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Strontium substituted CoAl2O4 nanoparticles were prepared using a microwave combustion technique using L-alanine as a fuel. The following techniques were used to test the synthesized samples such as XRD, HR-SEM, EDX, DRS, FT-IR and VSM respectively. Surface morphology showed nanosized crystalline grains agglomerated with flake-like and nano-sized pores are fused grain boundaries. The band gap was calculated using Kubelka-Munk (K-M) function and it is reduced from 3.32 to 3.18 eV. The Ft-IR bands ranging from 560 to 1100 cm-1 are caused by the cubic structure of Sr2+ doped CoAl2O4 nanoparticles(NPs). The bi-functional NPs CoAl2O4/SrO (x = 0.5) exhibited excellent catalytic performance and better conversion efficiency (conversion 98% and selectivity 95%) for glycerol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, MgAlₓFe₂₋ₓO₄ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) nanoparticles were synthesized via the combustion method to investigate the structural, magnetic, optical, and dielectric effects of Al doping on MgFe₂O₄ ferrite. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the successful formation of the MgFe₂O₄ crystalline phase, with crystallite sizes ranging from 34 to 45 nm. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) revealed a spherical morphology, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the presence of magnesium, iron, oxygen, and the introduced aluminum. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy measured an optical band gap between 2.03 and 2.13 eV, indicating Al's influence on electronic properties. Dielectric measurements showed that the Al-doped samples exhibited enhanced dielectric constants and AC conductivity compared to the undoped ferrite, making them promising candidates for optoelectronic, photocatalytic, and energy storage applications. These results highlight the potential of Al-doped MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles in advancing functional materials for data storage and energy-related technologies. [Display omitted] • Al-doped MgFe 2 O 4 were synthesized by combustion using L-arginine as fuel, enabling precise doping control. • While MgFe 2 O 4 is common, the literature lacks studies on Al-doped variants, highlighting this work's unique contribution. • Al doping induces fluctuations in magnetic properties, including ferromagnetic behavior, depending on the doping concentration used. • The obtained results suggest its potential for optoelectronics, photocatalysis, and advanced magnetic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a tunable dual-band bandpass filter using graphene is designed and simulated at resonant frequencies 1 THz and 1.5 THz. The proposed design consists of a series of TEM-mode transmission-line resonators which are open and short circuited in alternate orientation. The bandpass filter is designed from the lowpass Chebyshev prototype. A graphene layer is placed in between the dielectric layer and conductor layer in order to facilitate the plasmonic wave propagation. The simulation results suggest that the proposed graphene-based bandpass filter can achieve the specified frequency response. By altering the chemical potential of the graphene a shift of about 0.14 THz is observed in the transmission response of the filter. The proposed filter has the potential to be used as ultra-compact dual-band BPF in non-destructive testing in polymer processing industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Microwave combustion synthesis of Bi3+ doped lanthanum ferrite and l -alanine is a fuel. • XRD, SAED and Rietveld analysis was confirmed the orthorhombic structure. • Z scan analysis confirms the enhanced NLO behavior for the prepared nanoparticles. • Low limiting threshold values make them a perfect candidate for optical power limiters. Nanoparticles of LaFe 1-x Bi x O 3 were successfully synthesized through the microwave combustion process (MCP) employing l -alanine as the fuel source. XRD and FT-IR analyses conclusively confirmed the orthorhombic structure of lanthanum ferrite, with the mean crystallite size varying between 56.32 and 25.43 nm. The optical energy gap value, calculated from UV–vis spectra, fell within the range of 1.84 to 2.49 eV. EDX analyses verified the presence of Bi, La, Fe, and O elements. Furthermore, FE-SEM images exhibited the nanoparticles' distinctive aggregated spherical morphology. Notably, VSM analysis showcased the robust diamagnetic behavior of LaFe 1-x Bi x O 3 nanoparticles. In photoluminescence's spectra, the samples underwent excitation with a wavelength of 315 nm. The values of H c (coercivity) and M r (remanence) fell within the range of 121.98 to 332.39 Oe and 0.1592 to 0.0907 emu/g for LaFe 1 -x Bi x O 3 respectively. Z-scan experiments yielded values for the nonlinear susceptibility, index of nonlinear refraction, and coefficient of nonlinear absorption. The findings from optical limiting studies serve as additional verification, underscoring the suitability of these materials as promising options for integration into devices, including optical switches and optical power limiters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of a rapid sensors for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a need of the hour to effectively mitigate the adverse effect of VOCs on environmental pollution. In this line, the current paper presents the design and development of a non-invasive split-ring resonator (SRR)-based microwave sensor for detecting liquid VOCs, specifically isopropyl alcohol (IPA), acetone, ethanol, and methanol. Artificial intelligence (AI) based algorithms are gaining popularity in developing a highly-selective sensor circuit. In the proposed sensor, the SRR circuit is optimized for better detection sensitivity and the multi resonant behavior of the circuit offers adequate selectivity. The designed sensor offers better re-usability and thereby supporting AI-based algorithms for continuous monitoring of VOCs in real-time. Transmission coefficient (S 21) of the sensor is measured over the frequency range of 0.8–6 GHz for different VOCs with varying concentrations. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Tukey tests are employed to discern significant variations in the measured data. Principle component analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis are performed over the measured data to classify the VOCs. These analytical results show that the proposed sensor can be used for generating huge data set to support AI based algorithms in detecting VOCs in real-time. • A non-invasive SRR based microwave sensor for detecting liquid VOCs. • Multi-resonant system offers adequate selectivity of the sensor. • DA and PCA are performed on the measured results to classify VOCs. • Developed sensor can support environmental monitoring. • Developed sensor aids in generating huge-data set for AI based sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The microwave combustion technique is used to synthesis Co-doped MgFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles for the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TET) under visible light. XRD and SEAD patterns confirmed the formation of a cubic spinel structure. XPS and EDX analyses verified the presence and oxidation states of Mg, Fe, and Co in the synthesized nanoparticles. HR-SEM and TEM images revealed spherical-shaped particles with notable agglomeration and coalescence. Sub-bandgap defects were determined using PL spectra. M−H curves indicated that all samples exhibited soft ferromagnetic characteristics. BET analysis showed that high surface area and pore size, which are beneficial for photocatalytic applications. The photocatalytic performance of the nanoparticles was evaluated using a custom-built photocatalytic reaction setup. Under optimal conditions, the degradation rate of TET reached 98.7%. These findings demonstrate that Co-doped MgFe 2 O 4 is highly effective for the photocatalytic degradation of TET under visible light, making them promising candidates for wastewater treatment applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • In3+-doped LaFeO 3 nanoparticles (La (1-x) In x FeO 3 NPs, x = 0 to 0.25) were prepared using microwave-assisted combustion method. • The crystal lattice structure of the prepared nanoparticles exhibited an orthorhombic symmetry, and the crystal size was observed to be in the range of 43.56 to 57.80 nm. • At ambient temperature, the hysteresis curves revealed that La3+ doping in LaFeO 3 improved their ferro-magnetic properties. Indium doped LaFeO 3 nanoparticles (La (1-x) In x FeO 3 NPs, x = 0 to 0.25) were prepared using microwave-assisted combustion method to investigate the influence of In3+-doping on the structural, morphological, optical, vibrational, and magnetic properties of LaFeO 3 perovskite.XRD analysis indicates that La (1-x) In x FeO 3 NPs crystal lattice possesses an orthorhombic symmetry, having moderate crystal size in the range of 43.56 to 57.80 nm. The Kubelka-Munk method was used to measure the optical band gap (E g) of La (1-x) In x FeO 3 NPs, and it was discovered that, due to quantum confinement phenomena, the E g value increases with a rise in In3+ ion content. The