Open Access Pub publishes peer-reviewed, free-to-read open-access articles. Showing
articles matching characterization — open any to read the full text,
or download the PDF or XML.
Mar 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2994-6743.ijstd-26-6060
Objective To describe the clinical features and real-world treatment of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) using fixed-dose or free combinations of 2-drug regimens (2DR) of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Design Italian retrospective cohort study. Methods Data were extracted from PLHIV who initiated or switched to 2DR: Group 1 (fixed dose), Group 2 (free combination). Results Group 1 was younger and more predominantly male, and had shorter time from AIDS-defining diagnosis to 2DR-ART and from diagnosis to baseline, a lower prevalence of resistance, and fewer comorbidities than Group 2. Median baseline viral load was <50 copies/mL in both groups, but Group 1 had a higher mean due to outliers. The most common ART classes before switching to 2DR were Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor (INSTI)-based (48.97%), Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NNRTI)-based (22.73%), and Protease Inhibitor (PI)-based (16.53%). Distribution varied: Group 1: INSTI-based (53.13%), NNRTI-based (24.31%), and PI-based (15.04%); Group 2: INSTI-based (29.41%), PI-based (23.53%), and NNRTI-based (15.29%). After switching, Group 1 was on dolutegravir/lamivudine (79,33%) and dolutegravir/rilpivirine (20,67%); Group 2 mostly on INSTI-PI (52.81%), followed by NNRTI combinations, mainly with doravirine (19.10%). Duration of ART after switching was shorter in Group 1. Conclusion Italian PLHIV on 2DR fixed-dose combinations were younger, virologically suppressed individuals at baseline, with a shorter lead time from diagnosis, lower prevalence of resistance and lower comorbidity rate compared to those on free combinations. These findings underscore an unmet need for 2DR fixed-dose combinations, as the free combinations were predominantly utilized for more challenging populations.
Nov 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-22-4344
This study characterizes an oncogeriatric cohort at a cancer institute, reporting tumor types, comorbidities, geriatric assessments, and treatment patterns. Findings inform service planning and individualized care for older adults with cancer.
Jun 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-22-4217
Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the HEXA gene, which encodes the ɑ subunit of the enzyme β-hexosaminidase A. Lacking this key enzyme in GM2 ganglioside catabolism, individuals who are homozygous for HEXA mutations suffer from abnormal accumulation of GM2 ganglioside in brain and nerve cells, ultimately resulting in the progressive deterioration of the central nervous system. TSD is one of three disorders characterized by β-hexosaminidase deficiency; Sandhoff disease (SD) and the AB variant arise by mutations in the HEXB and GM2A genes respectively, which disrupt other points of GM2 ganglioside degradation. Characterized by developmental delay and stagnation, muscular weakness, coordination deficits, seizures, and eventual hearing and vision loss, these three disorders are clinically indistinguishable and occur in three forms defined by age of onset. While there is a much higher incidence of TSD in the Ashkenazi Jewish population, community carrier screening and counseling initiatives have reduced disease prevalence to about the equivalent of non-Jewish populations; however, such efforts have raised ethical concerns in the Jewish community that are increasingly relevant in light of scientific and medical advancements. Currently, treatments for TSD and its related disorders focus on symptom management, with gene therapies and the application of modified CRISPR-Cas-9 technology being explored.
Apr 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2831-8846.j3dpa-22-4066
Thin films are everywhere in the modern world, with many of the technologies we depend upon in daily life being, in turn, dependent upon thin film technology. Chemical bath deposition includes principles of chemical bath deposition (CBD) and concept of solubility product, nucleation and film growth, thin film deposition mechanism in chemical bath deposition. The non-metallic ion source (anions) and metal ion source (cations) then react to form the compound. The nucleation process plays an important role in determining the crystallinity and microstructure of the resultant film. From the discussion of deposition techniques which are physical and chemical deposition methods. Physical deposition techniques contains sputtering deposition, electron beam evaporation and physical vapour deposition (PVD) process have been known for over 100 years and also fabrication films on the substrate, as well as the increasement of the pressure in the chamber due to operation of the sources indicates directly that gases or vapors are desorbed. Chemical deposition process is economically effective and has been industrially exploited to large scale. It can be summarized that thin film characterization techniques include X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM). X-rays diffraction (XRD) is a rapid and a powerful technique used to study the phase of a crystalline material, information on unit cell lattice parameters, crystal structure, crystal orientation and crystalline size.
Dec 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-8862.jvat-21-3999
Vaccines symbolize the main pandemic control tool in the world, which is why they are the object of study in many investigations. In this work, the Abdala vaccine was characterized in terms of adverse reactions by conducting a survey and statistical processing of the data taken through distribution graphs of the same, developed in the Minitab software 16. Of the people involved, 47.67% presented Symptoms that were mild to moderate with the presence of pain in the area of the injection, drowsiness and decay, mainly. Based on the distribution of the data in histograms, the duration of these symptoms was approximately 1 day. Likewise, it was observed that the symptoms occur mainly in females, for 33.72% of the cases in the first dose and 23.26% after the second dose was applied.
