on the radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity. The ability of gel formulation to release GMP extract and promote skin delivery was estimated based on DPPH scavenging method and also compared to that of suspension form. The results showed that the GMP extract gel showed characteristics for topical application. The radical DPPH scavenging activity was confirmed both in GMP extract and GMP extract gel. In vitro study release showed that the GMP extract was released from gel. Some degree of GMP extract was also delivered into the shed snakeskin in vitro. When compared with the suspension form, GMP extract gel provided a more profoundly lower release.

One alternative to waste processing polystyrene is to use Tenebrio molitor larvae. This study aims to determine the increase in body length and weight, rate of degradation, and value of Waste Reduction Index (WRI) of larvae T. molitor. This study used laboratory experimental using completely randomized design experimental design model (CRD) data analysis with control and 4 feed treatments. Each treatment level was repeated 5 times in order to obtain 25 experimental units. Larvae were reared in a plastic container containing 10 larvae. Each larvae were given bran feed for control and polystrene for treatment, each feed as much as 1 gram. The polystyrene used were food packaging, walls, electronic packaging, and ice boxes. Larvae were measured for length and body weight every 3 days for 30 days. Parameters observed were increase in length and weight of larvae, rate of degradation and WRI values.The highest mean value of increase in larval length on the polystrene wall was 1.69 cm. The lowest value was polystyrene food packaging (1.59 cm). The average weight gain of larvae has a uniform value in the control and treatment of 0.07 gr. The highest degradation rate and WRI values were polystyrene wall and electronic packaging at 0.019 and 0.63%. while the lowest values were polystyrene food packaging at 0.11 and 0.37%.

The chemistry of chalcone has been recognized as a significant field of study. Chalcone serve as to prepare starting materials for the synthesis of various heterocyclic compounds. From the backbone of reported literature, we have developed an alternative heterogeneous and simple catalytic system for the synthesis of chalcones via the oxidative condensation of benzyl alcohol with substituted acetophenone using metal nitrate supported HY-Zeolite as a catalyst. 30 mol% CAN supported HY-zeolite has been efficiently used as a catalyst for the oxidative condensation reaction of benzyl alcohol with substituted acetophenones in the presence of hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant in toluene to afford the corresponding chalcones in good to moderate yields. Docking studies were carried out for the synthesized compounds towards the protein Lysine aminotransferase using the software.

Polygonatum verticillatum (L.) All. is an important medicinal herb that belongs to the family Asparagaceae. The rhizome of the species is used in Chyavanprash preparation and several other ayurvedic formulations. Numerous active constituents like saponins, alkaloids, phytohormones, flavonoids, antioxidants, lysine, serine, aspartic acid, diosgenin, β-sitosterol, etc. have been reported from this species. In this study, morphological, phytochemical, antioxidant and genetic variations of 11 distant populations of P. verticillatum were measured. Considerably (P

This study was conducted to determine the effect of composite flour (CF) constituents and different extrusion temperatures on the production of analog rice and community perceptions about the produced rice. CF was produced by mixing modified cassava flour (Mocaf) and snakehead fish flour (SF) in the following ratios: 100:0; 97:3; 94:6; 91:9; and 88:12. Analog rice was then extruded from CF at the following temperatures: 50, 70, and 90°C. The analog rice was tested for physical properties (bulk density and cooking time), chemical properties (nutrient content), and organoleptic properties. The results showed that CF and extrusion temperature affect the nutrient content of analog rice. The best analog rice formulation constituted of CF with Mocaf:SF ratio of 91:9 and extrusion temperature of 70°C, and contained 14.34% water, 0.85% ash, 71.83% carbohydrate, 11.24% protein, 1.12%, calcium 1,113 ppm, and 2.43% dietary fiber. This study included 42 respondents aged 20–23 years, including 20 males and 22 females. All the respondents showed acceptance for the analog rice, suggesting that it could substitute ordinary rice as a staple food., This study was conducted to determine the effect of composite flour constituents and different extrusion temperatures on the production of analog rice and community perceptions on the produced rice. Composite flour (CF) was produced by mixing modified cassava flour (Mocaf) and snakehead fish flour (SF) in the following ratios: 100:0; 97:3; 94 6; 91:9; and 88:12. Analog rice was then extruded from the CF at the following temperatures: 50, 70, and 90°C. The best analog rice formulation constituted of composite flour with Mocaf–SF ratio of 91:9 and extrusion temperature of 70°C

Hyperglycemia, a primary symptom in diabetes mellitus, is associated with difficulties in wound healing and regeneration. This condition is due to the length of the inflammatory phase and free radi...

