Search

Spike protein has been established as one of the molecules playing a pivotal role in coronavirus infection. On its bases, several vaccines have been developed, passed preclinical and clinical stages, and reached medical practice at the early stages of the pandemic. It was found efficient enough to induce various types of immunoglobulins. However, the missense mutations made it necessary to develop new sequences with adjuvants to enhance the efficacy against a broad spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 and newly emerging variants. Some attempts were carried out to improve the vaccine efficiency by loading it into a delivery system, which caused a prolongation effect. In this paper, we reviewed data around spike protein-based vaccines in terms of their efficacy, which was analyzed based on enhanced quantities/titers of immunoglobulins/neutralizing antibodies. Our search on the PubMed database using ‘spike protein-based coronavirus vaccines’ keywords showed over 150 publications that were further filtered based on their relevance. Further, we added other relevant papers to support the expressed ideas. We compared the effects of various vaccines of different origins in clinical studies and animal experiments where relevant. The efficacy of adjuvants has been reviewed as a separate section. In several cases, we explained the significance of the spike protein trimeric structure. We also explained the essential role of mutation while developing protein vaccines. The contributions of adjuvants in inducing immune responses have been separated into one section. The outcomes of clinical studies were highlighted to prove their efficacies.

In the current research, acyclovir-loaded microbeads were formulated via ionotropic gelation using sodium alginate-gellan gum and sodium alginate-xanthan gum. In the preparation of these acyclovir-loaded microbeads, aluminium chloride and barium chloride were used as cross-linking agents. All these ionotropically-gelled acyclovir-loaded alginate-gellan gum microbeads and alginate-xanthan gum microbeads exhibited good percent yields (85.07 ± 1.58 to 92.17 ± 3.02%) and drug entrapment efficiencies (74.09 ± 1.38 to 95.16 ± 3.37%). Acyclovir-loaded alginate-gellan gum microbeads exhibited comparatively smaller average particle sizes (0.54 ± 0.02 to 0.71 ± 0.03 mm) than those of acyclovir-loaded alginate-xanthan gum microbeads (0.60 ± 0.02 to 0.82 ± 0.04 mm). Acyclovir-loaded alginate-xanthan gum microbeads exhibited comparatively higher swelling than that of acyclovir-loaded alginate-gellan gum microbeads. A sustained pattern of acyclovir release over 240 min was noticed by these microbeads. Surface morphology analysis of the best microbeads formulation (on the basis of sustained acyclovir release data) was done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These kinds of ionotropically-gelled alginate-based microbeads might be advantageous to facilitate enhanced patient compliances with minimal dosing frequency and enhanced oral bioavailability.

Oxidative stress is widely acknowledged as a key contributor to a wide range of human illness. Although certain aspects of signaling pathways are being studied, comprehensive metabolic pathways for illness have been identified. Antioxidant treatment may have a significant potential to treat different kinds of illnesses. Fruit polysaccharides include potential antioxidant components for human wellbeing that have a long tradition in alternative as well as complementary medicines. These are widely accessible from the plant resources and have no adverse effects when consumed. The result of recent researches has already been shown that different fruit polysaccharides possess important biological features, such as antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and an increase of cell proliferation, immunological modulation, anticancer activity and so on. In the current paper, extraction methodologies of various polysaccharides from fruits, purification of the extracted fruit polysaccharides and their potential antioxidant activities have been reviewed in depth. In conclusion, the current review reveals that these bioactive fruit polysaccharides may have potential in medicinal and industrial applications.

