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Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic condition wherein the body's blood sugar levels are elevated. Plant-based treatments are less toxic than allopathic pharmaceuticals. Plumeria alba Linn (Apocynaceae) is a popular medicinal plant that contains flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids, and antioxidants. The antihyperglycemic action of Plumeria alba Linn. leaves, on the other hand, has yet to be determined. A Streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced Type II diabetes model was used to elaborate on the hypoglycemic activity of ethanolic and aqueous leaf extractives of Plumeria alba, which were compared to the diabetic control group. Anti-diabetic activity was tested on albino Wistar rats. Normal and experimental rats were given ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts at 250 mg/kg b.w. and 500 mg/kg b.w. for 21 days, and the effect on blood sugar levels was measured. In comparison to the diabetic control group, the ethanolic extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg b.w. exhibits a highly significant (p

A novel series of thiophene hybridized thiadiazolyl Schiff bases (TTS) were designed and synthesized using copper nitrate (CuII) catalyzed synthesis of Schiff bases and their subsequent ferric chloride (FeIII) catalyzed cyclization into thiadiazoles. The design of molecules was inspired by the well-documented anti-inflammatory properties of thiadiazoles, Schiff bases and thiophene. Based on information from mass spectroscopy, IR, 1H and 13C NMR measurements, the structures of the recently synthesized compounds were determined. The purpose of molecular docking was to better understand the interactions between drug candidates and COX-1 (PDB ID: 3KK6) and COX-2 (PDB ID: 3Q7D) inflammation-related targets. Compounds 3a-f showed a more stable binding complex with COX-2 (-8.09 to -9.13 kcal/mol) when compared to COX-1 (-4.86 to -5.94 kcal/mol). Additionally, the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema model was used for the in vivo analysis and compound 3a demonstrated excellent anti-inflammatory activity when compared to the reference drug, diclofenac. Interestingly, the mRNA expression analysis using qRT-PCR demonstrates a specific suppression of COX-2 as compared to COX-1, further supporting the earlier findings. Altogether, the findings could provide an opportunity for these compounds to be developed as novel lead molecules for rational alternatives of NSAIDS.

Stem cells are extraordinary cells with a unique ability of self-renewal and differentiation into various cell types such as muscle, nerve, bone, and blood cells. Historically, they have found significant applications in the biotech and pharma sectors. To grow and maintain stem cells artificially, researchers use basal media formulations supplemented with nutrients and growth factors, with Fetal bovine serum (FBS) as the key component of the culture medium. However, to maintain this supply every year, millions of pregnant cows are slaughtered for preparing FBS. The process of harvesting FBS also raises concerns about contamination with pathogens, animal proteins that may interfere with cellular behavior and ethical considerations regarding animal welfare. To overcome these limitations, here we report ClearX9-Stem™ - an affordable, sustainable, effective, and ethical replacement for an FBS-enriched stem cell culture medium. A specialized ClearX9-Stem™ cell culture medium formulation was designed to grow chicken embryonic fibroblast (SL-29) in the absence of FBS. Based on the results obtained, ClearX9-Stem™ is undergoing further refinement to meet the growing academic and industrial demand for serum-free culture media formulations. In the future, there is a need to customize and optimize ClearX9-Stem™ for the scalable growth of cells in bioreactors.HIGHLIGHTSClearX9-Stem™ provides good nutritional support for the growth of chicken embryonic fibroblast cells.ClearX9-Stem™ cell growth performance is comparable to the serum-enriched culture mediumClearX9-Stem™ maintains a healthy morphological profile of cells during divisionClearX9-Stem™ generates a stress-free environment within cellsClearX9-Stem™ does not require animal slaughter and reduces the environmental footprintClearX9-Stem™ has applications in the biotechnology, pharma, and cell-cultivated meat industries

Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) is a nutrient-rich fluid that contains nutritional and macromolecular factors essential for cell growth. Every year millions of pregnant cows are slaughtered in search of FBS leading to huge environmental consequences. Here we report ClearX9™ - an affordable, sustainable, ethical, and effective replacement for FBS. ClearX9™ cell culture medium was used to grow HeLa (cervical cancer cells), HEK293T (embryonic kidney transformed cells) and Nthy Ori-3-1 (primary thyroid follicular transformed epithelial cells) and showed encouraging growth patterns and good cellular health. Compared with the FBS-enriched cell culture medium, ClearX9™ scored positive on all the parameters suggesting ClearX9™ as a credible alternative to FBS. In future, more work is required to establish the efficacy of ClearX9™ in toxicology testing, bio-manufacturing, regenerative medicine, and vaccine research.HIGHLIGHTSClearX9™ provides good nutritional support for the growth of animal cellsClearX9™ cell growth performance is comparable to the serum-enriched mediumClearX9™ maintains a healthy morphological profile of cells during divisionClearX9™ generates a stress-free environment within cellsClearX9™ does not require animal slaughter and reduces carbon footprintClearX9™ has applications in biotechnology and cell cultivated meat industry

