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Infertility is a significant cause of anxiety, depression, and social stigma among couples and families. In such cases, male reproductive factors contribute widely to the extent of 20-70%. Male infertility is a multifactorial disease with several complications contributing to its diagnosis. Although its management encompasses both modern and traditional medicine arenas, the first line of treatment, adopted by most males, focuses on the reasonably successful medicinal plant-based conventional therapies. Phyto-therapeutics, which relies on active ingredients from traditionally known herbs, influences sexual behavior and male fertility factors. The potency of these phyto-actives depends on their preparation methods and forms of consumption, including decoctions, extracts, semi-purified compounds, etc., as inferred from in vitro and in vivo (laboratory animal models and human) studies. The mechanisms of action therein involve the testosterone pathway for stimulation of spermatogenesis, reduction of oxidative stress, inhibition of inflammation, activation of signaling pathways in the testes [extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK)/protein kinase B(PKB)/transformation of growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1)/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells NF-kB signaling pathways] and mediation of sexual behavior. This review critically focuses on the medicinal plants and their potent actives, along with the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that modulate vital pathways associated with the successful management of male infertility. Such intrinsic knowledge will significantly further studies on medicinal plants that improve male reproductive health.

Research on polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) remains intense due to its evolving impact on metabolism, reproduction and cardiovascular function. Changes in metabolic pathways can also significantly impact renal function including the development of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), one of the most highly investigated renal diseases. In FSGS, scarring of the glomerulus vascular tuft damages the kidneys. Onset of FSGS may either be congenital or due to other disorders that affect the metabolism and normal kidney function. Both PCOS and FSGS appear to be associated with Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) signalling. Over-expression of TGF-β may be due to the activation of the thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) gene, which increases the probability of developing renal disorders. Higher androgen levels in PCOS may also cause podocyte damage thus directly impacting development of FSGS. This article reviews the role of TGF-β's in PCOS and FSGS and explores the inter-relationship between these two disorders.

Background: Drug development strategies for treating COVID-19 focus on actives that either physically block angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptors (viral entry point), or those, which inactivate viral proteases like 3CLpro or RdRp, inside the infected host cells. Objectives: The objective of the present study is to virtually screen phytochemicals for both these purposes. Methods: Molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulation (MDS) and multiple sequence alignment were employed. Results: All the screened phytochemical actives showed negative binding energies with their respective targets, attesting good complex stabilities. Among each set of ten actives, for blocking ACE-2 receptors and for inactivation of 3CLpro and RdRp, Dichamanetin-ACE-2, Glabrene-3CLpro and Naringenin-RdRp complexes were most stable, with binding energies of -9.8, -9.11 and -7.7 Kcal/mol respectively. MDS studies of these representative actives and their complexes, also attested to complex stabilities. Multiple sequence alignment analysis of nine significant amino acid residues of the Homo sapiens ACE-2 receptor, with nine different species, showed conservation of several residues. Conclusion: A set of phytochemicals actives can block ACE-2 receptors and prevent the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host endothelial cells. Two other sets of actives can inactivate viral 3CLpro and RdRp enzymes and prevent replication of SARS-CoV-2 inside host cells. They all can hence be further explored for the control of COVID-19.

Rice (Oryza sativa), with a global production of around 770 million tons, is a widely consumed staple cereal in Asian countries. The Food and Agricultural Organization has declared it as a strategic crop for global food security. During their life cycle and development, these plants go through the vegetative, reproductive and ripening phases. Each of these phases is susceptible to attack by several kinds of bacterial, fungal, viral and insect pests, which ultimately lead to premature crop death and subsequent yield losses. Control of these pests is most effectively and quickly achieved by treating plants with synthetic chemicals and their agroformulations. But biological/herbal constituents and their combinations can also control specific types of pests over a longer period of time. Moreover, currently, smart techniques, technologies, and materials for pest control have overcome several constraints associated with conventional systems. Nanotechnology has especially proven to be a boon, and so have emulsion formulations that facilitate controlled and sustained release of loaded actives to achieve a better efficacy with minimal environmental impact. Genetically resistant plant varieties, which are naturally resistant to specific pests, and do not need additional treatments to prevent pathogenic attacks, are also being developed. All these agents have specific implications that include environmental policies, potency issues, necessitated time of action, repeated usage requirements, long-term efficacy, and pest resistance development. This review describes rice plants’ developmental stages, pests that attack during these stages, and importantly also focuses on traditional and emerging pest control management strategies for achieving improved yields and economic sustainability.