The production of assorted metal nanoparticles based on greener synthesis approaches has garnered immense attention, which influences most humans and the environment. Metal nanoparticles are becoming increasingly useful in many areas of our everyday lives including the medical sciences. In this context, the deployment of advantageous greener methodology opens up new avenues for researchers to generate metal nanoparticles adhering to the green chemistry principles and exploiting the locally available and abundant resources rather than toxic chemicals. Various plant materials can be utilized to synthesize metal nanoparticles as they are easy to access, inexpensive, safe, good for the environment, and can be readily deployed for the biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles of diverse sizes and shapes, as they incorporate unique properties of plant constituents in their assembly. This review article provides a comprehensive discussion on the different approaches to metal nanoparticles using renewable and sustainable plant materials as eco-friendly entities. Finally, the future outlook for the fabrication of metal nanoparticles by means of plant materials as a sustainable method has been discussed.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disorder that progresses globally at an alarming rate. The impact of this disorder is severe as it deteriorates the quality of life due to its associated diseases such as kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and neurological disorders and also disturbs bone metabolism. One of the major complications of diabetes is osteoporosis, which is frequently brought on by diabetes. Bone abnormalities and a higher risk of fractures are linked to both type type-1 diabetes and type-2 diabetes and hence diabetes is regarded as one of the risk factors for the occurrence of osteoporosis. In view of this, there is a need to assess the therapeutic role of hypoglycemic agents in the treatment of osteoporosis. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist, a hypoglycemic class could be a novel and promising drug target in the management of osteoporosis due to its additional role in the bone remodeling process. It has also been reported that GLP-1 agonists can increase bone mineral density, improve bone quality, and prevent fractures in diabetic patients. This review highlights the recent findings by which antidiabetic medications are used in the treatment of diabetes-induced osteoporosis and also gives an insight into its pathophysiology and possible mechanisms that are involved in the treatment of diabetes-induced osteoporosis. However, more research is required to fully understand the therapeutic role and unique mechanism of GLP-1 agonists in the bone remodeling process.

The present research intends at investigating the extraction and characterization of linseed polysaccharide to explore its haematocompatibility and antioxidant properties. In this research, a light brown colored, odorless, tasteless, and aqueous-soluble polysaccharide was extracted (with a yield of 20.77%) from linseed powder of mature and ripe seeds (obtained from the plant- Linum usitatisimum, family- Liliaceae). The pH was measured 7.10 ± 0.50 and the viscosity was found 26.04 ± 1.43 cps. The results of phytochemical identification tests revealed the occurrences of carbohydrate as well as mucilage in the extracted linseed polysaccharide. The obtained results of ash values signified the purity of extracted linseed polysaccharide. The extracted polysaccharide was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and P-XRD analysis. The in vitro haematocompatibility testing of extracted linseed polysaccharide indicated its nonhaemolytic (with haemolysis percentage of 1.20%) and nonthrombogenic (with clot weight of 0.060 ± 0.011 g and thrombus percentage of 13.88 %) in nature. The in vitro antioxidant activity (DPPH free radical scavenging, ABTS free radical scavenging, and hydroxyl free radical scavenging assays) results clearly indicated its stronger antioxidant action in terms of good radical scavenging. The extracted linseed polysaccharide can be used as a natural antioxidant.

There has been a striking increase in the geriatric population worldwide over the last few decades. As the aging process continues to alter functioning of all body systems, the human voice is also significantly affected. The senile voice is characterized by its changes in pitch, hoarseness, tremulousness, and breathiness with reduced harmonics and intensity. Such phonatory changes in the elderly may hinder effective communication, thus bringing down their confidence levels and impairing their quality of life. These characteristic features that distinguish the senile voice from younger speakers are accompanied by age-related changes in the organ of phonation, the larynx. The summative morphological and structural changes occurring in the elderly larynx have been referred to as “Presbylarynx.” The present review article is an attempt by the authors to explore the various anatomical age-related changes occurring in the larynx that may be responsible for altered vocal function in the elderly. An improved understanding of the anatomical basis of the aged voice can give further directions into the management of vocal disorders and improved speech performance in the elderly.

