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Skin cancer and other skin-related inflammatory pathologies are rising due to heightened exposure to environmental pollutants and carcinogens. In this context, natural products and repurposed compounds hold promise as novel therapeutic and preventive agents. Strengthening the skin's antioxidant defense mechanisms is pivotal in neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitigating oxidative stress. Sunset Yellow (SY) exhibits immunomodulatory characteristics, evidenced by its capacity to partially inhibit the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, regulate immune cell populations, and modulate the activation of lymphocytes. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-genotoxic properties of SY using in-silico, in vitro, and physiochemical test systems, and to further explore its potential role in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA)/ 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced two-stage skin carcinogenesis. In vitro experiments showed that pre-treatment of SY significantly enhanced the cell viability of HaCaT cells when exposed to tertiary-Butyl Hydrogen Peroxide (tBHP). This increase was accompanied by reduced ROS levels, restoration of mitochondrial membrane potential, and notable reduction in DNA damage in (SY + tBHP) treated cells. Mechanistic investigations using DPPH chemical antioxidant activity test and potentiometric titrations confirmed SY's antioxidant properties, with a standard reduction potential ( E o ) of 0.211 V. Remarkably, evaluating the effect of topical application of SY in DMBA/TPA-induced two-step skin carcinogenesis model revealed dose-dependent decreases in tumor latency, incidence, yield, and burden over 21-weeks. Furthermore, computational analysis and experimental validations identified GSK3β, KEAP1 and EGFR as putative molecular targets of SY. Collectively, our findings reveal that SY enhances cellular antioxidant defenses, exhibits anti-genotoxic effects, and functions as a promising chemopreventive agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetaminophen (APAP) is a widely used drug known for its analgesic and antipyretic properties. However, its exact mechanism of action is still unclear and has been primarily associated with its effects on COX enzymes and serotonergic pathways. Till date, the immunological mechanisms affected by APAP has gained only inadequate attention. A distinct group of immune cells called Group 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILC2s) are known to play an important role in type 2 cytokine-mediated immunity and their regulatory dysfunction is associated with numerous type 2 pathologies, such as allergy. Conversely, another class of recently characterized Innate Lymphoid Cells called Innate Regulatory Cells (ILCregs) suppress the activation of ILC2s. Maintaining a balance between ILC2s and ILCregs is vital for achieving a well-controlled immune response and tissue homeostasis. Recent studies have highlighted the critical role of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) in the maturation and development of ILC2 functions. Since APAP also suppresses PGD2 synthesis, it was speculated that APAP treatment could reduce the number of ILC2s while potentially increasing the number of ILCregs. To investigate this hypothesis, here, we administered therapeutic doses of APAP to OVA-sensitized mice, a well-established model of type 2 pathological inflammation. The mice received oral doses of 200 mg/kg body wt. of APAP twice weekly, along with weekly OVA sensitizations for six weeks. The mice were sacrificed at different time points (days 14, 28 and 42) to assess the kinetics of ILC2s, ILCregs and immunoglobulins (IgE and IgG1). The results demonstrated that APAP treatment effectively suppressed OVA-induced ILC2s while significantly increasing the number of IL-10+ ILCregs. APAP exposure also led to decreased levels of serum PGD2, OVA-specific IgE and IgG1, and enhanced the level of IL-10 in OVA sensitized mice. Moreover, OVA sensitized mice treated with APAP did not develop pathological changes in spleen, when compared to OVA sensitized mice. Additionally, APAP treatment did not cause any adverse effects on mice liver in treatment groups. These preliminary findings suggest that APAP exhibits the capacity to modulate type 2 immune responses by suppressing ILC2s and inducing the expansion of IL-10+ ILCregs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activation of immune cells in response to stimuli present in their microenvironment is regulated by their metabolic profile. Unlike the signal transduction events, which overlap to a huge degree in diverse cellular processes, the metabolome of a cell reflects a more precise picture of cell physiology and function. Different factors governing the cellular metabolome include receptor signaling, macro and micronutrients, normoxic and hypoxic conditions, energy needs, and biomass demand. Macrophages have enormous plasticity and can perform diverse functions depending upon their phenotypic state. This review presents recent updates on the cellular metabolome and molecular patterns associated with M1 and M2 macrophages, also termed "classically activated macrophages" and "alternatively activated macrophages," respectively. M1 macrophages are proinflammatory in nature and predominantly Th1‐specific immune responses induce their polarization. On the contrary, M2 macrophages are anti‐inflammatory in nature and primarily participate in Th2‐specific responses. Interestingly, the same macrophage cell can adapt to the M1 or M2 phenotype depending upon the clues from its microenvironment. We elaborate on the various tissue niche‐specific factors, which govern macrophage metabolism and heterogeneity. Furthermore, the current review provides an in‐depth account of deregulated macrophage metabolism associated with pathological disorders such as cancer, obesity, and