The limitations of fish in digesting food depend on the presence of enzymes protease, amylase, and lipase that react with substrates in the digestive channel of fish. Supplementation methods can be performed to increase fish growth by adding prebiotics and probiotics to the feed. This study aims to determine the influence of the difference in the length of time fermented prebiotic feed (sweet potato extract) and probiotics (Bacillus megaterium) on the quality of feed. The results of the physical analysis of fish feed showed the color looks brown, fishy smell, texture, and general conditions of feed seemed completely normal. Chemical analysis showed that the proteins were best improved in B3 treatment, with the period of fermentation approximately 72 hours. Biological analysis suggests that the longer the fermentation time taken, the higher the abundance of bacteria obtained. Keywords: B. megaterium, chemistry and biology of fish feed, physical analysis, sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas L)

This study describes the development of chemical sensors to detect polypyrrole (PPy) based phosphate sensors in doped di-ammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAP) with thick film technology (TFT). Manufacturing screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) with thick film uses alumina substrate provided a more portable, miniature, inexpensive, and reduced use of samples and reagents. Polymer polypyrrole and di-ammonium hydrogen phosphate as sensitive membranes are electrodeposition on carbon electrodes. Characterization has been conducted to see the electrode morphology in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) test, which showed that sensitive material particles were distributed evenly on the surface of the sample and spherical. The energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) experiment results showed the atomic composition respectively carbon 86.95 %, nitrogen 6.94 %, oxygen 5.9 %, and phosphate 0.21 %, which were exposed to the electrode. The performance test of electrodes with a phosphate standard solution has proceeded at a concentration between 5 to 100 mg/l, which is measured using the galvanostatic method. The voltage range was from 0.252 to 0.957 V with R2 at approximately 90.265 %. The results of sensor performance were concluded that the electrode was able to detect phosphate ions.

Background: Exploration of the chemical contents and bioactivities of mangrove plants is important to discover new therapeutic agents for society and to develop its medicinal values. Objective: This study aims to isolate alkaloid compounds from the ethanol extract of Sonneratia alba root which is likely to have an antibacterial activity. Methods : Isolation was carried out using fractionation and chromatography, while antibacterial activity test was performed using the disc diffusion methods. Results : Our phytochemical screening shows that the ethanol extract has a high concentration of alkaloid compounds. The alkaloid which contain in isolate (F4) is further confirmed through UV-Vis Spectra and FT-IR spectra. The ethanol extract exhibits the antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli with the inhibition zone of 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm, respectively. Conclusion: Alkaloid compound has been isolated from Sonneratia alba and has potential as antibacterial agent. Keywords: mangrove perepat ( Sonneratia alba), alkaloid, antibacterial agent Intisari Latar Belakang : Eksplorasi kandungan kimiawi dan bioaktivitas tanaman mangrove penting dilakukan untuk menemukan agen terapeutik baru bagi masyarakat serta mengembangkan nilai medisnya. Tujuan : Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengisolasi senyawa alkaloid dari ekstrak etanol akar Sonneratia alba yang berpotensi menghasilkan aktivitas antibakteri. Metode : Isolasi senyawa dilakukan dengan fraksinasi dan kromatografi, sedangkan antibakteri dilakukan dengan metode difusi cakram. Hasil : Hasil skrining fitokimia yang telah dilakukan menunjukkan bahwa ekstrak etanol memiliki kandungan alkaloid yang tinggi. Kandungan alkaloid dalam Isolat (F4) telah dikonfirmasi secara spektrofotometri UV-Vis dan FT-IR. Aktivitas antibakteri ekstrak etanol terhadap S. aureus dan E. coli ditunjukkan dengan dihasilkannya zona hambat sebesar 1,5 mm dan 2,5 mm. Kesimpulan: Senyawa alkaloid berhasil diisolasi dari Sonneratia alba serta memiliki potensi sebagai agen antibakteri. Kata Kunci: mangrove perepat ( Sonneratia alba), alkaloid, antibakteri

