Wrightia tomentosa Roem. & Schult. (Apocynaceae) is known in the traditional medicine for anti-cancer activity along with other broad indications like snake and scorpion bites, renal complications, ...menstrual disorders etc. However, the anti-cancer activity of this plant or its constituents has never been studied systematically in any cancer types so far.
To evaluate the anti-cancer activities of the ethanolic extract of W. tomentosa and identified constituent active molecule(s) against breast cancer.
Powdered leaves of W. tomentosa were extracted with ethanol. The ethanolic extract, subsequent hexane fractions and fraction F-4 of W. tomentosa were tested for its anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in breast cancer cells MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231.
The ethanolic extract, subsequent hexane fractions and fraction F-4 of W. tomentosa inhibited the proliferation of human breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. The fraction F-4 obtained from hexane fraction inhibited proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells in concentration and time dependent manner with IC50 of 50μg/ml and 30μg/ml for 24h, 28μg/ml and 22μg/ml for 48h and 25μg/ml and 20μg/ml for 72h respectively. The fraction F-4 induced G1 cell cycle arrest, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and subsequent apoptosis. Apoptosis is indicated in terms of increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, enhanced Annexin-V positivity, caspase 8 activation and DNA fragmentation. The active molecule isolated from fraction F-4, oleanolic acid and urosolic acid inhibited cell proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells at IC50 value of 7.5μM and 7.0μM respectively, whereas there is devoid of significant cell inhibiting activity in non-cancer originated cells, HEK-293. In both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, oleanolic acid and urosolic acid induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis as indicated by significant increase in Annexin-V positive apoptotic cell counts.
Our results suggest that W. tomentosa extracts has significant anti-cancer activity against breast cancer cells due to induction of apoptosis pathway. Olenolic and urosolic acid are important constituent molecules in the extract responsible for anti-cancer activity of W. tomentosa.
The ethanolic extract of Wrightia tomentosa (Apocynaceae) exhibited anti-breast cancer activity in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells due to presence of oleanolic acid and urosolic acids. Display omitted
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•Glass substrate is textured by UV lithography process using SU8 2005 photoresist.•Sb2Se3 absorber layer is grown on to the textured substrates by e-beam evaporation.•Multiple ...reflections due to texturing leads to light trapping.•Absorbance enhancement observed in overlay Sb2Se3 thin films.
We propose a method for substrate surface texturing with shallow micro structures (such as cylinders) made up of cross-linked SU8 2005 photoresist on glass substrates for conformal growth of thin films of functional materials. In this work, the textured substrates were used for the growth of antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) solar absorber and its properties were studied in comparison with films on plain glass substrates. Cross-linked SU8 2005 structures, i.e., an array of equally spaced cylinders having the dimensions of 100 µm/70 µm/40 µm diameter and 5 µm height, were introduced over an area of 20 mm × 20 mm on glass substrates via optical lithography process. Thin films of Sb2Se3 were grown above the textured surface using e-beam evaporation covering the glass-like resist structures underneath. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and optical profiler analyses confirm the morphological integrity of the Sb2Se3 absorber layer grown on textured substrates. Raman spectra were collected on plain and textured samples to probe the structural uniformity. The optical absorbance data of Sb2Se3 thin films grown on plain and periodically textured glass substrates were investigated using UV–Vis-NIR spectroscopy to study the effects of substrate texturing.
Use of biomaterial scaffolds as drug carriers for infected wounds treatment is of wide scope. A series of curcumin/TiO2 complex loaded chitosan scaffolds are fabricated for the same. Synthesized ...wound dressing material is screened for their morphology, water absorption capacity; in vitro drug release patterns, in vitro antibacterial studies against gram +ve and a gram −ve bacteria, cell viability for 3T3-L1 cell lines as well as in vivo MRSA infected wound healing capability. Formation of curcumin/TiO2 complex was confirmed by X-ray diffraction studies, the anchoring pattern of them on the chitosan scaffold was analyzed by FESEM and EDS mapping. All membranes showed a better performance towards in vitro antibacterial and in vivo wound healing properties than the control ones in 14 days. The bacterial count on wound for a regular time period was measured and the scaffold with higher amount of curcumin in its complex is found to give the better performance, along with skin regeneration due to synergistic effect of curcumin and TiO2.