FE-SEM images demonstrate that fused grains with pore walls and pores of crystallized grains at nano-region in La (1-x) In x FeO 3 NPs. In addition, at ambient temperature, the hysteresis curves showed that La3+ doping in LaFeO 3 improved their ferro-magnetic properties. The perovskite samples were examined using XPS, which confirmed the presence of In3+, La3+, Fe2+, and O2– ions. It was found that the BET surface area of the indium doped LaFeO3 perovskite nanoparticles varied progressively from 0.4034 to 1.3543 m 2 /g. This work opens up a new route for modifying perovskite properties and their applications by showing that perovskite oxide can be drastically modified by doping it with main group elements via microwave-assisted combustion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a planar graphene-based bandstop filter is designed and simulated for the resonant frequency of 1 THz. The transmission line model of the bandstop filter is considered, which consists of open-circuited shunt stubs that are interconnected through unit elements. The bandstop filter design is carried out from the normalized low pass Chebyshev prototype. By using frequency transformation, Richard's transformation, and Kuroda's identity, the desired bandstop filter can be designed from the low pass prototype. The graphene layer is introduced between the conductor layer and the dielectric for supporting the propagation of plasmonic waves. The simulation results show that the desired frequency response can be obtained for the designed graphene-based bandstop filter. By varying the chemical potential of the graphene layer, the resonant frequency of the bandstop filter can be tuned over the range of 0.1 THz with the constant absolute bandwidth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanosized Zn 1- x Ni x Al 2 O 4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) particles were synthesized using microwave assisted combustion process with metal nitrates as starting precursors. The crystalline behavior of the synthesized samples is confirmed through the powder XRD and TEM studies. XPS studies are employed to obtain the oxidation state and the chemical elements details. HR-SEM analysis shows the morphology of agglomerated coalescence behavior. The elemental composition of Zn, Ni, O and Al was qualitatively obtained from EDX analysis. UV-DRS spectra are used to evaluate the optical band gap which is in the range of ̴ 5.45 to 3.32 eV. In FTIR spectra, two essential peaks n1 and n2 are endorsed the existence of spinel structured Zn 1- x Ni x Al 2 O 4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5). The exothermic transitions and weight loss of elements is obtained by TG-DTA analysis. The magnetic parameters are confirmed the super paramagnetic behavior for all nickel doped zinc aluminate nanoparticles. The nonlinear optical properties are determined by Z-scan technique. It is found that the optical threshold values are in the range of 5.98, 5.25, 4.85 and 3.73 mW respectively. All the samples are exhibited the defocusing effect at CW laser. • Ni doped ZnAl 2 O 4 nanoparticles was synthesized using microwave combustion technique. • Structural, morphological, optical and magnetic characteristics are investigated. • Nickel doped zinc aluminates nanoparticles exhibited super paramagnetic behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Employing Microwave combustion technique and utilizing L-arginine as fuel pure Cobalt Aluminate and Zn doped Cobalt Aluminate nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared. XRD, DRS-UV, HRSEM and VSM techniques were used to investigate the structural, optical, morphological, and magnetic properties. The average crystallite size is found in the range of 15 - 24 nm. Elemental confirmation is done by aid of EDX spectra. The band gap values of the produced samples were discovered to be between 2.57 and 2.45 eV. At room temperature, the prepared samples showed diamagnetic magnetic characteristics, which were corroborated by Magnetization-Field (MH) hysteresis curves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to provide analysis of wave propagation and the interaction between local and remote winds on surface waves in the coastal waters of the eastern Arabian Sea. The analysis is based on measurements from a buoy deployed at 23 m water depth along with the data from the ERA5 re-analysis. By employing lead-lag correlation analysis techniques, we identified the origin and propagation routes of waves in this region. The analysis identified the western Indian Ocean as the primary source of the waves. However, the impact of northerly systems such as Shamal and Makran winds cannot be ignored, as they play a prominent role during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons and weak southwest monsoon periods. Moreover, the study focuses on event-based analysis of tropical cyclone Tauktae based on cyclone's track, correlation analysis of its impact, and the spatial lag correlation of the associated wave system. The study builds upon existing knowledge concerning the generation and propagation of swells in the Indian Ocean. The findings of this research will contribute to a better understanding of wave dynamics in the eastern Arabian Sea and have implications for coastal engineering and marine operations in the region. • Investigation of swell propagation and interaction using lead-lag correlation for the year 2021. • Shamal and Makran waves significantly influence the wave distribution in the pre- and post-monsoon periods. • SW monsoon-driven waves from the western Indian Ocean as primary source in eastern Arabian Sea. • Study examines cyclone Tauktae's track and wave effects, highlighting their significance. • Event based analysis enlightens wave dynamics, broadening Indian Ocean swell understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnWO 4 nanoparticles were synthesized by a hot injection method using different zinc precursors (zinc nitrate, zinc acetate, zinc sulphate and zinc chloride) with sodium tungstate. Similarly, the ZnWO 4 particles were prepared by co-precipitation and solid-state method for comparative analysis. The phase formation temperature of ZnWO 4 was identified through thermal analysis. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis enumerates that the formation of a single-phase monoclinic wolframite structure with the space group P2/c. The characteristic functional groups of Zn-O, Zn-O-W, and W-O were identified through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The microscopic images revealed that the formation of spherical shape particles in size range between 60 and 100 nm. The room temperature electrical conductivity was measured using LCR meter, and it shows that the conductivity is in the range of 2.2 × 10 −5 to 6.2 × 10 −6  S.cm −1 . The calculated corrosion rate of ZnWO 4 using Tafel Polarization curve in 1 M H 2 SO 4 at 1 mV s −1 was 0.2554 mmpy. The electrocatalytic activity towards the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was studied using linear sweep voltammogram in 1 M H 2 SO 4 solution at a scan rate of 1 mV s −1 . Further, the zinc acetate precursor assisted particles have shown a low onset potential (0.42 V) and higher current density (−228.52 mA cm −2 ) in the potential range of 0 to −1.0 V compared with other samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new approach to producing a conical beam (CB) with highly azimuthal symmetry through a series-feed uniform circular array (UCA) antenna using circularly polarized (CP) elements and the orbital angular momentum (OAM) technique. Most previously proposed antenna designs for generating CB radiation patterns using mode-combining techniques have complex structures and high costs. The proposed antenna utilizes the inherent properties of OAM waves to generate a conical-shaped beam with simplicity and compactness. The UCA antenna utilizes CP elements, which are rotated to provide the desired far-field phase for generating the OAM beam. This design achieves extensive signal coverage and is highly efficient, with minimal spurious radiation and low insertion losses. The experimental measurements validate that the OAM beam produced by the UCA antenna has high azimuthal symmetry at 6 GHz. The OAM beam generated exhibits high mode purity and a peak gain of 10 dBi, with a divergence angle of ± 22°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper doped NiFe 2 O 4 spinel nanoparticles were prepared by facile microwave combustion method. The X-ray diffraction patterns showed that Cu-doping into NiFe 2 O 4 spinel induced the formation of secondary α-Fe 2 O 3 phase along with existing cubic structure. The cubic structure spinel nanoparticles possessed an average crystallite size in the range of 20 – 42 nm. The surface changes were evaluated using Zeta potential, it is found that Cu-doping NiFe 2 O 4 spinel system can induce a negative shift in the flat-band potential and increases the isoelectric point 5.38–7.31. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) peak areas are often used to quantify the elemental compositions and oxidizing states of Cu-doped NiFe 2 O 4 spinel materials surface. Morphological observations using scanning electron microscopy showed irregular shape with severe agglomerated distinct grain boundaries were occurred. An optical study, the band gap was found to decrease with an increase in the Cu2+ doping fraction. The presence of FT-IR spectra revealed bands at ≈ 548, 514 and 649 cm−1 were associated to the Ni–O (octahedral site) and Fe–O (tetrahedral site) stretching modes of Cu-doped NiFe 2 O 4 spinel cubic structure. Magnetization–Field (M−H) hysteresis loops of Cu-doped NiFe 2 O 4 spinel nanoparticles were exposed the appearance of soft ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature. The as-fabricated Cu-doped NiFe 2 O 4 spinel nanoparticles were investigated for their superior photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B under visible light irradiation for atmospheric conditions. It was found that the Cu-doping significantly enhanced the photocatalytic performance of bulk NiFe 2 O 4. Moreover, with the increased ratio of Cu-doping into x = 0.4 up to an optimal value, the photocatalytic activity was maximized (efficiency increased from 88.26%, x = 0–99.85%, x = 0.4). The possible photocatalytic mechanism was critically discussed. • Cubic inverse spinel structure (Copper- NiFe 2 O 4) prepared by microwave combustion method. • XRD, HR-SEM, EDX, FTIR, DRS-UV, TG-DTA and VSM were characterized. • The first and second order rate kinetic values were determined. • The maximum efficiency achieved Ni 0.6 Cu 0.4 Fe 2 O 4 is around 99.85%. • mechanism insights have discussed for Rhodamine degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of quantum cryptography is mostly theoretical therefore in this paper we represent its implementation by means of virtual scenarios. The central issue in cryptography is the secure transmission of the key between nodes. Thus, in this paper we establish a secure channel using Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) for the transfer of the key material between the nodes and help to identify an eavesdropper in the channel. A graphical representation of the quantum channel traffic at the ideal state and also during network disruption has been established. Due to the complex nature of quantum networks and high cost of establishment, a physical implementation of the same is not feasible. Hence a simulation has been implemented via the use of NS-3 (Network Simulator Version 3) which has QKDNetSim module built into it. Finally, our simulation indicates the presence of an intruder by virtue of various network implementations within the quantum channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave combustion process is used to synthesize MAl 2 O 4 (M = Zn and Co) spinel nanoparticles utilizing the fuel l -alanine. Synthesized samples were examined by techniques viz. XRD, HR-SEM, EDX, DRS-UV, PL, TG-DTA, FT-IR, XPS and VSM. The XRD confirmed the formation of cubic spinel structure with the average crystallite size of 14 nm and 11 nm for Cobalt and Zinc aluminate nanoparticles respectively. The morphology of CoAl 2 O4 (CAO) and ZnAl 2 O 4 (ZAO) nanoparticles was observed by HR-SEM. EDX and XPS studies confirmed the formation of pure spinel aluminate structure. Further band gap values were estimated to be 3.35 and 5.45 eV for CAO and ZAO respectively. The PL spectra of CAO and ZAO nanoparticles were studied with an excitation wavelength of 235 and 205 nm. The strong absorption bands between 500-1100 cm-1 were linked to CAO and ZAO nanoparticles. TG-DTA analysis confirmed weight loss and exothermic transitions. The M − H loops revealed CoAl 2 O 4 and ZnAl 2 O 4 nanoparticles exhibited superparamagnetic behavior. • ZnAl 2 O 4 and CoAl 2 O 4 were synthesized by microwave combustion method. • Structural, morphological, optical, thermal and magnetic properties are studied. • ZnAl 2 O 4 and CoAl 2 O 4 nanoparticle exhibits a ferro and dia magnetic behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) is one of the ligand-activated transcription factors which regulates a number of central events and considered as a promising target for various neurodegenerative disease conditions. Numerous reports implicate that PPAR-γ agonists have shown neuroprotective effects by regulating genes transcription associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration. In regards, this review critically appraises the recent knowledge of PPAR-γ receptors in neuroprotection in order to hypothesize potential neuroprotective mechanism of PPAR-γ agonism in chronic neurological conditions. Of note, the PPAR-γ′s interaction dynamics with PPAR-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) has gained significant attention for neuroprotection. Likewise, a plethora of studies suggest that the PPAR-γ pathway can be actuated by the endogenous ligands present in the CNS and thus identification and development of novel agonist for the PPAR-γ receptor holds a vow to prevent neurodegeneration. Together, the critical insights of this review enlighten the translational possibilities of developing novel neuroprotective therapeutics targeting PPAR-γ for various neurodegenerative disease conditions. • PPAR-γ dependent PGC-1α signalling activation could regulate multiple gene transcriptions involved in neurodegeneration. • PGC1-α signalling will regulate microglial activation, inflammatory cascades, oxidative stress and mitochondrial biogenesis. • Finest target for various neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs). • PPAR-ϒ agonism along with other pharmacological agents targeting different pathways could be an effective strategy for NDDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A microwave combustion method was used to synthesize Cu 1- x Zn x Fe 2 O 4 (x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5) nanoparticles. The synthesized Zn-doped CuFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles were characterized by techniques such as X-ray diffraction, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform IR spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform IR spectroscopy results confirmed the formation of Cu 1- x Zn x Fe 2 O 4 (x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5) nanoparticles. The crystallite size and lattice parameter were determined as 15–19 nm and 8.319–8.400 Å, respectively. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of agglomerated spherical particles of Cu 1- x Zn x Fe 2 O 4. Elemental mapping of pure and Zn-doped CuFe 2 O 4 was done by energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. The band gap was calculated with the Kubelka-Munk function and was found to lie in the range from 2.30 to 2.51 eV. Finally, M - H curves were plotted and the magnetic properties, such as coercivity, remanent magnetization, and saturation magnetization, were determined. Image 1 • Zinc-doped copper ferrite was synthesized by a microwave combustion method. • Structural, morphological, optical, vibrational, and magnetic properties are studied. • Zinc-doped copper ferrite nanoparticles exhibit ferromagnetic behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent comparative genomics and mechanistic analyses support the existence of a fungal immune system. Fungi encode genes with features similar to non-self recognition systems in plants, animals, and bacteria. However, limited functional or mechanistic evidence exists for the surveillance-system recognition of heterologous microbes in fungi. We found that Neurospora species coexist with Pseudomonas in their natural environment. We leveraged two model organisms, Neurospora crassa and Pseudomonas syringae DC3000 (PSTDC3000) to observe immediate fungal responses to bacteria. PSTDC3000 preferentially surrounds N. crassa cells on a solid surface, causing environmental dependent growth responses, bacterial proliferation and varying fungal fitness. Specifically, the Type III secretion system (T3SS) ΔhrcC mutant of PSTDC3000 colonized N. crassa hyphae less well. To dissect initial cellular signaling events within the population of germinated asexual spores (germlings), we performed transcriptomics on N. crassa after PSTDC3000 inoculation. Upon contact with live bacteria, a subpopulation of fungal germlings initiate a response as early as ten minutes post-contact revealing transcriptional differentiation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) mechanisms, trace metal warfare, cell wall remodeling dynamics, multidrug-efflux transporters, secondary metabolite synthesis, and excretion. We dissected mutants of plausible receptors, signaling pathways, and responses that N. crassa uses to detect and mount a defense against PSTDC3000 and found seven genes that influence resistant and susceptibility phenotypes of N. crassa to bacterial colonization. Mutants in genes encoding a ctr copper transporter ( tcu-1 ), ferric reductase ( fer-1 ), superoxide reductase ( sod-2 ), multidrug resistance transporter ( mdr-6 ), a secreted lysozyme-Glycoside hydrolase ( lyz ) and the Woronin body tether leashin (NCU02793, lah-1 and lah-2 ) showed a significant reduction of growth in the presence of bacteria, allowing the bacteria to fully take over the fungal mycelium faster than wildtype. In this study we provide a bacterial-fungal model system within Dikarya that allows us to begin to dissect signaling pathways of the putative fungal immune system.