Jun 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-21-3740
Millions of people from different countries depend on groundwater, which might contain elevated levels of unhygienic constituents. Poor quality of drinking water in many countries has been forcing people to use bottled water. In the present study, groundwater samples were collected in November 2014 leading to twenty-nine analysis of groundwater samples. The primary objective of this paper is to study the selected groundwater quality parameters as an establishment of preliminary baselines on groundwater constituents. A total of twenty nine water samples were collected (fourteen and fifteen samples from North and South regions of Zanzibar Island respectively. Physical parameters (Turbidity, oxidation-reduction potential ORP, Eh, pH, total dissolved soild TDS, salinity, and Electrical conductivity (EC) were determined in situ using Horiba multiparameters digital meters. Analysis of anions (NO3-, Br- , SO42-, F-, NO2-) was carried out using Ion chromatography (IC). Nitrite and nitrate for some water were below detection limit (BDL) The order of relative abundance for anions in samples collected at Northern region of Zanzibar Island, was NO3- > Br- > SO42- > F- > NO2- , while for the Southern region the order was NO3- >Br- > NO2- > SO42- > F- . In both regions, the orders for other parameters were; Turbidity > pH > salinity; and EC >TDS > ORP > Eh. Almost all the measured parameters were within the WHO guidelines for drinking water. However, for nitrate and bromide, the percentage that exceeded the WHO limit was 7%, and 10.3% respectively. Based on toxicological perspective, although few samples had concentrations above groundwater quality criterion it is fundamental to estimate the intake by humans through the drinking water pathways.
Apr 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-8681.jcsr-21-3770
Ofloxacin is an antibiotic, useful against the number of bacterial infections. This scientific investigation was performed to identify the impact of the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment on the structural properties and the isotopic abundance ratio of ofloxacin using sophisticated analytical techniques. Ofloxacin sample was divided into control and treated parts. Only the treated ofloxacin received the Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment remotely by a well-known Biofield Energy Healer, Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi. The LC-MS spectra of both the samples of ofloxacin at retention time 3 minutes exhibited the mass of the protonated molecular ion peak at m/z 362.17 (M+H)+. The chromatographic peak area% of the treated ofloxacin (52.4%) was increased by 2.03% compared to the control sample (51.36%). The LC-MS based isotopic abundance ratio of PM+1/PM in the Biofield Treated ofloxacin was significantly increased by 22.43% compared with the control sample. Similarly, the GC-MS based isotopic abundance ratio of PM+1/PM in the Biofield Treated ofloxacin was significantly increased by 19.24% compared with the control sample. The LC-MS and GC-MS based isotopic abundance ratio of PM+1/PM (2H/1H or 15N/14N or 13C/12C or 17O/16O) was significantly increased in the Biofield Treated ofloxacin as compared to the control sample. Thus,2H, 15N, 13C, and17O contributions from (C18H21FN3O4)+ to m/z 363.17 in the treated ofloxacin were significantly increased compared with the control sample. The increased isotopic abundance ratio of the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treated ofloxacin may increase the intra-atomic bond strength and increase its physical stability. The new form of treated ofloxacin would be more stable, better soluble, and bioavailable compared to the control sample. It would be more useful to design efficacious pharmaceutical formulations that might offer better therapeutic response against infections in the urethra, urinary tract, gonorrhoea, pneumonia, infectious diarrhoea, bronchitis, cellulitis, bacterial infection of the eye and ear, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, prostatitis, otitis media, plague, etc.
Apr 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-21-3772
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin, which widely used for the prevention and treatment rickets, osteoporosis, arthritis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, autoimmune disease, dementia, glucose intolerance, etc. The impact of the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment on the structural properties and the isotopic abundance ratio of cholecalciferol were evaluated using LC-MS and GC-MS spectroscopy. The test sample cholecalciferol was divided into control and treated parts. Only, the treated cholecalciferol was received the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment remotely by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Dahryn Trivedi. The LC-MS spectra of both the samples at retention time (Rt) ~22 minutes exhibited the mass of the molecular ion peak at m/z 385.25 (calcd for C27H45O+, 385.35). The LC-MS based isotopic abundance ratio of PM+1/PM in the treated cholecalciferol was increased by 0.74% compared with the control sample. But, the GC-MS based isotopic abundance ratio of PM+1/PM and PM+2/PM in the treated cholecalciferol was significantly increased by 66.39% and 62.69%, respectively compared with the control sample. Hence,13C, 2H, 17O, and 18O contributions from C27H44O+ to m/z 386 and 387 in the treated cholecalciferol were significantly increased compared with the control sample. The isotopic abundance ratios of PM+1/PM (2H/1H or 13C/12C or 17O/16O) and PM+2/PM (18O/16O) in the treated cholecalciferol were significantly increased as compared to the control sample. The increased isotopic composition of the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treated cholecalciferol might have altered the neutron to proton ratio in the nucleus via the possible mediation of neutrino. The increased isotopic abundance ratio of the treated cholecalciferol may increase the intra-atomic bond strength, increase its stability. The new form of cholecalciferol would be better designing novel pharmaceutical formulations that might be more stable and more efficacious for the prevention and treatment of various diseases such as vitamin D deficiency, rickets, osteoporosis, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, cancer, diabetes mellitus, mental disorders, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, infections, influenza, cognitive impairment in older adults, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, autoimmune disease, dementia, glucose intolerance, multiple sclerosis, etc.