To design novel antimicrobial peptides by utilizing the sequence of the human host defense protein, chemerin, a seven-residue amphipathic stretch located in the amino acid region, 109-115, was identified, which possesses the highest density of hydrophobic and positively charged residues. Although this 7-mer peptide was inactive toward microorganisms, its 14-mer tandem repeat (Chem-KVL) was highly active against different bacteria including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain, and slow- and fast-growing mycobacterial species. The selective enantiomeric substitutions of its two l-lysine residues were attempted to confer cell selectivity and proteolytic stability to Chem-KVL. Chem-8dK with a d-lysine replacement in its middle (eighth position) showed the lowest hemolytic activity against human red blood cells among Chem-KVL analogues and maintained high antimicrobial properties. Chem-8dK showed in vivo efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in BALB/c mice and inhibited the development of resistance in this microorganism up to 30 serial passages and growth of intracellular mycobacteria in THP-1 cells.

Introduction: To compare the hematological parameters, serum calcium, serum iron, and TIBC levels between gastrointestinal cancer patients and healthy control participants before and after treatment. Material & Methods: The study was carried out at SMS Medical College and Hospital Jaipur, India, in the Biochemistry Department in collaboration with the Radiotherapy and Oncology Department. ESR, Hb, TRBC, WBC, Platelet, serum Calcium, Iron and TIBC levels were evaluated in 150 patients with gastrointestinal cancer before and after therapy and in healthy control participantsusing specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. The serum Calcium, Iron and TIBC levels were estimated in the biochemistry lab using an auto analyzer, and the Hematological parameters were estimated from an automated hematology analyzer in the pathology lab. The t-test was used to assess the significance of the variance in the mean values of the observed parameters between study groups. When assessing the data, p-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Our findings of gastrointestinal cancer patients revealed an increase in ESR and WBC count and a decrease in Hb, TRBC, and Platelets counts compared to healthy control subjects. Significantly lower serum Iron concentration, significantly higher serum Calcium and Total Iron Binding Capacity were seen in cancer patients compared to healthy control participants. Conclusion: Significantly high or low values of the aforementioned test parameters can have serious consequences and delay the initiation of the subsequent phase of therapy. Risk of numerous complications can be decreased with regular monitoring.

Airfoil’s aerodynamic characteristics are vital for the design and performance evaluation of wind turbine rotor blades through blade element momentum theory. Generally, the airfoil’s aerodynamic ch...

The regeneration of critical-sized bone defects with biomimetic scaffolds remains clinically challenging due to avascular necrosis, chronic inflammation, and altered osteogenic activity. Two confounding mechanisms, efficacy manipulation, and temporal regulation dictate the scaffold's bone regenerative ability. Equally critical is the priming of the mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) toward lineage-specific differentiation into bone-forming osteoblast, which particularly depends on varied mechanochemical and biological cues during bone tissue regeneration. This study sought to design and develop an optimized osteogenic scaffold, adenosine/epigallocatechin gallate-N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan/collagen type I (AD/EGCG-g-NOCC@clgn I), having osteoinductive components toward swift bone regeneration in a calvarial defect BALB/c mice model. The ex vivo findings distinctly establish the pro-osteogenic potential of adenosine and EGCG, stimulating MSCs toward osteoblast differentiation with significantly increased expression of alkaline phosphatase, calcium deposits, and enhanced osteocalcin expression. Moreover, the 3D matrix recapitulates extracellular matrix (ECM) properties, provides a favorable microenvironment, structural support against mechanical stress, and acts as a reservoir for sustained release of osteoinductive molecules for cell differentiation, proliferation, and migration during matrix osteointegration observed. Evidence from in vivo experiments, micro-CT analyses, histology, and histomorphometry signify accelerated osteogenesis both qualitatively and quantitatively: effectual bone union with enhanced bone formation and new ossified tissue in 4 mm sized defects. Our results suggest that the optimized scaffold serves as an adjuvant to guide bone tissue regeneration in critical-sized calvarial defects with promising therapeutic efficacy.