Bacteria of the genus Shigella replicate in intestinal epithelial cells and cause shigellosis, a severe diarrheal disease that resolves spontaneously in most healthy individuals. During shigellosis, neutrophils are abundantly recruited to the gut, and have long been thought to be central to Shigella control and pathogenesis. However, how shigellosis resolves remains poorly understood due to the longstanding lack of a tractable and physiological animal model. Here, using our newly developed Nlrc4 -/- Casp11 -/- mouse model of shigellosis, we unexpectedly find no major role for neutrophils in limiting Shigella or in disease pathogenesis. Instead, we uncover an essential role for macrophages in the host control of Shigella . Macrophages respond to Shigella via TLRs to produce IL-12, which then induces IFN-γ, a cytokine that is essential to control Shigella replication in intestinal epithelial cells. Collectively, our findings reshape our understanding of the innate immune response to Shigella .

Background: Chrysin (Chy) is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in fruits, vegetables, honey, propolis, and many plant extracts that has shown notable medicinal value. Chy exhibits diverse pharmacological properties, including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-cholesteremic, and cardioprotective. However, the influence of Chy in mitigating high-fat diet (HFD)-induced ER stress of rat myocardium remains unknown., Purpose: The current work intended to determine the therapeutic potential of Chy against HFD-induced endoplasmic stress-mediated apoptosis., Methods: To evaluate the therapeutic value of Chy in HFD-induced endoplasmic stress-mediated apoptosis in the myocardium; The male wistar rats were divided into different groups; control, HFD control, HFD fed followed by Chy-treated and HFD fed followed by atorvastatin (Atv) treated rats., Results: When compared to the control group, the HFD-fed rats had significantly higher levels of marker enzymes such as CK-NAC and ALP, as well as lipid peroxidation and lipid profile (TC, TG, LDL, and VLDL). Chy therapy greatly reversed these marker enzymes and the lipid profile. qRT-PCR Studies showed that Chy supplementation considerably improved Nrf2 and its target genes. In addition, Chy lowered the expression of PERK, CHOP, ATF6, GRP78, and Caspase-3 genes in the heart tissue of HFD-fed rats. Immunohistochemistry results demonstrated that Chy substantially enhanced the Nrf2 and reduced PERK and Caspase3-7 protein expression in HFD-fed rats., Conclusion: The current study concluded that Chy may mediate the cardioprotective effect by activating Nrf2 and inhibiting PERK signaling pathway against ER stress-mediated apoptosis induced by HFD. Therefore, supplementation with Chy could serve as a promising therapeutic target against HFD-induced ER stress-mediated cardiac complication., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Background This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to assess the level of knowledge on dietary management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among patients undergoing hemodialysis in a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry, South India. Methodology The study was conducted among 86 inpatients diagnosed with CKD and undergoing hemodialysis in the dialysis unit. They were selected by simple random sampling. The self-administered, validated, self-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The study was conducted from May to September 2019. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (chi-square) were used to find out the relationship between the level of knowledge and background variables using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0 (Released 2017; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Results The findings indicated that the majority of patients were in the 20-30 age range (36, 41.9%), male (58, 67.4%), from nuclear families (58, 66.3%), with mixed dietary habits (60, 69.8%), and undergoing thrice-weekly hemodialysis (34, 53.5%). Additionally, 59 (68.6%) were hypertensive and 14 (16.3%) were diabetic. Most patients exhibited a moderate level of knowledge (74, 86%), while a small percentage had inadequate (6, 7%) and adequate (6, 7%) knowledge, with a mean (SD) value of 2.00 (0.376). The study identified statistically significant associations between knowledge levels and age, occupation, food habits, duration of dialysis, pre-existing co-morbid illnesses, and treatment of hemodialysis with a p-value <0.05. Conclusions In conclusion, this study highlights that the majority of the CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis exhibit moderately adequate knowledge of dietary management. However, a notable need remains for further education and support in this area. Addressing these knowledge gaps is crucial, as it can empower nursing students and healthcare professionals to educate these patients on their dietary needs effectively. By providing comprehensive education and support, we can enhance the quality of care and improve outcomes for hemodialysis patients., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Shanmugapriya et al.)