Sep 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-20-3477
A total number of 100 samples from ten random broiler chicken carcasses (breast and thigh) were collected from an automatic poultry slaughtering plant in Ismailia city, Egypt. The mean values of Enterobacteriacae count were 5.9x104±9.7x103 cfu/g and 7.1x 104 ± 1.1x104 cfu/g for chicken breast and thigh samples respectively. The prevalence of E.coli were 12% and 9% breast and thigh samples examined, respectively. They are serologically identified as 33.35 and 22.2% O157:H7 (EHEC) , 16.6% and 11.1% O114:H21(EPEC), 16.6% and 33.3 %O127:H6 (ETEC) , 0% and 0% O126 (ETEC) and 33.3% and 0% O26 (EHEC) for breast and thigh samples, respectively. The incidence of E.coli O157:H7 was 100% in both serological and PCR methods from biochemical positive E.coli samples. Culture is specific and cheap whereas PCR is sensitive and expensive, hence, we recommend both culture and molecular methods, which improve sensitivity and specificity, to enhance detection of foodborne pathogens including E.coli.
Jul 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-4829.jen-20-3480
Conversion of biomass into fermentable sugars is a major requirement for successful and cost-effective biofuels production. The conversion of xylan to sugars requires multiple enzymes including α-glucuronidase. Here we report the cloning, expression, purification and characterization of the α-glucuronidase from Dictyoglomusturgidum(DtuAgu). DtuAgu is an intracellular protein of 685 amino acids and a predicted molecular weight of 79.4 kD. Enzymatic activity was optimum between pH 7.0 and 8.0 and at 85°C. The specific activity of the enzyme was 10 u/mg when measured using mixed aldouronic acids. The specific activity on isolated glucuronoxylan was approximately 20% of the value obtained with xylooligosaccharides. DtuAgu significantly improved xylan conversion to xylose when evaluated using two mixtures of thermostable bacterial enzymes and two sources of xylan. DtuAgu has the potential to be a key player in thermostable enzyme cocktails for the conversion to biomass to biofuels.α
Jan 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-3139
In this study, a peroxidase from new source was purified using ion exchange and gel filtration techniques. The recovery for peroxidase activity was 19% with 11-fold purification and specific activity of 749 unit/mg protein. Purified peroxidase demonstrated a molecular mass of 39 kDa using gel filtration and was confirmed as a single band on SDS-PAGE. The purified peroxidase revealed a broad optimum pH activity at 6.0-6.5 and 50°C temperature. The kinetic parameters for purified peroxidase toward H2O2 and guaiacol as substrates were found to be Km = 3.355, 5.395 mM, Kcat = 99.52, 79.56 s-1 and Vmax =1.531, 1.242 µmole ml-1 min-1, respectively. The catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) of the purified peroxidase was 14.75 and 29.66 s−1 mM−1 for guaiacol and H2O2, respectively. Peroxidase activity was observed to be enhanced by Cu2+, Co2+, Ni2+ and inhibited in the presence of Sn2+, Al3+, Hg2+, NaN3, EDTA and urea. Characterization showed that peroxidase purified from C. forskohlii has the ability to be used for food industrial applications.
Jul 2019
Co-infection of HIV with Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a common event, particularly in developing countries. The emergence and spread of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is an increasing public problem in India. The drug-resistant M. tuberculosis strains are posing a significant challenge to TB control. This study used PCR to characterize mutations inside the rifampicin resistance-determining region (RRDR) of the rpoB gene in the rifampicin-resistant M. tuberculosis co-infected with HIV. All the rifampicin-resistant strains had missense mutations. Sequence analysis detected a single or multiple hotspot mutations in the RRDR region of the rpoB gene at codons 516, 512 and 531, in most strains. Furthermore, mutations also occur at codons 512, 514, 517 and 526. The results suggest that hotspot mutations in the rpoB gene are not the sole contributors to MDR-TB co-infected with HIV.
