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Background:: There is an urgent need to devise improved alternatives for the efficient delivery of drugs to develop improved therapeutic interventions against cancers. Nanotechnology based drug delivery vehicles are in-use with obvious issues of toxicity and bio-distribution. Therefore, green synthetic routes are being deployed to replace the conventional nanoparticle formulations for effective drug delivery aiming at developing interventional strategies against cancer. Objective:: A simple, viable and fast approach was used for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous leaf-extract of Viburnum nervosum (VN) and to explore the anti-cancer potential of the crude extract of VN. Methods:: Silver NPs were synthesized by reacting silver nitrate (AgNO3) with leaf extract of VN. Various analytical techniques were used to characterize the AgNPs. Finally, the anti-cancer potential of VN was observed when delivered through AgNPs. Results:: The surface plasmon spectra for AgNPs exhibited absorbance peak at 445 nm, and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy investigation revealed presence of biomolecules acting as an effective reducing and capping agent for converting silver nitrate to AgNPs. Further, our results suggest the spherical size of synthesized AgNPs ranging from 12-17 nm. Moreover, in vitro studies conducted for VN extract with breast (MCF-7) and epidermal carcinoma (A431) cells showed biocompatibility. Conclusion:: Doxorubicin loaded AgNPs documented an increased bioavailability of drug compared to the free drug, suggesting the use of AgNPs as “novel drug delivery vectors”.

Ginger is traditionally known for its therapeutic and pharmaceutical properties. It has been used widely to treat various health problems such as high blood pressure, coughs, colds, swelling, nausea, rheumatic disorders, vomiting, bronchitis, indigestion, gastric ulcers, and behavioral problems. Shogaol and Gingerol are anti-inflammatory, anti-fever, anti-pain, and anti-cough compounds that may help treat a cold. This review provides an up-to-date understanding of the impact of ginger and its active compounds on human health. Various ginger compounds such as gingerol, shogaols, zingiberene, zingerone, paradols and zingerone are receiving attention for their clinical applications and pharmaceutical properties. Studies indicate that ginger is anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antimicrobial, antiemetic, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective. During the inflammatory response, ginger inhibits (NF-κB) and immune system activation in addition to many other cellular processes. Ginger has shown benefits in preclinical and clinical studies for neurology, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. These findings indicate the necessity for further in vivo and clinical studies.

Objective Nutritional therapy, integrative and functional medicine, and psychiatry are areas of medicine where there has been limited research on the cause of disease and nutritional therapy. Modern medicine treats the medical cause, not the symptoms. All medicines are toxic in some way. Now, healthcare professionals are recommending food as medicine. Methods For this review, an extensive search was performed in electronic databases and in scientific publications. Boolean search methods were used in search engines such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Mendley, and other scientific databases. Search engines use terms such as food, metabolic disorder, cardio-vascular disorder, food and/or functional food, etc. We reviewed the latest findings on food and metabolic disorders, especially those related to cardiovascular disease. Results Scientific research suggests that fruit and vegetables in a regular diet will reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and heart failure. Nature provides a large number of dietary options in the appropriate combination that can improve our health and cure metabolic disorders. It has been shown that a vegetarian diet and a Mediterranean diet have significant impact on the gut microbiome and cardiovascular disease risk. Conclusions A healthy lifestyle with a proper diet is essential in addition to traditional drug treatment for improving the lipid profile of cardiac patients. To develop effective targeted therapies, we need to further study molecular and cellular mechanisms of CVD. Genetic, inflammatory, nutritional, and immune factors can be studied to determine the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic syndrome.

