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Investigation into the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating abilities of photosensitizers outside of in-vitro/vivo conditions is a crucial element in the wider study of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in clinical settings. Zinc(II) phthalocyanine tetrasulfonic acid (ZnPcTS) is a water-soluble photosensitizer that can generate ROS as singlet oxygen (SO) under irradiation in the red and far-red region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The incorporation of ZnPcTS into nano-fibers of a bis-imidazolium hydrogel was demonstrated and the material was characterized with photophysical, rheological, and microscopy techniques. This supramolecular material containing ZnPcTS (named ZnPcTS_nEqBase@Gels) was found to significantly enhance the SO generation rate with respect to that of ZnPcTS in an aqueous solution. The effect is attributed mainly to reduced aggregation within the gel microenvironment compared with a solution. Furthermore, the preparation of ZnPcTS_nEqBase@Gels was carried out in the presence of varying amounts (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 eq.) of NaOH to improve the dissolution of ZnPcTSby ensuring full deprotonation of the sulfonate. The gel material containing 4 equivalents of NaOH per phthalocyanine was found to have a significantly greater SO-generating ability than the corresponding material containing no base. This phenomenon was shown to be partially a consequence of reduced aggregation as observed in the spectroscopic characterization. The enhancement in SO generation induced by this type of hybrid material makes it an attractive candidate to be used in different applications when efficient SO production is required.

Abstract: The gut microbiota that comprises over 100 trillion microorganisms with a weight of about 1-2 kg is regarded as one of the most crucial players in the regulation of the metabolic health of host organisms. In recent years, the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), characterized by high levels of sugar in the blood, has been exponentially increasing due to obesity and other lifestyle risk factors. It was shown that dysbiosis, change in the overall composition, and diversity of gut microflora can result in T2DM. Conversely, the microbial composition can also influence the epigenetics of the host organism (DNA methylation as well as histone modifications), which might have a potential effect on the metabolic health of the individual. Another mechanism of gut microbiota in the development of T2DM is through the involvement of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, Leucine-rich Repeat, and Pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, a part of the innate immune system. NLRP3 inflammasome produces inflammatory cytokines, promoting the secretion of microbial antigens in the intestinal epithelium. Therefore, it is important to understand the possible connecting link between gut microbiota and T2DM that might help in the modulation of gut microflora to better understand the disease. In this review, the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of T2DM will be discussed.

Respectful maternal care (RMC) during childbirth is recognized as a global health priority. The World Health Organization (WHO) has honoured RMC as a global issue and highlighted the need for immediate attention to the provision of RMC as a rudimental right of women. Around the world, several studies have shown that mistreatment is far more common during delivery. Maintaining respect and dignity for pregnant women emotionally and physically is a vital part of their appeal. Despite multiple changes in our health care system in recent decades, there is still major room for a breakthrough in the delivery of quality care. Maternal health care providers (MHCPs) attitude and comportment have a direct impact on patient and client well-being. To ensure quality care, the evidence is strong that midwives must be educated and trained to work as independent workers to provide knowledge competent, different and commiserative information to all. Multiple ways to strengthen the health worker’s performance have been tried in multi-hued ways. Globally there are no studies that share effective interventions to reduce disrespect and abuse in maternal care. It is difficult to achieve sustainable development goals without promoting RMC and very few studies are conducted to evaluate educational interventions in the RMC among nurses in developed or developing countries.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an innovative technique for cancer treatment with minimal side effects, based on the use of a photosensitizer, oxygen, and light. Photosensitizers (PSs) have several limitations, that may limit their clinical use, like poor solubilization, self-aggregation, and lack of specific targeting, which can be addressed with the use of nanomaterials. Herein, a unique type of catansomes (CaSs) was prepared using a gemini imidazolium-based surfactant (1,3-bis[(3-octadecyl-1-imidazolio)methyl]benzene dibromide (GBIB) and a double chain surfactant, diaoctyl sodium sulfosuccinate or Aerosol OT (AOT). The formation of CaS GBIB/AOT was optimized in various ethanol/water (E/W) solvent ratios by employing a facile, quick, and most reliable solution-solution mixing method. The CaS was characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM) techniques. The experimental results reveal that stable CaSs with a spherical shape were obtained at lower concentration (100 μM). Rose Bengal (RB), a PS of the xanthene family, was incorporated into these prepared CaSs, as proven by fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Singlet oxygen (

