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Hydrogel skin grafts provide a moist environment and act as a regenerative template to the newly formed tissue. In this study, we developed 3D-bio-printed hydrogels using methacrylated pectin and methacrylated gelatin together with an antibacterial agent (curcumin), a bioactive agent (Vitamin-C) and fibroblast cells. Curcumin release was almost 10 times higher at pH 7.4 than pH 5.0, and it demonstrated antimicrobial affinity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli. The developed 3D-bio-printed hydrogels containing cells and bioactive agents demonstrated high cell viability, cell proliferation, and collagen production, and are promising skin graft candidates for the treatment of full-thickness problematic wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Vitamin C deficiency, or scurvy, is rare but poses risks for children with poor diets, limited resources, or malabsorption issues. It may also be common in children with restrictive or selective dietary habits in children with global developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder, and physical disabilities. Symptoms include fatigue, irritability, joint and muscle pain, joint swellings, edema, swollen gums, easy bruising, and delayed wound healing. Early recognition and prompt intervention are essential to prevent the progression of symptomatic vitamin C deficiency in children. Case presentation We present a case of a 13-year-old boy with developmental delay secondary to Lennox Gastaut syndrome referred for suspected recurrent, severe, and atypical IgA vasculitis. He presented with irritability, loss of appetite, petechial and ecchymotic lower limb lesions, unilateral gum swelling, severe arthritis, peripheral oedema, severe weight loss, anaemia, and raised inflammatory markers. Multiple investigations were performed before the diagnosis of scurvy was made. A surgical finding of friable gingival tissue with multiple loose teeth, a skin biopsy with follicular hyperkeratosis and extravasated perifollicular red blood cells, and a typical X-ray finding led to the diagnosis of scurvy. Conclusion Scurvy should be given careful consideration as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with musculoskeletal issues, mucocutaneous complaints, and constitutional symptoms such as malaise, asthenia, irritability, and loss of appetite. A focused and detailed dietary history looking for a lack of good sources of vitamin C can be an easy indicator of this differential. Imaging studies revealing the typical features can also help make the diagnosis. Pathology of the skin revealing pathognomonic features can add to the certainty of the diagnosis. In the absence of all else, the rapid response to treatment with an appropriate dose of vitamin C has a diagnostic and therapeutic role.

Background: Vitamin C deficiency, or scurvy, is rare but poses risks for children with poor diets, limited resources, or malabsorption issues. It may also be common in children with restrictive or selective dietary habits in children with global developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder, and physical disabilities. Symptoms include fatigue, irritability, joint and muscle pain, joint swellings, edema, swollen gums, easy bruising, and delayed wound healing. Early recognition and prompt intervention are essential to prevent the progression of symptomatic vitamin C deficiency in children. Case presentation: We present a case of a 13-year-old boy with developmental delay secondary to Lennox Gastaut syndrome referred for suspected recurrent, severe, and atypical IgA vasculitis. He presented with irritability, loss of appetite, petechial and ecchymotic lower limb lesions, unilateral gum swelling, severe arthritis, peripheral oedema, severe weight loss, anaemia, and raised inflammatory markers. Multiple investigations were performed before the diagnosis of scurvy was made. A surgical finding of friable gingival tissue with multiple loose teeth, a skin biopsy with follicular hyperkeratosis and extravasated perifollicular red blood cells, and a typical X-ray finding led to the diagnosis of scurvy. Conclusion: Scurvy should be given careful consideration as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with musculoskeletal issues, mucocutaneous complaints, and constitutional symptoms such as malaise, asthenia, irritability, and loss of appetite. A focused and detailed dietary history looking for a lack of good sources of vitamin C can be an easy indicator of this differential. Imaging studies revealing the typical features can also help make the diagnosis. Pathology of the skin revealing pathognomonic features can add to the certainty of the diagnosis. In the absence of all else, the rapid response to treatment with an appropriate dose of vitamin C has a diagnostic and therapeutic role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the findings of a study conducted in Andhra Pradesh, India, on the quality traits of bitter gourd hybrids. The study focused on parameters such as TSS, vitamin C content, iron content, and charantin content. Certain hybrids, including Preethi x Special Boldar and Kashi Mayuri x Special Boldar, showed promise for quality attributes like TSS, vitamin C, and iron. Additionally, hybrids like Kashi Mayuri x IC-68314 and IC-68314 x Special Boldar exhibited high charantin content, which is known for its anti-diabetic properties. The study suggests that these hybrids have the potential to improve the quality traits of bitter gourd. [Extracted from the article]