In the current biosensor, the signal generation is limited to single virus detection in the reaction chamber. An adaptive strategy is required to enable the recognition of multiple viruses for diagnostics and surveillance. In this work, a nanocarrier is deployed to bring specific signal amplification into the biosensor, depending on the target viruses. The nanocarrier is designed using pH-sensitive polymeric nanoparticle-laden nanocarriers (PNLNs) prepared by sequential nanoprecipitation. The nanoprecipitation of two chromogens, phenolphthalein (PP) and thymolphthalein (TP), is investigated in three different solvent systems in which PNLNs demonstrate a high loading of the chromogen up to 59.75% in dimethylformamide (DMF)/dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)/ethanol attributing to the coprecipitation degree of the chromogens and the polymer. The PP-encapsulated PNLNs (PP@PNLNs) and TP-encapsulated PNLNs (TP@PNLNs) are conjugated to antibodies specific to target viruses, influenza virus A subtype H1N1 (IV/A/H1N1) and H3N2 (IV/A/H3N2), respectively. After the addition of anti-IV/A antibody-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and magnetic separation, the enriched PNLNs/virus/MNPs sandwich structure is treated in an alkaline solution. It demonstrates a synergy reaction in which the degradation of the polymeric boundary and the pH-induced colorimetric development of the chromogen occurred. The derivative binary biosensor shows feasible detection on IV/A with excellent specificities of PP@PNLNs on IV/A/H1N1 and TP@PNLNs on IV/A/H3N2 with LODs of 27.56 and 28.38 fg mL-1, respectively. It intrigues the distinguished analytical signal in human serum with a variance coefficient of 25.8% and a recovery of 93.6-110.6% for one-step subtype influenza virus detection.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex medical condition characterized by elevated androgen levels, menstrual irregularities, and small cysts on one or both ovaries. The prevalence of PCOS is 6 to 10% in women. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein produced by the hepatic cells and it’s levels increased in inflammation that increases interleukin-6 by macrophages and T cells. Aims and Objective: A correlative study of role and usefulness of CRP in women with PCOS and its correlation with different biochemical parameters. Materials and Methods: This was hospital based case-control study carried out among PCOS was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Index Medical College Hospital, Indore. This study was conducted from 1st January 2018 to 31st December 2019. A total of 260 subjects with age group between 15 to 45 years were divided into two group; cases (130) and controls (130). Results: Among a total of 260 cases, based on clinical and different biochemical parameters, 130 were diagnosis with PCOS and 130 were apparently healthy women. The mean ±SD of various parameters among PCOS cases were; body mass index (BMI) 32.97±8.466, P (

The pandan scent in aromatic rice has been known as the result of 8 bp deletions and 3 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPS) in BADH2 gene, which produce non-functional betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH) enzyme. Several DNA markers for aromatic character based on mutation in BADH2 gene have been developed. In our experiment, we analysed the presence of aromatic character in four local rice variety such as Merah Wangi, Pendok, Genjah Arum, and Mentik Wangi Susu using KOH method and DNA molecular method using three DNA markers to detect mutation that responsible for the development of aromatic character. Phenotype analysis using KOH method showed that Merah Wangi, Genjah Arum, and Mentik Wangi Susu produce pandan scents. PCR analysis using Bradbury and Badex7-5, and RM223 markers showed the presence of BADH2 mutation in Merah Wangi and Mentik Wangi Susu, whereas Pendok and Genjah Arum did not show BADH2 mutation using those used three markers. Our results indicate that among four investigated local rice, only Merah Wangi and Mentik Wangi Susu are categorized as aromatic rice whereas Pendok and Genjah Arum are non-aromatic.Keywords: genetic analysis, aromatic rice, specific markers, genetic mutation.

RationaleCOVID-19 is an acute infectious disease caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Human surfactant protein D (SP-D) is known to interact with spike protein of SARS-CoV, but its immune-surveillance against SARS-CoV-2 is not known.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the potential of a recombinant fragment of human SP-D (rfhSP-D) as an inhibitor of replication and infection of SARS-CoV-2.MethodsrfhSP-D interaction with spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and hACE-2 receptor was predicted via docking analysis. The inhibition of interaction between spike protein and ACE-2 by rfhSP-D was confirmed using direct and indirect ELISA. The effect of rfhSP-D on replication and infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 from clinical samples was studied by measuring the expression of RdRp gene of the virus using qPCR.Measurements and Main ResultsIn-silico interaction studies indicated that three amino acid residues in the RBD of spike of SARS-CoV-2 were commonly involved in interacting with rfhSP-D and ACE-2. Studies using clinical samples of SARS-CoV-2 positive cases (asymptomatic, n=7 and symptomatic, n=8 and negative controls n=15) demonstrated that treatment with 5μM rfhSP-D inhibited viral replication by ~5.5 fold and was more efficient than Remdesivir (100 μM). Approximately, a 2-fold reduction in viral infectivity was also observed after treatment with 5μM rfhSP-D.ConclusionsThese results conclusively demonstrate that the calcium independent rfhSP-D mediated inhibition of binding between the receptor binding domain of the S1 subunit of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and human ACE-2, its host cell receptor, and a significant reduction in SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication in-vitro.