Background: It has been seen that 90% of municipal solid waste is disposed off in open dumps and landfill sites, causing problems for the environment, and public health in developing countries. Many technological options can convert waste into various forms of energy. Heat and electricity can be generated and utilized for specific thermodynamic conversion processes and different types of biofuel can also be extracted from the organic municipal solid waste. Objective: This study evaluates the different treatment options available to convert waste into energy, and also concludes its environmental aspect with suggestions, which may be beneficial for encouraging the researchers to work for further improvement in this aspect. Methods: For each technological area, results from the literature review and the different expert opinions were considered to provide an analysis of the treatment technology, identify the internal and external environmental threats and important gaps in treatment technologies for MSW in India. Results: It has been observed from various studies that the pyrolysis/gasification is the suitable option for the treatment of different compositions of solid waste with high energy recovery in India, while bio-methanation is suitable for a decentralized system with a high energy value, and a minimum level of pollution & health hazards. Conclusion: The study and observations show that there are multiple technological options for the treatment of municipal solid waste. Research and development in the MSW sector is not a priority in India, therefore, it has been recognized that expert research advice is required while selecting technology as well as for deciding the tools and techniques to handle this issue.

This study explores the potential role of cinnamaldehyde from cinnamon to elicit immunity against the pathogens of COVID-19. In the culture of traditional and herbal treatments, it was more valuable than gold. It has been observed that coronavirus infects cells of an organism including innate and adaptive immune cells. Cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and other secondary metabolism of cinnamon extract, have a potential role to interact with spike protein of coronavirus. Available literature supports the suitability of cinnamon for acute respiratory infectious disease syndromes. It might be a promising source for the immune system to control viral infections like COVID-19. Preclinical and clinical trials are necessary for the safety and efficacy of the drug.

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is still one of the major global health threats and delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis continues to fuel the global epidemic. The conventional diagnostic approaches have shortcomings that might hinder the process of diagnosis of the disease and ultimately affect the prognosis.Area covered: We emphasize on the process of the synthesis of liposomes, its physicochemical properties affecting the formulation and their utilization in the field of molecular diagnostics for TB. The review also sheds a light on other nanoparticle-based molecular diagnostic approaches for TB. Despite the advent of science, we are yet to have a diagnostic tool that is simple, rapid, sensitive, and specific, and most importantly, one that enables us to demarcate patients with active tuberculosis from those with quiescent lesions, prior vaccination, or other diseases.Expert opinion: The utility of liposomes for diagnostic purposes has been attempted so as to overcome the challenges posed by conventional diagnostic tools for TB. Through this review, we present insights into liposome formulation and selection processes, various studies that report the use of liposome-based diagnostic tools for TB, as well as the limitations associated with the same that can be improvised to make the technology more efficient.

Introduction: Intermediate covalent complex of DNA-Topoisomerase II enzyme is the most promising target of the anticancer drugs to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Currently, anticancer drug and chemotherapy are facing major challenges i.e., drug resistance, chemical instability and, dose-limiting side effect. Therefore, in this study, natural therapeutic agents (series of Ganoderic acids) were used for the molecular docking simulation against Human DNATopoisomerase II beta complex (PDB ID:3QX3). Methods: Molecular docking studies were performed on a 50 series of ganoderic acids reported in the NCBI-PubChem database and FDA approved anti-cancer drugs, to find out binding energy, an interacting residue at the active site of Human DNA-Topoisomerase II beta and compare with the molecular arrangements of the interacting residue of etoposide with the Human DNA topoisomerase II beta. The autodock 4.2 was used for the molecular docking and pharmacokinetic and toxicity studies were performed for the analysis of physicochemical properties and to check the toxicity effects. Discovery studio software was used for the visualization and analysis of docked pose. Results and Conclusion: Ganoderic acids (GS-1, A and DM) were found to be a more suitable competitor inhibitor among the ganoderic acid series with appropriate binding energy, pharmacokinetic profile and no toxicity effects. The interacting residue (Met782, DC-8, DC-11 and DA-12) shared a chemical resemblance with the interacting residue of etoposide present at the active site of human topoisomerase II beta receptor.