Commercial exploitation of bitter gourd hybrids is primarily focused on yield, while limited research has been conducted on the quality aspects of this crop. The study was conducted during the Summer and Kharif seasons of 2022 to identify superior hybrids compared to the standard checks in terms of significant quality traits. A total of 21 crosses were produced by crossing seven genetically distinct parents in a half diallel mating pattern during the summer of 2022. A total of 7 parents, 21 F1 hybrids, and 2 checks were assessed using a randomized complete block design with three replications during the Kharif season of 2022. The crosses, viz., Kashi Mayuri x IC-44418 and IC-44418 x IC-68314 have shown better performance in terms of quality aspects such as TSS. On the other hand, Kashi Mayuri x Special Boldar and IC-44418 x Special Boldar were found to be superior than commercial checks, Pragathi and Monarch for vitamin-C. Significantly greater heterosis for iron content was observed in the crosses viz., Kashi Mayuri x IC-469512, IC-433630 x IC-469512, and Kashi Mayuri x Special Boldar. Charantin, known for its antidiabetic properties, is a significant quality character present in fruits. The hybrids viz., IC-44418 x IC-68314, IC-433630 x IC-68314, and IC-68314 x IC-469512 demonstrated a significant increase in charantin heterosis. The superior cross combinations identified in this study warrant further evaluation to assess their potentiality and stability for commercial release as hybrids or varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The optimized treatment was developed from FYM, vermicompost, mustard cake, goat manure, poultry manure, neem cake, 14.3% recommended dose of fertilizers, and dual inoculation with Azotobacter and PSB (phosphorus solubilizing bacteria). • The optimized treatment improved the morphological and nutritional quality of tomatoes, reduced the concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, and Pb) in soils, and overall, sustained tomato production in alluvial and metal-contaminated sandy loam soils. • The optimized organic inputs harness the climatic conditions in tropical regions to facilitate better color, shelf-life, and ripening leading to higher lycopene contents in tomatoes. • Organic inputs and bacterial inoculation enhanced soil nutrient status, and its overall soil health. • The authors recommend applying a combination of bulky and concentrated organic inputs and inoculation of Azotobacter and PBS for sustaining soil health and crop productivity. The demand for organic tomatoes is gaining momentum globally, especially for their nutritional quality, shelf-life, and yield sustainability. Similarly, the restoration of metal-contaminated soils and maintenance of soil health is getting momentum through the application of organic inputs and microbial inoculations in soils. The present study evaluates different concentrated organic inputs and biofertilizers with a minimal dosage (14.3% of the recommended dose of fertilizers or RDF) under a field experiment conducted at the Agricultural Farm of Amity Institute of Organic Agriculture, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. Organic treatments included mustard cake, goat manure, poultry manure, farmyard manure (FYM), neem cake, and biofertilizers (Azotobacter and phosphate solubilizing bacteria, or PSB). FYM (15 t ha−1) and vermicompost (VC 3.0 t ha−1) (T 5), and the optimized inputs (containing the dual inoculation of Azotobacter and PSB, a mixture of organic inputs, and 14.3% RDF (T 11) significantly improved plant height, number of branches/leaves/fruits, carotenoids, lycopene, fruit weight, yield, ascorbate peroxidase, total antioxidants, superoxide dismutase, total soluble solids (TSS), Vitamin C, and shelf-life in tomatoes. Organic inputs and inoculation of Azotobacter and PSB significantly reduced the concentration of Cd, Cr, and Pb from soils. The authors conclude that (a) the combined application of FYM and VC, and (b) the optimized mixture of bulky and concentrated organic inputs, 14.3% RDF, and the dual inoculation can improve the nutritional quality, minimize heavy metals (Cd, Cr, and Pb), and overall, sustain tomato production in the hot semi-arid alluvial sandy loam soils. The optimized organic inputs with dual microbial inoculations harness the climatic conditions in tropical regions to facilitate better color and ripening, and other quality parameters leading to higher lycopene contents in tomatoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity dysregulates key biological processes underlying the functional homeostasis, fate decisions, and reparative potential of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). Mechanisms directing obesity-induced phenotypic alterations in MSCs remain unclear, but emerging drivers include dynamic modification of epigenetic marks, like 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). We hypothesized that obesity and cardiovascular risk factors induce functionally relevant, locus-specific changes in 5hmC of swine adipose-derived MSCs and evaluated their reversibility using an epigenetic modulator, vitamin-C. Methods: Female domestic pigs were fed a 16-week Lean or Obese diet (n = 6 each). MSCs were harvested from subcutaneous adipose tissue, and 5hmC profiles were examined through hydroxymethylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (hMeDIP-seq) followed by an integrative (hMeDIP and mRNA sequencing) gene set enrichment analysis. For clinical context, we compared 5hmC profiles of adipose tissue-derived human MSCs harvested from patients with obesity and healthy controls. Results: hMeDIP-seq revealed 467 hyper- (fold change ≥ 1.4; p-value ≤ 0.05) and 591 hypo- (fold change ≤ 0.7; p-value ≤ 0.05) hydroxymethylated loci in swine Obese- versus Lean-MSCs. Integrative hMeDIP-seq/mRNA-seq