Tempe is Indonesian traditional food with a high protein content and potential to produce ACE inhibitory bioactive peptides. The commonly ingredient of tempe is soybean whereas the amino acid composition is low in hydrophobic amino acids. Jack bean has a high content of hydrophobic amino acids; therefore, it can be a potential mix grain ingredient for tempe with higher ACE inhibitor activity. The highest soluble protein reached on the mix grain tempe with the ingredients of jack bean: soybean as 1:1 and 48 h fermentation time. It shares similar characteristics with soybean tempe and contains 62.82±1.18% (wb) of water content, 2.71±0.39% (db) of ash, 16.89±0.83% (db) of fat, 30.87±2.49% (db) of crude protein, 3.96±0.93% (db) of crude fiber and 22.58±1.89% (db) of carbohydrates. The raw mix grain showed ACE inhibitor activity of 41.19±2.19% which increased to 59.80±2.54% after digestion by pepsin for 2 h. The primary amino acids content of mix grain tempe consisted of glutamic acid (Glu) 3.83 g/100 g, aspartic acid (Asp) 2.52 g/ 100 g, arginine (Arg) 3.71 g/100 g, histidine (His) 2.80 g/ 100g, leucine (Leu) 1.87 g/100 g, valine (Val) 1.78 g/ 100g and phenylalanine (Phe) 1.46 g/ 100g that can act as the precursor of ACE inhibitory bioactive peptides.

Objectives Medicinal plants are a source of many compounds that are useful in the pharmaceutical field for novel drug development. Polyphenols and the flavonoid group in plants are known to have several activities, such as relieving cardio vascular disease (CVD). The outer skin of the shallot which is disposed of as waste is known to have an antiplatelet activity which was tested in vitro assay. To date, there is no study reported on the ADMET profile and physicochemical properties of the active component of the shallot skins. Methods The extraction of shallot skins was conducted by ultrasonic irradiation using ethanol. The phytochemical screenings were carried out by TLC and color reaction. The profiling of its active ingredient was presented by GC-MS, HPLC and spectrophotometry UV–vis. Whereas their physicochemical properties were analyzed by ChemDraw 17.00 program and the ADMET predictions were studied using pkCSM online tool. The MVD program was operated in the docking study on protein P2Y12 (PDB ID 4PXZ). Results The extract showed the presence of polyphenol, flavonoids, quercetin, natalensine-3,5-dinitrobenzoate; bis[2-(2-fluorophenyl)-6-fluoroquinolin-4-yl]amine, benzo[a]heptalene, N-(trifluoroacetyl) methyl-N-deacethyl-colchicine. The ADMET prediction data displayed that the compounds in the extract have good absorption so that they can be used in the oral and transdermal routes. Some components in the extract have lower MDS than clopidogrel. Conclusions The ultrasonicated shallot skin extract can be used as additional resources of the active pharmaceutical ingredients and to have the potency to be developed as an oral or transdermal preparation.

This article deals with the development of the unprecedented redox-mediated heterometallic coordination polymer {[RuIII(acac)2(μ-bis-η1-N,η1-N-BTD)2AgI(ClO4)]ClO4}n (3) via the oxidation of the monomeric building block cis-[RuII(acac)2(η1-N-BTD)2] (1) by AgClO4 (BTD = exodentate 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole, acac = acetylacetonate). Monomeric cis-[RuII(acac)2(η1-N-BTD)2] (1) and [RuII(acac)2(η1-N-BTD)(CH3CN)] (2) were simultaneously obtained from the electron-deficient BTD heterocycle and the electron-rich metal precursor RuII(acac)2(CH3CN)2 in refluxing CH3CN. Molecular identities of 1-3 were authenticated by their single-crystal X-ray structures as well as by solution spectral features. These results also reflected the elusive trigonal-planar geometry of the Ag ion in Ru-Ag-derived polymeric 3. Ru(III) (S = 1/2)-derived 3 displayed metal-based anisotropic EPR with ⟨g⟩/Δg = 2.12/0.56 and paramagnetically shifted 1H NMR. Spectroelectrochemistry in combination with DFT/TD-DFT calculations of 1n and 2n (n = 1+, 0, 1-) determined a metal-based (RuII/RuIII) oxidation and BTD-based reduction (BTD/BTD•-). The drastic decrease in the emission intensity and quantum yield but insignificant change in the lifetime of 3 with respect to 1 could be addressed in terms of static quenching and/or a paramagnetism-induced phenomenon. A homogeneously dispersed dumbbell-shaped morphology and the particle diameter of 3 were established by microscopic (TEM-EDX/SEM) and DLS analysis, respectively. Moreover, the dynamic nature of polymeric 3 was highlighted by its degradation to the η1-N-BTD coordinated monomeric fragment 1, which could also be followed spectrophotometrically in polar protic EtOH. Interestingly, both monomeric 1 and polymeric 3 exhibited efficient electrocatalytic activity toward water oxidation processes (OER, HER) on immobilization on an FTO support, which also divulged the better intrinsic water oxidation activity of 3 in comparison to 1.