Background: Jatropha curcas is one of the most suitable plants which seeds are nonedible in nature but rich in oil. Around 350 oil bearing crops are found suitable as potential alternative fuels for diesel engine. Non-edible crop Jatropha curcas has been identified by many experts for biodiesel production in many countries like India. Objective: The objective of this study is to find out the composition of Jatropha curcas oil and its relation with engine parameters. This research covers selected aspects of physical and chemical relation of fatty acid composition of Jatropha curcas oil and its fuel properties. Methods: A gas-chromatograph with high resolution mass spectrometer was used to determine the free fatty acid composition of the Jatropha curcas oil sample. The column length, diameter and thickness were 30m, 0.25mm and 0.25μm respectively. Helium gas was used as carrier gas, column flow of 1.80 mL/min for the GC. Results: The major fatty acids found in Jatropha curcas crude oil were the oleic (3.81%), linoleic (50%), palmitic fatty (35.66%) acid. Some physical and chemical characteristics have been evaluated and found suitable for the application in engine. Oxidation stability oxidizability and cetane number has been calculated as 4.949, 1.076 and found 55.856. Conclusion: The physical and chemical properties of Jatropha crude oil are similar to the biodiesel except the viscosity; therefore, further processing is required. The fuel properties of Jatropha Curcas oil based biodiesel were found to be within the limits of American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specifications for biodiesel and diesel fuel.

Tapping non-conventional renewable energy resources for generation of electricity is the need of the hour, particularly in the developing countries. Renewable energy from photovoltaic, wind turbines and small hydroelectricity plants is eco-friendly and highly desirable for all countries. But, for the developing countries, such as, Sub-Sahara Africa where hardly 14.2% of rural electrification is available, these resources may prove a lifeline. Biofuels may be used as another safe resource for an off-grid electricity generation that covers about 60% of the requirement in Brazil. It may be a choice area for this purpose on small scales akin to the mini-grid system, particularly in the remote rural belts. It has been observed that Jatropha-derived fatty acid (de-esterified oil) is quite suitable for off-grid rural electrification in India. Bio-methanation of press cake (from Jatropha and other oilseeds) is another suitable material for harnessing off-grid electricity at a reduced level of environmental pollution. Several studies, Government reports, NGO projects and field studies show that the objective of rural electrification stands a bright prospect. It was found that there is a major gap in the available literature on the rural electrification through Jatropha cultivation. There is a lack of knowledge of how to make the best possible use of Jatropha for energy generation in India. This endeavor evaluates an Indian perspective of how biofuel-based off-grid electrification may brighten energy scenario, primarily in the rural habitats that comprise over 75% here. It has been also found that the costing of biodiesel is much cheaper than the petroleum-based diesel in near future.

A wide array of therapeutic strategies has been implemented against cancers, yet their clinical benefit is limited. The lack of clinical efficacy of the conventional treatment options might be due to the inept immune competency of the patients. Dendritic cells (DCs) have a vital role in initiating and directing immune responses and have been frequently used as delivery vehicles in clinical research. The recent clinical data suggest the potential use of DCs pulsed with nucleic acid, especially with RNA holds a great potential as an immunotherapeutic measure with compare to other cancer therapeutics. This review mainly deals with the DCs and their role in transfection with RNA in cancer immunotherapy.

Background Breast cancer demands safe adjuvant to overcome the side effects of standard drug tamoxifen. Diet derived bioactive compounds are reported to exhibit modulation of cancer growth leading to cell death. Chickpea is a protein rich edible legume with several bioactive compounds that includes lectin as well. Characterization of chickpea lectin for its effect against cancer cells has been investigated in this study. Method Cicer arietinum L. lectin (CAL) agglutinating trypsin-treated rabbit blood cells was purified employing DEAE-cellulose and SP-sephadex ion exchange chromatography. The lectin was characterized for its biological activity vis-a-vis antiproliferative and apoptotic effects through cell cycle arrest in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Result There is a significant inhibition of the survival of breast cancer cells due to chickpea lectin in a dose dependent manner for 24 hr. Lectin treated cells revealed distinct features of apoptosis. Flow cytometric analysis at 80 µg/ml of lectin induced S and G2 phase cell cycle arrest. CAL induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells associated with lactate dehydrogenase leakage, cell cycle arrest and reactive oxygen species generation. Conclusion Our studies show that chickpea lectin exerted anticancer activity and could be exploited as an essential source for medicine leading to the treatment of breast cancer.