Apr 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-7669.ject-19-2753
The problem associated inappropriate management of municipal waste to the ecosystem cannot be overemphasized. This study involved the physical characterization of municipal solid waste streams in 4 commercial dumpsites in Yenagoa Metropolis, using the quartile estimate method. Results showed that out of a total mass of 79.82kg; the individual mass composition was reported for garbage (food) waste 33.32 (39%), paper waste 14.90 kg (40.82%), plastic waste 5.12 kg (6%), nylon 11.01kg (13%), metal 4.31 kg (5%), wood 2.29 kg (3%), electronic 5.69 kg (7%), glass/ceramic 3.48 kg (4%) and unclassified waste whose mass was 4.62kg (5%). Disposal of untreated and unsegregated/uncharacterized waste adverse effect to the environment. It is hereby recommended that the populace to desist from illicit disposal of waste stream. In addition all stakeholders and Government in particular should formulate policies the reduction, reuse and recycling of waste stream.
Mar 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-19-2699
Xanthine oxidase is a commercially important enzyme with wide area of medical applications to develop diagnostic kits. Xanthine oxidase was extracted, purified and characterized from sheep liver (SLXO). The purification procedure involved acetone precipitation and chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and Sephacryl S-300 columns. The sheep liver xanthine oxidase was homogeneously purified 31.8 folds with 3.5 U/mg specific activity and 24.1% recovery. SLXO native molecular weight was 150 kDa and on SDS-PAGE appeared as single major band of 75 kDa representing a homodimer protein. Isoelectric focusing of the purified SLXO resolved into two closely related isoforms with pI values of 5.6 and 5.8. The apparent Km for xanthine oxidase at optimum pH 7.6 was found to be 0.9 mM xanthine. FeCl2 and NiCl2 increased the activity of SLXO, while CuCl2 and ZnCl2 were found to be potent inhibitors of the purified enzyme. Allopurinol inhibits SLXO competitively with one binding site on the purified molecule and Ki value of 0.06 mM.
Jun 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-9467.jgrc-18-2041
The present study aims at integrating the characterization studies conducted on the Cuban germplasm collection of Xanthosoma sagittifolium (Araceae) preserved in the Research Institute of Tropical Roots and Tubers Crops (INIVIT). Differentiation of accessions was done by combining qualitative and quantitative descriptors to clarify the relationships between six well-defined groups. The results may be used to establish a core collection for improved management of Xanthosoma spp. germplasm.
Nov 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-14-391
Oxidation of 1-Proponol, 1-butanol 1-Hexanol and benzyl alcohol using chloromethylated polystyrene (6% Cross link) DMG (Dimethylglyoxime) copper complex or Poly(S-DVB)-DMG-M Where M= Cu) as catalyst and tert.butylhydroperoxide(TBHP) as oxidant, was studied. The polymer supported Cu Complex was characterized by some physicochemical and spectroscopic methods like elemental analysis IR Scanning electron micrographs (SEM). In the oxidation of 1-propanol, 1-butanol, 1-hexanol and benzyl alcohol. It was found that Product yield of these alcohols corresponding the order 1-Butanal >1-hexanone >Benzyldehyde > 1-Propanone. Kinetic data indicates that catalyst could be recycled without significant degradation of polymer
Dec 2012 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-12-68
New research suggests that people living with HIV have the potential to be strong advocates for HIV prevention by passing on HIV prevention messages within their social networks. However, there is a paucity of research into the nature and prevalence of HIV prevention behaviours engaged in by HIV clients, and the psychosocial correlates of such advocacy, which are the goals of this analysis. We examined engagement in HIV prevention advocacy among 602 new HIV clients at two clinics in Uganda. Eighty nine percent reported encouraging others to get tested for HIV, 79% told people they know to use condoms when they have sex, and 61% reported discussing HIV more generally with friends and family. A client was classified as fully engaged in HIV prevention advocacy if they reported engaging in all three of the measured HIV prevention advocacy behaviors. In the bivariate analysis, being from the rural study site (p<0.001), higher levels of HIV disclosure to friends (p<0.001), greater hopefulness (p<0.001), and lower levels of depression (p<0.001) and internalized HIV stigma (p<0.001) were associated with full engagement in HIV prevention advocacy. In the multivariate analysis, being from the rural study site (OR=5.461, 95% CI=3.11-9.61), lower levels of internalized HIV stigma (OR=0.524, 95% CI=0.39-0.70) and higher levels of HIV status disclosure to friends (OR=2.040, 95% CI=1.23-3.38) remained significantly associated with full engagement in prevention advocacy. These data suggest that psychosocial adjustment and functioning may play a key role in empowering HIV clients to be advocates for prevention.