Lowlands hold important potential for sustainable agriculture in South Sumatra. High acidity of soil and water and practice of domestic waste disposal in the area could be associated with a higher level of micro minerals in forages and grazing animals. This study aimed to evaluate the concentration of copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in the water, forage, and buffalo hair, to compare the concentration of the metals in the forage on residential area and grazing area and to evaluate relationships between age and concentrations of the heavy metals in the buffaloes’ hair. The concentrations of the minerals were Fe > Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd in the water, Fe > Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd in the forage and Fe > Mn > Cu > Zn > Pb > Cd in the buffalo hair. Concentrations of Pb in water and forages exceeded the permissible limits for drinking water and feeds of livestock. The levels of the heavy metals in forages on the residential and grazing areas were not different and no significant correlation between ages of the animals and concentrations of the metals in the hair. In the forages, Cu–Mn and Fe–Pb while in the hair Cu, Zn and Pb strongly correlated. The principal component analysis revealed that the levels of metals concentration in the forages and buffalo hair associated with two main factors of natural resources.

As one way to eliminate the issues found in the preceding generation, feedstock exploration in second-generation bioethanol production remains an issue, especially for a tropical country such as Indonesia. From exotic fruit by-products, durian holds a promising perspective that rests on its abundance, superb carbohydrate content and limited usage until now. This work presents the first-ever utilization of durian seeds for sugar production under optimized conditions through alkaline hydrolysis. A simple form of sugar was extracted by varying four parameters, namely substrate loading, NaOH concentration, hydrolysis time and hydrolysis temperature. Response surface methodology based on the Box-Behnken design was employed to outline the most optimum parameter values. Analysis of variance revealed that the quadratic model fit the data appropriately with the order of significance as substrate loading > hydrolysis time > NaOH concentration > hydrolysis temperature. The optimized conditions for reducing sugar yield, as high as 2.140 g/L, corresponded to Second-generation bioethanol production from a non-edible feedstock (durian seeds) is optimized by varying key parameters in the alkaline hydrolysis process, showing high yields of fermentable sugars.

Background Nanotechnology is an emerging, novel area of applications in antimicrobial and eco-friendly food packaging that have tremendous potential benefits. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been extensively studied and frequently used in food packaging applications due to their superior physicochemical, biological and antimicrobial properties. Scope and approach Recently, plant extract-mediated synthesis of AgNPs has gained enormous popularity due to environment-friendliness, relatively economical synthesis, and effective functionality in food packaging applications. Numerous medicinal plant extract(s) are used in the synthesis of AgNPs, which are most commonly spherical in shape and within 2–80 nm range in size. Amount and composition of plant extract, metal ion concentration, reaction temperature and time, and pH of the reaction mixture are the key factors affecting shape, size, morphology and crystallinity of the synthesized AgNPs. Key findings and conclusions Compared to other synthesis methods, including microbial synthesis, plant-mediated synthesis of AgNPs is faster, more convenient, and can be effective in utilization of wastes generated by fruit and vegetable producers and handlers. Plant-mediated AgNPs are effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative foodborne pathogens and spoilage bacteria. Silver (Ag+) ions of AgNPs bind with negatively charged functional groups present in the microbial cell membrane, thereby increase permeability of the membrane disturbing the cellular transport system leading to cell death. In addition, entry of Ag+ ions into the cell cytoplasm may damage DNA, RNA, peptide forming compounds and metabolic enzymes resulting in the inhibition or hampering of cell division and microbial respiration. Scientific efforts are being made on the application of plant-mediated AgNPs in bionanocomposite films and coatings, as effective food preservation strategies. This review highlights innovative applications of plant-mediated AgNPs in sustainable antimicrobial food packaging.

The synthesis of a new trinucleotide cap analogue containing a locked nucleic acid (LNA) moiety such as m7(LNA)G(5')ppp(5')AmpG and its molecular biology applications are described. The most appealing feature is that this new cap analogue outperforms the standard trinucleotide cap m7G(5')ppp(5')AmpG and the anti-reverse cap analogue m27,3'-OG(5')ppp(5')G by a factor of 5 in terms of translational efficiency.

Several surveillance studies have reported significantly high level of patulin (PAT), mycotoxin in fruit juices suggesting the possible exposure to human. In vitro studies have showed that PAT can alter the permeability, ion transport and modulates tight junction of intestine. In real scenario, human can be exposed with low levels of PAT for longer duration through different fruits and their products. Hence, keeping this possibility in view, we conducted a study where normal intestinal cells were exposed with non-toxic levels of PAT for longer duration and found that PAT exposure causes cancer-like properties in normal intestinal cells. It is a well-known fact that cancer cells rewired their metabolism for cell growth and survival and metabolites closely depict the phenotypic properties of cells. Here, metabolomic study was performed in the PAT transformed and passage matched non-transformed cells using 1H HRMAS NMR. We have identified 12 significantly up-regulated metabolites, which, interestingly, were majorly amino acids, suggesting that PAT-induced pre-cancerous cells are involved in acquirement of nutrients for high protein turn-over. Furthermore, pathway analysis of metabolomics data indicated that aminoacyl tRNA biosynthesis, D-glutamate metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism and nitrogen metabolism were majorly hampered in PAT-induced pre-cancerous properties in normal intestinal cells.