Cancer is one of the most common lethal diseases and the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Effective cancer treatment is a global problem, and subsequent advancements in nanomedicine are useful as substitute management for anti-cancer agents. Nanotechnology, which is gaining popularity, enables fast-expanding delivery methods in science for curing diseases in a site-specific approach, utilizing natural bioactive substances because several studies have established that natural plant-based bioactive compounds can improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Bioactive, in combination with nanotechnology, is an exceptionally alluring and recent development in the fight against cancer. Along with their nutritional advantages, natural bioactive chemicals may be used as chemotherapeutic medications to manage cancer. Alginate, starch, xanthan gum, pectin, guar gum, hyaluronic acid, gelatin, albumin, collagen, cellulose, chitosan, and other biopolymers have been employed successfully in the delivery of medicinal products to particular sites. Due to their biodegradability, natural polymeric nanobiocomposites have garnered much interest in developing novel anti-cancer drug delivery methods. There are several techniques to create biopolymer-based nanoparticle systems. However, these systems must be created in an affordable and environmentally sustainable way to be more readily available, selective, and less hazardous to increase treatment effectiveness. Thus, an extensive comprehension of the various facets and recent developments in natural polymeric nanobiocomposites utilized to deliver anti-cancer drugs is imperative. The present article provides an overview of the latest research and developments in natural polymeric nanobiocomposites, particularly emphasizing their applications in the controlled and targeted delivery of anti-cancer drugs.

Metallic nanoparticles such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained lots of attention due to the continuous upsurge in microbial infections and diseases, and also inefficient treatment. Also, due to rapid intensification in the antibiotic resistance in this period has revived the consideration of the researchers and scientists to explore the therapeutic abilities of silver and its nanoparticulate systems as potential antimicrobial agents. Indeed, numerous studies suggested that AgNPs have exhibited significant antimicrobial actions, specifically against the bacterial infections. Ample of studies have been performed to evaluate and estimate the antibacterial potentials of silver and its associated products, and it was noticed that the they these Ag-particles triggers the oxidative stress, protein dysfunction, membrane and DNA damage, leading to microbial cell damage. Although it has exhibited antimicrobial activities, but its adverse effects over human health has been a major concern. Further, in this review we have summarized the significance of silver and AgNPs, various approaches for the preparation of AgNPs, antibacterial mechanism and probable toxicity in the cell environment. Furthermore, this review has been focused to consider the major mechanisms behind the bactericidal actions of the silver and silver nanoparticles-based systems, followed by comprehensive ideas related to their toxic potentials. This review would open new robust possibilities to develop silver nanoparticle-based antimicrobial systems with desired properties for effective treatment of bacterial infections in humans.

With a drastic increase in population growth, energy consumption has increased unprecedentedly. The exploitation of fossil fuels, for energy supply, has led to its uncontrolled depletion. The need for the development of renewable energy sources has turned out to be the need of the hour. Further, the menace of climate change, global warming, and environmental pollution must be tackled simultaneously. The abundance of biomass and its immense potential as a renewable source of energy makes it a suitable alternative to be used for energy production, conversion, and storage. The thermal treatment of biomass, via methods such as gasification and pyrolysis, yields biochar, bio-oil, and syngas. These are excellent sources of clean energy. Biochar is used as a catalyst for pyrolysis, syngas production, and trans-esterification. The biochar-based materials are used for technologies like fuel cells, super capacitors, and batteries. Biomass-derived materials could, therefore, help in energy production, conversion, and storage, which would help us in sustainable development and making our world energy secure.

Since past few years, a number of polysaccharides are being extracted from different herbal sources, which have already been investigated for biomedical activities. Nowadays, antioxidant activities of numerous herbal polysaccharides are being extensively researched and it becomes a hot spot in the field of biomedicine research. During past few decades, many herbal polysaccharides have been investigated to fulfill the purpose of raising their uses for antioxidant activity with removing free radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation, protecting biofilms, and anti-aging effects. The methods of extractions and their benefits and drawbacks, different types of in vitro antioxidant assay, factors affecting the antioxidant activity of bioactive polysaccharides and recent studies on bioactive polysaccharides from herbal sources with their antioxidant activities has been discussed in this review.