Favipiravir and remdesivir are investigational drugs for coronavirus disease 2019 that is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The active forms of these drugs are reported to target and inhibit viral RNA dependent RNA polymerase, which is derived from 3-chymotrypsin like protease, a viral replicase enzyme. The present in silico study explores the comparative efficacy of these drugs to inhibit 3-chymotrypsin like protease and RNA dependent RNA polymerase, to plan therapeutic options for patients based on their disease severity. Active favipiravir and remdesivir molecules bind to 3-chymotrypsin like protease with energies of 6.18 and -6.52 kcal/mol in contrast to -5.62 and -3.91 kcal/mol for RNA dependent RNA polymerase. Further, hydrophobic interactions and salt bridge formations cement drug bindings with 3-chymotrypsin like protease, but not with RNA dependent RNA polymerase. Molecular dynamic simulation experiments, performed under certain experimental constraints reveal that the root mean square flexibilities of active residues in drug complexes with 3-chymotrypsin like protease are lower than in free 3-chymotrypsin like protease making the former more stable than the latter because of their rigidity and stabilities. Both drugs may hence serve as good therapeutic options for early stages of coronavirus disease 2019. However, more severe symptoms may be treated better with favipiravir due to its better binding with RNA dependent RNA polymerase, as compared to remdesivir. The “one drug does not fit all” concept is true for coronavirus disease 2019 as it is being currently realized by clinicians all around the world. Hence precise knowledge about critical interactions of these drugs with the viral enzymes will help medicos make vital therapeutic decisions on interventional options for patients who report to hospitals without over symptoms or with varying degrees of disease severity.

Background Green formulations with herbal oils and natural nonionic emulsifiers project several advantages, like favorable viscosity profiles, for use as topical applicants. Their inherent constituents also protect the skin against free radical damage and lipid peroxidation. They may hence serve as alternatives for synthetic chemical-based formulations. Objective Formulation and characterization of Helianthus annuus-alkyl polyglucoside cream for topical application has been attempted. Its inherent sun protection factor has been measured and compared with a similar commercial formulation. It is well known that the internal network of liquid crystals of such emulsifiers can store depot water to maintain moisturization for long time, thus bestowing beneficial dermatological effects. Methods Physicochemical characterization of the oil was done. The formulation process for the cream was optimized for reduced particle size with respect to ultrasonication conditions. It was characterized extensively; its inherent sun protection factor was measured and compared with a similar commercial cream. Results The cream was smooth, creamy, and showed non-Newtonian thixotropic behavior and good shear-thinning features with an SPF of 6.3 that compared favorably with a similar commercial cream. Conclusions The cream may serve as a good topical applicant and also help in skin hydration due to the inherent nature of the emulsifier. It may protect against UV radiations due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nature of the natural oil constituents. It may be used as a low-SPF formulation.

Acid red 2 is a mono azo dye that adversely affects the environment when discharged into industrial effluents. This study investigates remediation of acid red 2 using alumina nanoparticles and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Decolorization assays at 521 nm were carried out using pure 24 hour bacterial culture, with nanoparticles and bacteria-nanoparticle mixture for 4 hours. Results reveal that 20 mg of alumina nanoparticles decolorized only 23.95% of methyl red whereas 10 ml of bacterial culture combined with 20 mg of alumina nanoparticles decolorized 84.84% of acid red 2 (500 mg/L). The bacterial culture decolorized 79.98% of the dye. Immobilization of nanoparticles on bacteria and dye degradation were confirmed using SEM and FTIR analysis, respectively. Therefore, the synergistic action of alumina nanoparticles and Klebsiella pneumoniae can be exploited for nanoremediation of acid red 2.

