Zirconia implants: a promising alternative to titanium?

Colocasia esculenta is commonly known as Taro, it is referred to as cocoyam in Nigeria. They are cherished for their rich taste, nutritional and medicinal properties. Every 100 g of taro corms possess 112 Kcal, 26.46 g carbohydrate, 1.50 g protein, 0.20 g total fat and 4.1g fiber (USDA National Nutrient Data Base). Besides its nutritional value, taro is used as a medical plant and provides bioactive compounds used as an anti-cancer drugs. Traditionally, cocoyams are vegetative propagated from tuber fragments, a practice that encourages pathogen distribution. Colocasia esculenta is a widely distributed food crop in the humid tropics and subtropics. Despite of its wide distribution, Taro plants are commonly infected with DsMV and other pathogens. This virus induces conspicuous mosaic, malformation, dwarfing or feathering on leaves in taro. As the results of infection, it reduces the quality and yield of taro production greatly. This virus is thus considered as a major limiting factor in the production of taro. Here plays the importance of tissue culture plays a major role in producing the disease resistant plants round the year with high quality. For rapid multiplication and production of quality planting materials, tissue culture technology offers promising alternative compared to the traditional production methods. KEYWORDS: Colocasia esculenta, Virus, Pathogens, Conventional propagation, Micropropagation, Yield, Rapid multiplication, Quality

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Does Brand Awareness Impact Purchase Decision: A Case of Organic Grocery

International Journal of Emerging Research in Management and Technology ◽

10.23956/ijermt.v6i7.182 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (7) ◽

pp. 45

Author(s):

Gunjan Gumber ◽

Jyoti Rana

Keyword(s):

Organic Food ◽

Brand Awareness ◽

National Capital Region ◽

Promising Alternative ◽

Brand Recall ◽

Brand Building ◽

Brand Recognition ◽

National Capital ◽

High Level ◽

Structured Questionnaire

In India, the concept of organic food is gaining widespread acceptability. Consumers are becoming more conscious about their health and are looking for food that serves as a promising alternative. Corporates, NGOs, Spiritual leaders and Government are also promoting this food, as it is free from irradiation, chemicals and artificial additives. A number of organic food brands are available in the market. The main objective of this study is to find out the level of brand awareness and its influence on purchase of organic grocery. The data was collected from 150 organic consumers in National Capital Region (Delhi, Gurgaon, Faridabad and Noida) through a structured questionnaire. Questions related to brand recall, brand recognition and purchase of organic grocery were asked. It was found that in general, there is a low level of brand awareness among consumers, and those who have high level of awareness; they consume organic grocery more often. The study will help corporates to make effective communication and brand-building strategies.

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Silica Sol-Gel Microbead Encapsulation as a Novel Delivery Method for Symbiotic Microbes

10.26434/chemrxiv.13277495.v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Luke Elissiry ◽

Jingwen Sun ◽

Ann M. Hirsch ◽

Chong Liu

Keyword(s):

Plant Growth ◽

Crop Yields ◽

Sol Gel ◽

Plate Count ◽

Similar Amount ◽

Delivery Method ◽

Hormone Production ◽

Promising Alternative ◽

Synthetic Fertilizer ◽

Inorganic Nanomaterials

Synthetic fertilizer is responsible for the greatly increased crop yields that have enabled worldwide industrialization. However, the production and use of such fertilizers are environmentally unfriendly and unsustainable; synthetic fertilizers are produced via non-renewable resources and fertilizer runoff causes groundwater contamination and eutrophication. A promising alternative to synthetic fertilizer is bacterial inoculation. In this process, a symbiotic relationship is formed between a crop and bacteria species that can fix nitrogen, solubilize phosphorus, and stimulate plant hormone production. The bacteria carrier developed here aims to maintain bacteria viability while in storage, protect bacteria while encapsulated, and provide a sustained and controllable bacterial release. This novel bacterial delivery method utilizes inorganic nanomaterials, silica microbeads, to encapsulate symbiotic bacteria. These microbeads, which were produced with aqueous, non-toxic precursors, are sprayed directly onto crop seeds and solidify on the seeds as a resilient silica matrix. The bacterial release from the carrier was found by submerging coated seeds in solution to simulate degradation in soil environments, measuring the number of bacteria released by the plate count technique, and comparing the carrier to seeds coated only in bacteria. The carrier’s effectiveness to enhance plant growth was determined through greenhouse plant assays with alfalfa (Medicago sativa) plants and the nitrogen-fixing Sinorhizobium meliloti Rm1021 strain. When compared to bacteria-only inoculation, the silica microbead carrier exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) increased holding capacity of viable bacteria and increased plant growth by a similar amount, demonstrating the capability of inorganic nanomaterials for microbial delivery. The carrier presented in this work has potential applications for commercial agriculture and presents an opportunity to further pursue more sustainable agricultural practices.