The present work deals with the preparation and in vitro evaluation of liposomal formulations of abiraterone acetate. In the present work, abiraterone acetate-loaded liposomal formulation was formulated by thin lipid film method. The prepared liposomal formulation of abiraterone acetate was evaluated by drug content estimation, particle size measurement, in vitro drug release and release kinetics studies. Dried samples of liposomal suspension of abiraterone acetate were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The drug contents of liposomal formulations were within the ranges, 6.06 ± 0.43 to 10.55 ± 1.04 mg/ml. In vitro drug release from these liposomal formulations was found to be sustained over 4 h, which followed the zero order model (R2 = 0.8940 to 0.9884) over 4 h. After storage of 1 month at 4 °C temperature, the best liposomal formulation (prepared using 100 mg lecithin) was found stable enough. These liposomal formulations of abiraterone acetate can be formulated for parenteral application to treat advanced prostate cancer.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder that occurs in the body because of decreased insulin activity and/or insulin secretion. Pathological changes such as nephropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular complications inevitably occur in the body with the progression of the disease. DM is mainly categorized into 2 sub-types, type I DM and type II DM. While type I DM is generally treated through insulin replacement therapy, type II DM is treated with oral hypoglycaemics. The major drug therapy for type II DM comprises of insulin secretagogues, biguanides, insulin sensitizers, alpha glucosidase inhibitors, incretin mimetics, amylin antagonists and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. Dual drug therapies are often recommended in patients who are unable to achieve therapeutic goals with first line oral hypoglycaemic agents as monotherapy. Inspite of the appreciable therapeutic benefits, the conventional dosage forms depicts differential bioavailability and short half-life, mandating frequent dosage and causing greater side effects leading to therapy ineffectiveness and patient non-compliance. Given the pathological complexity of the said disease, nanotechnology-based approaches are more enticing as it comes with added advantage of site-specific drug delivery with higher bioavailability and reduced dosage regimen.In the present review article, we have made an attempt to explore the pathophysiology of type II DM, the conventional treatment approaches (mono and combination therapy) as well as the nano based drug delivery approaches for the treatment of type II DM.

On March 11, 2020, the novel Corona virus disease (COVID-19), was described as a pandemic by World Health Organization (WHO). Globally, the COVID-19 has not only affected the public health socially but also has rigorously affected economically. Substantial declines in income, increase in unemployment, and distractions in the transportation, amenities, and industrial sectors are amongst the major concerns of the pandemic disease extenuation. Furthermore, the governments of most of the countries underestimated the menaces of COVID-19 spread and were typically responsive for the calamities in their respective countries. As outbreak of this pandemic is not likely to wane in the nearby future, preventive actions are prerequisite to prevent infection spread, save people lives and also to save the economic affluence. In this review, based on the present knowledge and available literature, we have demonstrated the various aspects of pre-and post-COVID-19 effects over the social and economic phases worldwide. Moreover, the evidence based data have been summarized regarding threats, social influences, scientific upgrades, moral dynamics, stress and adapting in the pre- and post- COVID-19 situations.

The present article describes development of starch-blended Ca2+-Zn2+-alginate microparticles of aceclofenac for attaining gastric protection and controlled release delivery. Different formulations (F1 to F7) of microparticles were prepared by ionotropic gelation method and subjected to characterization studies. In vitro drug release studies were performed in 0.1 N HCl (pH 1.2) for initial 2 h and additional 5 h in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). These microparticles were characterized by SEM, FTIR spectroscopy and XRD analyses. The formulation F7 (prepared using sodium alginate of 300 mg, soluble starch 250 mg, 5% CaCl2 and 1% ZnSO4) was selected as the optimized formulation, which exhibited entrapment efficiency of 85.73%, particle size of 1610 μm and viscosity of 802.16 cps. In vitro drug release from the formulation F7 revealed maximal 38% drug release within 7 h indicating sustained drug release profile from the prepared formulation. Also, in vitro swelling studies revealed maximal swelling within the period of 2 h at pH 7.4 for all these microparticles. The surface morphology studies performed using SEM showed smooth and spherical nature of the microparticles. Evaluation of drug release kinetic indicated fitting as per Korsmeyer-Peppas model and construed drug release via Fickian diffusion mechanism. Drug-excipient interaction studies using FTIR spectroscopy showed no change in characteristic peaks of the drug, while powder XRD revealed absence of sharp crystalline peaks of the drug. Overall, the present investigation corroborated successful development of microparticles of aceclofenac as an effective and cost-effective approach for oral delivery of aceclofenac. Keywords: Polymer composites, Ionotropic gelation, Microparticles, Drug release, Diffusion, Dissolution