HE4 is a secretory protein. It is expressed in reproductive tract and respiratory epithelium in normal individuals. Serum level of HE4 is raised in various solid cancers that give us an advantage to use it as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker. It is an established biomarker of epithelial ovarian cancer [EOC]. It has also shown the significance in various other malignancies like cancer of endometrium, cervix, lung and breast. Studies show HE4 as an independent prognostic biomarker in non-small cell lung carcinoma. Its raised values in cancer signify its role in oncogenesis. HE4 promotes angiogenesis via STAT3 signalling pathway. In this paper we have tried to illustrate about human epididymis protein 4 and its role in tumour angiogenesis.

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic syndrome of excess glucose levels in the blood. It may be due to glucose intolerance by the tissues and inadequate insulin production from pancreatic β- cells. However, diabetic complication includes cardiovascular and kidney diseases, eye, skin, and foot complications, and neuropathy. The intention behind writing this article was to gather recent information regarding the use of ancient traditional medicinal plants having recent importance in treating diabetes. Several therapies are available for curing the condition based on severity and type of diabetes. Although pharmacological treatments are effective and economical, drugs are associated with unwanted side effects and physiological complications on long-term use. Interestingly, herbs and herbal plants have been used since ancient times against diabetes worldwide. Its importance still exists due to medicinal plants' effectiveness and safety profile in treating various diseases. In this article, we searched online databases, including PUBMED, SCOPUS, MEDLINE, and traditional resources, for collecting information regarding the use of plants against diabetes. We described the pathophysiology of the disease and incorporated plant sources and their chemical constituents responsible for antidiabetic activity with their mechanism in reducing blood glucose levels. The present article may be very helpful for researchers and professionals whose work is inclined towards diabetes and in search of lead compounds for the development of a suitable drug.

Blade element momentum theory is extensively used to design and characterize the performance of the wind turbine. Aerodynamic characteristics of the airfoils used in the blades of the wind turbine are one of the crucial parameters of the blade element momentum theory. The aerodynamic characteristics of airfoil can be significantly influenced by Reynolds number besides the angle of attack. Thus, an inadequate consideration of Reynolds number for aerodynamic characteristics of the airfoil can result in discrepancy in the optimum design and performance evaluation capability of the blade element momentum theory. Several mathematical models, and semi-empirical relations to parameterize the aerodynamic characteristics of two-dimensional airfoil in blade element momentum theory, inherently lack dependency on Reynolds number and thus open a scope for uncertainty. An artificial neural network-based model is proposed to predict the lift and drag coefficient of airfoil as a function of not only the angle of attack but also the Reynolds number. A series of six in-house developed airfoils for small wind turbine have been considered for the present study. The computational fluid dynamic results of the airfoil with a range of Reynolds number (100,000–2,000,000) and angle of attack (0°–20°) were utilized to develop the model. A high coefficient of determination and low root-mean-square error of the developed models for a test dataset suggests the robust capabilities and effective topology of the artificial neural network-based model to predict the lift and drag coefficient of the airfoils with respect to a given angle of attack and Reynolds number. The developed model can then be used to replace the traditional analytical or semi-empirical model for mathematical representation of airfoil in the blade element momentum theory and thus reduce the uncertainty on account of inadequate consideration of Reynolds number for aerodynamic characteristics of airfoil in design and performance evaluation.

Wear and friction results in a huge loss of energy around the world. The need to reduce the loss has prompted the scientific community to improve the performance of lubricants. The surge in the use of additive based lubricants emphasizes its importance in the modern tribology. It has drawn the attention of the researchers to develop a stable and efficient additive based lubricant. The aim of this paper is to review these additives and underline the methods to prepare a stable solution. Understanding their properties, mechanism and shortcomings is advantageous to figure out the application. In this paper the review of commonly used lubricant additives such as Titanium dioxide, Aluminium oxide, Zinc oxide, Copper and Copper oxide, Carbon nanotubes, Molybdenum disulphide, Tungsten disulphide and Diamond is provided. The base oil or lubricants are usually not effective enough. Lubricant additives in the form of micro and nanoparticles are widely used to enhance the performance of base oil. The additives are generally used to improve the tribological and thermal properties of the base oil or fluid. Heat dissipation rate, load carrying capacity, wear and friction properties of the base oil or fluid is ameliorated by the addition of these additive. Further, the paper also incorporates the recent progress in the use of these additives.

