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Myocardial infarction (MI) is highly related to cardiac arrest leading to death and organ damage. Radiological techniques and electrocardiography have been used as preliminary tests to diagnose MI; however, these techniques are not sensitive enough for early‐stage detection. A blood biomarker‐based diagnosis is an immediate solution, and due to the high correlation of troponin with MI, it has been considered to be a gold‐standard biomarker. In the present research, the cardiac biomarker troponin I (cTnI) was detected on an interdigitated electrode sensor with various surface interfaces. To detect cTnI, a capture aptamer‐conjugated gold nanoparticle probe and detection antibody probe were utilized and compared through an alternating sandwich pattern. The surface metal oxide morphology of the developed sensor was proven by microscopic assessments. The limit of detection with the aptamer‐gold‐cTnI‐antibody sandwich pattern was 100 aM, while it was 1 fM with antibody‐gold‐cTnI‐aptamer, representing 10‐fold differences. Further, the high performance of the sensor was confirmed by selective cTnI determination in serum, exhibiting superior nonfouling. These methods of determination provide options for generating novel assays for diagnosing MI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a highly infectious bacterium and the major cause of pneumonia especially in school‐going children. Mycoplasma pneumoniae affects the respiratory tract, and 25% of patients experience health‐related problems. It is important to have a suitable method to detect M. pneumoniae, and gold nanoparticle (GNP)‐based colorimetric biosensing was used in this study to identify the specific target DNA for M. pneumoniae. The color of GNPs changes due to negatively charged GNPs in the presence of positively charged monovalent (Na+) ions from NaCl. This condition is reversed in the presence of a single‐stranded oligonucleotide, as it attracts GNPs but not in the presence of double‐stranded DNA. Single standard capture DNA was mixed with optimal target DNA that cannot be adsorbed by GNPs; under this condition, GNPs are not stabilized and aggregate at high ionic strength (from 100 mM). Without capture DNA, the GNPs that were stabilized by capture DNA (from 1 μM) became more stable under high ionic conditions and retaining their red color. The GNPs turned blue in the presence of target DNA at concentrations of 1 pM, and the GNPs retained a red color when there was no target in the solution. This method is useful for the simple, easy, and accurate identification of M. pneumoniae target DNA at higher discrimination and without involving sophisticated equipment, and this method provides a diagnostic for M. pneumoniae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential genotoxic effects of methanolic extracts of Euphorbia hirta which is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of diseased conditions including asthma, coughs, diarrhea and dysentery was investigated using Allium cepa assay. The extracts of 125, 250, 500 and 1,000 µg/mL were tested on root meristems of A. cepa. Ethylmethanesulfonate was used as positive control and distilled water was used as negative control. The result showed that mitotic index decreased as the concentrations of E. hirta extract increased. A dose-dependent increase of chromosome aberrations was also observed. Abnormalities scored were stickiness, c-mitosis, bridges and vagrant chromosomes. Micronucleated cells were also observed at interphase. Result of this study confirmed that the methanol extracts of E. hirta exerted significant genotoxic and mitodepressive effects at 1,000 µg/mL.

Quality control standardizations of the various medicinal plants used in traditional medicine is becoming more important today in view of the commercialization of formulations based on these plants. An attempt at standardization of Cassia spectabilis leaf has been carried out with respect to authenticity, assay and chemical constituent analysis. The authentication involved many parameters, including gross morphology, microscopy of the leaves and functional group analysis by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The assay part of standardization involved determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extract which could help assess the chemical effects and establish curative values. The MIC of the C. spectabilis leaf extracts was investigated using the Broth Dilution Method. The extracts showed a MIC value of 6.25 mg/mL, independent of the extraction time. The chemical constituent aspect of standardization involves quantification of the main chemical components in C. spectabilis. The GCMS method used for quantification of 2,4-(1H,3H)-pyrimidinedione in the extract was rapid, accurate, precise, linear (R2 = 0.8685), rugged and robust. Hence this method was suitable for quantification of this component in C. spectabilis. The standardization of C. spectabilis is needed to facilitate marketing of medicinal plants, with a view to promoting the export of valuable Malaysian Traditional Medicinal plants such as C. spectabilis.