analysis identified overlapping dysregulated gene sets and discrete differentially hydroxymethylated loci with functions related to apoptosis, cell proliferation, and senescence. These 5hmC changes were associated with increased senescence in cultured MSCs (p16/CDKN2A immunoreactivity, senescence-associated β-galactosidase [SA-β-Gal] staining), were partly reversed in swine Obese-MSCs treated with vitamin-C, and shared common pathways with 5hmC changes in human Obese-MSCs. Conclusions: Obesity and dyslipidemia are associated with dysregulated DNA hydroxymethylation of apoptosis- and senescence-related genes in swine and human MSCs, potentially affecting cell vitality and regenerative functions. Vitamin-C may mediate reprogramming of this altered epigenomic landscape, providing a potential strategy to improve the success of autologous MSC transplantation in obese patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Egg quality is of economic consideration especially in thermally challenged confinements during table egg production and transportation. The effect of vitamin-C and folate on heat-stressed chickens’ egg quality and performance is aimed at overcoming the negative impact of exposure to increased environmental heat load at peak heat periods of the year using vitamin-C as ameliorative agent, and efficient utilization of consumed feed, using folate. This is in other to lay quality eggs and perform optimally. A total of 72 Isa Brown laying hens at 31 weeks of age were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups of 36 birds subdivided into 3 replicates and indicated as T1, T2, T3 and T4 while T1 served as the control treatment. The birds were housed in a deep litter pen and exposed to 3-hours additional heat generated with gas-powered burners, for four consecutive days of each week for a period of 12 weeks. The diets for T2, T3 and T4 were supplemented with 250 mg of vitamin-C, 250 mg of vitamin-C + 1 mg of folate and 300 mg of vitamin-C + 1 mg of folate per kg of feed respectively. The results showed that T4 had the highest egg weights (60.04 g), shell thickness (0.53 mm) and shell weights (7.80 g). The albumin weight (37.20 g), albumin height (6.80 mm) and yolk weight (14.70 g) were highest (P

Erythrocytes are exposed to oxidative stress during storage and can be stored for up to 42 days (in AS-7) under blood bank conditions for transfusion. Vitamin-C and Vitamin-E have proved beneficial in diminishing oxidative stress. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the combined effects of Vitamin-C and Vitamin-E on erythrocytes during storage. Blood was collected from male Wistar rats and erythrocytes were isolated and stored in AS-7 (Additive Solution) at 4 °C for 35 days. Erythrocytes were grouped into i) Controls and ii) Experimentals [Vitamin-C (10 mM) and Vitamin-E (2 mM)]. Antioxidant and oxidative stress markers were assessed at weekly intervals. Statistical analyses were performed by using GraphPad Prism software. Hemoglobin increased on days 7 and 14 in the Experimentals. Superoxide dismutase activity elevated on days 7 & 14 in Controls and on day 7 in Experimentals. Catalase activity increased on day 21 in both groups. Protein carbonyls decreased on days 21 and 28 in Experimentals. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances decreased from day 14 in both groups. Conjugate dienes decreased on days 21 & 35 in the Experimentals. Glutathione increased from day 14 in both groups. Superoxides decreased on days 14, 28 & 35 in Controls and from day 14 in Experimentals. Vitamin-C and Vitamin-E have been beneficial in terms of hemoglobin, antioxidants, protein & lipid oxidations and superoxides in stored erythrocytes. Therefore, this study provides new avenues for the development of effective storage solutions which will have a clinical impact in erythrocyte transfusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Egg quality is of economic consideration especially in thermally challenged confinements during table egg production and transportation. The effect of vitamin-C and folate on heat-stressed chickens' egg quality and performance is aimed at overcoming the negative impact of exposure to increased environmental heat load at peak heat periods of the year using vitamin-C as ameliorative agent, and efficient utilization of consumed feed, using folate. This is in other to lay quality eggs and perform optimally. A total of 72 Isa Brown laying hens at 31 weeks of age were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups of 36 birds subdivided into 3 replicates and indicated as T1, T2, T3 and T4 while T1 served as the control treatment. The birds were housed in a deep litter pen and exposed to 3-hours additional heat generated with gas-powered burners, for four consecutive days of each week for a period of 12 weeks. The diets for T2, T3 and T4 were supplemented with 250 mg of vitamin-C, 250 mg of vitamin-C + 1 mg of folate and 300 mg of vitamin-C + 1 mg of folate per kg of feed respectively. The results showed that T4 had the highest egg weights (60.04 g), shell thickness (0.53 mm) and shell weights (7.80 g). The albumin weight (37.20 g), albumin height (6.80 mm) and yolk weight (14.70 g) were highest (P<0.05) in T4 while daily eggs production/treatment/day was highest in T4 (8.04). The daily feed intake was (P<0.05) highest in T3 and T4 (0.42 kg/bird) and (P<0.05) lowest in T3 and T4 (1.51). It is concluded that combined supplementation of layers' diet with vitamin-C and folate at the ratio of 350 mg: 1 mg/kg of feed) help to reduce negative impact of heat stress and enhance efficient utilization of feed consumed. It is recommended as a nutritional management strategy in