This study aimed to isolate and identify probiotic bacteria from the gut of Barbonymus gonionotus and evaluate their effects on growth, hematological parameters, and breeding performances of the host. Five probiotic bacteria viz. Enterococcus xiangfangensis (GFB-1), Pseudomonas stutzeri (GFB-2), Bacillus subtilis (GFB-3), Citrobacter freundii (GFB-4), and P. aeruginosa (GFB-5) were isolated and identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Application of a consortium of probiotic strains (1–3 × 1.35 × 109 CFU kg−1) or individual strain such as GFB-1 (1.62 × 109 CFU kg−1), GFB-2 (1.43 × 109 CFU kg−1), GFB-3 (1.06 × 109 CFU kg−1), GFB-4 (1.5 × 109 CFU kg−1) or GFB-5 (1.43 × 109 CFU kg−1feed) through feed significantly improved growth, histological and hematological parameters and reproductive performances of B. gonionotus compared to untreated control. Moreover, the application of these probiotics significantly increased gut lactic acid bacteria and activities of digestive enzymes but did not show any antibiotic resistance nor any cytotoxicity in vitro. The highest beneficial effects on treated fishes were recorded by the application of GFB-1, GFB-2, GFB-3, and a consortium of these bacteria (T2). This is the first report of the improvement of growth and health of B. gonionotus fishes by its gut bacteria.

The main obstacle to solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) implementation is the high operating temperature in the range of 800–1,000 °C so that it has an impact on high costs. SOFCs work at high temperatures causing rapid breakdown between layers (anode, electrolyte, and cathode) because they have different thermal expansion. The study focused on reducing the operating temperature in the medium temperature range. SmBa0.5Sr0.5Co2O5+δ (SBSC) oxide was studied as a cathode material for IT-SOFCs based on Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 (SDC) electrolyte. The SBSC powder was prepared using the solid-state reaction method with repeated ball-milling and calcining. Alumina grinding balls are used because they have a high hardness to crush and smooth the powder of SOFC material. The specimens were then tested as cathode material for SOFC at intermediate temperature (600–800 °C) using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), electrochemical, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests. The X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) pattern of SBSC powder can be indexed to a tetragonal space group (P4/mmm). The overall change in mass of the SBSC powder is 8 % at a temperature range of 125–800 °C. A sample of SBSC powder showed a high oxygen content (5+δ) that reached 5.92 and 5.41 at temperatures of 200 °C and 800 °C, respectively. High diffusion levels and increased surface activity of oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) can be affected by high oxygen content (5+δ). The polarization resistance (Rp) of samples sintered at 1000 °C is 4.02 Ωcm2 at 600 °C, 1.04 Ωcm2 at 700 °C, and 0.42 Ωcm2 at 800 °C. The power density of the SBSC cathode is 336.1, 387.3, and 357.4 mW/cm2 at temperatures of 625 °C, 650 °C, and 675 °C, respectively. The SBSC demonstrates as a prospective cathode material for IT-SOFC, Основным препятствием для внедрения твердооксидных топливных элементов (ТОТЭ) является высокая рабочая температура в диапазоне 800-1000 °С, что сказывается на высоких затратах. ТОТЭ работают при высоких температурах, что вызывает быстрый разрыв между слоями (анод, электролит и катод), поскольку они имеют различное тепловое расширение. Исследование посвящено снижению рабочей температуры в среднем температурном диапазоне. В качестве катодного материала для ПТ-ТОТЭ на основе электролита Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 (SDC) был исследован оксид SmBa0.5Sr0.5Co2O5+δ (SBSC). Порошок SBSC получали методом твердофазной реакции с повторным измельчением в шаровой мельнице и прокаливанием. Использовались мелющие шары из оксида алюминия поскольку они обладают высокой твердостью для измельчения и сглаживания порошка материала ТОТЭ. Затем было проведено испытание образцов в качестве катодного материала для ТОТЭ при промежуточной температуре (600-800 °C) с использованием порошковой рентгеновской дифракции (ПРД), термогравиметрического анализа (ТГА), электрохимических испытаний и сканирующей электронной микроскопии (СЭМ). Дифрактограмма порошка SBSC можно индексировать по тетрагональной кристаллографической группе (P4/mmm). Общее изменение массы порошка SBSC составляет 8% в диапазоне температур 125-800 °C. Образец порошка SBSC показал высокое содержание кислорода (5+δ), которое достигало 5,92 и 5,41 при температурах 200 °C и 800 °C соответственно. Высокое содержание кислорода (5+δ) может влиять на высокие уровни диффузии и повышенную поверхностную активность реакций восстановления кислорода (РВК). Поляризационное сопротивление (Rp) образцов, спеченных при 1000 °C, составляет 4,02 Омсм2 при 600 °C, 1,04 Омсм2 при 700 °C и 0,42 Омсм2 при 800 °C. Удельная мощность катода SBSC составляет 336,1, 387,3 и 357,4 МВт/см2 при температуре 625 °С, 650 °С и 675 °С соответственно. SBSC демонстрирует перспективность в качестве катодного материала для ПТ-ТОТЭ, Основною перешкодою для впровадження твердооксидних паливних елементів (ТОПЕ) є висока робоча температура в діапазоні 800–1000 °С, що позначається на високих витратах. ТОПЕ працюють при високих температурах, що викликає швидкий розрив між шарами (анод, електроліт і катод), оскільки вони мають різне теплове розширення. Дослідження присвячено зниженню робочої температури в середньому температурному діапазоні. В якості катодного матеріалу для ПТ-ТОПЕ на основі електроліту Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 (SDC) був досліджений оксид SmBa0.5Sr0.5Co2O5+δ (SBSC). Порошок SBSC отримували методом твердофазної реакції з повторним подрібненням в кульовому млині і прожарюванням. Використовувалися мелючі кулі з оксиду алюмінію оскільки вони мають високу твердість для подрібнення і згладжування порошку матеріалу ТОПЕ. Потім було проведено випробування зразків в якості катодного матеріалу для ТОПЕ при проміжній температурі (600–800 °C) з використанням порошкової рентгенівської дифракції (ПРД), термогравіметричного аналізу (ТГА), електрохімічних випробувань і скануючої електронної мікроскопії (СЕМ). Дифрактограму порошку SBSC можна індексувати за тетрагональною кристалографічною групою (P4/mmm). Загальна зміна маси порошку SBSC становить 8 % в діапазоні температур 125–800 °C. Зразок порошку SBSC показав високий вміст кисню (5+δ), що досягав 5,92 і 5,41 при температурах 200 °C і 800 °C відповідно. Високий вміст кисню (5+δ) може впливати на високі рівні дифузії і підвищену поверхневу активність реакцій відновлення кисню (РВК). Поляризаційний опір (Rp) зразків, спечених при 1000 °C, становить 4,02 Омсм2 при 600 °C, 1,04 Омсм2 при 700 °C і 0,42 Омсм2 при 800 °C. Питома потужність катода SBSC становить 336,1, 387,3 і 357,4 МВт/см2 при температурі 625 °С, 650 °С і 675 °С відповідно. SBSC демонструє перспективність в якості катодного матеріалу для ПТ-ТОПЕ