Tuberculosis patients with diabetes, have higher sputum bacillary load, delayed sputum conversion, higher rates of drug resistance, higher lung cavitary involvement and extra-pulmonary TB infection, which is called as "Diabetes-Tuberculosis Nexus". However, recently we have shown a reciprocal relationship between latent tuberculosis infection and insulin resistance, which has not been reported before. In this review, we would first discuss about the immune-endocrine network, which operates during pre-diabetes and incipient diabetes and how it confers protection against LTBI. The ability of IR to augment anti-TB immunity and the immunomodulatory effect of LTBI to quench IR were discussed, under IR-LTB antagonism. The ability of diabetes to impair anti-TB immunity and ability of active TB to worsen glycemic control, were discussed under "Diabetes-Tuberculosis Synergy". The concept of "Fighter Genes" and how they confer protection against TB but susceptibility to IR was elaborated. Finally, we conclude with an evolutionary perspective about how IR and LTBI co-evolved in endemic zones, and have explained the molecular basis of "IR-LTB" Antagonism" and "DM-TB Synergy", from an evolutionary perspective., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Aravindhan and Yuvaraj.)

Background: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a form of cardiac dysfunction caused by diabetes, increasing heart failure and death. Studies shown that hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress significantly affects heart structure and functional changes during diabetic cardiomyopathy. Fucoidans are sulfated polysaccharide derived from naturally available seaweeds and reported for various biological functions such as antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory. However, the therapeutic potential of Indian seaweeds against DCM remains largely unexplored. Therefore, the current study aimed to work on the cardioprotective effect of extracted fucoidan from Sargassum wightii (SwF) in alloxan-induced DCM., Methods and Results: Diabetes (DM) was induced with alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg -1 ) dissolved in Nacl (0.9%) overnight-fasted rats. Group III, IV rats were DM induced, followed by treated with SwF (150 mg/kg -1 ) and (300 mg/kg -1 ). Group V and VI were non-diabetic rats and received SwF (150 mg/kg -1 ) and (300 mg/kg -1 ). SwF reduced classical progressive DM complications such as hyperglycemia, polydipsia, polyphagia, and polyurea in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Biochemical analysis showed that SwF decreased blood glucose, cardiac markers enzymes, and lipid peroxidation levels compared to diabetic rats. SwF administration significantly increased Nrf2, HO-1, SOD, Catalase, and NQO1 gene expression. In addition, SwF-treated rats showed reduced heart tissue damage with increased Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression., Conclusion: The current research concludes that targeting oxidative stress with SwF provided an effective role in the prevention of DCM. Thus, fucoidan could be used to develop functional food ingredients for DCM., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Background: Haptoglobin (HP), a plasma glycoprotein, binds to free hemoglobin and prevents the loss of iron and kidney damage. The variations of HP gene affect its enzyme activity, resulting in varied antioxidant, angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. HP 2-2 genotype showed 3.84 fold increased risk for the development of CKD in Taiwan population. With this background, the present work focused to conduct a prospective case-control study in South Indian population to evaluate whether the HP variants are associated to nondialysis (ND) (CKD stages 1-4) and ESRD (CKD stage 5) conditions., Methods and Results: Totally 392 CKD patients (nondialysis, ND; n = 170, end-stage renal disease, ESRD; n = 222) and 202 healthy individuals were enrolled. The blood samples collected from the patients were used to determine biochemical parameters and HP genotyping. Gene frequency and biochemical parameters were statistically analyzed for disease association. Results showed that HP 2-2 genotypes were significantly associated with ND and ESRD disease development compared to controls. Higher HP2-2 genotype frequency showed an increased hazard ratio for overall disease progression among ND patients (hazard ratio = 3.86; 95% CI 1.88 to 7.93; P = 0.0002). Survival analysis also showed that non-HP2-2 patients have a statistically significantly decreased risk for mortality compared to patients with the HP2-2 genotype (ESRD patients hazard ratio = 4.05; P = 0.04)., Conclusion: The present study confirms that HP2-2 polymorphism is statistically associated with the risk of CKD incidence, progression, and mortality among South Indians. Concluding our results, the HP2-2 genotype could be an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and disease progression in patients with CKD., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated cardiac apoptosis is an essential pathological process in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Chrysin (Chy) is a natural flavonoid that exerts several health benefits, particularly anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects. However, its protective effect against CVDs and its mechanism of action at a molecular level remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the interaction of ER stress response protein with Chy by computational analysis and molecular action in H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative and ER stress in cardiomyoblast cells. H9c2 cells were pre-treated with 50 μM of Chy for 24 h and exposed to H 2 O 2 for 1 h. Explore the Chy-mediated Nrf2 signalling on ER stress reduction, H9c2 cell lines were transfected with Nrf2 siRNA for 48 h and further treated with Chy for 24 h and subjected to H 2 O 2 for 1 h. Chy pre-treatment increased the Nrf2-regulated gene expression, reduced the ER stress signalling genes such as CHOP and GRP78, and increased the PERK and AFT6 expression compared to H 2 O 2 -treated cells. Chy preincubation down-regulated the expression of PI3K, NF-κB, and caspase-3. Fluorescence staining revealed that Chy reduced intracellular ROS generation, ER stress, apoptosis, and increased MMP. This beneficial effect of Chy was abolished when silencing Nrf2 in H9c2 cells. Overall, the present study confirmed that Chy showed the cardioprotective effect by attenuating ER stress via the activation of Nrf2 signalling. Therefore, the study concluded that improving Nrf2 signalling by Chy supplementation could provide a promising therapeutic target in oxidative and ER stress-mediated CVDs complications., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Oxidative stress plays a vital role in the initiation and progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Increased cardiac dysfunction and apoptosis in DCM are independent factors associated with hypertension or coronary artery disease. Fucoidan, a class of sulfated polysaccharides, is widely used as food supplements and reported to have various pharmacological properties. However, the pharmacological property of Indian seaweeds remains unexplored. The present study is focused on isolating and characterizing the fucoidan from four brown seaweeds such as Sargassum wightii (SwF), Sargassum swartzii (SsF), Sargassum polycystum (SpF), Turbinaria ornata (ToF), and aimed to investigate cardioprotective effect of fucoidan against High Glucose (HG) induced oxidative stress in H9c2 cells. The mild acid hydrolysis method was used to isolate crude fucoidan from four brown seaweeds purified by the FPLC system. The biochemical composition analysis showed that SwF had a high content of fucoidan and sulfate, followed by SsF, SpF, and ToF. Further, FTIR, XRD, NMR, and SEM analysis confirmed the isolated fucoidan structures. SwF showed higher DPPH activity compared to another isolated fucoidan. In vitro studies with SwF revealed significantly decreased cytotoxicity, prevented the loss of MMP, reduced lipid peroxidation, and increased cellular enzymatic and non-enzymatic activity. qRT-PCR results showed SwF significantly upregulated the Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, and Bcl2 and down-regulated the Bax and Caspase-3 mRNA expression compared to HG-treated cells. In conclusion, SwF could be used to develop functional foods for diabetic-mediated CVD complications compared to another isolated fucoidan. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Bioactive carbohydrates have gained significant interest among researchers to improve human health. The biomedical field showed great interest in seaweed research in managing various diseases. In particular, seaweeds contain many bioactive compounds because of their chemical and biological diversity. Despite the various beneficial effects of fucoidan in CVD, the therapeutic potential of Indian seaweeds remains largely unexplored. Hence, this study isolated fucoidan from four brown seaweeds and studied their bioactive properties. Results revealed that SwF showed higher free radical scavenging activity compared to another isolated fucoidan. Therefore, SwF was selected for the in vitro study. SwF increased the cytoprotection through increasing antioxidant levels against oxidative stress in H9c2 cells. Staining analysis showed SwF increased cellular protection via inhibiting ROS protection and increasing MMP. Overall, fucoidan from SwF could be developed as a functional food for CVD., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Chrysin (Chy) is known for various biological proprieties such as inhibitory effects on inflammation, cancer, oxidative stress, aging, and atherosclerosis. However, the hypolipidemic activity of Chy and its mechanistic action remains unclear in cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In this study, we focused on the hypolipidemic proprieties of Chy in hypercholesterolemia-induced atherosclerosis. Male Wistar rats (150-220 g) were divided into four groups as follows: Group I control was fed with standard laboratory chow. Rats in Group II were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 60 days. After 60 days of HFD, Group III rats received Chy (100 mg/kg body weight); Group IV rats received Atorvastatin (Atv; 10 mg/kg body weight) for 30 days. Biochemical studies showed Chy, Atv treatment decreased the activities of liver marker enzymes and the levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and lipid profile. Gene expression analysis on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its regulated genes were significantly reduced in the intestine and increased in the aorta by Chy and Atv. Gut microbial species such as Bacteroidetes, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Clostridium leptum copy numbers were significantly increased by Chy and Atv treatment. In addition, Chy and Atv modulated the expression of inflammatory genes including TLR4, TNFα, NLRP3, and IL-17 in the aorta and intestine compared with hypercholesterolemic control rats. Chy and Atv effectively increased the caspase-3 mRNA expression in the intestine, but these decreased in the aorta. The present study concludes that by reducing oxidative stress and increasing gut microbial colonization, Chy may provide an effective therapeutic approach for the prevention of hypercholesterolemia-mediated atherosclerosis. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Our study focused on a therapeutic model representing the clinical presentation of atherosclerosis in humans. Statins are commonly used in the treatment of cardiovascular complications, patients with hypercholesterolemia face difficulties in the continuation of statin therapy. The reason for statin discontinuation has been associated with toxicological effects. It is necessary to investigate the potentiality of the natural compound as an alternative medicine to statin with fewer side effects. The main theme of our study is to compare the therapeutic potential of Chy and Atv. Chy is a natural bioflavonoid that could be considered as an alternative medicinal compound to statins and to avoid toxicity problems associated with statins. Chy is a bioflavonoid present in Passiflora caerulea (blue passion flower), Oroxylum indicum (Indian trumpet flower), Pelargonium crispum, propolis, and honey. Consuming Chy-rich foods will reduce hypercholesterolemia-mediated cardiovascular complications. Overall, the present studies provided a key to developing bioactive compounds-based foods for CVD patients., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background and Aims: Code blue is a rapid response system developed for emergency resuscitation and stabilization of any sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) within a hospital. Literatures on outcome and factors predicting mortality from SCA in the Emergency departments (EDs) of India is scant., Material and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included all patients above the age of 15 years who had a code blue declared in the ED between the months of January 2018 and June 2019. Factors related to the sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and mortality were analyzed using descriptive-analytic statistics and logistic regressions., Results: This study included 435 patients with a male predominance of 299 (69%). The mean age was 54.5 (SD - 16.5) years. Resuscitation was not attempted for 18 patients because of the terminal nature of the underlying disease. The majority were in-hospital cardiac arrests (74%). The nonshockable rhythm included pulseless electrical activity (PEA) (85.5%) and asystole (14.5%) cases. Shockable rhythms, that is, pulseless ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation were noted in only 10% (43/417) of cases. ROSC was attained in 184 (44.1%) patients, among which 56 (13.4%) were discharged alive from the hospital. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed CPR >10 min (odds ratio [OR]: 13.58; 95% CI: 8.39-22.01; P < 0.001) and female gender (OR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.13-3.17; P = 0.016) to be independent risk factors for failure to achieve ROSC in ED., Conclusion: The initial documented rhythm was nonshockable in the majority of the cases. CPR duration of more than 10 min and female gender were independent risk factors for failure to achieve ROSC in the ED. Nonshockable rhythms have a poorer outcomes than that of shockable rhythms., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2021 Journal of Anaesthesiology Clinical Pharmacology.)

Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) are a group of nuclear receptors and the ligand-activated intracellular transcription factors that are known to play a key role in physiological processes such as cell metabolism, proliferation, differentiation, tissue remodeling, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. However, in the past two decades, many reports claim that PPARs also play an imperious role as a tumor suppressor. PPAR- gamma (PPARγ), one of the best-known from the family of PPARs, is known to express in colon, breast, bladder, lung, and prostate cancer cells. Its function in tumour cells includes the modulation of several pathways involved in multiplication and apoptosis. The ligands of PPARγ act by PPARγ dependent as well as independent pathways and are also found to regulate different inflammatory mediators and transcription factors in systemic inflammation and in tumor microenvironment. Both synthetic and natural ligands that are known to activate PPARγ, suppress the tumor cell growth and multiplication through the regulation of inflammatory pathways, as found out from different functional assays and animal studies. Cancer and inflammation are interconnected processes that are now being targeted to achieve tumor suppression by decreasing the risks and burden posed by cancer cells. Therefore, PPARγ can serve as a promising target for development of clinical drug molecule attenuating the proliferation of cancer cells. In this perspective, this mini review highlights the PPARγ as a potential target for drug development aiming for anti-inflammatory and thereby suppressing tumors., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

The ability to identify lung cancer at an early stage is critical, because it can help patients live longer. However, predicting the affected area while diagnosing cancer is a huge challenge. An intelligent computer-aided diagnostic system can be utilized to detect and diagnose lung cancer by detecting the damaged region. The suggested Linear Subspace Image Classification Algorithm (LSICA) approach classifies images in a linear subspace. This methodology is used to accurately identify the damaged region, and it involves three steps: image enhancement, segmentation, and classification. The spatial image clustering technique is used to quickly segment and identify the impacted area in the image. LSICA is utilized to determine the accuracy value of the affected region for classification purposes. Therefore, a lung cancer detection system with classification-dependent image processing is used for lung cancer CT imaging. Therefore, a new method to overcome these deficiencies of the process for detection using LSICA is proposed in this work on lung cancer. MATLAB has been used in all programs. A proposed system designed to easily identify the affected region with help of the classification technique to enhance and get more accurate results., (© 2021. International Association of Scientists in the Interdisciplinary Areas.)

Hypercholesterolemia is one of the risk factors associated with increased morbidity and mortality in cardiovascular disorders. Chrysin (Chy) is reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, anti-oxidative, anti-aging, and anti-atherogenic properties. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether Chy would mediate the cardioprotective effect against hypercholesterolemia-triggered myocardial oxidative stress. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into different groups as control and fed with high-fat diet (HFD) followed by oral administration of Chy (100 mg/kg b.wt), atorvastatin (Atv) (10 mg/kg b.wt), and L-NAME (10 mg/kg b.wt) for 30 days. At the end of the experimental period, the rats were sacrificed and tissues were harvested. Biochemical results showed a significant increase of cardiac disease marker enzymes (ALT, AST, and CKMB), lipid peroxidation, and lipid profile (TC, TG, LDL, and VLDL) in HFD-fed rat tissues when compared to control, whereas oral administration of Chy significantly reduced the activities of these marker enzymes and controlled the lipid profile. qRT-PCR studies revealed that Chy administration significantly increased the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and Nrf2 target genes such as SOD, catalase, and GCL3 in left ventricular heart tissue of HFD-challenged rats. Immunohistochemistry results also showed that Chy treatment increased myocardial protein expression of eNOS and Nrf2 in HFD-challenged rats. Concluding the results of the present study, the Chy could mediate the cardioprotective effect through the activation of eNOS and Nrf2 signaling against hypercholesterolemia-induced oxidative stress. Thus, the administration of Chy would provide a promising therapeutic strategy for the prevention of HFD-induced oxidative stress-mediated myocardial complications.

Background: A series of novel 5-substituted benzylidene rhodanine derivatives using four different amines were designed based on our previously developed CoMSIA (Comparative molecular similarity indices analysis) model for the anticancer activity., Methods: The designed rhodanines were synthesized via dithiocarbamate formation, cyclization and Knoevenagel condensation. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed and analyzed by spectral studies., Results: The synthesized rhodanines were investigated for in vitro anticancer activities and the analogs have displayed mild to significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The compounds with benzyloxy substitution at the fifth position of rhodanine ring (Compounds 20, 33 and 38) system showed significant cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cells. CoMSIA, a three-dimensional quantitative structureactivity relationship (3D-QSAR) technique was accomplished to elucidate structure-activity relationships., Conclusion: Based on the information derived from CoMSIA contour plots, some key features for increasing the activity of compounds have been identified and used to design new anti-cancer agents. The present developed CoMSIA model displayed good external predictability, r2pred of 0.841 and good statistical robustness., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the main causes of early death in humans worldwide. Glutathione S-Transferases (GSTs) are involved in a series of xenobiotics metabolism and free radical scavenging. The previous studies elucidated the interlink between GST variants and to the development of various diseases. The present case-control study performed to ascertain whether GST polymorphisms are associated with the incidence and advancement of CKD. From the Southern part of India, a total of 392 CKD patients (nondialysis, ND; n = 170, end-stage renal disease, ESRD; n = 222) and 202 healthy individuals were enrolled. Patients were followed-up for 70 months. Serum biochemical parameters were recorded, and the extraction of DNA was done from the patient's blood samples. To genotype study participants, multiplex PCR for GSTM1/T1 was performed. Statistical analysis was carried out to analyze the relationship between gene frequency and sonographic grading, as well as biochemical parameters for disease development. The GSTM1-null genotype showed threefold increased risk (OR = 2.9304; 95% CI 1.8959 to 4.5296; P < 0.0001) to CKD development and twofold increased risk (OR = 1.8379; 95% CI 1.1937 to 2.8299; P = 0.0057) to ESRD progression. During the mean follow-up of 41 months study, multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that GSTM1-null genotype has 4 times increased the risk for all-cause rapid disease progression to ESRD among ND patients and 3.85-fold increased risk for death among ESRD patients. Survival analysis revealed that patients with GSTM1-present allele showed a significantly diminished risk of mortality compared to patients bearing the GSTM1-null allele among ESRD patients with a hazard ratio of 4.6242 (P < 0.0001). Thus, present data confirm that GSTM1-null genotype increased the risk for all-cause rapid disease progression to ESRD among ND patients. Based on our results, GSTM1-null genotype could be considered as a significant predictor for causing mortality among CKD patients when compared to all other variables.

Background: In the dedicated intensive care settings, health-care providers need to have higher temporal cognition and sympathovagal balance to optimally deliver critical care interventions., Objective: The objective of the study was to estimate the parameters of the temporal cognition and autonomic function of paramedical staffs in acute health-care settings., Materials and Methods: In this study on 81 healthy adult paramedical personnel, temporal cognition was assessed using auditory reaction time (ART), visual reaction time (VRT), critical flicker fusion frequency (CFFF), Stroop test (ST), and digits forward test (DFT); Autonomic functions were assessed by heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) variability, and all these outcomes were analyzed with their academic performance., Results: Out of 81 healthy adult nonteaching technical personnel, majority was female; the mean age was 25.10 ± 3.93 years. Age and gender were not significantly related with screen times in terms of smartphone use, playing video games, or regularly using computer; academic performances were also not significantly related with screen times in terms of smartphone use, playing video games, or regularly using computer. In the conventional domains, during analysis of physiological and psychological variables under study, there was no significant relation with screen times when compared with HR, systolic BP, diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure, body mass index, ART, VRT, CFFF, ST, and DFT. Playing video games and regular computer use were significantly correlated with age, gender, AP, CFFF, ST, and DFT., Conclusion: This study on paramedical personnel showed a positive relation of temporal cognition and sympathovagal autonomic balance with performing a task or function., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2020 Journal of Education and Health Promotion.)