minimizing the negative impact of increased heat load coupled with very high relative humidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study was designed to explore the efficacy of vitamin C and E (VC&VE) against fluoride mediated testicular, epididymal and spermatozoal anomalies. Thirty two adult Wistar rats were divided into four groups. Group-I was control; Group-II received sodium fluoride (NaF) at 15 mg/kg/day dose; Group-III was provided with VC (200 mg/kg/day) and VE (400 mg/kg/day) plus NaF; Group-IV received only VC&VE. Structural integrity and oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl) of testis and epididymis were assessed. Spermatozoal parameters (count, motility, viability and hypo-osmotic swelling) were evaluated. Testicular functional maker enzymes (acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase) were also assessed. Integrity of testicular and spermatozoal DNA was evaluated. Testicular fluoride content was measured. Fluoride induced structural changes and alterations of oxidative stress markers were observed in testis and epididymis. Spermatozoal potentials were altered and reduced activities of testicular functional marker enzymes were observed. Fluoride caused testicular and spermatozoal DNA damages. VC&VE supplementation resulted in protection from all fluoride mediated alterations and helped in attenuating testicular fluoride accumulation. Antioxidant properties of VC&VE ameliorated fluoride mediated reproductive damages but only supplementation did not exhibit any notable effect compared to control rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the idea that Vitamin C (Vit-C) could be utilized as a form of anti-cancer therapy has generated many contradictory arguments. Recent insights into the physiological characteristics of Vit-C, its pharmacokinetics, and results from preclinical reports, however, suggest that high-dose Vit-C could be effectively utilized in the management of various tumor types. Studies have shown that the pharmacological action of Vit-C can attack various processes that cancerous cells use for their growth and development. Here, we discuss the anti-cancer functions of Vit-C, but also the potential for the use of Vit-C as an epigenetic regulator and immunotherapy enhancer. We also provide a short overview of the current state of systems for scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially in the context of their influencing high-dose Vit-C toxicity for the inhibition of cancer growth. Even though the mechanisms of Vit-C action are promising, they need to be supported with robust randomized and controlled clinical trials. Moreover, upcoming studies should focus on how to define the most suitable cancer patient populations for high-dose Vit-C treatments and develop effective strategies that combine Vit-C with various concurrent cancer treatment regimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the ameliorative dietary effect of vitamin‐C against sodium fluoride (NaF)‐induced toxicity on growth and haemato‐biochemical parameters in Amur carp. A total of 150 fish (average body weight 169 ± 0.69 g) were randomly distributed into five groups (with three triplicates) including G1 (control); G2 (NaF exposure @100 ppm); G3 (vitamin‐C supplemented diet @100 ppm); G4 (both NaF exposure @100 ppm and vitamin‐C supplemented diet @100 ppm) and G5 (NaF exposure @100 ppm for 60 days and then vitamin‐C supplemented diet @200 ppm for last 30 days). Results revealed that growth and hemato‐biochemical profile was best in G3 in comparison with G1, whereas groups G2, G4 and G5 have shown retarded growth, a decrease in Hb, TEC, PCV, MCV, MCH and MCHC. Serum‐biochemical parameters were found optimum in G3 as compared with G1 and in groups of G2, G4 and G5, total serum protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, and triglyceride levels decreased significantly, whereas creatinine, AST and ALT levels increased significantly. In G4, toxicity was less severe in comparison with G2, whereas in G5, after the dietary supplementary of vitamin‐C, parameters have shown a bend towards the normal values. Thus, it can be concluded that vitamin‐C has ameliorative action against fluoride toxicity in fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Heat stress is a major problem in the poultry industry, especially during summer months and when birds are raised under high-density conditions. Previous studies have reported that vitamin C or electrolyte supplementation could palliate the effects of heat stress in broiler chickens. The present study evaluated the effect of a mineral and vitamin mix (AHS) added to drinking water on the performance of broiler chickens. In total, 1,824 one-day-old birds were randomly allocated to 48 pens. Maximum animal density was 26.5 kg/m2. The control group received no additive; AHS-1 and -2 groups received the AHS mix at a concentration of 1 and 2 kg/1,000 L in drinking water, respectively; and the Vit-C group received vitamin C in drinking water at 200 g/1,000 L. All birds were fed the same diets based on a 3-phase feeding program; feed and water were given on ad libitum basis. To mimic heat stress conditions, temperature in the barn was raised to 35 C from 08:00 to 14:00 h each day. For the overall growing period (0 to 35 D), adding AHS to drinking water increased final BW, ADG, and ADFI linearly (PLinear 0.10). No significant effect on mortality were found (8.77%; P > 0.10). Relative to control, all the treatments tested reduced (P < 0.05) corticosterone concentration in blood serum. In conclusion, the combined use of supplementary levels of minerals and vitamins could alleviate the effects of heat stress on broilers chickens.

Novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is a zoonosis that revised the global economic and societal progress since early 2020. The SARS-CoV-2 has been recognized as the responsible pathogen for COVID-19 with high infection and mortality rate potential. It has spread in 192 countries and infected about 1.5% of the world population, and still, a proper therapeutic approach is not unveiled. COVID-19 indication starts with fever to shortness of breathing, leading to ICU admission with the ventilation support in severe conditions. Besides the symptomatic mainstay clinical therapeutic approach, only Remdesivir has been approved by the FDA. Several pharmaceutical companies claimed different vaccines with exceptionally high efficacy (90–95%) against COVID-19; how long these vaccines can protect and long-term safety with the new variants are unpredictable. After the worldwide spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous clinical trials with different phases are being performed to find the most appropriate solution to this condition. Some of these trials with old FDA-approved drugs showed promising results. In this review, we have precisely compiled the efforts to curb the disease and discussed the clinical findings of Ivermectin, Doxycycline, Vitamin-D, Vitamin-C, Zinc, and cannabidiol and their combinations. Additionally, the correlation of these molecules on the prophylactic and diseased ministration against COVID-19 has been explored.

This study aims to improve the oxidative stability of olive oil using microformulated vitamin‐C (Vit‐C). The microemulsion containing 10,000 µg/ml Vit‐C with a droplet size of 1,000 ± 68 nm was first prepared. Free radical scavenging of olive oil and olive oil containing blank microemulsion, different amounts of formulated Vit‐C (100–500 µg/ml), and TBHQ (100 and 200 µg/ml as a standard antioxidant) was around 90% during 21 days of incubation at 60°C. The oxidative stability of the mentioned samples during incubation was investigated using the rancimat test, and their quality criteria analysis was studied by peroxide and the acid values. Results showed that the sample's acid value containing 500 µg/ml of Vit‐C did not show significant differences (p <.05) with samples containing TBHQ. However, samples containing TBHQ's peroxide value were significant (p <.05) lower than samples containing 500 µg/ml of Vit‐C. Furthermore, the induction time of samples containing 500 µg/ml of Vit‐C was significantly (p <.05) higher than other treatments during incubation. Thus, the prepared microemulsion could be used as a natural antioxidant in the oil industry instead of harmful synthetic TBHQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Antioxidants other than vitamin C may cause falsely elevated glucose meter readouts. • Glucose meter users should be alerted to the effects of high-dose antioxidants on glucose results. • Studies on non-blood samples verify the antioxidant detection by some glucose meters. • Parkes error grid analyses highlight the risk for glycemic mismanagement. • Reduced (but not oxidized) forms of antioxidants interfere with glucose meters. Owing to their ease of use, glucose meters are frequently used in research and medicine. However, little is known of whether other non-glucose molecules, besides vitamin C, interfere with glucometry. Therefore, we sought to determine whether other antioxidants might behave like vitamin C in causing falsely elevated blood glucose levels, potentially exposing patients to glycemic mismanagement by being administered harmful doses of glucose-lowering drugs. To determine whether various antioxidants can be detected by seven commercial glucose meters, human blood samples were spiked with various antioxidants ex vivo and their effect on the glucose results were assessed by Parkes error grid analysis. Several of the glucose meters demonstrated a positive bias in the glucose measurement of blood samples spiked with vitamin C, N -acetylcysteine, and glutathione. With the most interference-sensitive glucose meter, non-blood solutions of 1 mmol/L N- acetylcysteine, glutathione, cysteine, vitamin C, dihydrolipoate, and dithiothreitol mimicked the results seen on that glucose meter for 0.7, 1.0, 1.2, 2.6, 3.7 and 5.5 mmol/L glucose solutions, respectively. Glucose meter users should be alerted that some of these devices might produce spurious glucose results not only in patients on vitamin C therapy but also in those being administered other antioxidants. As discussed herein, the clinical relevance of the data is immediate in view of the current use of antioxidant therapies for disorders such as the metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and coronavirus disease 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planting date is an important factor which directly related to crop production in a specific area. Different planting time may affect crop yield and quality due to varying climatic conditions at different stages of crop growth and development. The present experiment was laid out to investigate the effect of planting date at an interval of 15 days during winter season of 2019-20 on the yield and quality of cherry tomato. The potentiality of fruiting in the winter season was evaluated by planting on November 15, November 30, December 15, December 30 and January 14. Data on yield and quality attributes of cherry tomato like plant height, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant (g), yield (t ha-1), TSS (%), pH and vitamin C contents (mg 100 g-1) were recorded. Results revealed that planting