Murraya koenigii Linn leaf (curry leaf) is a favored spice known for its medicinal, therapeutic, nutraceutical and cosmetic properties. Its oil formulations have emerged as a favorable base for controlled delivery of actives by topical route of administration. However, most of such formulations include several synthetic chemicals as emulsifiers and stabilizers that may be hazardous in the long run. In the present study, curry leaf oil formulation with an alkyl polyglucoside emulsifier has been formulated for potential dermatological applications. Ultrasonication was employed for reduced particle size and better efficiency. The formulation was characterized for mean particle size, polydispersity index zeta potential and electrophoretic mobility. FTIR analysis of the oil confirmed the presence of the functional groups of its constituents as identified by GC-MS and revealed the prevalence of extensive hydrogen bonding in the formulation. Its SEM image showed the structural topography. The viability of different concentrations of the oil, tested on dermal fibroblasts cells (3T3 cell lines), was found to be from 97% to 20%. The accelerated stability tests confirmed the formulation’s non-susceptibility to various destabilization mechanisms after a period of 180 days at 37 °C, or under low speed centrifugation. Furthermore, the formulation was stable when stored at 40 °C, 4 °C and −18 °C for 3 cycles. Thus, this bio based formulation can either be used as such or as a base matrix for loading active ingredients for topical delivery.

Constituents of Azadirachta indica A. Juss (neem), have antimicrobial, cell proliferative, anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. In the present study, neem seed oil is emulsified with an alkyl polyglucoside, Montanov 202™, to produce a topical applicant with liquid crystals that ensconce depot as confirmed by polarised microscopic, thermal and WXRD studies. Anti-inflammatory investigations by paw edema model, with this topical applicant in female Wistar rats showed inhibition of paw swelling by 39–60% over 30–180 min when compared to untreated animals. Similarly, wounds induced by incision procedure also had a significantly higher breaking strength (353.46 ± 7.95 g) when treated with this applicant after induction. Further, upon similar application, contraction was significantly higher (95% by 16th day) in wounds induced by excision procedures, with a re-epithelization period of 10.21 ± 2.31 days. Histopathology of these skin sections showed accelerated healing with development of dermis/epidermis and collagen with results that were synchronous to neomycin treated positive control rats. This applicant was also able to inhibit the growth of methicillin resistant S. aureus strains as shown by in vitro studies. It is inferred that the depot water ensconced in its liquid crystals synergistically supports the bioactivity of neem oil constituents to aid the healing of topical wounds as effectually as synthetic antibiotics. Simultaneous protection against MRSA induced wound infections serves as an additional advantage of this neem oil topical applicant.

Emulsion formulations of essential oils are of major interest due to their relative biosafety, biocompatibility and good pharmacological potential. Their structural constituents (oil and water phase) facilitate ready solubilization of incorporated hydrophilic/lipophilic actives for their targeted delivery. In the present study, m5S cells were tested for their viability at various concentrations of clove oil and an alkyl polyglucoside emulsifier, viz., Montanov 202™. Thereafter, good cell viable concentrations of oil (10 %) and emulsifier (4%) were used at their optimised ratio (1:0.4) to formulate an oil in water emulsion using phase inversion technique followed by ultrasonication for particle size reduction. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of clove oil revealed eugenol (76.11 %) and eugenyl acetate (12.41 %) as major constituents. The formulated clove oil emulsion was then characterised with respect to its size, zeta potential, microscopic and thermal analysis and the presence of liquid crystals were observed in the same. It was further studied for its anti-inflammatory potential in female Wistar rats wherein topical treatment with the emulsion inhibited paw swelling induced by carrageenan model by 40−60% over 30−180 min compared to untreated animals. Similarly, the emulsion’s wound healing potential was also significant with respect to wounds induced by both incision (wound breaking strength of 338.91 ± 5.02 g) and excision (95 % wound contraction by 16th day) model in these animals, with a re-epithelization period of 10.67 ± 1.67 days and results being comparable with diclofenac gel and neomycin cream (positive controls). Histopathology of the skin sections showed accelerated healing with early granular tissue and collagen formation in emulsion treated animals. It is hence envisaged that this clove oil emulsion can substitute chemical based topical products for anti-inflammatory and wound healing applications due to its biological constituents as well as because of the presence of liquid crystals in its formulation.

Caries is a multifactorial infection that can be caused by Streptococcus mutans. This bacteria is responsible for the formation of oral biofilms and incorporates properties that is conducive for its survival in hostile oral environments. Long-term adverse effects like hypersensitivity reactions, supra-infections and teeth staining coupled with the risk of resistance-development limit use of chemical preparations and antibiotics for caries prevention. Hence plant-based formulations with substantial antimicrobial and anti-cariogenic properties, could serve as alternatives for caries prevention. In this study, a Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) oil-in-water emulsion with Tween80/Span80 was formulated and favorably characterized using particle size (252.3±1.15nm with polydispersity index of 0.111± 0.01), FTIR and AFM analyses and stability studies. Its MIC and the MIC of alumina nanoparticles against cultures and isolates of Streptococcus mutans was around 600ppm. However, with the alumina nanoparticle loaded emulsion, the MIC was observed at a much lower concentration of around 400ppm. This nanoparticle incorporated emulsion was also able to inhibit the biofilm formation, with the time kill assay showing a decrease in cell numbers within 60 to 120 minutes post incubation. Alumina incorporated lemon grass oil emulsion may thus to prevent dental caries induced by Streptococcus mutans.

