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Abstract Long-term application of chemical fertilizers has negative impacts on soil health, crop productivity, and ecosystems. Hence, organic substrates have been proposed as alternatives for enhancing soil health and plant growth parameters. Among them, vermicompost and vermiwash are widely used in the sustainable agriculture sector to enhance plant growth, yield, and soil fertility. Hence, in this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of vermiwash and vermicompost on the growth of Raphanus sativus L. Pot culture experiments were conducted in four groups which included: group A) control soil (10 kg pot−1), group B) soil (8.5 kg pot−1) + vermicompost (1.5 kg pot−1), group C) soil (10 kg pot−1) + vermiwash (1.5 L pot−1), and group D) soil (8.5 kg pot−1) + vermicompost (1.5 kg pot−1) + vermiwash (1.5 L pot−1), respectively. The results revealed that the plants treated with vermiwash and vermicompost (Group D) had significantly enhanced the growth of the plants with higher germination percentage (100%), number of leaves (32.08%), length of leaves (56.35%), width of leaves (28.05), area of leaves (100.22%), shoot length of plant (78.02%), chlorophyll concentration (42.72%), leaf relative water content (13.30%), fresh weight (65.61%), dry weight of leaves (57.59), and tuber yield (74.96%) when compared to plants under groups A, B, and C. Furthermore, the application of the vermiwash and vermicompost combination improved the soil's physicochemical properties, increased glycine betaine concentrations, and decreased proline accumulation. Hence, this study suggests that vermicompost and vermiwash may be a potential source of plant nutrients for sustainable crop production.

The plankton communities are important source of food for the aquatic organisms, and if any undesirable changes in aquatic environment may affect plankton diversity and density. Therefore, assessment of planktonic communities in the freshwater ecosystems is essential because they serve as bio-indicators of water quality parameters. Hence, the present research was focused to evaluate the freshwater phytoplankton and zooplankton diversity and their abundance in Valankulam lake (Lat. 10.59° N and Long.76.57° E), at Coimbatore city, Tamil Nadu, India. Results from the study revealed that a total of 77 species of phytoplankton and zooplankton were recorded, under 37 families and 46 genera. In addition to that, a total of 43 phytoplankton species were recorded under 25 families and 30 genera, (which includes; 15 species of Cyanophyceae, 17 species of Chlorophyceae, 08 species of Bacillariophyceae, 03 species of Euglenophyceae). and a total of 34 species of zooplankton were recorded under 12 families and 17 genera, (which includes 13 species of Rotifera, 09 species of Cladocera, 08 species of Copepoda and 04 species of Ostracoda). The maximum plankton diversity was observed during the monsoon season and the minimum in the summer season. Results from study revealed the ecological status of the lake is categorized as moderately polluted due to the presence of municipal waste and industrial discharges into the lake water. Therefore, the assessment of planktonic communities in water bodies will be useful to monitor and maintain the water quality parameters and wealth of aquatic biota in the aquatic ecosystem.

BackgroundChondrocytes are the primary cells responsible for maintaining cartilage integrity and function. Their role in cartilage homeostasis and response to inflammation is crucial for understanding the progression and potential therapeutic interventions for various cartilage-related disorders. Developing an accessible and cost-effective model to generate viable chondrocytes and to assess their response to different bioactive compounds can significantly advance our knowledge of cartilage biology and contribute to the discovery of novel therapeutic approaches. ObjectiveWe developed a novel, streamlined protocol for generating chondrocytes from bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in a 3D culture system that offers significant implications for the study of cartilage biology and the discovery of potential therapeutic interventions for cartilage-related and associated disorders. MethodsWe developed a streamlined protocol for generating chondrocytes from BMSCs in a 3D culture system using an “in-tube” culture approach. This simple pellet-based 3D culture system allows for cell aggregation and spheroid formation, facilitating cell-cell and cell–extracellular matrix interactions that better mimic the in vivo cellular environment compared with 2D monolayer cultures. A proinflammatory chondrocyte model was created by treating the chondrocytes with lipopolysaccharide and was subsequently used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D, curcumin, and resveratrol. ResultsThe established protocol successfully generated a large quantity of viable chondrocytes, characterized by alcian blue and toluidine blue staining, and demonstrated versatility in assessing the anti-inflammatory effects of various bioactive compounds. The chondrocytes exhibited reduced inflammation, as evidenced by the decreased tumor necrosis factor-α levels, in response to vitamin D, curcumin, and resveratrol treatment. ConclusionsOur novel protocol offers an accessible and cost-effective approach for generating chondrocytes from BMSCs and for evaluating potential therapeutic leads in the context of inflammatory chondrocyte–related diseases. Although our approach has several advantages, further investigation is required to address its limitations, such as the potential differences between chondrocytes generated using our protocol and those derived from other established methods, and to refine the model for broader applicability and clinical translation.