Iron nitride is a promising material for soft magnetic composite. In the current research, iron nitride compound was produced from natural iron sand, involving coprecipitation and gas nitriding. Prior to coprecipitation, natural iron sands were separated magnetically to obtain pure Fe3O4. Afterward, the coprecipitation was carried out to obtain nanosized Fe3O4. Gas nitriding of Fe3O4 powders was performed at different temperatures i.e. 500 °C, 600 °C and 700 °C, under flowing NH3 gas. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) are used to investigate the phases obtained after the nitriding process. XRD patterns of the resulted powder indicate that nitriding temperature at 600 °C and 700 °C can produce iron nitride material, i.e. ε-Fe3N. While nitriding temperature of 500 °C is not able to yield iron nitrides. SEM examination reveals that the ε-Fe3N has irregular lamellar morphology. Some impurities are still detected, in the form of Fe3O4, Fe2O3, Ti2O3 and TiO2. Further works regarding the examination of the magnetic properties of the powders will be carried out.

The present investigation was undertaken with the objective of evaluation of grain characteristics in Kalanamak Advanced Recombinant Lines (KARL). Trials were conducted for two consecutive wet seasons during Kharif 2016 and 2017 at Norman E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre (NEBCRC), G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT), Pantnagar, Uttarakhand in a Randomized Complete Block Design in three replications with the spacing of 20 cm × 15 cm and the harvested kernels were used for biochemical analysis. KARL 2 (21.33%), KARL5 (22.13%), KARL6 (21.33%) and KARL 10 (21.67%) showed intermediate amylose content. KARL 5 has highest endosperm amylose content while KARL 8 (19.47%) shows minimum amylose content. These lines have high to intermediate alkali spread value while intermediate to low Gelatinization temperature. Gel consistency value was recorded highest for KARL 8 (73 mm) and minimum for PSD -17 (54 mm). High value of Hulling (%), Milling (%) and Head rice recovery (%) was reported for all KARL genotypes over the check variety PSD -17. Based on the result of this study it can be inferred that these Kalanamak lines are good source of quality rice intermediate amylose content, soft gel consistency and intermediate gelatinization temperature. These genotypes can be further utilized in improving the biochemical quality traits in rice.