In clinics, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is established as a non-invasive therapeutic modality for certain types of cancers and skin disease. However, due to poor water solubility, photobleaching, and the dark toxicity of photosensitizers (PSs), further developments are required to improve the efficiency of PDT. Herein, we report the role of metallocatanionic vesicles (MCVs) in enhancing the phototoxicity of methylene blue (MB) against cancer cells. These MCVs were prepared

Cancer immunotherapy is emerging as a promising therapeutic modality for achieving highly efficient therapeutic performance while avoiding tumor metastasis and relapse which are most common outcome of traditional cancer therapies (surgery, chemo and radiotherapy). Liposomal nanoparticles may be an ideal platform for systemic immune modulator delivery. Liposomes, the lipid bilayer vesicles, are biocompatible biodegradable carriers that are extensively used for the delivery of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic bio actives. The advance features like structural fabrication of liposome for ligand anchoring, long-circulation, and stimuli-responsiveness are helpful for the demand of clinical and industrial uses. Recent studies have reported the manifestations of liposomal newer developments in cancer treatment. Presentchapter discusses the most recent advances in liposomal nanoparticles for cancer therapy along with ligand targeted, stimulus targeted and autophagy modulation by liposomal nanoparticles for cancer treatment.

Dual-charge, stable, and biocompatible metallocatanionic vesicles as a promising delivery vehicle for Rose Bengal that can enhance the singlet oxygen generation and phototoxicity effect against U-251 cancer cells.

The global public health scenario is worsening gradually as the confirmed cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections are incessantly escalating with every passing day. The pathological condition caused by SARS-CoV-2 is termed as Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The understanding of SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics, immunopathogenesis, and the need for early-stage diagnosis and the effective therapeutic regime are the few immediate challenges faced by healthcare professionals worldwide. More specifically, the role of SARS-CoV-2 in the host’s immunopathogenesis response is crucial to determine the disease severity and its clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients. In the present review, we provide insights into the SARS-CoV-2 pathology, host immune responses including innate, cellular, and humoral responses, and immunomodulatory functions of SARS-CoV-2 including cytokine storm and immune evasion. We also shed light upon the present clinical and laboratory-based applications enrolled in the SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. Taking into consideration the pathogenesis and SARS-CoV-2 immune function, in the present review, we finally provide succinct insights into the SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics, immunopathogenesis, with the assessment of the current diagnostic and preventive/ therapeutic strategies.

Significant consumption of antibiotics has generated multidrug resistance in bacteria, which is a major menace to human beings. Antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a progressing technique for inhibition of bacterial infection with minimal side effects. Metals and delivering agents play a major role in aPDT efficiency. Herein, we report a formulation to enrich the antibacterial photodynamic therapy utilizing metallocatanionic vesicles (MCVs) against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. These MCVs were synthesized by utilizing iron-based double-chain metallosurfactant [FeCPC(II)] as a cationic surfactant and AOT, a double-chain anionic surfactant. These synthesized MCV fractions were characterized by distinct techniques like DLS, zeta potential, FE-SEM, confocal microscopy, SAXS, and UV-Visible spectroscopy. Polyhedral-shaped MCVs with a size of 200 nm were formed, wherein the charge and size of the catanionic vesicle can be controlled by varying the mixing ratios. Both Gram-positive bacteria, i.e., methicillin-resistant

The photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been extensively used as an effective alternative for the treatment of bacterial infection using photosensitizers (PSs) in presence of appropriate light. But, the...

Over a period of time, sporotrichosis has arisen as one of the leading fungal infections not only in animals but humans also. Several possible reasons that contribute to its emergence include change in epidemiology and distribution, evolutionary changes in taxonomy, and several outbreaks. World Health Organization has identified sporotrichosis as one of the major neglected tropical diseases (NTD) for 2021-2030 under the category of fungal NTDs. Several factors are contributing to increases in morbidity due to sporotrichosis such as delayed diagnosis and unavailability of appropriate antifungal therapy, which lead to redundant and inappropriate treatment with associate costs and adverse effects.The potassium iodide is the first line of treatment for cutaneous forms while amphotericin B is used for the most severe cases of the disease. The limited medication arsenal, side effects, failure of therapy, and the advent of drug-resistant isolates emphasize the need for the development of new therapeutic options. Several studies are focusing on the development of the new drugs which either used alone or in combination with already available treatment. Along with this, several new antigens have been identified as possible targets for its vaccine development.The early diagnosis is required for selecting the best possible treatment strategy. The researchers should focus on developing new diagnostic methods and treatment options as well as vaccine development for the better management of sporotrichosis. In the long run, patient education for preventative features to reduce risk and counselling for prolonged therapy will be beneficial.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been extensively used as an effective alternative for the treatment of bacterial infection using photosensitizers (PSs) in the presence of appropriate light. However, the limitation in the effectiveness of PDT is because of the low yield of singlet oxygen from existing PSs because of their low solubility. Thus, we have developed a platform to enhance the solubility and the photodynamic activity of PSs against bacterial cells using metallosurfactants. Herein, we have used manganese metal-containing single- (MnC I) and double-chain metallosurfactants (MnC II) which show an interplay of electrostatic/hydrophobic interactions with fluorescein (FL) dye (as a PS) and when used in the presence of light enhances the PDT. These interactions play a significant role in enhancing the singlet oxygen generation efficiency of FL. MnC I and MnC II have shown good antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive

Despite advanced clinical and translational oncology research, mortality rates are still increasing worldwide. Recently, a class of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), have been well investigated in regulating biological, molecular, and cellular signaling pathways. This review article provided the current research progress on how miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs regulate Hedgehog (Hh) and Hippo signaling pathways in various cancers. These ncRNAs target both pathways' key downstream molecules and may be used for targeted cancer treatment. Moreover, Hh and Hippo signaling pathways crosstalked with each other through Gli1 of Hh pathways and YAP1/TEAD molecules of Hippo pathways during cancer progression. Additionally, Hh and Hippo signaling pathways regulate resistance against the chemo, radio, and immune therapies for several types of cancer via inducing GLI and YAP/TAZ proteins level. Therefore, to improve the treatment regime, we presented the role of various prominent phytochemicals such as curcumin, resveratrol, genistein, quercetin, paclitaxel, and silibinin in regulating lncRNAs, miRNAs, circRNA through Hedgehog and Hippo signaling pathways' constituents in cancers. We believe that knowledge obtained from this review may help make new drugs for cancer treatment in the future.

Currently, bacterial infection due to multi-drug-resistant bacteria is one of the foremost problems in public health. Photodynamic therapy plays a significant role against bacterial infection, without causing any side effects. But the photosensitizers are associated with many drawbacks, which lessen their photodynamic efficiency. In this context, the current study describes the synthesis of new metallocatanionic vesicles and employs them in photodynamic therapy. These vesicles were synthesized by using a single-chain cationic metallosurfactant (CuCPC I) and sodium oleate (NaOl) as an anionic component. These vesicles were characterized from conductivity, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and confocal microscopy measurements. Methylene blue (MB) was used as a photosensitizer and its singlet oxygen quantum yield in the presence of these vesicles was determined by irradiating with 650 nm wavelength laser light. These vesicles play a dual-functional role, one helping in delivering the photosensitizer and the second doubling their singlet oxygen production capability due to the presence of metal ions. Antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) was studied against E. coli bacteria (Gram-negative bacteria). These vesicles also inherit their antibacterial activity and MB-encapsulated metallocatanionic vesicles on irradiation have shown 100% killing efficiency. In summary, we offer metallocatanionic vesicles prepared via a facile approach, which encapsulate a photosensitizer and can be used to combat E. coli infection through photodynamic therapy. We envisage that these synthesized metallocatanionic vesicles will provide a new modification to the catanionic mixture family and could be used for various applications in the future.

Fifty accessions of sunflower germplasm were characterized and evaluated for seed yield and its components traits to study the variability present among different germplasm lines. Significant amount of genetic variability was observed for all the characters under study. Seed yield and hull content were identified for highest genotypic (27.08 and 20.14%, respectively) and phenotypic coefficients of variation (27.89 and 20.64%, respectively) and also for high heritability (97.46 and 97.28%, respectively) coupled with high genetic advance (52.19 and 40.49%, respectively) over mean followed by duration of reproductive phase, oil content, 100-seed weight and plant height. Qualitative traits also showed wide variation among the accessions. Majority of the accessions were early in flowering, medium in maturity and medium in head diameter. Among all the accessions, ten lines were observed with short height and ten lines showed high oil content (> 40%). Maximum genetic distance was observed between the accessions EC-601800 and EC- 512687 and utilization of these accessions has been advocated in breeding programme. The results of the present study can be useful for the formation of data base and reference lines, genotype identification and will also be helpful in amplification of future sunflower improvement programme.