Nov 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-4829.jen-24-5291
The perpendicular orientation of the proximal alpha helix to the heme plane in chloroperoxidase (CPO) maximizes the influence of its intrinsic helix dipole that has been shown to reduce the “push-effect”, thereby increasing the heme redox potential and fine-tuning the catalytic capabilities of CPO. We investigated the effects of a disruption of the hydrogen bonding network between R26-N37 and A27-N33, formed by the proximal alpha helix, on the CPO structural stability and catalytic profile using site-directed mutagenesis and spectroscopy. The mutant CPO (R26A, N33A, and R26A/N33A) exhibited significant tertiary structural changes and distinct heme coordination, likely, due to destabilization of the proximal helix as a result of the disruption of the proximal hydrogen bonding network. In line with these observations, biochemical characterizations showed that all mutants displayed dramatically different activity profiles relative to that of the WT CPO. Mutant epoxidation and peroxidation activities were markedly enhanced, especially in the R26A/N33A CPO mutant. Moreover, all mutant CPO enzymes exhibited broader pH profiles in both epoxidation and peroxidation activities, including a shift in the optimal peroxidation activity towards pH 3.5 as opposed to pH 2.75. Conversely, the dismutation activity (pH 3.0-5.5) was almost completely lost while chlorination activity (pH 2.75-5.0) was virtually non-existent in all CPO mutants. Our results demonstrate the important role the R26-N37 and A27-N33 hydrogen bond pairs play in the heme coordination and tertiary structure of CPO defining its catalytic capabilities, and also suggest the importance of the proximal helix stability and orientation.
Mar 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-8630.jrnm-22-4093
Attenuation differences from 2 x-ray sources allow differentiation and characterization of stone types with similar radiation dose compared to single-energy CT scan. The difference is shown in colours, allowing preoperative prediction and management of stones. We determined the effect of DECT-KUB on urological management of patients with uric acid stones since it was first introduced in our centre. 50 patients with uric acid stones were selected from 2 year groups, each with 25 patients and their urological managements were reviewed retrospectively. We concluded that DECT-KUB is an accurate way of determining the chemical characteristics of renal calculi and can alter patients’ management. It has gained wide acceptance among clinicians in our centre and is now widely used to plan urological management of patients with renal calculi. Based on urological management comparison of patients who presented in the year 2011 with uric acid stones and patients in the year 2020, we concluded that patients with uric acid stones based on DECT-KUB findings can start dissolution therapy instead of surgical extraction or lithotripsy prior to biochemical analysis results become available. Although utility of DECT-KUB is widely accepted among clinicians in our centre it may not be available worldwide and this is the limiting factor in its universal use.
Mar 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-21-3738
The present study aims to shed light directly towards the extraction of (IV) cerium ions using "liquid surfactant membrane" technology, "LSM" developed in the presence of synergistic cationic and nonionic materials. The effect of various factors such as Ce (IV) transport, synergistic surfactants, curing ratio, stir speed, temperature, and mixing time between the carrier and the cerium ion on the extraction rate was studied by LSM taking into account surfactant agents. The positive effect of benzethonium chloride "Hy-1622" on the extraction of cerium ion was demonstrated by LSMs technique. Experiments confirmed the efficiency of Hy-1622 chloride synergistically with Span 80/85 to extract cerium ions with LSMs technology for emulsions in the oil phase is critical as it determines the stability, viscosity and mass transfer resistance of the resulting emulsion. Besides, Hy-1622 chloride was found as a new cationic surfactant that appeared in FTIR characterization and surfactant was found to speed up the permeability process and accelerate the extraction rate due to electrostatic interaction with the carrier.
Nov 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2689-2855.jan-20-3616
The composites of Cu, Carbonyl iron (CI), carbon nanofiber (CNF), graphite nanoflake (GNF)/polypyrrole (PPy) and [(Cu-CI-CNF-GNF) 0.5-PAA]-PPy0.5 were synthesized via different methods by in-situ polymerization on the surface of nanoparticles (NPs) with core-shell structure. This paper describes a method for polyacrylic acid (PAA) coating of NPs in aqueous solution. Then PPy coating was performed by template polymerization on NPs-PAA. Morphology, magnetic and conductivity properties were observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and four probe method, respectively. The microwave characterization of nanocomposite was evaluated through arch test based on a network analyzer. The PPy nanocomposites possessed the excellent microwave multi absorbers properties in 2-18 GHz. It was also found that nanocomposites with 50% w/w and light weight exhibit good microwave absorbing properties in 2-3 GHz and 5-14 GHz frequency, so can be used to cellphone, radio frequency and radar shielding.