In the current study, a multiple emulsion (W/O/W) of lamivudine was developed using a new biopolymer, gum odina (GOd) to increase bioavailability and patient compliances. GOd was employed to stabilize both the interfaces of liquid membrane in both the external and internal aqueous phases. The developed W/O/W multiple emulsion of lamivudine was characterized by analyzing droplet size, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), sedimentation, viscosity, rheological properties, drug entrapment efficiency, in-vitro drug release and stability at various storage conditions. The results obtained were also compared with W/O/W multiple emulsion of lamivudine prepared using Tween 80 (a standard emulsion stabilizer). The drug entrapment efficiency of W/O/W multiple emulsion stabilized using GOd was measured as 91.60 ± 3.66% with sustained lamivudine release over a period of 6 h. Rheological and microscopic examinations indicated long term stability of the developed emulsion prepared using GOd. The results of the current study provide a promising scope to attain sustained drug release through the W/O/W multiple emulsions stabilized by GOd in antiviral therapies. Keywords: Gum odina, Lamivudine, Multiple emulsions

Understanding of variations in the course and source of abdominal arteries is crucial for any surgical intervention in the peritoneal space. Intricate surgeries of the upper abdominal region, such as hepato-biliary, pancreatic, gastric and splenic surgeries, require precise knowledge of regular anatomy and different variations related to celiac trunk and hepatic artery. In addition, information about the origin of inferior phrenic artery is important in conditions such as hepatocellular carcinoma and gastroesophageal bleeding management. The present study gives an account of anatomical variations in origin and branching pattern of celiac trunk and hepatic artery by the use of CT (computed tomographic) angiography. The study was performed on 110 (66 females and 44 males) patients in a north Indian population. Results unraveled the most common celiac trunk variation as hepatosplenic trunk with left gastric artery, which was observed in 60% of cases, more common in females than in males. Gastrosplenic and hepato-gastric trunk could be seen in 4.55% and 1.82% cases respectively. Gastrosplenic trunk was more commonly found in females, whereas hepato-gastric trunk was more common in males. A gastrosplenic trunk, along with the hepato-mesenteric trunk, was observed in 1.82% cases and was more common in males. A celiacomesenteric trunk, in which the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery originated as a common trunk from the aorta, was seen only in 0.91% of cases, and exhibited an origin of right and left inferior phrenic artery from the left gastric artery. The most common variation of hepatic artery, in which the right hepatic artery was replaced and originated from the superior mesenteric artery, was observed in 3.64%, cases with a more common occurrence in males. In 1.82% cases, the left hepatic artery was replaced and originated from the left gastric artery, which was observed only in females. Common hepatic artery originated from the superior mesenteric artery, as observed in 1.82% cases, with slightly higher occurrence in males. These findings not only add to the existing knowledge apart from giving an overview of variations in north Indian population, but also give an account of their correlation with gender. The present study will prove to be important for various surgeries of the upper abdominal region.