With the interventions of globalization, the human race is lagging behind in its health management. Some of the major health risks involved are cardiac arrest, loss of sleep, lack of concentration, regular muscular pain, arthritis, etc. Arthritis and its various forms lead to regular joint pain and are hampering the daily lives of human beings. Garlic is reported to be one of the best natural medicines for arthritis. The pungency of garlic is due to its various sulfur compounds. Studies have been carried out in determining the effect of these sulfur compounds as antiinflammatory compounds and their role in the signaling pathways of arthritis. Also, there is a scope for advanced level research such as incorporation of nanotechnology and biotechnology for exploiting the potential of this wonder drug garlic for the treatment of arthritis.

The advent of new drugs has resulted in cures for many neural, cancerous, muscular, musculoskeletal, cardiac, and pulmonary diseases that were found incurable in earlier times. Still, from ancient times through today, natural products have been seen as the best way to cure diseases. On the same path, for many decades curcumin has been reported as an alternative cure for various diseases, the major one being arthritis. In this chapter, we have compiled and discussed the potential and prospect of curcumin in alleviating arthritis. The promising results of curcumin's effect on arthritis signaling pathways have been experimentally proved on various natural and induced animal models, paving the way for clinical trials and finally reaching patients. The incorporation of nanotechnology with curcumin administration has increased both the bioavailability and absorption into the patient's body. Curcumin's derivatives and analogs also seem to play a vital role in strengthening the backbone of arthritis treatment.

Background Survivin expression is often associated with aggressive tumor behavior and therapy resistance. In this study, we investigated the effect of survivin knockdown by survivin-siRNA lentiviral vector (Svv-Lent) on the response of HNSCC to chemo-radiotherapy, tumor growth and metastasis. Methods Four human HNSCC (OSC19, Cal27, Cal33 and FaDu) and one normal HOK cell lines were included in the study, and survivin knockdown was achieved with Svv-Lent treatment. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured by MTT and TUNEL assay, respectively. Transwell assays were performed to measure in vitro cell migration and matrigel invasion. Xenograft tumors were developed in nude mice by injecting Cal27 cells subcutaneously and following tail-vein injection of lung and liver metastasis. Results Knockdown of survivin significantly suppressed HNSCC cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in vitro . Survivin inhibition could also significantly reduce in vitro cell migration and matrigel invasion that might be due to inactivation of matrix metalloproteinases. In vivo studies showed significant repression of Cal27 xenograft tumor growth and tissue metastasis leading to improvement in mice survival in the Svv-Lent treated group compared to controls. Our data indicated that survivin expression in HNSCC cells contributed to chemo-radioresistance, and its down-regulation increased anti-cancer effects of paclitaxel, cisplatin and radiation. Conclusions Our findings suggest that sustained survivin expression facilitates HNSCC tumor growth and confers resistance to chemo-radiotherapy. Svv-Lent therapy may be able to enhance the cytotoxic effect of commonly used anticancer drugs such as cisplatin and paclitaxel, and radiotherapy that could provide a promising strategy for the effective control of resistant head and neck cancer.

Globally, increased dependence on fossil fuels for manufacturing plastics, scarcity of space for disposal, and ongoing environmental concerns for nonbiodegradable chemical-based plastics have fueled research toward sustainable process development of cost-effective, eco-friendly, and biodegradable polymers. In this context, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) have drawn much attention as a good candidate and are classified as both biodegradable and biocompatible polyesters which closely resemble conventional plastics. At present, though the technology for PHA and its copolymer production is on an industrial scale, its usage and distribution in varied industrial sectors are still limited due to the relatively high production cost. A high cost is incurred due to the use of expensive, chemically synthesized carbon sources (~ 40% of the total cost), which thereby make it difficult to compete with petroleum-based polymers. In this respect, efforts are being made to reduce cost and make it an environmentally benign process by the development of better bacterial strains, an efficient fermentation and recovery strategy, use of low cost, renewable resources (as carbon source) such as cheese whey, starch, cane molasses, industrial waste glycerol, wastewater, oil, and fats. In the past few years, renewable resources have attracted much interest in producing value-added products. In this review, the current developments in biodegradable polymers in term of their production process through the biotechnological route mainly by Gram-positive bacteria using renewable resources and the applications of widely studied PHA, i.e., poly-3-hydroxybutyrate in different industrial sectors with emphasis on the biomedical sector, will be explored.