time had significant effects on the yield and quality parameters of cherry tomato. Cherry tomato performed better on 30 November planting date in respect of yield and vitamin C content due to favorable climatic conditions at different growing stages as per requirements that may lead to higher yield and quality of fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the idea that Vitamin C (Vit-C) could be utilized as a form of anti-cancer therapy has generated many contradictory arguments. Recent insights into the physiological characteristics of Vit-C, its pharmacokinetics, and results from preclinical reports, however, suggest that high-dose Vit-C could be effectively utilized in the management of various tumor types. Studies have shown that the pharmacological action of Vit-C can attack various processes that cancerous cells use for their growth and development. Here, we discuss the anti-cancer functions of Vit-C, but also the potential for the use of Vit-C as an epigenetic regulator and immunotherapy enhancer. We also provide a short overview of the current state of systems for scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially in the context of their influencing high-dose Vit-C toxicity for the inhibition of cancer growth. Even though the mechanisms of Vit-C action are promising, they need to be supported with robust randomized and controlled clinical trials. Moreover, upcoming studies should focus on how to define the most suitable cancer patient populations for high-dose Vit-C treatments and develop effective strategies that combine Vit-C with various concurrent cancer treatment regimens.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder; affect the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a major antioxidant scavenging enzyme it helps in removal of superoxide. Polymorphism of SOD2 gene may affect the scavenging effect of SOD enzyme which results in rise of oxidative stress in Type-II DM. The present study has been designed to study the effect of vitamin-C as add on therapy with antidiabetic drugs in type-2 diabetes mellitus patients associated with SOD2 gene polymorphism. A total of 64 type-II diabetes mellitus patients associated with SOD2 gene polymorphism (Ala16Val) were enrolled in present study and divided in to two groups i.e. Group A& B. There are three genotypes in each such as CC, CT& TT. Group-A& B patients were treated with metformin1000mg/day+ teneligliptin-20mg/day and metformin 1000mg/day+ teneligliptin 20mg/day+ vitamin C-1000mg/day respectively for 6 months. Glycemic control and oxidative stress was compared before and after 6 months of treatment in both groups. SPSS software was used to analyze the data. All the genotypes of both the groups had shown significant glycemic control (p<0.05). Significant reduction of TAC and elevation of MDA level was found in CT, TT genotype and CC, CT & TT genotype of group-A patients respectively (p<0.05). CC and CT genotype of group-B patients had shown significant elevation of TAC and reduction of MDA level as compared to baseline values (p<0.05). Good glycemic control and reduction of oxidative stress can be achieved with supplementation of vitamin-C along with antidiabetic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, usually associated with oxidative stress. Beside hyperglycemia, oxidative stress also plays a major role in diabetes and its complications such as diabetic neuropathy, nephropathy and retinopathy. Reduction of oxidative stress may have better outcome in diabetic patients. Therefore the present research was designed to study the effect of oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA) and vitamin-C on oxidative stress and lipid profile along with glycemic control. A total of 94 type-II diabetes mellitus patients were taken in open label, prospective study and divided them in to four groups, Group-A (Glimepiride), Group-B (Glimepiride + Vitamin-C), Group-C (Metformin + Voglibose) and Group-D (Metformin+ Voglibose+ Vitamin-C). Glycemic control, lipid profile and oxidative stress were compared before and after 3 months of treatment in all the 4 groups. Data was analyzed By using SPSS Software. At the end of 3 months, significant glycemic control was found in all 4 groups (p<0.001) but only Group-B and Group-D showed significant reduction of oxidative stress (p<0.001). Marked lipid control was noticed in Group-B, Group-C and Group-D. Supplementation of vitamin-C along with OHA therapy has additional effect on glycemic control and lipid level and being an antioxidant, Vitamin-C reduces the oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plackett-Burman experimental design was employed as a screening experiment with five variables for preparation of hard boiled candy. The effect of varying the levels of hard-boiled candy ingredients such as ratio of liquid glucose (30-40%): sugar (60-70%) addition of nutraceuticals namely green tea extract (0.5-1%) and Amla powder (0.5-1%) along with salt (0.1 to 0.2%) on the physicochemical responses such as hardness, colour, total polyphenol, antioxidant radical scavenging, vitamin C and overall quality were studied. Results indicated that a formulation of: sugar 70%, liquid glucose 30%, amla powder and green tea extract 1% and salt 0.1% was considered as the optimum for obtaining a hard-boiled candy (HBC) with highest overall quality. The present study showed that the hard-boiled candy with added green tea extract and Amla powder were natural sources of polyphenols, vitamin C and antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress is a major problem