Jul 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-20-3466
Background and Objective The use of medicinal plants in industrialized societies for extraction and development of many drugs and other chemotherapeutics and traditionally for herbal remedies has increased in recent times. Plant–based medicine is essential in health care services with about 80% global population relying on it because of its cheap source and availability. Jatropha tanjorensis is one such plant used by males and females of childbearing age for treatment of reproductive problems such as infertility. Literature on isolation and characterization of the secondary metabolites in this plant may not be common. Against this backdrop, this research work was carried out to isolate, characterize and determine the effects of J. tanjorensis on the gonadal hormones of male wistar rats. Materials and Methods The secondary metabolites were isolated, characterized, and identified using nuclear magnetic resonance. The experiment was conducted using 25 male wistar rats weighing between 180-200 g randomized into 5 groups, 3 controls and 2 treatment groups of 5 rats each. The treatment groups received 25 mg/kg body weight of phytol and lupeol orally by gastric lavage for 14 days. The animals were anaesthetized and blood samples collected for hormonal assay. Result The experimental data was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0, while the post hoc test assessed using Duncan Multiple Range Test at p ≥ 0.05. There was a significant decrease (p ˂ 0.05) in the levels of FSH, LH and TST in the treatment groups when compared to the control groups. The motility and sperm count decrease significantly (p ˂ 0.05) when treatment groups were compared to the control animals. The secondary metabolites, phytol and lupeol present in the leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis were responsible for the decrease in some of the gonadal hormones studied.
Aug 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-3030.jcgb-19-2973
Head and Neck cancer (HNC) is one of the most prevalent and lethal cancer globally. The incidence of tobacco-induced HNC is gradually increasing in low and middle income countries. Among the various causative factors associated with HNCs, tobacco and alcohol play synergistic effect and are frequently associated with the risk of HNC. Tobacco-induced HNCs show distinct genetic and epigenetic alterations leading to different clinical outcomes in comparison to HPV-infected HNCs. Tobacco-induced HNCs are often associated with tumor aggressiveness, poor prognosis and low or nil prevalence of HPV infection. Apart from carcinogenic effects of these causative factors (use of tobacco products, alcohol intake and HPV or EBV infections), recent studies show that exposure to these factors alter/disrupt the regulation of non-coding RNAs including the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Altered lncRNA regulation is brought about by signalling networks that regulate cellular differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and inflammatory pathways which play key functions in the genesis of different cancers including HNCs. There are numbers of studies supporting the emerging role of lncRNAs in development of HNC; however, reports connecting lncRNAs expression and addiction habits in HNC are still preliminary and sparse. Therefore, identification and characterization of lncRNAs that are differentially expressed upon exposure to risk-factors can serve as unique therapeutic targets and potential biomarker(s) for effective treatment of HNC subtypes. In this short review, we briefly reviewed the emerging role of lncRNAs in tobacco and alcohol induced HNCs.
May 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-19-2847
Background Carissa carandas L. is a well-known wild fruit plant distributed through-out the India and also present in other countries. The fruits are rich in nutrients and minerals. A number of medicinally important phytochemicals such as carrisone, carindone, carandinol, lupeol, scopoletin, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, myo-inositol, β-amyrin, Des-n-methylnoracronycine etc. have been reported from the extract of this plant. Being safe and cost effective molecules, the activity of phytochemicals against HIV-1 enzymes needs to be screened. Objective The aim of this study was to screen the potent phytocompound of C. carandas against human immunodeficiency virus-1 using docking method. Methods Total nine compounds viz. carandinol, caridone, carrisone, lupeol, p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, rutin, scopoletin and ursolic acid were used for in-silico study towards drug development against human immunodeficiency virus-1 reverse transcriptase (HIV-1RT; PDB ID: 1REV) and human immunodeficiency virus-1 protease (PDB ID:1EBY) using Autodock software. Results The qualitative characterization of the extracts showed the presence of a number of phytochemicals such as phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, terepnoids, terpenes, steroids, glycosides etc. Carandinol was observed as most effective anti-HIV-1 molecule having lowest binding energy and small inhibition coefficient. Another compound, p-coumaric acid, showed least effectiveness against human immunodeficiency virus- 1 reverse transcriptase or human immunodeficiency virus-1 protease showing highest binding energy and inhibition coefficients among all the evaluated phytocompounds. Conclusion The in-silico study demonstrated that some phytoconstituents of C. carandas exhibit potential anti-human immunodeficiency virus -1 activity and hence can be optimized to develop as a drug candidate in future.
Apr 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-19-2735
An integral and efficient management of water for irrigation requires the adoption of new technologies to respond to the challenges imposed by the agricultural sector, in particular to stabilize production through the adequate use of water resources. In this sense, it is vital to characterize and know the amount of area which is under irrigation in such agricultural systems. In this paper we show the use of satellite information data in a GIS environment with the objective of characterizing the productive areas under irrigation in Cruz del Eje, Córdoba, Argentina in 3 types: A) irrigation region B) irrigable area and C) actually irrigated area. Multitemporal image indices and segmentation were used for this characterization and then maps of these 3 types of agricultural land cover were generated. Additionally, we present simple satellite images processing and classification procedures to increase the knowledge about the land cover over this irrigated area. Finally, we discuss how this geographically explicit information generated could be useful for the decision-making process on current irrigated areas and on the potential of productive systems through community irrigation systems.