The advent of various health care policies and digital revolution has fuelled interest in the direction of food supplements, and as preventive or curative drug containing live non-pathogenic bacteria, probiotics. The widespread usage of probiotics by consumers and in clinical practice has emphatically made to understand the benefits associated with these products. The probiotic products are now being marketed worldwide by several multinational companies. Present review attempts to overview the health benefits of probiotics in impeding various lifestyle or metabolic associated disorders, clinical significance, their efficacy and influence on immune system.

Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPS) are considered as natural bio-thickeners abundantly used in dairy and fermented food industries for quality improvement. In fermentation based dairy industries, researchers are seeking their attention on substitution of artificial food stabilizers with naturals by exploring EPS, especially for improving the rheology of fermented food products. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) being a starter player for fermented food products are believed to be as one of the best natural producers of EPS. These EPS are basically sugar residues, secreted by microbes in their surrounding environment but their in-vitro production is not economical due to the media and processing costs involved. The process of production is also complex due to the involvement of various enzymes and regulatory proteins. With modernization in dairy sector, our understanding towards EPS needs improvement. The review focuses on a brief explanation on the behavior and functionality of EPS from lactic acid bacteria.

The current study was undertaken to study the effect of Spirulina platensis (Spirulina) extract on enhanced oxidative stress during high glucose induced cell death in H9c2 cells. H9c2 cultured under high glucose (33 mM) conditions resulted in a noteworthy increase in oxidative stress (free radical species) accompanied by loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c, increase in caspase activity and pro-apoptotic protein (Bax). Spirulina extract (1 μg/mL), considerably inhibited increased ROS and RNS levels, reduction in cytochrome c release, raise in mitochondrial membrane potential, decreased the over expression of proapoptotic protein Bax and suppressed the Bax/Bcl2 ratio with induced apoptosis without affecting cell viability. Overall results suggest that Spirulina extract plays preventing role against enhanced oxidative stress during high glucose induced apoptosis in cardiomyoblasts as well as related dysfunction in H9c2 cells. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: [Image: see text] ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10616-017-0121-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Developing countries encounter huge economic losses due to frequent epidemics of infectious diseases. The major contributing factor is the indiscriminate use of antibiotics leading to the emergence of resistant strains that are unaffected by existing antibiotics. Moreover, infectious diseases associated with the formation of biofilms composed of a large number of bacterial communities are not easily penetrable by antibiotics at normal doses. Possible routes to the generation of new antimicrobial agents include finding new targets for antimicrobial activity, combination compounds showing simultaneous action on more than one target, and new delivery mechanisms to improve target specificity. Nanomaterials have opened a new avenue as antimicrobial agents owing to their unique properties, such as surface chemistry (functionalizable structure), chemical stability, appropriate size, high surface area to mass ratio, high reactivity, stability, robustness, durability, biosafety, and biocompatibility. Nanoparticles can be utilized to either enhance antimicrobial activity of existing antibiotics, as physical agents that cause cell damage (photothermal activity), or for encapsulating antimicrobial agents for efficient drug delivery. Nanomaterials studied for their compatibility as alternative medicine include metal nanoparticles (gold and silver nanoparticles), metal oxide nanoparticles (oxides of magnesium, titanium, zinc, calcium, copper, aluminium, cesium), and organic nanoparticles (poly-ɛ-lysine, quaternary ammonium compounds, cationic quaternary polyelectrolytes, N-halamine compounds, polysiloxanes, benzoic acid, phenol, and parahydroxybenzoate esters). Inorganic nanoparticles are preferred over organic nanoparticles owing to their stability in harsh process conditions. The modes of action of these nanoparticles are variable, depending on the types of nanoparticles conjugated. These actions include damage to cell membrane by altering permeability due to generation of reactive oxygen species, release of ions that react with cell constituents, such as DNA, and sulfur-containing proteins that inhibit DNA replication and enzyme functions, respectively, contact killing by cationic surfaces or photothermal damage. Although all these nanoparticles have tremendous applications as antimicrobial agents, extensive toxicity testing is required prior to their usage in order to ascertain their effects in a biological system. This chapter will highlight the recent advancements in applications of these antimicrobial nanoparticles, their unique properties, and modes of action along with their biocompatibility issues.