atherosclerosis. We further highlight significant differences in various metabolic pathways governing the cellular bioenergetics and their impact on macrophage effector functions and associated disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary fibers are a major source of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the body, and the fermentation products of SCFAs induced by intestinal microbiota affect energy metabolism. Apart from serving as an energy source in the intestines, SCFAs also inhibit autophagy, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein, LRR, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 inflammasome. SCFAs provide numerous therapeutic benefits through their influence on cognitive functioning and neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) pathophysiology. Additionally, NDDs are associated with abnormalities in the gut microbiota, including an increased load of pathogens and opportunistic microbes. SCFAs maintain the healthy mitochondrial function and stimulate the maturation of microglia, which consequently suppresses the progression of NDD and cognitive decline by regulating inflammation and oxidative stress. Basically, SCFAs function as cofactors for the host's mitochondrial enzymes and are being studied for their ability to reverse the alteration in the gut microbiota seen in many NDDs and cardiac diseases. In the present review, the focus is on the detrimental and beneficial roles of SCFAs in NDD, emphasizing the effects of SCFA on following phenomenon: (1) alteration in gut microbiota profile associated with NDD, (2) the molecular mechanism of metabolic regulation by SCFA's, and its co-relation with NDD, (3) use of mitochondrial antioxidants as a strategy for maintaining microbiota diversity in the gut, and (4) the future direction of metabolism and neurodegeneration in the gut–brain axis. In addition, the interplay between gut microbiota, SCFAs, epithelial barrier, and neuroimmune signaling in neurodegeneration has been reviewed. The current systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that dietary fermentation of nondigestible fibers leads to the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by gut microbiota. Moreover, they directly act on the central nervous system and inhibit the progression of different neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease, and multiple sclerosis. SCFAs act by triggering cellular antioxidants and inhibiting inflammation. The properties of SCFAs depend on the G protein–coupled receptors, histone deacetylases and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, and regulatory T-cell activation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Single-layered 2D nanosheets of α-ZrP were obtained through exfoliation. • Free amine groups were covalently attached to the single-layered α-ZrP nanosheets. • AF-ZrP shows an extraordinarily high adsorption capacity for Pb2+ and Congo red dye. • Non-linear regression methods are more accurate compared to linear methods. This paper reports a facile route for preparing single-layered and crystalline 2D nanosheets of α-zirconium phosphate (α-ZrP), which were further functionalized through covalent attachment of amino organosilane on its exfoliated surfaces (AF-ZrP) to enhance their sorption capacity for Pb2+ and Congo red removal. Two possible surface arrangements of NH 2 groups were observed: one as free amine groups without bonding and the other as protonated or hydrogen-bonded amine groups. AF-ZrP exhibits extraordinary adsorption capacities of 1640 and 1213 mg g−1 for removing Pb2+ ions and CR dye. Further, linear and non-linear regression methods have been studied and compared for fitting four adsorption isotherm models and two kinetics models. Non-linear Freundlich isotherm and non-linear pseudo-second order kinetic models prove the most suitable. The high adsorption capacity, easy regeneration, and reusability rendered AF-ZrP a suitable adsorbent for removing Pb2+ ions and Congo red (CR) dye at industrial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrolytic water splitting is the most effective approach for the production of oxygen and hydrogen as it uses water as a feedstock which is non-toxic, green, and inexpensive. Hydrogen generation by electrolysis of water is an important process for the production of renewable energy resources. The high cost, less abundance, poor stability, and carbon monoxide poisoning of currently used noble metals as electrocatalyst is the bottleneck of this technology. These limitations can be conquered by using transition metal phosphates. In particular, cobalt phosphate-based materials show favorable performance and stability for electrolytic water splitting. Furthermore, cobalt phosphates in combination with semiconductors act as a co-catalyst in solar water oxidation. The variable oxidation state of cobalt is beneficial for fast electron transfer. The phosphate group due to its unique lattice structure helps in the adsorption and dissociation of water on the surface of the electrode. This review will provide a brief outline of the structure and activity relation between cobalt phosphate-based materials. The electrocatalytic applications of these materials in water oxidation, hydrogen generation, and overall water splitting have also been discussed. The role of cobalt phosphate-based materials in water splitting using solar radiation is thoroughly explained. In the end, a diverse range of synthesis methods, challenges, and future prospects have been presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Efficient conversion of CO 2 is crucial for eco-friendly and sustainable catalysis. • Cycloaddition of CO 2 with small member ring generates important organic compounds. • Metal phosphonates are the rising star for highly efficient catalysis. • The ultrahigh stability of metal phosphonates provides a versatile platform. The efficient conversion of CO 2 into valuable products at ambient