Black Soldier Fly has high protein but there are anti-nutrients, namely the presence of chitin content that cannot be digested by livestock such as poultry and monogastrics. Chitin is a natural polysaccharide that is abundantly found from crustacean organisms and insects. Chitin is usually bound to the shell or exoskeleton, proteins, minerals and pigments. Black Soldier Fly in the prepupa phase has high protein, dark brown body and a rather hard exoskeleton which causes a high chitin content. The aim of this research was to determine the concentration of propionic and formic acids which could reduce the chitin content of the prepupa phase of the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) fermentation. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments, namely P1 = (BSF added 50% propionic acid + 50% formic acid), P2 = (BSF added 80% propionic acid and formic acid + 20% aquadest), P3 = (BSF added 60% propionic and formic acids + 40% aquadest), P4 = (BSF added 40% propionic and formic acids + 60% aquadest), P5 = (BSF added 20% propionic acid and formic acid + 80% aquadest) with three repetitions. The results of this study indicate that the P1 treatment (addition of 50% propionic acid + 50% formic acid) resulted in the lowest reduction in chitin content, namely (11.00%), pH value (4.7), total titrated acid (0.014%) and organoleptic (light brown color, very sour aroma and harsh texture).

In view of the global environmental and economic challenges of conventional organic solvents, most of the ionic liquids (ILs) have proved themselves as a “greener” group of cosolvents, especially f...

Objective: Circulating EPCs (endothelial progenitor cells) play a role in neovascularization and vascular repair. Oxidative stress impairs endothelial progenitor. Flavonoid is a phytochemical compound for antioxidant activity. Flavonoid effects toward oxidative stress, apoptosis, and expression of the cell markers on EPCs are not fully understood. This study was aimed to elucidate the effects of quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin toward oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cell markers of peripheral blood-derived-EPCs. Methods: EPCs (endothelial progenitor cells) were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) using cultivation under EPCs spesific media. Oxidative stress in EPCs was induced by H2O2 and then treated by quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin. Cytotoxicity was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay, while intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis and characterization of cells, which expressed CD133 and KDR, was measured using flow cytometry. Results: Quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin at concentration 12.50 µmol/l were not toxic on EPCs as the cells viability were 96.11±4.03%, 95.42±7.75%, and 94.22±9.49%, respectively. Flavonoids decreased intracellular ROS level in EPCs (quercetin: 14.38±1.47%, kaempferol: 20.21±6.25%, and myricetin: 13.88±4.02%) compared to EPCs treated with H2O2 (30.70%±1.04). Percetage of EPCs apoptosis was not significantly different among each treatment. Immunophenotyping showed the increasing of CD133 and KDR expression in EPCs treated with flavonoids. Conclusion: Quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin were safe for EPCs, decreased ROS levels, and increased CD133 and KDR expression. However, the flavonoids did not significantly affect EPCs apoptosis.

An in vitro propagation protocol has been developed for Berberis asiatica, an important Himalayan medicinal shrub. Significantly higher in vitro seed germination (50%) was obtained in Murashige and...

The focus of present work was to prepare salt of aripiprazole (APZ) with dicarboxylic acids to improve physicochemical properties the drug. Dicarboxylic acids used in the study were malonic acid, maleic acid and succinic acid. The salts were prepared with solubilization-crystallization method. The salts were characterized for pH-solubility, dissolution, and stabilities. The Fourier infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and near infrared chemical imaging indicated formation of new solid phase. pH-solubility profiles of the salts were similar to the drug except higher solubility were observed in the salts at all tested pH. The highest solubility was observed for APZ-Malonate salt among all the prepared salts. The solubility curve was inverted 'V' shape for APZ-maleate and APZ-succinate while it was inverted 'U' shape for APZ-malonate. The water solubility of APZ, APZ-malonate, APZ-maleate and APZ-succinate were 0.07 ± 0.02, 3503.9 ± 37.4, 269.3 ± 6.9 and 729.4 ± 9.4 µg/mL, respectively. The dissolution was 2.9 ± 0.4, 18.4 ± 3.9, 19.5 ± 1.4 and 36.6 ± 4.0% in 45 min for APZ, APZ-maleate, APZ-malonate, and APZ-succinate. The stabilities of the salts were similar to the drug. Thus, salts improved the physicochemical properties of the drug, and have similar stability profiles as that of APZ.