The remarkable properties of nanomaterials, such as their unique electrical, optical, and chemical properties as compared to macromaterials, make them ideal candidates for sensor design. Nanosensors offer unique advantages such as high sensitivity and accuracy, quick response, direct localized detection, and enhanced sensing surface area, which can be easily functionalized. Detection of contaminants in the food industry not only ensures safe storage and transportation within the sell-by period, but also reduces potential health risks involved due to presence of pathogenic microorganisms and the associated toxins. Additionally, contaminant sensors can be used to detect banned dyes and adulterants, pharmacological residues, such as antibiotics and hormones, and allergens. Advancements in the field of food nanosensing including novel nanosensory approaches called e-nose and e-tongue, lab-on-chip nanotechnology-based pathogen sensors, surface-enhanced Raman scattering-based sensors and aptamer-based sensors are discussed along with their current and potential applications

Nanodentistry has evolved as a new science of nanotechnology that helps in diagnosing, treating, preventing oral and dental disease, and improving dental health by using nanomaterials. These nanomaterials include clusters of atoms, grains, fibers, films, crystals, and nanoholes. The orientation of these nanomaterials can be in one dimension, for example, nanofilms and foils; two-dimensional, for example, carbon nanotubes or three-dimensional, for example, quantum dots; nanoshells, and dendrimers. The characteristic nanoscale pattern present on the surface and within the nanomaterials determines their dedicated functionalities. These nanostructures have wide applications in oral diagnosis and therapeutics, which can reduce dosage and side effects of drugs. Dentifrices with hydroxyapetite crystals provide protective coating on tooth enamel and restores surface of damaged teeth. Currently, dental materials have been replaced by nature-analog, surface-engineered dental implants, and anisotropic tooth restorations. Remineralization of damaged teeth has been achieved by using “sensitive” toothpastes containing nanoparticles. Nanostructure Ti products are used in dental implants because of high biocompatibility especially Grade 4 titanium. It has been shown that fabricating a nanostructured titanium implant can regulate the macrophage inflammatory response and improve the performance of the implant. The unique property of dendrimers and nanoshells make them promising tools to be used as therapeutics for oral cancer treatment. Graphene/zinc oxide nanocomposite (GZNC) acts as an effective coating agent for dental implants by inhibiting Streptococcus mutans , which is the primary agent in dental caries. A significant reduction in the formation of oral biofilms was found in the presence of GZNC. This chapter focuses on the role of nanostructures to keep teeth and oral tissues healthy and functioning. The challenges faced by this technology for the betterment of human health have also been discussed.

Hepatotoxicity associated with isoniazid and rifampicin is one of the major impediments in antituberculosis therapy. The present study explored the prophylactic and therapeutic efficacies of Spirulina maxima in isoniazid and rifampicin induced hepatic damage in a rat model. Hepatic damage induced in Wistar rats by isoniazid and rifampicin resulted in significant alterations in biomarkers of liver function, namely, bilirubin, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and oxidative stress markers such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Co-administration of Spirulina maxima along with antituberculosis drugs protected liver from hepatotoxicity due to isoniazid and rifampicin. Administration of Spirulina maxima consecutively for 2 weeks to hepatodamaged animals resulted in restoration of hepatic function as evident from normalization of serum markers of liver function. Thus, the present study revealed remarkable prophylactic and therapeutic potential of Spirulina maxima. Co-administration of Spirulina maxima and antituberculosis drugs is advantageous as it provides extra nutritional benefit.