conditions is crucial for eco-friendly and sustainable catalysis. Designing a competent and novel catalytic system demands profitable utilization of CO 2 to alleviate the global warming caused by the unrestricted use of fossil fuels, industrialization, and other human activities. Metal phosphonates are the rising star for highly efficient catalysis. Several studies prove their potential for CO 2 cycloaddition, but relevant research is relatively scarce. This review demonstrates recent achievements of metal phosphonates research, from a wide range of synthesis approaches for incorporating different organic functionalities and controlling porosity to their application as heterogeneous catalysts for the chemical conversion of CO 2. A systematic study of their catalytic performance, the mechanism for CO 2 coupling with aziridines and epoxides, and challenges and prospects will be explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In past decade, wireless sensor networks have gained attention by researchers, manufacturers as well as the users for remotely monitoring tasks and effective data gathering in diverse environment. The wireless sensor nodes are tiny battery powered devices having limited lifetime, hence for longevity and reliability, the foremost concern is minimizing energy consumption and maximizing network lifetime while designing protocols and applications. In this paper, we review the main design issues based on the model of wireless sensor networks: structure-free and structured for data collection and aggregation where role of clustering and routing is discussed for energy conservation and enhancing network lifetime. These design strategies are the foundation of any networking protocol from the energy saving point of view. A comprehensive tabular overview of different approaches under structure-free and structured wireless sensor networks for data collection and aggregation, clustering and routing is presented with key issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugars are chemically related carbohydrates, most of which are used in food. Based on the dietary significance, sugars can be naturally occurring, low-calorie sweeteners or artificial sweetener. Natural sugars being rich in calories can raise blood sugar levels. Added sugars are sweetener added to food during its production/processing. High intake of natural and added sugar consumption may lead to cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Low calories sweeteners are sugar alcohols derived from pentoses and hexoses and have less impact on blood sugar levels. Artificial sweeteners are synthetic sugar substitutes with a sweet taste that do not raise the blood sugar levels and are boon to diabetic patients. Glycemic index (GI) is a tool that ranks carbohydrates according to their glycemic response. It measures blood sugar response per gram of carbohydrate contained in the food, not per gram of food. Glycemic load (GL) is a newer concept, which takes serving sizes into account. A diet with a low GI and GL lowers the risk of heart diseases, diabetes and obesity. Therefore, by keeping a check on amount and type of sugar intake one can keep health disorders such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders at bay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Plasmodium lacks the de novo pathway for purine biosynthesis and relies exclusively on the salvage pathway. Adenosine deaminase (ADA), first enzyme of the pathway, was purified and characterized from Plasmodium yoelii, a rodent malarial species, using ion exchange and gel exclusion chromatography. The purified enzyme is a 41kDa monomer. The enzyme showed K m values of 41μM and 34μM for adenosine and 2′-deoxyadenosine, respectively. Erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl) adenine competitively inhibited P. yoelii ADA with K i value of 0.5μM. The enzyme was inhibited by DEPC and protein denaturing agents, urea and GdmCl. Purine analogues significantly inhibited ADA activity. Inhibition by p-chloromercuribenzoate (pCMB) and N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) indicated the presence of functional –SH groups. Tryptophan fluorescence maxima of ADA shifted from 339nm to 357nm in presence of GdmCl. Refolding studies showed that higher GdmCl concentration irreversibly denatured the purified ADA. Fluorescence quenchers (KI and acrylamide) quenched the ADA fluorescence intensity to the varied degree. The observed differences in kinetic properties of P. yoelii ADA as compared to the erythrocyte enzyme may facilitate in designing specific inhibitors against ADA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Benzoylperoxide initiated free radical copolymerization of butylmethacrylate (BMA) withα-terpineol in xylene at 80 ± 0.1°C, under the inert atomosphere of nitrogen has been studied. The system follows ideal kinetics with an overall activation energy of 65 kJ/mol. The copolymer(s) were characterized by 1H NMR, FTIR, and DSC. The presence of alcoholic group ofα-terpineol and methoxy group of BMA at 7.2–7.7 δ and 3.2–4.0 δ in the NMR spectra and a band at 3436 cm−1 and 1732 cm−1 in FTIR spectrum, respectively, suggest the formation of the copolymer. The alternating nature of the copolymer is confirmed by the values of the reactivity ratios r1 (BMA) = 0.04 and r2 (α-terpineol) = 0.006 which are calculated by the Kelen–Tüdos method. The glass transition temperature (Tg), determined with differential scanning calorimetry, is 64°C. The mechanism of copolymer has been elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumption of Cassia occidentalis (CO) seeds, a ubiquitously distributed weed plant, is responsible for a pathological condition known as hepato-myo-encephalopathy (HME). The toxicity of CO seeds is largely attributed to the presence of anthraquinones (AQs). Here, we report that Emodin, a CO anthraquinone, inhibits the enzymatic activity of NADPH-Quinone reductase, which is an intracellular enzyme