Polyglucoside emulsifiers have been very beneficial for blending natural oils with water for formulation of emollient creams that can serve as effective topical applicants. In the present study, the formulation process for neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) oil emollient cream was optimized by phase inversion method in terms of reduced particle size with respect to ultrasonication conditions like duty cycle, time, cavitation intensity and amplitude. Its diluted variant and the one dispersed with titanium dioxide nanoparticles were also synthesized and comparisons of mean particle size, zeta potential and electrophoretic mobility were made with three popular commercial cosmetic creams. Rheological studies showed similar results with respect to relevant parameters like hysteresis loop areas, yield stress, consistency and pseudoplasticity indices. All creams showed non-Newtonian thixotropic behavior and shear thinning feature that contribute to good flow characteristics and favorable spreading ability. The sun protection factor, determined for the titanium dioxide-loaded cream was found to be better than a popular commercial cream. It was also found to be harmless to representative skin flora as determined by disc diffusion method. Cell toxicity studies on 3T3 cell lines carried out for the oil and emulsifier showed the cells to be viable in the presence of these components. It is thus inferred that this neem emollient base cream can be safely used as a cosmetic topical applicant for skin protection.

The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) was observed by the brown colour formation of fungal filtrate because of the reduction of silver ions to nano form. The UV scan of the filtrate revealed absorption peaks at 430 and 360 nm, which correspond to silver nanoparticles and inorganic phosphate, respectively. The simultaneous increase in the absorption of both peaks, at each successive recording revealed that the synthesis of nanoparticles is accompanied with the release of inorganic phosphate. The mechanism could possibly involve inactive phosphorylated nitrate reductase, which converts into the active dephosphorylated form during its contact with silver ions by releasing inorganic phosphate. The enzyme may then reduce Ag+ ions to silver nanoparticles (Ag0). Inorganic phosphate production was noticed only in A. flavus, A. niger and A. terreus as no peak at 360 nm was observed in filtrates of Fusarium oxysporum and Trichoderma reesei. Powder-X-ray diffractometry analysis revealed four peaks for 2θ values which correspond to a face-centred cubic crystal structure. The Fourier transform infrared spectrum indicated the presence of various functional groups. Transmission electron microscope analysis showed nanoparticle sizes of between 3 and 25 nm. Atomic force microscope images showed different shapes of nanoparticles at various concentrations of substrate. Optimum conditions for the biogenesis of silver nanoparticles were found to be a temperature of 30°C, pH 5.0, 0.5% NaCl and 1.5 mM AgNO3.

Dimple R Bhatia,Padma Thiagarajan School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India Aim: This study reports the influence of hypoxia on response of colorectal cancer cells to anticancer effects of sorafenib in combination with PI3K inhibitors GDC-0941 and BEZ-235.Materials and methods: All hypoxic exposures were carried out at 1% O2/5% CO2. Antiproliferation activity was evaluated by 48hours propidium iodide and 14days clonogenic assay. Protein levels were evaluated by fluorescence ELISA. Metabolites lactate and glucose were evaluated biochemically.Results: In the 48-hour proliferation assay, sorafenib acted synergistically with GDC-0941 but not with BEZ-235. In long-term colony-forming assays, both GDC-0941 and BEZ-235 were shown to potentiate the antiproliferative activity of sorafenib. At the molecular level, the synergism is mediated through inhibition of pAKT, pS6, p4EBP1, pERK, cyclin D1, and Bcl-2. No change in hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) levels was observed in cells treated with the combination of compounds under hypoxia. A significant reduction in glucose uptake and lactate release was observed in cells treated with the combination of compounds under normoxia and hypoxia.Conclusion: Combinations of sorafenib with PI3K inhibitors BEZ-235 and GDC-0941 are efficacious under hypoxia. Thus, these anticancer combinations have a potential to overcome the hypoxia-mediated resistance mechanisms to antiproliferative agents in cancer therapy. Keywords: GDC-0941, BEZ-235, anticancer, antiproliferation