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The constant increase in cardiovascular disease rate coupled with significant drawbacks of existing therapies emphasise the necessity to improve therapeutic strategies. Natural flavonoids exert ...innumerable pharmacological effects in humans. Here, we demonstrate the effects of chrysin, a natural flavonoid found largely in honey and passionflower on the modulation of platelet function, haemostasis and thrombosis. Chrysin displayed significant inhibitory effects on isolated platelets, however, its activity was substantially reduced under physiological conditions. In order to increase the efficacy of chrysin, a sulfur derivative (thio-chrysin), and ruthenium-complexes (Ru-chrysin and Ru-thio-chrysin) were synthesised and their effects on the modulation of platelet function were evaluated. Indeed, Ru-thio-chrysin displayed a 4-fold greater inhibition of platelet function and thrombus formation in vitro than chrysin under physiologically relevant conditions such as in platelet-rich plasma and whole blood. Notably, Ru-thio-chrysin exhibited similar efficacy to chrysin in the modulation of haemostasis in mice. Increased bioavailability and cell permeability of Ru-thio-chrysin compared to chrysin were found to be the basis for its enhanced activity. Together, these results demonstrate that Ru-thio-coupled natural compounds such as chrysin may serve as promising templates for the development of novel anti-thrombotic agents.
The spread of John’s disease in camel herds (
Camelus dromedarius
) has been worldwide reported. Despite extensive studies on
Mycobacterium avium
subspecies
paratuberculosis
(MAP) infection in ...camels, the complete pathogenesis and epidemiology of this infection have not been fully exploited. The objective of the study is focusing on the nature of the immune responses, and the types of the recruited cells were studied in the intestine of naturally infected camels employing immunohistochemistry to analyze the expression of CD335, CD103, CD11b, and CD38 markers. Marked expression of some or all of the markers was observed in the ileum, mesenteric, and supramammary lymph nodes of the old infected camels. The expression of CD335, a well-known natural killer (NK) cell marker, was detected in the mesenteric lymph node, while the dendritic cell (DCs) marker, CD103, was markedly expressed in the villi and propria submucosa (PS) of the ileum in old infected camels. CD103 + and CD11b + DCs were detected in the mesenteric lymph nodes of young infected camels. The expression of CD38, a crucial proinflammatory marker, was more noticeable in the peripheral region of the mesenteric lymph node. The expression of these markers in the infected camel intestine was peculiar and is reported for the first time. In summary, the unique expression patterns of CD335, CD103, CD11b, and CD38 markers in naturally infected camel intestines revealed through immunohistochemistry new insights into the immune responses associated with MAP infection. These first-time observations suggest potential roles of innate and adaptive immunity, highlighting specific aspects of MAP immunopathology. Further studies with targeted tools are crucial for a precise understanding of these markers’ roles in the infected intestines.
We propose an atom interferometer gravitational wave detector in low Earth orbit (AGIS-LEO). Gravitational waves can be observed by comparing a pair of atom interferometers separated by a 30 km ...baseline. In the proposed configuration, one or three of these interferometer pairs are simultaneously operated through the use of two or three satellites in formation flight. The three satellite configuration allows for the increased suppression of multiple noise sources and for the detection of stochastic gravitational wave signals. The mission will offer a strain sensitivity of
in the 50mHz–10Hz frequency range, providing access to a rich scientific region with substantial discovery potential. This band is not currently addressed with the LIGO, VIRGO, or LISA instruments. We analyze systematic backgrounds that are relevant to the mission and discuss how they can be mitigated at the required levels. Some of these effects do not appear to have been considered previously in the context of atom interferometry, and we therefore expect that our analysis will be broadly relevant to atom interferometric precision measurements. Finally, we present a brief conceptual overview of shorter-baseline
atom interferometer configurations that could be deployed as proof-of-principle instruments on the International Space Station (AGIS-ISS) or an independent satellite.