Turmeric is a plant with a very long history of medicinal use across different cultures. Curcumin is the active part of turmeric, which has exhibited various beneficial physiological and pharmacological effects. This review aims to critically appraise the corpus of literature associated with the above pharmacological properties of curcumin, with a specific focus on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antimicrobial properties. We have also reviewed the different extraction strategies currently in practice, highlighting the strengths and drawbacks of each technique. Further, our review also summarizes the clinical trials that have been conducted with curcumin, which will allow the reader to get a quick insight into the disease/patient population of interest with the outcome that was investigated. Lastly, we have also highlighted the research areas that need to be further scrutinized to better grasp curcumin’s beneficial physiological and medicinal properties, which can then be translated to facilitate the design of better bioactive therapeutic leads.

COVID-19 as per early April 2021, has globally exceeded 129 million cases and is the cause of about 2.8 million deaths. Since the illness is known to have a wide array of symptoms, in addition to its ability to spread rapidly through contact and the complexity involved in developing drugs, there is an immediate need to look into alternative treatment regimes. This study was intended to identify potential antiviral compounds from Moringa oleifera against the selected target main protease (Mpro), which is vital for the survival of the virus. In silico molecular docking and dynamics was performed to determine a potential inhibitor against Mpro. Phytochemicals of Moringa olifera reported in literature were retrieved from public databases and employed for molecular docking studies against Mpro. PyRx software was used to perform docking analysis. Visualization of amino acid interactions between the ligand and target was performed using Maestro and Discovery studio visualizer to analyze the type of interactions. Compounds displaying high binding affinities were subjected for analysis of pharmacokinetic studies, later molecular dynamics (MD) and MM-PBSA studies was conducted over selected compounds using GROMACS. Rutin and Isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside, both flavonoids thoroughly studied for their medicinal properties showcased strong interactions and the highest binding affinity of −8.9 ​kcal/mol with the Mpro. The binding energy calculated employing MM-PBSA for Rutin and Isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside were −86.832 ​kJ/mol and −72.984 ​kJ/mol, respectively. The overall studies revealed that Rutin and Isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside are portenial in inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and can be validated through in-vitro and in-vivo studies.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disorder primarily affecting the elderly, characterized by a prominent inflammatory component. The long-term side effects associated with current therapeutic approaches necessitate the development of safer and more efficacious alternatives. Nutraceuticals, such as Vitamin D and curcumin, present promising therapeutic potentials due to their safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness. In this study, we utilized a proinflammatory human chondrocyte model of OA to assess the anti-inflammatory properties of Vitamin D and curcumin, with a particular focus on the Protease-Activated Receptor-2 (PAR-2) mediated inflammatory pathway. Employing a robust siRNA approach, we effectively modulated the expression of PAR-2 to understand its role in the inflammatory process. Our results reveal that both Vitamin D and curcumin attenuate the expression of PAR-2, leading to a reduction in the downstream proinflammatory cytokines, such as Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), and Interleukin 8 (IL-8), implicated in the OA pathogenesis. Concurrently, these compounds suppressed the expression of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor kappa-Β Ligand (RANKL) and its receptor RANK, which are associated with PAR-2 mediated TNF-α stimulation. Additionally, Vitamin D and curcumin downregulated the expression of Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), known to elevate RANKL levels, underscoring their potential therapeutic implications in OA. This study, for the first time, provides evidence of the mitigating effect of Vitamin D and curcumin on PAR-2 mediated inflammation, employing an siRNA approach in OA. Thus, our findings pave the way for future research and the development of novel, safer, and more effective therapeutic strategies for managing OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the changes in surface topography and roughness of stainless steel (SS), nickel-titanium and beta-titanium (β-Ti) archwires after clinical use and sterilization. Settings and Design: Thirty wires each of SS, nitinol, and β-Ti (3M Unitek) were tested in as received, as received and autoclaved, and clinically retrieved then autoclaved conditions. Materials and Methods: A sterilization protocol of 134°C for 18 min was performed using an autoclave. Surface topography of specimens from each subgroup was examined using an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM model Quanta 200, The Netherlands) at ×100, ×1000, and ×2500 magnifications. Surface roughness was measured using arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) values obtained from optical profilometric scanning (Taylor Hobson, Leicester, UK). Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post-hoc procedures. Results: Scanning electron microscope images revealed an increase in surface irregularities in SS and nitinol wires after clinical use. There was a significant increase in Ra values of SS orthodontic wires after intra-oral exposure (P = 0.0002). Conclusion: Surface roughness of SS wires increased significantly after clinical use. Autoclave sterilization did not affect considerably on surface characteristics of any archwire.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Infliximab is indicated for severe plaque psoriasis (PsO). The investigators compared safety event rates in infliximab PsO trials with those of the general United States and PsO populations. [...]