The study validated the antidyslipidemic, antioxidant, and antihyperglycemic effects of Lagenaria siceraria fruit extract in human subjects with dyslipidemia along with subjects of normal health. A total of 200 mL of freshly prepared Lagenaria siceraria fruit extract was administered daily on empty stomach for 90 days. Significant reductions ( P < .01) were found in triglycerides and total cholesterol levels in blood. Cardiac risk ratio, atherogenic coefficient, and atherogenicity index of plasma were also improved. Appreciable reductions in body mass index ( P < .01) and blood pressure (systolic P < .01, diastolic P < .05) along with a significant reduction ( P < .05) in fasting blood glucose levels were also observed in these subjects. Lagenaria siceraria fruit extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity in dyslipidemic subjects as evident from elevations in SOD ( P < .05) and GSH levels ( P < .01) with marked improvement in catalase ( P < .01) and TBARS levels ( P < .05). Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds. Lagenaria siceraria fruit extract serves as dietary adjunct in treatment of human dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease.

The use of probiotic bacterial cultures stimulates the growth of preferred microorganisms, crowds out potentially harmful bacteria, and reinforces the body's natural defence mechanisms. Streptococcus thermophilus has been exploited industrially for making cheese as well as yogurt. One of the most important properties of this bacterium which is being used is production of lactase, an enzyme that converts lactose (milk sugar) into a simple sugar, which helps people who are lactose intolerant to digest milk. So consumption of this microbe has facilitated to alleviate symptoms of lactose intolerance and other gastrointestinal problems. Due to this unique feature of the microbe, it has been added to several health supplements along with other bacteria with similar properties. Over and above, it also produces a variety of antagonistic factors that include metabolic end products, antibiotic-like substances and bactericidal proteins, termed bacteriocins which assist to prevent several types of infections from various pathogenic microbes. In addition, the bacterium is endowed with enormous important beneficial properties. The following review will discuss with some beneficial aspects of S. thermophilus.

Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. The development of cancer takes place in a multi-step process during which cells acquire a series of mutations that eventually lead to unrestrained cell growth and division, inhibition of cell differentiation, and evasion of cell death. Dysregulation of oncoapoptotic genes, growth factors, receptors and their downstream signaling pathway components represent a central driving force in tumor development. The detailed studies of signal transduction pathways for mechanisms of cell growth and apoptosis have significantly advanced our understanding of human cancers, subsequently leading to more effective treatments. Oral squamous cell carcinoma represents a classic example of multi-stage carcinogenesis. It gradually evolves through transitional precursor lesions from normal epithelium to a full-blown metastatic phenotype. Genetic alterations in many genes encoding crucial proteins, which regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, survival and apoptosis, have been implicated in oral cancer. As like other solid tumors, in oral cancer these genes include the ones coding for cell cycle regulators or oncoproteins (e.g. Ras, Myc, cyclins, CDKs, and CKIs), tumor suppressors (e.g. p53 and pRb), pro-survival proteins (e.g. telomerase, growth factors or their receptors), anti-apoptotic proteins (e.g. Bcl2 family, IAPs, and NF-kB), pro-apoptotic proteins (e.g. Bax and BH-3 family, Fas, TNF-R, and caspases), and the genes encoding key transcription factors or elements for signal transduction leading to cell growth and apoptosis. Here we discuss the current knowledge of oncoapoptotic regulation in human cancers with special reference to oral cancers.