Nanomaterial on the sensing area elevates the biomolecular immobilization by its right orientation with a proper alignment, and zeolite is one of the suitable materials. In this research, the zeolite nanoparticles were synthesized using rice hush ash as the basic source and the prepared zeolite by the addition of sodium silicate was utilized to attach antibody as a probe on a gap‐fingered dielectrode surface to identify the colon cancer biomarker, "colon cancer‐secreted protein‐2" (CCSP‐2). Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy and Field Emission Transmission Electron Microscopy images confirmed the size of the nanoparticle to be ∼15 nm and the occurrence of silica and alumina. Zeolite was modified on the electrode surface through the amine linker, and then anti‐CCSP‐2 was attached by an aldehyde linker. On this surface, CCSP‐2 was detected and attained the detection limit to be 3 nM on the linear regression curve with 3–5 nM of CCSP‐2. Estimated by the determination coefficient of y = 2.3952x – 4.4869 and R2 = 9041 with 3δ (n = 3). In addition, control proteins did not produce the notable current response representing the specific sensing of CCSP‐2. This research is suitable to identify CCSP‐2 at a lower level in the bloodstream under the physiological condition of a colon cancer patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conformational isomerizations of an in-cyclophane having a triarylphosphine above a basal aromatic ring, were investigated.

17β‐Estradiol‐E2 (17β‐E2) is a steroid hormone that plays a major role in the reproductive endocrine system and is involved in various processes, such as pregnancy, fertility, and menopause. In this study, the performance of an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for 17β‐E2 quantification was enhanced by using a gold nanoparticle (GNP)‐conjugated aptamer. An anti‐17β‐E2–aptamer–GNP antibody was immobilized on an amine‐modified ELISA surface. Then, 17β‐E2 was allowed to interact with and be sandwiched by antibodies. Aptamer–GNP conjugation was confirmed by colorimetric assays via the naked eye and UV–visible light spectroscopy. The detection limit based on a signal‐to‐noise ratio (S/N) of 3 was estimated to be 1.5 nM (400 pg/mL), and the linear range was 1.5–50 nM. Control experiments (without 17β‐E2/with a complementary aptamer sequence/with a nonimmune antibody) confirmed the specific detection of 17β‐E2. Moreover, 17β‐E2 spiking of human serum did not interrupt the interaction between 17β‐E2 and its antibody and aptamer. Thus, the developed ELISA can be used as an alternate assay for quantification of 17β‐E2 and assessment of endocrine‐related gynecological problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea, a culturally significant beverage, originated around 2700 B.C. in ancient Chinese civilization, with a profound understanding of its therapeutic properties. Herbal medicines from diverse plant sources have been esteemed for their phytochemical content. Today, tea's appeal spans the globe, with various processing techniques creating distinct tea varieties. This review article comprehensively explores tea and herbal teas, encompassing their origins, types, trade history, health benefits, chemical composition, and market and future dynamics. This review examines tea's evolution from ancient China to its global significance and analyzes the impact of tea trade routes on cultural exchanges and trade dynamics. The review covers conventional teas (black, green, and oolong), blended teas, and herbal teas. It primarily focuses on herbal beverages' chemical composition and active components derived from diverse plants and botanicals, highlighting their traditional uses and health‐promoting applications. The review provides valuable insights into the dynamic herbal tea market, growth, consumer preferences, industry trends, and future aspects of the herbal beverage. Additionally, it explores the proper classification and preparation of herbal drinks for maximum benefits, shedding light on tea manufacturing and preparation processes. This review is a valuable resource for tea enthusiasts, health‐conscious individuals, and industry stakeholders, offering profound insights into teas and their multifaceted allure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]