The risk factors of cardiovascular disease and other disease comorbidities appear to be more common in patients with psoriasis compared with the general population. To support this concept, the association between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease and other comorbidities was analyzed using data collected from 40 730 patients in the National Health and Wellness Survey (NHWS) during May and June 2004. A case-control study was conducted with data from 1127 patients with psoriasis and a matched cohort of nonpsoriasis patients. Psoriasis patients were significantly more likely to have cardiovascular comorbidities, including hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes, compared with nonpsoriasis patients. Other comorbidities significantly associated with psoriasis were arthritis, depression, sleep disorder/insomnia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Responses to this large survey confirm that patients with psoriasis have a higher rate of cardiovascular risk factors and other comorbidities compared with patients without psoriasis., Introduction Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease for which several topical, systemic, and biological treatments are now available. (1-4) As a common immunologically-mediated skin disease, psoriasis reportedly occurs in [...]

Previous economic studies of the benefits of drug treatment have limited their estimation to tangible benefits, and thus have underestimated the benefits of drug treatment. The willingness-to-pay (WTP) approach is a more encompassing benefit valuation method that captures both tangible and intangible benefits and accords with valuation concepts used by economists. In this study, we report the results of a pilot study in which we used the contingent valuation (CV) method to value drug treatment. We conducted mall intercept surveys in two communities: the Triad area in North Carolina and Brooklyn, New York. We estimated WTP models for two different drug treatment programs: a program for all drug users and a program specifically targeted to women drug users. We modeled respondents' WTP for drug treatment as a function of their demographics and to responses from attitudinal/experience questions. The mean WTP for both types of drug treatment programs was estimated to be approximately $37 per respondent. Finally, we demonstrated how the results of the CV method may be used in a benefit-cost analysis of drug treatment.

Helicobacter pylori affect nearly 50% of the global population with various gastrointestinal diseases including gastric and duodenal ulcers. Owing to the enhanced prevalence of H. pylori resistance to antibiotics, triple regimen therapy and second-line quadruple treatment are proven inappropriate to treat H. pylori infections. Thus, management of H. pylori associated infections necessitates the alternative treatment regime. This study was aimed at identifying inhibitors as potent drugs from the therapeutic herb, Mango ginger (Curcuma amada Roxb.) against selected drug targets of H. pylori. Molecular docking and dynamics were performed to identify potential inhibitors against five drug targets viz., a-carbonic anhydrase, 3-dehydroquinate synthase, peptide deformylase, D-alanine-D-alanine ligase and chorismate synthase. A total of 165 compounds from Curcuma amada Roxb retrieved from public databases were employed for molecular docking studies against selected drug targets. The docking result revealed that the mangiferin displayed stronger interaction through high binding affinities with all the five drug targets. Molecular dynamics simulations analysis revealed that mangiferin and the drug-target complex achieved good stability during the simulation time of 100ns. Taken together, the study identified mangiferin as a potential drug candidate to treat H. pylori infections as an alternative to current treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A conjoint analysis that utilizes ordered probit model was proven effective in predicting participation intentions of commercial and industrial customers in an optional electric utility-sponsored program. Utilization of the probit model, which estimate an aggregate multi-attribute utility function, has resulted to the creation of predictions that were much closer to actual behavior than those obtained from the linear model. The proposed approach was also found to be applicable in multiproduct case.