Developments in the field of photodynamic therapy (PDT) are being made by investigating appropriate photosensitizers (PSs) and enhancing the penetration effect of light by developing new nano-carriers. So, to boost the PDT effect, in the present work, new metallocatanionic vesicles were fabricated by a convenient, efficient, green and inexpensive method to encapsulate PSs and evaluate their antimicrobial PDT against the drug-resistant bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. They were prepared from a combination of a double-chained copper-based cationic metallosurfactant (CuCPCII) and an anionic surfactant sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate (Aerosol OT or AOT). The surface charge, structure and ability to encapsulate oppositely charged photosensitizers are some crucial factors that need to be controlled for their effective utilization in PDT. In this approach, two of the fractions, one each from a cationic rich and anionic rich side, were selected to encapsulate cationic (methylene blue; MB) and anionic (rose bengal (RB)) PSs after characterization by SAXS, AFM, FESEM, DLS, and zeta-potential, and conductivity measurements. Afterwards, PDT was performed on S. aureus (a multidrug-resistant bacterium) by the colony forming unit (CFU) method using PS encapsulated metallocatanionic vesicles that demonstrated high bactericidal activity by using visible light (532 nm) and facilitated the generation of singlet oxygen. The singlet oxygen generation capability of both the PSs was enhanced under irradiation when encapsulated in metallocatanionic vesicles because the presence of metal accelerated the intersystem crossing of triplet oxygen to singlet oxygen. Furthermore, these studies reveal that the metallocatanionic vesicles have dual functionality i.e. encapsulate PSs and even show dark toxicity against S. aureus. To study the killing of S. aureus, bacterial DNA was extracted and its interactions and conformational changes in the presence of metallocatanionic vesicles were analyzed via., UV-Visible, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Comet assay (single-cell gel-electrophoresis) demonstrated the DNA damage after PDT treatment in an individual cell. The bacterial DNA damage was more with the metallosurfactant rich 70 : 30 fraction than with the 30 : 70 fraction, in combination with RB under irradiation. This work provides a new metal hybrid smart material that possesses dual functionality and is prepared by an easy, economical and feasible procedure which resulted in enhanced PDT against a drug-resistant bacterium, thus, providing an alternative for antibacterial therapy.

COVID-19 is a serious viral infection that struck the world in December 2019 starting from Wuhan in China, spreading subsequently to all over the world. The disease has baffled scientists and doctors worldwide in terms of its presentation, behaviour, and treatment options till now. A low mortality rate is the only relief we get so far from COVID-19 in terms of numbers. Treatment options have gradually streamlined to steroids and very few FDA approved antiviral as well as plasma therapy and supportive treatment. Monoclonal antibodies are used to tide over any impending cytokine storm but are not equally effective in all patients. Ventilation support is invariably required for moderate to severe disease varying from a simple High Flow non-rebreathing mask to BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) and HFNO (High-Flow Nasal Oxygen) extending to full-fledge ventilation via a Mechanical Ventilator. Because of the non-availability of satisfactory treatment so far, many researchers from different biomedical fields are looking for alternative therapeutic strategies to manage the pandemic. One such therapeutic approach showing a ray of hope to combat COVID-19 infection is Mesenchymal stem cell therapy. Mesenchymal cells have immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory as well as regenerative properties and various preliminary studies have shown that MSCs can reverse the lung damage and overcome the cytokine storm incited by COVID-19 infection. Also, it has improved the recovery rate of critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation. In this review, we will discuss the possibility and relevance of MSCs in COVID-19 treatment and preview of various MSCs clinical trials., Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the nutritional potential of five different Indian mustard genotypes. Fatty acid composition was determined in the oil, whereas seed meal was analyzed for limiting amino acids (tryptophan and methionine), protein content, glucosinolate content and antioxidant potential (DPPH free radical scavenging activity, total antioxidant activity and iron chelating activity). The monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were found to be maximum in RH 0749 (58.70 %) followed by RH (OE) 0801 (48.91 %), JM 6011 (47.03 %), EC 597328 and EC 597340 (45.77 %). Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were observed maximum in EC 597340 (47.45 %).Glucosinolate content ranged from 42.80 (EC 597328) to 79.79 μmole/g defatted seed meal (EC 597340). The methanolic seed meal extract exhibited a concentration dependent elimination of DPPH free radicals. All the five genotypes showed about 50 % inhibition in 3.0 mg of dry seed meal. The highest total antioxidant activity (20.41mg/g) and metal ion chelating activity (32.58 %) was observed in RH 0749. Protein content varied from 33.57 [RH (OE) 0801] to 38.01 % (RH 0749). Maximum methionine and tryptophan content were recorded in RH 0749 (0.99 and 1.01 g/100g protein, respectively). Thus, RH 0749 was observed as a potent variety in terms of total antioxidant activity, metal ion chelating activity, protein content, methionine and tryptophan content.