fundamentally involved in the detoxification of quinone containing compounds. Emodin binds to the active site of the enzyme and acts as a competitive inhibitor with respect to 2, 6-Dichlorophenolindophenol, a known substrate of NADPH-Quinone reductase. Moreover, our in-vitro study further revealed that Emodin was cytotoxic to primary rat hepatocytes. Image 1 • Emodin, Aloe-emodin and Rhein are the anthraquinones present in Cassia occidentalis. • Emodin showed the highest binding energy with reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-Quinone reductase enzyme. • Binding interactions of Emodin with the enzyme was almost similar to 2, 6-dichlorophenolindophenol. • Emodin reduced the specific activity of the enzyme by acting as a competitive inhibitor. • Emodin reduced the viability of rat primary hepatocytes at 50 μM concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advancements in peptide fusion technologies to maximize the protein production has taken a big leap to fulfill the demands of post-genomics era targeting elucidation of structure/function of the proteome and its therapeutic applications, by over-expression in heterologous expression systems. Despite being most preferred protein expression system armed with variety of cardinal fusion tags, expression of the functionally active recombinant protein in E. coli remains plagued. The present review critically analyses the aptness of well-characterized fusion tags utilized for over-expression of recombinant proteins with improved solubility and their compatibility with downstream purification procedures. The combinatorial tandem affinity strategies have shown to provide more versatile options. Solubility decreasing fusion tags have proved to facilitate the overproduction of antimicrobial peptides. Efficient removal of fusion tags prior to final usage is of utmost importance and has been summarized discussing the efficiency of various enzymatic and chemical methods of tag removal. Unfortunately, no single fusion tag works as a magic bullet to completely fulfill the requirements of protein expression and purification in active form. The information provided might help in selection and development of a successful protocol for efficient recombinant protein production for functional proteomics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Anaemia is a major health problem in India especially among pregnant women and nutritional anaemia, primarily iron deficiency, is the most common type of anaemia caused primarily due to iron deficiency. About 58% of pregnant women in India are anaemic and it is estimated that anaemia is the underlying cause of 20–40% of cases of maternal deaths. Therefore, the present study was planned to study the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women and to explore the relationship between anaemia during pregnancy and different dietary factors. Aim and Objective: To study the prevalence of anaemia and dietary habits among pregnant women in an urban slum of Haryana. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among pregnant women in the urban field practise area of Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak. All Pregnant women registered in 2018 were interviewed using a semi-structured pretested questionnaire. Observations were interpreted as per the WHO criteria. The data were analysed by SPSS statistical software version 20. Results: Out of 408 study participants, 348 (85.3%) were anaemic with mild, moderate and severe anaemia in 80 (19.6%), 244 (59.8%) and 24 (5.9%), respectively. More than half (50.5%), of the anaemic mothers, were found in the first trimester, respectively. The association of vegetarian diet and tea consumption was statistically significant with the severity of anaemia. (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The present findings showed a high prevalence of anaemia and unhealthy dietary habits significantly associated with it among pregnant women. Efforts to identify anaemia that may be responsive to modifiable factors such as diet to improve health outcomes are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumption of edible oils contaminated with Argemone oil (AO) leads to a clinical condition called “Epidemic dropsy”. Earlier studies have reported that metabolism and oxidative stress primarily contributes to AO toxicity, however, the involvement of immune system has not been assessed so far. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to systematically assess the effect of AO exposure on the function of immune system in Balb/c mice. The repeated exposure of AO for 28 days caused prominent regression of spleen and thymus; severe inflammatory changes in spleen depicted by the loss of distinct follicles, increased megakaryocyte infiltration, and enhanced expression levels of inflammatory markers (iNOS & COX-2). At the functional level, AO exposure significantly abrogated the mixed lymphocyte reaction and mitogen-stimulated lymphoproliferative activity of T and B cells, which is reflective of profound lymphocyte dysfunction upon antigen exposure. In concordance with the loss in functional activity of lymphocytes in AO exposed animals, it was found the AO altered the relative percentage of CD3 + , CD4 + , and CD28  +  T cells. Further, there was a marked decrease in the relative distribution of cells with prominent MHC I and CD1d expression in AO exposed splenocytes. Moreover, reduced levels of immune stimulatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6), and increased levels of immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10 were detected in the serum of AO treated mice. Along with T and B cells, AO exposure also affected the phenotype and activation status of macrophages suggesting the inclination towards “alternative activation of macrophages”. Altogether, these functional changes in the immune cells are contributing factors in AO induced immunosuppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]