Astrocytes are indispensable for proper neuronal functioning. Given the diverse needs of neuronal circuits and the variety of tasks astrocytes perform, the perceived homogeneous nature of astrocytes ...has been questioned. In the spinal dorsal horn, complex neuronal circuitries regulate the integration of sensory information of different modalities. The dorsal horn is organized in a distinct laminar manner based on termination patterns of high‐ and low‐threshold afferent fibers and neuronal properties. Neurons in laminae I (L1) and II (L2) integrate potentially painful, nociceptive information, whereas neurons in lamina III (L3) and deeper laminae integrate innocuous, tactile information from the periphery. Sensory information is also integrated by an uncharacterized network of astrocytes. How these lamina‐specific characteristics of neuronal circuits of the dorsal horn are of functional importance for properties of astrocytes is currently unknown. We addressed if astrocytes in L1, L2, and L3 of the upper dorsal horn of mice are differentially equipped for the needs of neuronal circuits that process sensory information of different modalities. We found that astrocytes in L1 and L2 were characterized by a higher density, higher expression of GFAP, Cx43, and GLAST and a faster coupling speed than astrocytes located in L3. L1 astrocytes were more responsive to Kir4.1 blockade and had higher levels of AQP4 compared to L3 astrocytes. In contrast, basic membrane properties, network formation, and somatic intracellular calcium signaling were similar in L1–L3 astrocytes. Our data indicate that the properties of spinal astrocytes are fine‐tuned for the integration of nociceptive versus tactile information.
Main Points
In‐depth characterization of spinal astrocytes in the upper dorsal horn of mice.
Distinct lamina‐ and circuit‐specific properties of spinal astrocytes.
Fine‐tuning of astrocytic properties for the integration of nociceptive versus tactile information.
Global availability, cost-effectiveness and the excellent crack bridging mechanism offered by the natural fibers played a vital role in the development of sustainable construction. On the other hand, ...research works in the geopolymer concrete are a significant domain in terms of its zero carbon footprints. Hybridization of natural fibers such as coir and sisal etc, in the geopolymer composite enhanced the ductility and flexural strength of the composite by 37 to 60% than the one developed by synthetic fiber alone. This paper aims to review the reinforcement hybridized effect of natural fiber in the geopolymer concrete development. In case of natural organic fibers, the presence of high polarized hydroxyl groups such as hemicelluloses and lignin reduced the rate of polymerization process and induced porosity. But, the fiber cellulosic content bridges the micro cracks and enhanced the ductility by 60% in the geopolymer composites. Also, the thermal instability and excessive hydrophilic tendency of the natural fibers affects the thermal and workability properties. To overcome these effects, this paper highlights the variation of the behavioral changes by correlating the natural fiber properties and mechanism in order to ensure the development of the most sustainable and eco-friendly natural fiber reinforced geopolymer concrete construction.
A new concept has been introduced that the combination of rotational mode shape with two‐dimensional wavelet packet transform to detect the added mass (damage) in a glass fibre reinforced polymer ...composite plate structure. Wavelet packet transform is an advanced signal processing tool that can magnify the abnormality features in the signal. Rotational mode shapes are sensitive to damage in beam and plate structures. The proposed method employs an added mass, which slides to different locations to alter the local and global dynamic characteristics of the structure. Finite element analysis is carried out to obtain the first three rotational bending mode shapes, from the damaged plate structure, then used as input to two‐dimensional wavelet packet transform. The numerical results of normalised diagonal detail wavelet packet coefficients show a peak at single or multiple added mass (damage) locations of a plate structure for two different boundary conditions. This method seems to be sensitive to relatively small amount of damage to the plate structure. A simple parametric study is carried out for the damage extent quantification. In addition, investigation with noise‐contaminated signals shows its feasibility in the real applications.
Aim: The current survey was conducted to assess the knowledge and awareness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) among oral surgeons in the state of Tamil Nadu. Methodology: The cross-sectional ...questionnaire survey was conducted among oral surgeons in the state of Tamil Nadu. The self-administered questions related to knowledge and awareness of PRP were collected from 500 participants. The statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences SPSS (V 22.0).The frequency distribution was computed. Results: This survey exposed that 454 (90.4%) respondents had knowledge and awareness about the role of PRP. Forty (7.0%) were knowledgeable regarding the PRP treatment. Four hundred and fifty-four (90.6%) had aware about the usage of PRP procedures in oral surgery. Conclusion: The current study's findings indicate that the oral surgeons were aware of PRP as an auxiliary therapeutic technique for wound healing and maturation.
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