In this research, we demonstrated preparation of metallo-catanionic vesicles by proper mixing of desired stoichiometric molar ratios of a cationic metallosurfactant, hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium copper trichloride and anionic conventional surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulphate. The characterization of synthesized metallo-catanionic vesicles was done by using various analytical tools. Further, these synthesized metallo-catanionic vesicles were used for encapsulation of a cationic dye (Toluidine blue (TB)), as well as an anionic dye (Rose Bengal (RB)). The dye encapsulated metallo-catanionic vesicles were tested for singlet oxygen generation and were employed for antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) against Escherichia coli (E.coli). Also, a comparison is made between TB and RB encapsulated metallo-catanionic vesicles. These vesicles exhibited enhanced singlet oxygen quantum yield thereby showing photodynamic activity against Escherichia coli that was investigated using colony forming unit count method. The bacterial growth was tremendously decreased from 5.84× 106 CFU/mL to 0.06 × 106 CFU/ mL using TB encapsulated metallo-catanionic vesicles SDS:CuC I (30:70) under irradiation and to 0.34 × 106 CFU/mL using TB encapsulated 70:30 fraction. With variable charge and the presence of metal, the metallo-catanionic vesicles work effectively for PDT against E.coli. Interestingly, the RB encapsulated metallocatanionic vesicles exhibited much enhanced effect, as the bacterial growth was diminshed and almost zero colony formation was observed. Herein developed metallo-catanionic vesicles of variable charge perform efficiently and effectively in PDT against E. coli and can be scalable for affordable industrial applications.

Microsatellite markers were used for genetic analysis of terminal heat tolerance in F2 (PBW373 × WH1081) population of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell). Two parents were evaluated in field under normal sown and late sown conditions. For genotyping DNA from both parents PBW373 and WH1081 was amplified using 200 SSRs. Only 22 SSRs produced polymorphic bands, of size between 100 to 300 bp and an average of 1.45 alleles. The single marker analysis identified 19 markers indicating the putative QTLs for yield, its components and heat stress related physiological traits. The number of markers on these 16 linkage groups varied from one to four. On A genome 13 QTLs on B genome 5 QTLs and on D genome 9 QTLs were identified, respectively. The A, B and D genomes had 1360.3 cM, 272.4 cM and 919.5 cM of linkage coverage with average interval distances of 104.63 cM, 54.48 cM and 102.16 cM/Marker. A total of nine QTLs were resolved following composite interval mapping, one QTL was detected at a LOD score equal to threshold value of 2.5 while eight at LOD scores above the threshold value. All the nine QTLs were shown to be on definitive location on chromosome 3A (QDh.CCSHAU-3A, QDa.CCSHAU-3A and QPm.CCSHAU-3A), chromosome (QBm.CCSHAU-5A, QCtd.CCSHAU-5A and QCl.fl.CCSHAU-5A), chromosome6A (QPh.CCSHAU-6A) and chromosome3B (QTgw.CCSHAU and QMts.CCSHAU-3B). Use of these markers save times, resources and energy that are needed not only for raising large segregating populations for sveral generations, but also for estimating the parameters used for selection.

Twenty pearl millet genotypes were used to explore and evaluate the diversity of antinutritional factors along with establishing their relationship with protein content and yield that contributes to its quality and farmers interest, respectively. A wide variation was observed for each of antrinutritional factors along with protein (7.54 - 11.94%) and yield (19.67 - 27.6 g/plant). The genotype HBL-0825-1 identified for having highest phenol, phytic acid and C-glycosylflavone content while genotype 78/711 for lowest Cglycosylflavone and phytic acid content along with maximum protein content. HBL-72 was identified for having maximum yield. Significant positive correlation was observed within most of the antinutritional factors, whereas protein possessed negative and significant correlation with phytic acid content. On the other hand, phytic acid exerted a positive and direct effect while C-glycosylflavones had negative effect on grain yield per plant, which could be utilized for further breeding improvement programmes that can contribute to popularity towards increased use of pearl millet.