Food items and plants are mostly affected by bacterial pathogens that results in spreading of infection among consumers of contaminated foods and also yield loss in agricultural crops respectively. An essential oil such as cedarwood oil extracted from Cedrus deodara has excellent insecticidal, pesticidal and antimicrobial activities. In the present study, surfactants Tween 20 and Span 80 were used for emulsifying cedarwood oil to produce an oil in water emulsion that was found to be stable for the observed period of 120 days. The emulsion was characterized extensively by zeta potential, electrophoretic mobility, conductivity, turbidity, microscopic and FTIR studies with favorable results. The activity of the oil and its emulsion was checked against the food and plant pathogens and good activity was observed against all organisms.

CYP1A1 gene belongs to the cytochrome P450 family and is known better as smokers- gene due to its hyperactivation as a consequence of long term smoking. The expression of CYP1A1 induces polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon production in the lungs, which when over expressed, is known to cause smoking related diseases, such as cardiovascular pathologies, cancer, and diabetes. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the simplest form of genetic variations that occur at a higher frequency, and are denoted as synonymous and non-synonymous SNPs on the basis of their effects on the amino acids. This study adopts a systematic in silico approach to predict the deleterious SNPs that are associated with disease conditions. It is inferred that four SNPs are highly deleterious, among which the SNP with rs17861094 is commonly predicted to be harmful by all tools. Hydrophobic (isoleucine) to hydrophilic (serine) amino acid variation was observed in the candidate gene. Hence, this investigation aims to characterize a candidate gene from 159 SNPs of CYP1A1.

The main objective of this is to review the literature to know about MOOCs and its role in Higher Education. It explains briefly about how internet is becoming an integral part of Higher Education in the current scenario. Effectiveness of E-learning with help of case studies, collaborative learning, student’s satisfaction, comparative study of MOOCs around the world, understanding MOOCs, its history and evolution in detail, types of MOOCs in detail and drawbacks of MOOCs has been discussed in this review article.

Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Neem) is attested to be an important medicinal tree whose parts and extracts are known to cure several ailments since the Vedic era. But knowledge regarding their concoctions and dosages has remained largely esoteric. Dilute neem oil emulsions are used to deliver active ingredients to body parts by the topical route of administration. This possibly attenuates its dose dumping and concentration related noxious effects to a large extent. However, almost all such products incorporate synthetic organic and bio hazardous chemicals for purposes of formulation and stability, posing ultimate risks to the user. Hence in the present study, an emollient cream using 10% neem oil and an arachidyl glucoside emulsifier of completely biological origin has been formulated. Octa and hexadecanoic acid derivatives were the major fatty acid components identified in the oil. The creamy white product showed a mean particle size of 137 nm and a Z average of 19 nm, with a polydispersity index of 0.245. Zeta potential and electrophoretic mobility were measured as -47.2 and -0.000328 cm2/Vs, respectively thus conferring good stability. FTIR analysis revealed the incidence of extensive hydrogen bonding in its structure and SEM image captured its undulating surface topography. The emollient cream was not susceptible to cracking, creaming or phase separation even after a period of 180 days, when stored at 37° or under low speed centrifugation. Similar results were observed when it was stored at 40°, 4° and -18° for three days and brought to 37° for three cycles. It is concluded that this novel potentially non-toxic neem oil emollient cream can either be used per se or as a base matrix for loading active ingredients and hence function as an efficient delivery system for the same.

Stem cells are the future of the regenerative medicines. Stem cells are having the capacity for differentiation and self-renewal which makes it different from other cells. The umbilical cord is one of the rich sources of stem cells. These stem cells are collected during the postnatal period. It can give three types of cells-hematopoietic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and non-hematopoietic multipotent stem cells. Cord blood cells can be stored in cord blood bank and can be used whenever required. Umbilical cord stem cells can treat various dreadful diseases. They are used for the treatment of cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and blood-borne diseases. Umbilical cord stem cells can be used for various clinical applications. Cord stem cells have many therapeutic uses, and future research and studies in this area are requiredin order to exploit the full potential of stem cells for the benefit of mankind. In this review, we have tried to highlight some basic features of umbilical cord stem cells along with its isolation, proliferation, identification, and differentiation. We have focussed mainly on the hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells as much work on the non-hematopoietic multipotent stem cells has not been done. We have also discussed about the therapeutic future of the umbilical cord stem cells.

