Mechanochemical synthesis of a new triptycene-based imine-linked covalent organic polymer for degradation of organic dye

In the present work, a novel triptycene-based imine-linked covalent organic polymer (TP-COP) was designed and synthesized via room-temperature, solvent-free mechanochemical grinding. The as-synthesized TP-COP material was fully characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, solid-state NMR, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method, thermogravimetric analysis, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The HRTEM image of TP-COP clearly indicates the presence of graphene-like layered morphology (exfoliated layers). The DRS study reveals that TP-COP exhibited a low optical band gap value of 2.49 eV, implying its semiconducting nature. Further, the EPR study confirmed the semiconducting behavior of TP-COP through the generation of free radicals. These findings suggest that TP-COP could be used as an efficient photocatayst for the degradation of organic dye (RhB) under solar irradiation. Moreover, TP-COP showed excellent reusability in degrading dye (RhB) without obvious performance decay

Moringin, an isothiocyanate improves the susceptibility of breast cancer cells to doxorubicin

Background: Breast cancer has become the most frequent tumor worldwide and is expected to have a large impact on cancer fatalities globally. Thus, the development of precise molecular diagnosis and prognosis is essential for the effective treatment of breast cancer patients. Doxorubicin (DOXO) is the widely accepted chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of breast cancer. However, the primary challenge with current chemotherapy drugs is their toxic effects on healthy tissues. Moringin (MG), an Isothiocyanate (ITC) is produced from the seeds of Moringa oleifera. It is produced from the myrosinase-catalyzed hydrolysis of glucomoringin. Chemosensitization is a strategy used in cancer treatment to make cancerous cells more responsive to chemotherapeutic drugs. A chemosensitizing drug is used in therapy to reduce the doses of potential anticancer drugs, tackle the resistance of cancer cells to these treatments, prevent healthy cells from toxicity, and decrease side effects for patients. In this study, we investigated the potential of MG alone and in conjunction with DOXO against breast cancer cells. Methods: MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines were used in the investigation. The chemo-sensitization experiments of MG, both alone and in combination with DOXO, were investigated by using the MTT and colony formation assay. Apoptosis was examined by using the AO/PI dual staining, cell cycle analysis, and mitochondrial membrane potential measurement. Expression of cell survival proteins was assessed through semi-quantitative PCR and western blotting. Expression of long non-coding RNAs was performed by qRT-PCR. Results: The MTT and clonogenic assay results revealed the anti-proliferative potential of MG both alone and in combination of DOXO. The expression of proteins involved in cell survival (PARP, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and Survivin) is also downregulated in combination compared to individual drug. We observed an increase in the sub-G1 and S-phase population in MG and DOXO (both individual as well in combination). However, the G1 and G2/M population was slightly decreased with MG and DOXO (both individual as well in combination). The expression of oncogenic lncRNAs such as H19, HOTAIR and NKILA, were reduced and the expression of tumor suppressor genes such as MEG3, GAS5 and MALAT1 was increased. Conclusions: Taken together, results of this study provide evidence that, MG in breast cancer cell lines increases the susceptibility of breast cancer cells to DOXO

Pattern of esophageal cancer in tertiary care hospital in North India: a clinicopathological study

Background: Esophageal cancer is one of the deadliest and eighth most common cancer worldwide. It is the sixth most common cause of cancer related deaths with developing nations making up more than 80% of total cases and deaths. The purpose of this study was to assess the histopathological pattern of esophageal cancer in our region.Methods: In our centre, we analyzed 101 cases of endoscopic esophageal biopsy proven cases of esophageal cancer from January 2014 to June 2016. In most of these cases, dysphagia was the commonest indication of esophageal endoscopy.Results: 65 cases (64.4%) were males and 36 cases (35.6%) were females. Most of the patients were in the age group of 41-60 years. The histopathological analysis revealed squamous cell carcinoma as the most common esophageal cancer (n=61, 60.4%) followed by adenocarcinoma (n=38, 37.6%) and 02 cases of undifferentiated carcinoma (2%).Conclusions: Esophageal cancer is one of the commonest digestive tract malignancy in India. The males are affected more than the females with male to female ratio of 1.8:1. The maximum number of cases being seen in fifth and sixth decade of life. The squamous cell carcinoma is the most common esophageal cancer seen, with middle esophagus being the commonest site. However, the number of cases of adenocarcinoma are on rise

Adoption Level of Animal Welfare Practices among Dairy Farmers in Central Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh

Animal welfare assumes much significance in the era of dairy commercialization, both for health of the animals as well as to improve the farm productivity. Although animal welfare scores, scales and modules have been developed and implemented at developed countries, the outreach of animal welfare and awareness about the same has not been given due importance in developing countries including India. In this context, the present research study was designed to make an attempt to find out the extent of adoption of animal welfare practices by the dairy farmers at field level. The study was conducted in the Central plain zone of Uttar Pradesh State. Four districts (Hardoi, Auraiya, Allahabad and Kaushambi) were selected purposively. One block from each district and from each block two villages and from each village 15 farmer-respondents were selected randomly. A total of 120 respondents were finally approached for the primary data collection. The salient findings revealed that, in case of overall adoption of animal welfare practices, more than half of the dairy farmers (55.83%) had medium level of adoption, whereas remaining 23.34 and 20.83% respondents had high and low levels of adoption, respectively. Hence, majority of the farmers were adopting the dairy management practices which met the welfare protocols of the dairy animals

Epoxyazadiradione exhibit anti‑cancer activities by modulating lncRNAs expression in pancreatic cancer

Background: Azadirachta indica (neem), a medicinal plant under Meliaceae family, is found in the Indian subcontinent. One of the limonoids, epoxyazadiradione (EPA), is a phytochemical isolated from the seeds of this tree. This is widely used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of human ailments. Although EPA has shown promise against some cancer types, its efficacy against pancreatic cancer and the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Aim: We examined the anti‑cancer activity of EPA against pancreatic cancer cells. We also examined the underlying mechanism. Methods: Pancreatic cancer cell lines (PANC-1 and MiaPaCa-2) were used during the study. We performed MTT assay, clonogenic colony formation assay for cytotoxicity. The western blotting was performed to examine the expression pattern of various apoptotic proteins. Real-time PCR was performed to detect quantitative lncRNAs expression. Results and Discussion: After treatment with EPA, the viability and proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells was decreased in a dose- and time-dependent manner. EPA suppressed the expression of apoptotic proteins involved in survival, proliferation, migration and invasion. EPA also suppressed the expression of MMP-9 in a concentration-dependent manner in pancreatic cancer cells. In addition, the limonoid also modulated the expression of lncRNAs (MEG-3, GAS-5, H19 and MHRT). Conclusion: EPA exhibited strong anti-cancer activities against pancreatic cancer by modulating multiple cancer-related signalling molecules

Early Differential Neurometabolite Response of Hippocampus on Exposure to Graded dose of Whole Body Radiation: An in Vivo 1H MR Spectroscopy Study

Whole body radiation exposure induced injury may occur during medical or industrial accidents as well as during terrorist radiation exposure scenario. A lot of information is available on alterations in brain function and metabolism post localised cranial irradiation; changes in brain associated with whole body radiation exposure are still limited. The present study has been conducted to assess early differential effect of low and high whole body radiation exposure on hippocampus neurometabolites using in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS). Hippocampal 1H MRS was carried out in controls (n = 6) and irradiated mice exposed to 3 Gy, 5 Gy, and 8 Gy of radiation (n = 6 in each group) at different time points i.e., day 0, 1, 3, 5 and 10 post irradiation at 7 T MRI system. Quantitative assessment of the neurometabolites was done using LCModel. The results revealed significant decrease in myoionisitol (mI)/creatine (tCr) and taurine (tau)/tCr in animals exposed to 5 Gy and 8 Gy dose compared to controls. In 3 Gy dose group, none of the metabolites showed significant alterations at any of the time point post irradiation as compared to controls. Overall our findings suggest differential change in hippocampal volume regulatory mechanism associated neuro-metabolites following whole body radiation exposure with maximum reduction in case of high dose group. We speculate that these alterations may be a consequence of oxidative stress, neuro inflammation or systemic inflammatory response following whole body radiation exposure

Studies on solid waste generation and composition in the commercial area of Akhnoor Town, district Jammu

The present paper deals with the analysis of solid waste generation and composition within the municipal limits of Akhnoor town which marks its beginning from the main bridge on the river Chenab and extends up to Sohal-Sungal turn. The commercial area was divided into four different zones for the purpose of studies. From each zone, five different types of shops were selected for the sampling and analysis of solid waste for a period of one year. Characterization and management of solid waste along with methods of disposal of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) were studied to analyze its impact on the environment and people inhabiting the area. Proper disposal methods have also been suggested so that the environment in general and the population inhabiting the area in particular is saved from the hazardous effect of fast increasing menace of the waste

Нормативно-правові аспекти дослідження витрат торговельних підприємств

У статті досліджено міжнародні та національні нормативно-правові акти, що розкривають суть та методологічні аспекти формування витрат підприємств у бухгалтерському і податковому обліку. (In the article are investigated standard-legal sources that open methodological aspects of formation of costs of the enterprises in the accounting and tax account.