Oct 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-9467.jgrc-18-2339
We evaluated a set of 37 chilli genotypes collected and maintained at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat for 27 different traits related to plant habit (5), leaf (6), flower (2), fruit (13) and biotic stress (1). The variation in fruit yield among the genotypes could be attributed to high coefficients of variability for component traits viz., number of fruits per plant (91.7%), plant height (80.8%), leaf breadth (55.9 %), fruit weight (49.7%), leaf length (45.4%) fruit length (35.8%), fruit breadth (35.5%) and number of branches per plant (22.2%). Maximum phenotypic variants were observed for fruit traits followed by leaf characteristics. Phylogenetic analysis revealed Euclidean distances varying from a minimum of 2.065 and a maximum of 13.311 indicating the diverse nature of the genotypes. UPGMA clustering grouped the genotypes into 5 distinct clusters. The largest one, cluster I, had 26 genotypes belonging to Capsicum annuum var. acuminatum. Cluster II consisted of Capsicum annuum var. conoides with cone-shaped fruits. Cluster III included Moni Jolokia, a perennial shrub with cone-shaped globose erect fruits which clustered in between the other local C. annuum sp. Bireek and Mem Jolokia. The fourth cluster (IV) included the local chilli genotypes - Mem Jolokia, Bhekuri Jolokia and Haitha Jolokia which were perennial, with green stem and leaves. Cluster V included the C. chinense genotypes consisting of Manipuri Bhut, Bor Bhut and Lota Bhut. The first principal component explained 34.93% of the total variation contributed by mostly leaf and fruit characteristics. The fruit characters in this component showed significant positive correlation with leaf length, breadth and plant height indicating their importance in the morphological characterization of the chilli genotypes.
Sep 2018
Epilepsy comprises a series of chronic neurological disorders characterized by recurrent seizures. Over 50 million people are affected by epilepsy worldwide. In addition, genetic components capable of predicting epilepsy predisposition and antiepileptic drugs response would lead to the development of promising treatment and a better prognosis of the disease. Several genes and their variants have been investigated whether they could affect the onset of epilepsy. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene, the ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member and the cytochrome P450 are the most common polymorphic genes related to epilepsy. Early identification of risk factors for epilepsy should optimize treatment and prognosis. The characterization of genetic polymorphism contribute to the selection of the most promising antiepileptic therapy and avoidance of drug resistance. The development of biomarkers to estimate the risk of epilepsy and drug resistance would have a clinical impact on the treatment of the disease and on anti-epileptic drug therapy.
May 2018
Microorganisms are the main cause of food-borne illness in humans that may occur by consuming unhygienic products from poultry and other sources. With the passage of time bacterial resistance to antibiotics is ever-increasing which necessitates development of new antibiotics. One of the most obvious reasons of antimicrobial resistance in human-beings is the consumption of contaminated food with microbes. The aim of present study is to isolate, identify and characterize the food-borne pathogens from chicken eggs. For this purpose, a total of 240 egg samples were collected from eight different towns of Faisalabad. Samples were collected from egg surface, yolk, albumin and egg tray. Isolation, identification and characterization of commonly occurring egg borne pathogens including E. coli, Salmonella spp., Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus were carried out by different cultural, morphological and biochemical tests. Antibiotic resistance pattern of recovered bacterial pathogens was determined by disk diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer). Zone of inhibition was measured through vernier calliper. The results revealed a high prevalence of Salmonella entitidis with 40.83% following Staphylococcus aureus with 22.08%, Escherichia coli with 17.92% and Bacillus subtilis in a lower ratio with 2.5%. The antibiotic sensitivity test showed different resistance patterns of the isolated microbes. For this purpose, five different drugs were used that included cefotaxime, tetracycline, gentamicin, levofloxacin and penicillin. Bacillus subtilis was highly resistant to penicillin and cefotaxime. Whereas, E. coli showed resistance to three antibiotics that were tetracycline, cefotaxime and penicillin. The only drug to which Staphylococcus aureus showed resistance was cefotaxime. Salmonella was resistant to tetracycline and gentamicin. The study concluded that chicken egg is contaminated with a number of bacteria that could be pathogenic or not. So, there is need of proper attention to cope up with possible future egg-borne illnesses.