Objective: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death worldwide. Malfunctioning of genes that are responsible for several inflammatory processes is the major cause for its initiation. Cytokine genes are one such group of genes that are involved in the development of CVD. Hence, the prediction of potential point mutations in these genes is important for diagnostic purposes. Such mutations result in altered protein structure and function when compared to neutral ones.Methods: In this study, interleukin factor 6 (IL6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin factor 4 (IL4), and interferon gamma have been analyzed using sorting intolerant from tolerant and PolyPhen 2.0 tools.Results: Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), in IL6, TNF-α, and IL4, are found to be potentially deleterious. In addition, bond analysis has also been performed on these SNPs. It has been predicted that L119P and R196H of IL6 as well as K87T and T181N of TNF-α are potential ns-SNP’s that may cause structural and functional variations in the corresponding proteins. The hydrogen and Cation-Pi bond analysis performed in this study provides molecular-based evidence that support the predicted deleterious potential of such SNPs for these CVD candidate genes along with other conventional in silico tools.Conclusion: The study testifies the importance of adopting a computational approach to narrow down potential point mutants for disease predictions.

Box-Behnken, Central-Composite, D and I-optimal designs were compared using statistical tools. Experimental trials for all designs were generated. Random uniform responses were simulated for all models. R-square, Akaike and Bayesian Information Criterion for the fitted models were noted. One–way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison test were performed on these parameters. These models were evaluated based on the number of experimental trials generated in addition to the results of the statistical analyses. D-optimal design generated 12 trials in its model, which was lesser in comparison to both Central Composite and Box-Behnken designs. The R-square values of the fitted models were found to possess a statistically significant difference (P

The present work describes the anticancer activity of Ophiobolin A isolated from the endophytic fungus Bipolaris setariae. Ophiobolin A was isolated using preparative HPLC and its structure was confirmed by HRMS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, COSY, DEPT, HSQC and HMBC. It inhibited solid and haematological cancer cell proliferation with IC50 of 0.4–4.3 μM. In comparison, IC50 against normal cells was 20.9 μM. It was found to inhibit the phosphorylation of S6 (IC50 = 1.9 ± 0.2 μM), ERK (IC50 = 0.28 ± 0.02 μM) and RB (IC50 = 1.42 ± 0.1 μM), the effector proteins of PI3K/mTOR, Ras/Raf/ERK and CDK/RB pathways, respectively. It induced apoptosis and inhibited cell cycle progression in MDA-MB-231 cancer cells with concomitant inhibition of signalling proteins. Thus, this study reveals that anticancer activity of Ophiobolin A is associated with simultaneous inhibition of multiple oncogenic signalling pathways namely PI3K/mTOR, Ras/Raf/ERK and CDK/RB.

Plant oil formulations have been effective for the production of encapsulating systems that could be used for the oral delivery of various bioactives to achieve nutritive and therapeutic effects. These kinetically stable formulations prevent the degradation of such actives and also enhance their bioavailability. In this context, synthesis of a flaxseed oil-alkyl polyglucoside based formulation was carried out and its ultrasonication under a set of optimized conditions was employed to reduce the particle size of this emulsion. The ultrasonication conditions were optimized with respect to duty cycle, time, cavitation intensity and amplitude. Physiochemical characterization and FAME analysis of the oil were carried out. The final formulation was characterized for particle size, zeta potential and electrophoretic mobility. FTIR spectra identified different functional groups in the base constituents and also the presence of extensive hydrogen bonding in the formulation. Its SEM analysis showed well dispersed oil globules in water. The rheological studies of the formulations with respect to relevant parameters like hysteresis loop areas, yield stress, consistency and pseudoplasticity indices revealed non-Newtonian thixotropic behavior and shear thinning feature that contribute to good flow characteristics. Thus, it is inferred that this formulation could serve as an excellent base matrix for potential food applications.