Over the decades, the survival rates for oral cancer have not improved despite development in novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Therefore, the present study is aimed at investigating the chemopreventive potential of parthenolide in DMBA-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis. The hamsters were divided into 4 groups (n = 6/group). Group I was treated as control. Groups II and III were painted with a solution of 0.5% DMBA three times per week for 14 weeks on the left buccal pouches. In addition, group III were orally administrated with parthenolide 2 mg/kg b.w on days alternate to the DMBA application. Group IV received only parthenolide. At the end of 14th week all hamsters were sacrificed. Buccal tissues from all hamsters were evaluated for histopathology. Biochemical studies were carried out using plasma, liver, and buccal mucosa of control and experimental hamsters. Gene and protein expression studies of apoptotic markers p53, Bcl-2, and Bax were performed. The results showed 100% tumor formation and marked alterations in histopathology, status of detoxification enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant profile in group II hamsters. Oral administration of parthenolide completely prevented tumor formation and significantly reduced the severity of histopathological changes in group III hamsters. The status of detoxification enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidants were significantly restored in parthenolide treated group compared to group II hamsters. The apoptotic gene p53 and antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2 were significantly down regulated; whereas, pro-apoptotic gene Bax was up regulated in group III hamsters compared to group II. The results of the present study suggest that parthenolide have potent chemopreventive, antioxidant, and apoptotic effect in DMBA-induced oral carcinogenesis.

Oxalate, a non-essential end product of metabolism, causes hyperoxaluria and eventually calcium oxalate (CaOx) stone disease. Kidney cells exposed to oxalate stress results in generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and progression of stone formation. Perturbations in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) result in accumulation of misfolded proteins and Ca 2+ ions homeostasis imbalance and serve as a common pathway for various diseases, including kidney disorders. ER stress induces up-regulation of pro-survival protein glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and pro-apoptotic signaling protein C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). Since the association of oxalate toxicity and ER stress on renal cell damage is uncertain, the present study is an attempt to elucidate the interaction of GRP78 with oxalate by computational analysis and study the role of ER stress in oxalate-mediated apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Molecular docking results showed that GRP78-oxalate/CaOx interaction takes place. Oxalate stress significantly up-regulated expression of ER stress markers GRP78 and CHOP both in vitro and in vivo. Exposure of oxalate increased ROS generation and altered antioxidant enzyme activities. N-Acetyl cysteine treatment significantly ameliorated oxalate-mediated oxidative stress and moderately attenuated ER stress marker expression. The result indicates oxalate toxicity initiated oxidative stress-induced ER stress and also activating ER stress mediated apoptosis directly. In addition, the up-regulation of transforming growth factor β- 1 revealed oxalate may induce kidney fibrosis through ER stress-mediated mechanisms. The present study provide insights into the pathogenic role of oxidative and ER stress by oxalate exposure in the formation of calcium oxalate stone.

Hierarchically structured spherical CuBi2O4 particles were prepared using a facile hydrothermal method without using a surfactant over various hydrothermal reaction periods. The prepared CuBi2O4 samples were examined via X-ray diffraction (XRD), which confirmed the formation of a tetragonal crystal structure. The morphological features were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), which elucidated the construction of the hierarchical microspherical CuBi2O4 particles. The plausible growth mechanism of the hierarchical structure was explained in terms of a time-dependent synthesis process and its crystal structure. The uniform hierarchical CuBi2O4 microspheres were used to fabricate a Li-ion hybrid capacitor (Li-HC) along with activated carbon (AC), the generated device delivers a stable specific capacitance of 26.5 F g(-1) over 1500 cycles at a high current density of 1000 mA g(-1) and a capacity retention of ∼86%. The AC/CB2 Li-ion hybrid cell exhibits high energy density and power density values of 24 W h kg(-1) and 300 W kg(-1), respectively., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive malignant brain tumour in humans and is highly resistant to current treatment modalities. We have explored the combined treatment of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-inducing agent 2,5-dimethyl-celecoxib (DMC) and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL WT) or the DR5-specific TRAIL D269H/E195R variant as a potential new strategy to eradicate GBM cells using TRAIL-resistant and -sensitive GBM cells. GBM cell lines were investigated for their sensitivity to TRAIL, DMC and combination of both agents. Cell viability was measured by MTS assay and apoptosis was assessed by Annexin V/PI and acridine orange staining. Caspase activation and protein expression levels were analysed with Western blotting. Death Receptor (DR) cell surface expression levels were quantified by flow cytometry. DR5 expression was increased in U87 cells by ectopic expression using a retroviral plasmid and survivin expression was silenced using specific siRNAs. We demonstrate that A172 expresses mainly DR5 on the cell surface and that these cells show increased sensitivity for the DR5-specific rhTRAIL D269H/E195R variant. In contrast, U87 cells show low DR cell surface levels and is insensitive via both DR4 and DR5. We determined that DMC treatment displays a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability against a number of GBM cells, associated with ER stress induction, as shown by the up-regulation of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and CCAAT/-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) in A172 and U87 cells. The dramatic decrease in cell viability is not accompanied by a correspondent increase in Annexin V/PI or caspase activation typically seen in apoptotic or/and necrotic cells within 24h of treatment. Although DMC did not affect DR5 expression in the GBM cells, it increased TRAIL-induced caspase-8 activation in both TRAIL-sensitive and -resistant cells, indicating that DMC potentiates initiator caspase activation in these cells. In A172 cells, sub-toxic concentrations of DMC greatly potentiated TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, DMC strongly reduced survivin expression in A172 and U87 cells and silencing of this anti-apoptotic protein partially sensitized cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Our findings corroborate that DMC is a promising agent against GBM, and uncovers a potential synergistic cooperation with TRAIL in this highly malignant cancer.

Cardiovascular diseases are the major health concern and the leading cause of death. Numerous studies have shown that oxidative stress stimuli have been incriminated in the pathogenesis of both acute and chronic heart disease. Though it is well known that bioflavonoids protect cells against reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced damage, the molecular mechanisms involved are uncertain. Understanding the possible intracellular signaling pathways triggered by flavonoids will help to overcome the cardiac diseases resulting from oxidative stress. In the present study, we investigated whether naringenin (NGN) supplementation would improve the antioxidant defence under oxidative stress through the activation of Nrf2 signaling in cultured cardiomyoblast. NGN pretreatment significantly reduced stress-mediated apoptotic cell death and lipid peroxidation and showed increased level of reduced glutathione in H2O2-treated cardiomyoblast. In addition, NGN inhibited the production of NO and trigged the synthesis of antioxidant marker enzymes. Gene expression studies revealed that NGN upregulated the transcription of Akt and downregulated NF-κB and Caspase 3 genes. Notably, transcription of Nrf2 and its target genes was also upregulated. Taken together, the present study revealed that NGN elicits potent cytoprotective effect against oxidative stress by regulating Nrf2 and its target genes. In conclusion, the present work suggests that improving Nrf2 signaling by NGN supplementation would be a rational approach to facilitate ROS detoxification by augmenting both expression and activity of phase II detoxification enzymes for the alleviation of cardiac complications.

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a key component of B cell receptor (BCR) signalling and functions as an important regulator of cell proliferation and cell survival in various B cell malignancies. Small-molecule inhibitors of BTK have shown antitumour activity in animal models and, recently, in clinical studies. High response rates were reported in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and mantle cell lymphoma. Remarkably, BTK inhibitors have molecular effects that cannot be explained by the classic role of BTK in BCR signalling. In this Review, we highlight the importance of BTK in various signalling pathways in the context of its therapeutic inhibition.