Background: Team based learning (TBL) is an approach where students are organised in groups where they learn from each other. TBL is a student centric approach, which ensures active participation of each member and also promotes teamwork and learning ability. Looking at the teacher centric approach of the conventional teaching learning methods in medical education, where the students are mere passive learners and the sessions can be monotonous, TBL seems to be extremely relevant today as a more student centric teaching learning method. Aim of this study was to compare TBL with conventional teaching learning method (CTL). Methods: This randomised crossover study was conducted in the Department of Pathology, SMS Medical College, on 224 third semester medical students, wherein they were exposed to TBL session and their learning outcome and perception was compared to CTL. The data was analysed using Primer version 6 software. Results: In this study, there was a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.001) in the score of students after exposure to TBL. Also, there was a significant difference in the learning outcome of students of TBL (mean assessment score 7.21) as compared to CTL (mean assessment score 6.09). The student perception trends revealed a positive tilt towards TBL, wherein 70.98 % students agreed that TBL was a better learning strategy as compared to lectures. Conclusion: This pilot study concluded that TBL can be used as a supplement to the conventional lectures for improving the learning as well as team work and leadership skills of students.

Aim: This study is aimed to compare and evaluate the changes in the microflora in immediate and delayed placed implants. Materials and Methods: In this study, the implant site sample was taken and assessed during different phases of treatment for delayed and immediate implants. They were looked for Streptococcus, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Results: The results showed that Streptococci were found in a higher number in all the phases of the treatment. The presence of pathogenic organisms such as P. gingivalis and Fusobacterium, in considerable amounts, was seen in both the groups. Conclusion: Thus, we conclude that implant mode of placement, delayed or immediate placement does not alter the flora of the oral cavity. Organisms present remains the same in all the phase of the treatment. To prevent the disease, one must continuously monitor the implant, with the increasing age changes, the microflora is continually changing in the oral cavity. The periodontal health should be assessed before the placement of the implant, followed by follow-ups after a set period for a better prognosis.

Background: Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) is composed of several drugs in the antiretroviral class to better treat human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) patients. The estimation of CD4+ T cell counts and HIV-1 viral load in plasma is required to evaluate the treatment success of a specific HAART. Methodology: The study included the effects of NRTIs (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors) and novel protease inhibitors (HAART) on normal control subjects and HIV-1 positive subjects from SGPGIMS, Lucknow, with different age groups and genders. Furthermore, the study was conducted by the estimation of HIV through ELISA, measurement of absolute CD4+ cell count, and the measurement of viral load through qRT-PCR. Furthermore, NRTIs (Retrovir and Epivir) were administered orally one tablet daily in the morning followed by newly FDA-approved protease inhibitors (fosamprenavir and darunavir) orally in the evening at the same dose. Furthermore, CD4+T cell counts and HIV-1 viral load were investigated and correlated in patients with different genders and age groups. Result: Administration of NRTIs and novel protease inhibitors (HAART) in HIV patients had a significant effect on the CD4+ cell count in various age intervals among males and females. The mean comparison of viral load distribution based on gender in CD4 +ve patients in the case group exhibited a viral load higher in females compared to males, indicating a statistically significant difference between males and females (p Conclusion: The administration of specific HAART (NRTIs and novel protease inhibitors) in HIV patients had a notable improvement in the CD4+ cell count and viral load with significant age and gender disparity.

Cytotoxic frog antimicrobial peptide Temporin L (TempL) is an attractive molecule for the design of lead antimicrobial agents due to its short size and versatile biological activities. However, noncytotoxic TempL variants with desirable biological activities have rarely been reported. TempL analogue Q3K,TempL is water-soluble and possesses a significant antiendotoxin property along with comparable cytotoxicity to TempL. A phenylalanine residue, located at the hydrophobic face of Q3K,TempL and the "d" position of its phenylalanine zipper sequence, was replaced with a cationic lysine residue. This analogue, Q3K,F8K,TempL, showed reduced hydrophobic moment and was noncytotoxic with lower antimicrobial activity. Interestingly, swapping between tryptophan at the fourth and serine at the sixth positions turned Q3K,F8K,TempL totally amphipathic as reflected by its helical wheel projection with clusters of hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues and the highest hydrophobic moment among these peptides. Surprisingly, this analogue, SW,Q3K,F8K,TempL, was as noncytotoxic as Q3K,F8K,TempL but showed augmented antimicrobial and antiendotoxin properties, comparable to that of TempL and Q3K,TempL. SW,Q3K,F8K,TempL exhibited appreciable survival of mice against P. aeruginosa infection and a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Unlike TempL and Q3K,TempL, SW,Q3K,F8K,TempL adopted an unordered secondary structure in bacterial membrane mimetic lipid vesicles and did not permeabilize them or depolarize the bacterial membrane. Overall, the results demonstrate the design of a nontoxic TempL analogue that possesses clusters of hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues with impaired secondary structure and shows a nonmembrane-lytic mechanism and in vivo antiendotoxin and antimicrobial activities. This paradigm of design of antimicrobial peptide with clusters of hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues and high hydrophobic moment but low secondary structure could be attempted further.