in the poultry industry, especially during summer months and when birds are raised under high-density conditions. Previous studies have reported that vitamin C or electrolyte supplementation could palliate the effects of heat stress in broiler chickens. The present study evaluated the effect of a mineral and vitamin mix (AHS) added to drinking water on the performance of broiler chickens. In total, 1,824 one-day-old birds were randomly allocated to 48 pens. Maximum animal density was 26.5 kg/m2. The control group received no additive; AHS-1 and -2 groups received the AHS mix at a concentration of 1 and 2 kg/1,000 L in drinking water, respectively; and the Vit-C group received vitamin C in drinking water at 200 g/1,000 L. All birds were fed the same diets based on a 3-phase feeding program; feed and water were given on ad libitum basis. To mimic heat stress conditions, temperature in the barn was raised to 35 C from 08:00 to 14:00 h each day. For the overall growing period (0 to 35 D), adding AHS to drinking water increased final BW, ADG, and ADFI linearly (PLinear, 0.05); FCR was decreased linearly with AHS supplementation (PLinear, 0.05). Final BW, ADG, and FCR for the Vit-C group were intermediate between AHS-2 and the control groups (P . 0.10). No significant effect on mortality were found (8.77%; P . 0.10). Relative to control, all the treatments tested reduced (P, 0.05) corticosterone concentration in blood serum. In conclusion, the combined use of supplementary levels of minerals and vitamins could alleviate the effects of heat stress on broilers chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective treatment for full-thickness burn wounds has remained challenging for clinicians. Among various strategies, extracellular gel-based dressing materials have gained attention to promote effective and rapid wound healing. These gel-based materials are porous and have antioxidant, antibacterial, hydrophilic, biodegradation, and biocompatible properties and hence can be used to alleviate burn wound healing. In concurrence with these findings, the present study evaluates thermo-responsive and self-assembled decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) of caprine small intestine submucosa (DG-SIS) gel-based dressing material for burn wound healing. To expedite healing and efficiently tackle excessive free radicals and bioburden at the burn wound site, DG-SIS gel is fortified with antibacterial components (zinc oxide nanoparticles; ZnO) and a potent antioxidant agent (Vitamin-C;Vt-C). ZnO- and Vt-C-enriched DG-SIS (DG-SIS/ZnO/Vt-C) gels significantly increased the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of the therapeutic hydrogel. Additionally, the fabricated DG-SIS/ZnO/Vt-C bioactive gel resulted in significant full-thickness burn wound contraction (97.75 % in 14 days), a lower inflammatory effect, and enhanced angiogenesis with the highest collagen synthesis (1.22 μg/mg in 14 days) at the wound site. The outcomes from this study demonstrate a synergistic effect of ZnO/Vt-C in the bioactive gel as an effective and inexpensive therapeutic approach for full-thickness burn wound treatment. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, linear, precise, accurate and sensitive RP-HPLC method has been developed and validated for estimation of L-Glutathione and Vitamin-C in effervescent tablet. Isocratic elution at a flow rate of 1 ml/min tried on C18 column (ODS) 250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5μM on using a mobile phase consisting mixture of Acetonitrile:Methanol (6:4 v/v). The retention time of L-Glutathione was 7.208 minutes and Vitamin-C 3.825 minutes. The eluent was detected at 255 nm. Linearity was observed in the concentration range of 30-70μg/ml for L-Glutathione and 80-120μg/ml for Vitamin-C. The method is validated as per ICH guidelines. The proposed method can be successfully applied for estimation of L-Glutathione and Vitamin-C in effervescent tablet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are several occupations where individuals are exposed to high concentration of dust particles. The exposed dust can be organic, inorganic, bacterial toxins, viruses or lipopolysaccharides. Exposure to rice husk causes activation of eosinophils and inammation reactions. Cardiovascular diseases are associated with increased lipid peroxidation and decrease in levels of antioxidants. Aim & Objectives: Aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of occupational exposure on haematological and biochemical parameters of rice mill workers by analyzing blood cell Counts, Malondialdehyde (MDA), Nitric Oxide (NO) and Ascorbic acid. Material and Methods: A total of 134 eligible individuals who had been exposed to dust in rice mills for more than 5 years were included in the study group where as another 134 unexposed individuals constituted control group. Estimation of serum MDA, serum NO and plasma Ascorbic acid were done by using semiautoanalyzer. Results: There was no signicant difference between Total Leucocyte Count of exposed and unexposed individuals. Lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil and basophil counts are signicantly increased in exposed individuals. Serum levels of MDA, NO and Ascorbic acid are also signicantly increased in exposed group compared with control group. Conclusion: The ndings of our study clearly indicate that the rice mill workers are under high level of dust exposure which has deleterious effects on their blood and tissues. Increased MDA, NO and decreased Vitamin-C are probably due to high oxidative stress.