Among non-communicable diseases, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is claimed to be the leading cause of death worldwide. The chemokine (C–C Motif) receptor 5 (CCR5) gene has a strong association with the development of CVD and may culminate in myocardial infarction. In this study, its potential variations have been determined using molecular dynamics approach. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the predominant mutations and their deleterious effects were initially screened using prediction tools. Further, for the 75 % of deleterious non-synonymous SNPs predicted in common by the above tools, root mean square deviation (RMSD) and stability residues were determined using SWISS-PDB viewer and SRide server respectively. Accordingly, four point mutations L55Q, V131F, R223W, and G301R which had RMSD ≥2.0 A were selected and trajectory analyses were performed. In common, all trajectory analyses reported no similarities between native and mutants. Combined mutational analysis comparing all the mutants together with the native also showed significant and similar changes. Thus we conclude that the above four mutations are the potential targets of CCR5 and may lead to CVD.

A green emollient cream with Hibiscus cannabinus seed oil and an alkyl polyglucoside surfactant has been formulated. It can serve as biological alternatives to synthetic formulations that normally incorporate chemical constituents as surfactants and stabilizers mainly to increase consumer compliance in terms of textural and visual aesthetics. FAME analysis of the oil showed the presence octanoic and decanoic acids. The cream after formulation and ultrasonication, presented a smooth and soft appearance with visual and textural appeal. It showed a mean particle size of 138 nm with a zeta potential of -59.2 mV and an electrophoretic mobility of 0.000459 cm2/Vs. Its SEM image projected well dispersed oil globules in water. FTIR spectrum showed extensive hydrogen bonding. Accelerated stability tests under conditions of freeze thawing, heating cooling and centrifugation revealed no cracking, creaming or phase separation. Similar results were observed during the shelf life studies. It is concluded that this Hibiscus cannabinus cream can be utilized as an emollient base for loading cosmopharmaceutic ingredients for their topical delivery, without any toxicity concerns, as it is formulated from completely natural constituents.

Cedar oil is an essential oil derived from foliage, wood and roots of various conifers especially Pinaceae (Cedrus and Pinus species) and Cupressaceae family (Juniperus, Cryptomeria, Cupressus, Calocedrus, Chamaecyparis, Austrocedrus and Thuja species) by distillation. Based on the species of cedar wood, the characteristic features may vary. In ancient times, cedar wood was used as a traditional medicine to treat many diseases. Cedar oil is used in soaps, perfumes, household sprays, floor polishes, art (paint) industries, medicine etc. It possesses cidal properties and is bactericidal, fungicidal, pesticidal, larvicidal, and is also active against inflammation. Its anti tumour, antiulcer, and antiviral properties are also documented. The cedar oil has been used in cosmetics due to its strong anti oxidant activity. This review outlines the history, importance and the various applications of cedar oil.

In today's scenario, automation is being given high priorities as it requires less human labour and is faster. With this in context, a clinical batch analyzer can be automated to perform various tests with a higher accuracy and efficiency. Generally, a patient sample is reacted with proportionate amount of reagent in a reaction cell to perform a required test and then a new setup is used for next test. So a design with three robotics arms and a batch analyzer plate can be used to perform the mentioned operation. The two of the three arms will be operating for transferring the samples to the reaction cell present in the batch plate and the third for ensuring the mixing of the fluids with each other and transferring the content to the micro flow cell where the test results can be readout. This automation of the batch analyzer will reduce the amount of time taken to complete the entire process but also increase the efficiency of test results. The system proposed can be used to perform 38 different types of tests for 32 different patients.

Complete automation is the ultimate goal in health care industry and this is of utmost importance in clinical laboratories. Processor based bio robots are involved in all these automation procedures. In this study, the indigenous robotic platform, used in clinical chemistry analyzers, which is highly flexible and user friendly for small or medium sized hospitals, is designed. A microcontroller based robotic arm is put forth as the robotic platform and this is capable of handling blood samples, reagents, etc. The basic design is of a compact, three circular analytical plates, placed one inside the other. The samples and reagents are loaded onto the analytical plate; the arm then transfers the blood samples and reagents successively to the reaction cell and if required, next to an incubating unit. Two different arms perform all the different tasks based on the controlling algorithm. The circuit manipulating the path of the robot arm, along with other controlling circuitry of the arm is embedded within the arm itself. By automating this unit, the flexibility and throughput of the tests will be increased. Controlled and precise use of reagents and high accuracy of results are additional advantages. Data handling is also simplified. The robotic arm and analytical plate has been designed, a prototype model has been made and synchronization between the two has been achieved. The clear description of arm and analytical plate movement along with the synchronization algorithms are presented in this study.