Aims: Selective enumeration, isolation and characterization of lactic acid bacteria from different raw milk sources with special elucidation to lactic acid production. Study Design: Serial dilution for strain isolation from raw milk samples to be done followed by complete morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization aiming to study the microbial behavior to ferment different sugar and producing lactic acid as end product. Place and Duration of Study: Microbiology Biotechnology Laboratory, Tropilite Foods Pvt. Ltd. Gwalior (M.P)-INDIA from Sep 2012 to April 2013. Methodology: Milk samples from cow, sheep, goat, camel and buffalo were collected from the surrounding area of Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh, India, from local milk suppliers. 13 potent strains in terms of lactic acid production were selected for analysis. Gram Research Article British Microbiology Research Journal, 3(4): 743-752, 2013 744 Staining, Catalase activity, Sugar fermentation, growth at high (45oC) and low (10oC) temperatures along with growth in different NaCl concentrations was observed with all isolates. Significant molecular characterization was done to determine the homology between different isolates of lactic acid bacteria. Results and Conclusion: Five potent lactic acid bacteria strains Streptococcus thermophilus from goat milk, Lactococcus lactis from buffalo milk, Streptococcus gallolyticus from camel milk, Streptococcus thermophilus from cow milk, Lactobacillus delbrueckii from sheep milk were identified capable of producing lactic acid in generous amount. Also all isolated strains from goat milk were found efficient in terms of lactic acid production when compared to other raw milk sources.

Survivin is known to be highly-expressed in various carcinomas; and is associated with their biologically aggressive characteristics and drug resistance. We have previously reported survivin as an important anti-apototic protein involved in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumorigenesis and providing resistance to conventional cancer therapies. The purpose of present study was to investigate the potential of survivin as a therapeutic target in HNSCC. This study was designed to explore the effect(s) of survivin-siRNA therapy on the apoptosis in HNSCC cells, and its influence on cisplatin-sensitivity. Lentivirus vector was developed to deliver survivin specific siRNA into cancer cells. The data indicates that silencing of survivin-mediated by Lentivirus-siRNA therapy effectively suppressed cancer cell proliferation and induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in HNSCC cells. The study also shows that the response of HNSCC cells to cisplatin drug treatment at clinically relevant level was limited. We observed survivin to be a key factor involved in this cisplatin-resistance mechanism, and down-regulation of survivin significantly increased sensitivity of cancer cells to cisplatin-mediated apoptosis. Thus, this combination therapy acts as a multimodality regimen with significant potential to improve clinical outcomes in head and neck cancers.

TB is a worldwide pandemic. India has the highest burden of TB, with WHO statistics for 2013 giving an estimated incidence figure of 2.1 million cases for India out of a global incidence of 9 million. Microbiota have been shown to be associated with many disease conditions; however, only few studies have been reported for microbiota associated with TB infection. For the first time, we characterized the composition of microbiota of TB patients of India, using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing and compared it with healthy controls. Phylum-level analysis showed that the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria was significantly higher in TB samples and Neisseria and Veillonella were two dominant genera after Streptococcus. In our study, significantly different core genera in TB and normal population were found as compared with the reported studies. Also, the presence of diverse opportunistic pathogenic microbiota in TB patients increases the complexity and diversity of sputum microbiota. Characterization of the sputum microbiome is likely to provide important pathogenic insights into pulmonary tuberculosis.

The screening for the management of diabetes mellitus must be included into regular HIV clinical care and clinicians must consider the metabolic effects of combinatorial drug therapy for HIV infection and its outcome. Studies are desirable to conclude the pathophysiologic explanation for the high prevalence of diabetes among HIVinfected who are on ART, and cohort studies with significant sample size are required to support.

The spread of cancer in high intensity is a major cause of concern globally. It is developing in an alarming rate irrespective of age, sex, racial/ethnic group, geographic location and tissue invaded. It is marked by uncontrolled division of cells with the ability to invade other tissues, either by direct growth into the adjacent tissue through invasion, or by the migration into the distant sites by metastasis. According to the latest cancer statistics, there were 14.1 million new cancer related deaths which is expected to rise by 70% over the next two decades with nearly 22 million cases. The rate of cancer related incidence is almost 25% higher in men than in women