Thiol-containing biomolecules like Cysteine (Cys), Homocysteine (Hcy), and reduced Glutathione (rGSH) are involved in various biological processes. In addition, vitamin-C (ascorbic acid, AA), being a common antioxidant, plays a significant role in various biological reactions. In vivo detection of these biologically relevant small molecules by using a fluorogenic probe provides a pivotal tool to unravel real-time biomolecular dynamics. The development of a cell-permeable, water-soluble and non-toxic fluorogenic molecules are always advantageous for their spatiotemporal sensitivity and accuracy. Although the application of fluorogenic probes is widely studied, the deeper investigation of underlying mechanisms has remained curtained. In this report, a fluorogenic probe, 4-azido-7-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD-N 3 ), has been developed for detection of AA, Cys, Hcy among a range of biologically relevant molecules including rGSH with an extensive mechanistic investigation. The weakly fluorescent NBD-N 3 transforms into a highly fluorescent NBD-NH 2 with the action of AA by redox mechanism. However, Cys, and Hcy convert NBD-N 3 into highly fluorescent NBD-NHR (R = Cys/Hcy) via aromatic nucleophilic substitution (S N Ar) followed by S-N rearrangement. The reaction mechanisms for the fluorogenic response have also been authenticated by UV–vis., fluorescence, NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the probe has also been employed to validate in vitro and in vivo monitoring of biothiols and AA in mammalian cancer cells and in multicellular living Caenorhabditis elegans . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exponential increase in the usage of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) has raised global concerns due to their potential toxicity and environmental impacts. Nano-TiO 2 and nano-ZnO have been extensively used in various applications. Thus, there is a need for determining the toxic potentials of ENPs as well as, to develop the possible attenuation method for ENPs toxicity. Both in the in vitro and in vivo systems, exposure to the majority of ENPs have shown R eactive O xygen S pecies (ROS) generation, which leads to oxidative stress mediated inflammation, genotoxicity, and cytotoxicity. Hence, with the rationale of determining easy and economical protection against ENPs exposure, the amelioration effect of the antioxidants (curcumin and vitamin-C) against the nano-TiO 2 and nano-ZnO induced ROS and lethality were investigated in Caenorhabditis elegans . We not only employed pre-treatment and along with treatment approach, but also determined the effect of antioxidants at different time points of treatment. Our study revealed that both the antioxidants efficiently ameliorate nanoparticles induced ROS as well as lethality in worms. Further, the pretreatment approach was more effective than the along with treatment. Therefore, our study indicates the possibility of evading the nanotoxicity by incorporating curcumin and vitamin-C in everyday diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of effects of storage and temperature on the antioxidant potential, vitamin-C contents, total as well as selected individual phenolic acids and flavonoids of fresh aqueous leaves extract of Azadirachta Indica. The antioxidant activity of Azadirachta Indica leaves aqueous extract was determined by scavenging of DPPH free radical, while the phenolic compounds and vitamin-C contents by HPLC method. The analyses were carried out on crude extract of fresh leaves and after storage time of 1, 2 and 3 month at temperature of 20, 30 and 50°C. Storage for longer duration and rise in temperature caused decreasing the phenolic acids and vitamin C contents as well as antioxidant potential. Vitamin C contents were decreased up to 91% upon storage for 3 months at 50°C, while the anti-oxidant potential was decreased 29 %. The effect of storage time and temperature on individual phenolic acid and flavonoids were also remarkable, except ferulic acid which increased upon storage and rise in temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted to study the "Effect of different micro nutrients on plant growth, yield and flower bud quality of broccoli (Brassica oleracea Var. Italica) cv. -- Green Bud" during rabi season of 2014-15 Research field, Department of Horticulture, Allahabad School of Agriculture, Sam Higgin bottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences Allahabad. The experiment consists of 10 treatment viz, T0 (control), T1 (B), T2 (Mo), T3 (Mn), T4 (B + Mo), T5 (B+ Mn +Zn), T6 (Mo +Mn), T7 (B +Mo +Mn +Zn), T8 (B +Zn), T9 (Zn) laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The micronutrients (B, Mo, Mn and Zn) were applied at the rate of 2 kg (B), 0.5 kg (Mo), 2.5 kg (Mn), 3 kg (Zn) per hectare significantly increased the plant height (51.30 cm), number of leaves(22.92), Plant spread (52.83 cm), diameter of bud or head (16.90 cm), average bud weight of per plant (303.69 gm), yield ha-1(121.48q), vitamin 'C' (93.92 mg), TSS (0Brix) (8.37) content, Plant fresh weight (908.28 gm), dry plant matter(95.61 gm), root weight (45.02 gm) and dry weight(11.65 gm) were maximum in treatment T5 and lowest in T0 (control) under Allahabad agro climatic condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]