Feb 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2832-5311.jpcd-18-1955
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed single-stranded loop RNA molecules with or without protein coding capability. CircRNAs were previously considered to be splicing intermediates or artifacts but are now found to be pervasively expressed in all eukaryotes studied with some demonstrated to have important molecular functions in various biological processes. CircRNA is now a hot study topic of molecular biology. In this review, we summarize the progress achieved so far on plant circRNAs, including identification and functional characterization, compare the similarities and differences of circRNAs between plants and animals, and discuss the challenges for confident detection and functional investigation of plant circRNAs. Similar to what have been found in animals, plant genomes contain a large number of circRNAs that potentially regulate a wide range of biological progresses related to plant development and biotic/abiotic responses. Despite only a few plant circRNAs have been functionally characterized, novel function/mechanism that has not been reported in animals was revealed, implying more exciting findings about plant circRNAs are expected in future studies.
Feb 2018
The possibility of tailoring treatment on specific characteristics of patients – i.e. personalized medicine – has received attention in the field of rheumatic diseases since biological DMARDs targeting a unique pathway have become available. However the idea of personalized rheumatology has advanced slowly, at different paces in different disease groups, and it is only now surfacing in the recommendations for assessment and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Many of the difficulties encountered stem from the recognition that many rheumatic diseases are not a single entity but encompass different subsets identified on the basis of genetic traits, cellular and molecular characterization both in blood and in tissues, laboratory markers and clinical manifestations (most notably in SLE). These differences suggest a multiplicity of pathogenetic triggers, whose various combination results in slightly or very diverse presentations. Developments in companion diagnostics and the identification of distinct subsets within complex syndromes are going to allow the definition of predictive biomarkers able to reduce poor treatment outcome, thus ensuring that we are treating “the right patient with the right drug”.
Dec 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-9181.ijnr-17-1859
Pericentric inversions in chromosome 10 are regarded as both common and rare conditions, based on breakage and rearrangement within each specific segment. We present phenotypic and cytogenetic characterizations of a rare recombinant chromosome 10, namely inv(10)(p11q26), in a 13-month-old flabby girl associated with a maternal pericentric inversion. A review of the literature on the different aspects of this condition is also provided.
Feb 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-17-1423
Background: The diagnosis and treatment outcomes of Non- Hodgkin Lymphoma’s (NHL) in resource poor countries in the absence of routine molecular studies and immunohistochemistry is challenging. Methods: A retrospective review of case folders of NHL patients aged13 years and above. Information obtained from the case folders included age, sex, histological subtype, subtypes using the Working Formulation and WHO classifications. Treatment given and follow up information were also evaluated. Results: A total of 279 cases of NHL were identified within the study period. The mean age of the patients was 48.8 ± 17.0 years. The male to female ratio was approximately 1.5:1. The majority of cases seen (53%) were diffuse large B- cell lymphoma. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia/ small lymphocytic lymphoma (22.2%) was the next most common subtype. Other sub types seen, in order of frequency, included diffuse mixed cell lymphoma (6.4%), gastric lymphomas (3.9%), mediastinal B- cell lymphoma (2.9%), Burkitt’s lymphoma (1.8%), splenic marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (1.1%), lymphoblastic lymphoma (1.1%), mucosa- associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type B- cell lymphoma (0.7%) and follicular lymphoma (0.7%). Conclusion: This study provides an overview of the distribution of NHL subtypes and their outcomes in a resource constrained setting. Immunohistochemistry, cytogenetics and specific molecular studies which are important in characterization of NHLs, should be made affordable and accessible in low income countries.
Nov 2013 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-12-119
The purpose of the research is to evaluate Sterculiaurens gum as a carrier for oral colon targeted drug delivery system. Sterculia gum has been reported to have wide pharmaceutical applications such as tablet binder, disintegrant, gelling agent and as a controlled release polymer, but it has not been exploited as colon targeting carrier. For evaluation as a carrier for colonic delivery of drugs characterization of gum was done. Microflora degradation studies of gum were conducted in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) pH 7.4 containing rat caecal content under anaerobic environment. Solubility, swelling index, viscosity and pH of the polymer solution were determined. Different formulation aspects considered were: gum concentration (10–40%), concentration of citric acid (10–30 %) on swelling index and in-vitro drug release. The results of the isothermal stress testing (IST) shows no degradation of samples of model drug, azathioprine, in the drug polymer mixture and the core tablet excipients. DSC and FT-IR study has proved the compatibility of the drug with Sterculia gum and other tablet excipients. Microflora degradation study revealed that Sterculia gum can be used as tablet excipient for drug release in the colonic region by utilizing the action of enterobacteria. Sterculia gum exhibits premature drug release in the upper GIT without enteric coating and may not reach to the colonic region. From the study, Sterculia gum as colon targeting carrier is possible via coating with chitosan/Eudragit mixed blend polymers which would provide acid as well as intestinal resistance; but undergo enzymatic degradation once it reaches the colon.