A control structure design of a three-phase three-leg four-wire grid-tied Distribution Static Synchronous Compensator (DSTATCOM) based on a combined-step-size real-coefficient improved proportionate affine projection sign algorithm (CSS-RIP-APSA) has been presented. The three-phase four-wire DSTATCOM is used for reactive power compensation along with harmonic current minimization. This strategy also helps in load balancing and neutral current compensation. The affine projection sign algorithm (APSA) is a member of the adaptive filter family, which has a slow convergence rate. The conventional adaptive filter deals with the trade-off between the convergence rate and the steady-state error. In the proposed algorithm, the RIP-APSA adaptive filter with two different step sizes has been designed to decrease the computational burden while achieving the advantages of a fast convergence rate and reduced steady-state error. The proposed controller also makes the inverter function a shunt compensator. The controller primarily evaluates the fundamental weight component of distorted load currents. The aim of the proposed system is to compensate for reactive power and to ensure unity power factor during the faulty conditions as well as for unbalancing grid conditions. The proposed control algorithm of the grid-tied DSTATCOM works effectively on the laboratory prototype as verified from the experimental results.

The aim of present study was the assessment of antimicrobial activity of prepared time-dependent release bilayer tablets of amoxicillin trihydrate and in vitro evaluation of drug release by antimicrobial assay using agar plate diffusion method. The bilayer tablets comprised of a delayed and sustained release layer. Direct compression method was used for the preparation of bilayer tablets containing Eudragit-L100 D55 as delayed release polymer, and HPMCK4M and HPMCK15 as sustained release polymers. The prepared bilayer tablets containing amoxicillin trihydrate were evaluated for hardness, thickness, friability, weight variation and drug content. Further, in vitro drug release was assessed by antimicrobial assay using S. aureus and E. coli as test microorganisms. The aliquot samples of in vitro drug release study were found to be effective against both microorganisms for 16 hours due to sustained action. The in vitro drug release study and antimicrobial assay showed that bilayer tablets have sustained release profile of drug delivery with time-dependent burst release after a lag-time of 2 hours. The lower MIC value (2 µg/mL) of prepared bilayer tablets vis-à-vis marketed preparation (5 µg/mL) represented its good antimicrobial activity.O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana de formulações de comprimidos de dupla camada contendo amoxicilina triidratada para liberação tempo dependente e avaliação da liberação in vitro do fármaco pelo ensaio de atividade antimicrobiana utilizando o método de difusão em placa de ágar. Os comprimidos de dupla camada consistem em uma camada para liberação retardada e outra sustentada. O método de compressão direta foi usado para a preparação dos comprimidos de dupla camada contendo Eudragit-L 100 D55 como polímero para liberação retardada e HPMCK4M ou HPMCK15 como polímeros para liberação sustentada. As formulações de comprimidos de dupla camada contendo amoxicilina triidratada foram avaliadas quanto a dureza, espessura, friabilidade, variação de peso e conteúdo de fármaco. Além disso, a liberação do fármaco in vitro foi avaliada por ensaio de atividade antimicrobiana usando S. aureus e E. coli como microrganismos teste. A alíquota das amostras do estudo de liberação do fármaco in vitro demonstrou ser efetiva contra ambos os microrganismos por um período de 16 horas devido à ação sustentada. O estudo de liberação do fármaco in vitro e o ensaio de atividade antimicrobiana mostraram que os comprimidos de dupla camada tiveram um perfil de liberação sustentada do fármaco com um pico de liberação após 2 horas de ensaio. O menor valor de MIC (2 ug/mL) dos comprimidos de dupla camada quando comparados à formulação comercial (5 ug/mL) representa uma boa atividade antimicrobiana.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the mucilage isolated from Spinacia oleracea L. leaves, commonly named spinach (family: Amaranthaceae) as an innovative suspending agent. Zinc oxide suspensions (20% w/v) were prepared using the mucilage of S. oleracea L. leaves as a suspending agent, and it was evaluated for its stability by using parameters like, sedimentation profile, degree of flocculation, and redispersibility. The effect of the tested mucilage on the suspension was compared with various commonly used suspending agents, such as, tragacanth, bentonite, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0% w/v. The results obtained indicated that the mucilage of S. oleracea L. leaves could be used as a suspending agent, and the performance was found to be superior to both tragacanth and bentonite.