During B cell development, the precursor B cell receptor (pre-BCR) checkpoint is thought to increase immunoglobulin κ light chain (Igκ) locus accessibility to the V(D)J recombinase. Accordingly, pre-B cells lacking the pre-BCR signaling molecules Btk or Slp65 showed reduced germline V(κ) transcription. To investigate whether pre-BCR signaling modulates V(κ) accessibility through enhancer-mediated Igκ locus topology, we performed chromosome conformation capture and sequencing analyses. These revealed that already in pro-B cells the κ enhancers robustly interact with the ∼3.2 Mb V(κ) region and its flanking sequences. Analyses in wild-type, Btk, and Slp65 single- and double-deficient pre-B cells demonstrated that pre-BCR signaling reduces interactions of both enhancers with Igκ locus flanking sequences and increases interactions of the 3'κ enhancer with V(κ) genes. Remarkably, pre-BCR signaling does not significantly affect interactions between the intronic enhancer and V(κ) genes, which are already robust in pro-B cells. Both enhancers interact most frequently with highly used V(κ) genes, which are often marked by transcription factor E2a. We conclude that the κ enhancers interact with the V(κ) region already in pro-B cells and that pre-BCR signaling induces accessibility through a functional redistribution of long-range chromatin interactions within the V(κ) region, whereby the two enhancers play distinct roles., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) can induce both caspase-dependent apoptosis and kinase activation in tumor cells. Here, we examined the consequences and mechanisms of TRAIL-induced MAPKs p38 and JNK in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. In apoptosis sensitive H460 cells, these kinases were phosphorylated, but not in resistant A549 cells. Time course experiments in H460 cells showed that induction of p38 phosphorylation preceded that of JNK. To explore the function of these kinases in apoptosis activation by TRAIL, chemical inhibitors or siRNAs were employed to impair JNK or p38 functioning. JNK activation counteracted TRAIL-induced apoptosis whereas activation of p38 stimulated apoptosis. Notably, the serine/threonine kinase RIP1 was cleaved following TRAIL treatment, concomitant with detectable JNK phosphorylation. Further examination of the role of RIP1 by short hairpin (sh)RNA-dependent knockdown or inhibition by necrostatin-1 showed that p38 can be phosphorylated in both RIP1-dependent and -independent manner, whereas JNK phosphorylation occurred independent of RIP1. On the other hand JNK appeared to suppress RIP1 cleavage via an unknown mechanism. In addition, only the activation of JNK by TRAIL was caspase-8-dependent. Finally, we identified Mcl-1, a known substrate for p38 and JNK, as a downstream modulator of JNK or p38 activity. Collectively, our data suggest in a subset of NSCLC cells a model in which TRAIL-induced activation of p38 and JNK have counteracting effects on Mcl-1 expression leading to pro- or anti-apoptotic effects, respectively. Strategies aiming to stimulate p38 and inhibit JNK may have benefit for TRAIL-based therapies in NSCLC.

In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) signals from the B cell receptor (BCR) play a major role in disease development and progression. In this light, new therapies that specifically target signaling molecules downstream of the BCR continue to be developed. While first studies on the selective small molecule inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk), Ibrutinib (PCI-32765), demonstrated that Btk inhibition sensitizes CLL cells to apoptosis and alters their migratory behavior, these studies however did not address whether Btk-mediated signaling is involved in the process of CLL leukemogenesis. To investigate the requirement of Btk signaling for CLL development, we modulated Btk expression in the IgH.ETμ CLL mouse model, which is based on sporadic expression of the simian oncovirus SV40 T-antigen in mature B cells. To this end, we crossed IgH.ETμ mice on a Btk-deficient background or introduced a human Btk transgene (CD19-hBtk). Here we show that Btk deficiency fully abrogates CLL formation in IgH.ETμ mice, and that leukemias formed in Btk haplo-insufficient mice selectively expressed the wild-type Btk allele on their active X chromosome. Conversely, Btk overexpression accelerated CLL onset, increased mortality, and was associated with selection of non-stereotypical BCRs into CLL clones. Taken together, these data show that Btk expression represents an absolute prerequisite for CLL development and that Btk mediated signaling enhances leukemogenesis in mice. We therefore conclude that in CLL Btk expression levels set the threshold for malignant transformation.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) triggers apoptosis selectively in tumor cells through interaction with TRAIL-R1/DR4 or TRAIL-R2/DR5 and this process is considered a promising avenue for cancer treatment. TRAIL resistance, however, is frequently encountered and hampers anti-cancer activity. Here we show that whereas H460 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells display canonical TRAIL-dependent apoptosis, A549 and SW1573 NSCLC cells are TRAIL resistant and display pro-tumorigenic activity, in particular invasion, following TRAIL treatment. We exploit this situation to contrast TRAIL effects on the kinome of apoptosis-sensitive cells to that of NSCLC cells in which non-canonical effects predominate, employing peptide arrays displaying 1024 different kinase pseudosubstrates more or less comprehensively covering the human kinome. We observed that failure of a therapeutic response to TRAIL coincides with the activation of a non-canonical TRAIL-induced signaling pathway involving, amongst others, Src, STAT3, FAK, ERK and Akt. The use of selective TRAIL variants against TRAIL-R1 or TRAIL-R2 subsequently showed that this non-canonical migration and invasion is mediated through TRAIL-R2. Short-hairpin-mediated silencing of RIP1 kinase prevented TRAIL-induced Src and STAT3 phosphorylation and reduced TRAIL-induced migration and invasion of A549 cells. Inhibition of Src or STAT3 by shRNA or chemical inhibitors including dasatinib and 5,15-diphenylporphyrin blocked TRAIL-induced invasion. FAK, AKT and ERK were activated in a RIP1-independent way and inhibition of AKT sensitized A549 cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. We thus identified RIP1-dependent and -independent non-canonical TRAIL kinase cascades in which Src and AKT are instrumental and could be exploited as co-targets in TRAIL therapy for NSCLC.

Colon cancer is a serious health problem, and novel preventive and therapeutical avenues are urgently called for. Delivery of proteins with anticancer activity through genetically modified bacteria provides an interesting, potentially specific, economic and effective approach here. Interestingly, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) is an important and powerful tumour suppressor in the colon and is thus an attractive candidate protein for delivery through genetically modified bacteria. It has not been shown, however, that BMP production in the bacterial context is effective on colon cancer cells. Here we demonstrate that transforming E. coli with a cDNA encoding an ileal-derived mature human BMP-2 induces effective apoptosis in an in vitro model system for colorectal cancer, whereas the maternal organism was not effective in this respect. Furthermore, these effects were sensitive to cotreatment with the BMP inhibitor Noggin. We propose that prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer using transgenic bacteria is feasible.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most frequent leukemia in adults in the Western world and is characterized by the accumulation of monoclonal CD5(+) mature B cells in the blood. The disease has a highly variable clinical course. CLL is subdivided into two disease subtypes, whereby leukemias with hypermutated immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (IGHV) genes have a more favorable prognosis than those with unmutated IGHV genes, which tend to show advanced, progressive disease, adverse cytogenetic features and resistance to therapy. The current view is that both CLL types derive from antigen-experienced cells. Based on the finding that the IGHV repertoire is highly restricted and biased, as compared to the normal adult B-cell repertoire, it has been hypothesized that CLL cells are selected by some sort of antigenic pressure. Hereby, either autoantigens or antigens derived from apoptotic cells or pathogens are essential to trigger CLL pathogenesis. Although different cytogenetic aberrations were shown to contribute to CLL leukemogenesis, it remains unclear which abnormalities are primary events. Very recently, whole-genome sequencing identified genes that are recurrently mutated and provided novel insights into the mechanisms of oncogenic transformation. Because of the impact on prognosis, it is important to unravel the role of antigenic selection in CLL. Interestingly, B cell receptor (BCR) signaling is aberrantly increased in CLL and expression of tyrosine kinase ZAP70, which is able to signal downstream of the BCR, is a prognostic indicator. In this context we discuss the functional significance of antigenic selection in CLL and describe emerging agents to target BCR signaling that are currently being tested as a novel therapeutic strategy for CLL.