Metabolic reprogramming in breast cancer patients as revealed by 1H NMR spectroscopy

Background: Breast cancer is a global health concern among women. Several metabolic pathways are dysregulated in breast cancer cells, including alterations in energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism. Reprogramming of metabolic pathways may facilitate inappropriate proliferation of cancer cells and adaptation to the tumor microenvironment. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as important regulatory targets in the process of tumorigenesis. However, the role of lncRNAs in the process of metabolic reprogramming is not properly known. Exploring metabolic alterations and its association with lncRNAs expression might be helpful for developing new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer management. Objectives: Serum from 43 breast cancer patients and 13 healthy individuals were used for the analysis of metabolic profile. Methods: For the identification and quantification of metabolites, 1H NMR spectroscopy was used while for lncRNAs expression, q-RT-PCR was used. Results: Metabolites such as amino acids, lipids, membrane metabolites, lipoproteins, and energy metabolites were observed in the serum of both patients and healthy individuals. The serum of patients and healthy individuals produced measurable amounts of metabolites related to lipoproteins, amino acids, membrane, lipids, and energy. The unsupervised PCA, supervised PLS-DA, supervised OPLS-DA, and random forest classification analyses revealed alterations in more than 25 metabolites. Further analysis of metabolites with AUC value \u3e0.9 revealed significant elevation in the levels of LPR, glycerol, and lactate, while the levels of succinate, glucose, and isobutyrate was reduced in comparison to healthy control. The advanced stage breast cancer patients revealed alterations in these metabolites (except LPR) in comparison to early breast cancer patients. Over 25 metabolic signaling pathways were associated with altered metabolites. Further, a dysregulation in MEG3, H19, and GAS5 lncRNAs were observed in the breast tumor tissue in comparison to normal adjacent tissue. Conclusion: The study reveals that metabolic pathways are altered in breast cancer patients. The study also opens a window for examining the association of lncRNAs with metabolic patterns in patients

A prospective cross-sectional study on prescribing pattern of antibiotics on patients suffering from ENT infections in tertiary care hospital, Pokhara, Nepal

Background: This survey was designed to assess and evaluate the prescribing pattern of antibiotics used in patients suffering from ENT (Eye, Nose, and Throat) infections in ENT outpatient departments (OPD) at Manipal Teaching Hospital (MTH), Phulbari, Pokhara, Nepal.Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in out-patients of ENT department at MTH for 6 month in which a total of 216 prescriptions were observed randomly and data filled patient profile forms were collected and analyzed.Results: Out of 216 patients, 126(58.33%) were male and 90 (41.67%) were female. Patients of age group 21-30 were maximum (29.16%) followed by age group of 11-20 (22.22%). Only 6.7% of drugs were prescribed from their generic names. Data analysis revealed that about 72.24%, 24.53% and 3.23% of prescription contained one, two and three antibiotic drugs respectively. All together 970 drugs were prescribed in 216 prescriptions out of which 251 (25.87%) were antibiotics drugs. This suggested that the average no. of antibiotics per prescription was 1.16. Among prescribed antibiotics, Amoxicillin (7.56%) of penicillin group, Azithromycin (8.36%) of macrolides, Cefuroxime (9.56%) of 2nd generation cephalosporin followed by Cefpodoxime (32.27%) of 3rd generation cephalosporin and Ofloxacin (6.37%) of quinolones group were frequently prescribed. From analysis, we found that other concomitant medications were also prescribed such analgesics, antihistamines, PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitors) and vitamins, minerals and dietary enzymes. The prescribed antibiotics accounted for large percentage of oral dosage forms (89.90%) followed parental injection dosage forms 5.05%.Conclusions: Prescribing more than one antibiotics was commonly encountered indicating the occurrence of polypharmacy which were based on empirical therapy without any culture and sensitivity test report. Therefore, local hospital culture sensitivity database for ENT infections has to be developed and prescribing with generic name from existing essential drug list or formulary should be encouraged for rational drug therapy