Hybrid Metal Matrix composites have emerged as an epicentre of material research due to their vast applications and a wide array of reinforcement combinations. In this experiment, a hybrid Aluminum metal matrix composite has been fabricated by the double (two steps) stir casting method. The present study evaluates the mechanical properties of AA6061 in varying concentrations of silicon carbide with 5, 10, 15 and 20 weight percent (wt.%), in addition to Rice Husk Ash, Tungsten Carbide and Alumina Powder which are in a fixed quantity. Mechanical properties have been evaluated by conducting an Impact test, Hardness test, Flexural test and Tensile Strength. In addition, micrograph Images have been incorporated for analysing the microstructural characteristics of the Hybrid AMMC. It was observed that MMC properties such as Tensile Strength, Yield Strength, Hardness, Impact Strength were highest at 20 wt.% SiC. Hence, it was inferred that 20wt% SiC was an appropriate concentration for applications in automobile and aerospace pertaining to its augmented mechanical properties. In conclusion, prospects of future research are also explored.

Background: Rapid detection of amoxicillin-susceptible Escherichia coli (ASEC) urinary tract infections (UTIs) could have a significant impact on patient care and improve antibiotic stewardship. This is especially true for infants and children, for whom antibiotic choices are more limited than for adults. Methods: A real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) uniplex panel for detection of ASEC using PCR assays for E. coli and five resistance genes ( blaTEM, blaSHV, blaOXA, blaCTX-M, and blaCMY) and an internal control was designed. PCR was then performed directly on pediatric urine samples using an inhibitor-resistant DNA polymerase. The main outcome measure was the performance of the PCR panel (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value [PPV], negative predictive value [NPV], accuracy) for the detection of ASEC. ASEC samples were defined as those that were E. coli PCR positive and PCR negative for all five resistance genes. PCR results were compared with the reference standard for culture and susceptibility testing. Results: Two hundred and six urine samples with pyuria (>10 white blood cells/high power field) were tested with the PCR panel. Two samples showed PCR inhibition (1%). For ASEC detection, the PCR panel showed a sensitivity of 91.53% (95% CI 81.32% to 97.19%), specificity of 98.21% (95% CI 90.45% to 99.95%), PPV of 98.18% (95% CI 88.54% to 99.74%), NPV of 91.67% (95% CI 82.61% to 96.22%), and accuracy of 94.78% (95% CI 88.99% to 98.06%). Conclusions: This PCR method could potentially enable amoxicillin or ampicillin to be used in a greater proportion of children with E. coli UTIs, improving antibiotic stewardship.

This paper presents a 3-dimensional finite element modeling of fatigue properties of polymer nanocomposites with a Representative Volume Element (RVE) approach using ANSYS. Epoxy was used as a matrix, and alumina nanoparticles of spherical shape (diameter 33 nm) were used as reinforcement. Convergence analysis was conducted to select the proper size of RVE. A geometric model of a flat dog bone specimen was created to model the fatigue properties. MATLAB code was used to generate randomly distributed nanoparticles. The sample was loaded in uniaxial tension-tension fatigue loading with a stress ratio of 0.1. S-N data for epoxy and alumina were given as input to determine the fatigue life of polymer nanocomposites. The results obtained from modeling were compared with experimental data. The fatigue life was determined by taking the average life at five different locations in the gauge region for a sample. The average of five different samples was calculated for each wt.% (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5). Reinforcement of nanoparticles up to 1 wt.% caused an increment in the fatigue life of nanocomposites, and fatigue life decreased at 1.5 wt.% of nanoparticles. The finite element modeling was able to predict the trend of improvement provided by the alumina nanoparticles (similar to experimental data).