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Silica Sol-Gel Microbead Encapsulation as a Novel Delivery Method for Symbiotic Microbes

10.26434/chemrxiv.13277495 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Luke Elissiry ◽

Jingwen Sun ◽

Ann M. Hirsch ◽

Chong Liu

Keyword(s):

Plant Growth ◽

Crop Yields ◽

Sol Gel ◽

Plate Count ◽

Similar Amount ◽

Delivery Method ◽

Hormone Production ◽

Promising Alternative ◽

Synthetic Fertilizer ◽

Inorganic Nanomaterials

Synthetic fertilizer is responsible for the greatly increased crop yields that have enabled worldwide industrialization. However, the production and use of such fertilizers are environmentally unfriendly and unsustainable; synthetic fertilizers are produced via non-renewable resources and fertilizer runoff causes groundwater contamination and eutrophication. A promising alternative to synthetic fertilizer is bacterial inoculation. In this process, a symbiotic relationship is formed between a crop and bacteria species that can fix nitrogen, solubilize phosphorus, and stimulate plant hormone production. The bacteria carrier developed here aims to maintain bacteria viability while in storage, protect bacteria while encapsulated, and provide a sustained and controllable bacterial release. This novel bacterial delivery method utilizes inorganic nanomaterials, silica microbeads, to encapsulate symbiotic bacteria. These microbeads, which were produced with aqueous, non-toxic precursors, are sprayed directly onto crop seeds and solidify on the seeds as a resilient silica matrix. The bacterial release from the carrier was found by submerging coated seeds in solution to simulate degradation in soil environments, measuring the number of bacteria released by the plate count technique, and comparing the carrier to seeds coated only in bacteria. The carrier’s effectiveness to enhance plant growth was determined through greenhouse plant assays with alfalfa (Medicago sativa) plants and the nitrogen-fixing Sinorhizobium meliloti Rm1021 strain. When compared to bacteria-only inoculation, the silica microbead carrier exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) increased holding capacity of viable bacteria and increased plant growth by a similar amount, demonstrating the capability of inorganic nanomaterials for microbial delivery. The carrier presented in this work has potential applications for commercial agriculture and presents an opportunity to further pursue more sustainable agricultural practices.

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Post-buckling inelastic analysis of thin-walled metal members using the Generalised Beam Theory

10.31224/osf.io/5xndm ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Miguel Abambres ◽

Dinar Camotim ◽

Miguel Abambres

Keyword(s):

Finite Element Method ◽

Finite Element ◽

Beam Theory ◽

Flow Theory ◽

Promising Alternative ◽

Inelastic Analysis ◽

Post Buckling ◽

Thin Walled ◽

Shell Finite Element ◽

Generalised Beam Theory

A 2nd order inelastic Generalised Beam Theory (GBT) formulation based on the J2 flow theory is proposed, being a promising alternative to the shell finite element method. Its application is illustrated for an I-section beam and a lipped-C column. GBT results were validated against ABAQUS, namely concerning equilibrium paths, deformed configurations, and displacement profiles. It was concluded that the GBT modal nature allows (i) precise results with only 22% of the number of dof required in ABAQUS, as well as (ii) the understanding (by means of modal participation diagrams) of the behavioral mechanics in any elastoplastic stage of member deformation .

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Polyplex: A Promising Gene Delivery System

International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Nanotechnology ◽

10.37285//ijpsn.2019.12.6.1 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (6) ◽

pp. 4681-4686

Author(s):

Rohan Aggarwal ◽

Monika Targhotra ◽

Bhumika Kumar ◽

P.K Sahoo ◽

Meenakshi K Chauhan

Keyword(s):

Gene Transfer ◽

Gene Delivery ◽

Delivery System ◽

Viral Vectors ◽

Gene Delivery System ◽

Cationic Polymers ◽

Therapeutic Application ◽

Promising Alternative ◽

Structure And Stability ◽

The Past

In the past few years gene delivery system has gained a huge attention owing to its proved efficacy in several diseases especially in those caused by genetic and/oroncological malfunctioning. The effective gene delivery mainly depends on the carrier molecules that can ensure the safe and specific delivery of the nucleic acidmolecules. Viral vectors have been used for a longer period as the gene transfer vehicle. However, these viral vectors have potential immunological disadvantages that made them less preferred. Recently, non-viral vectors such as polyplexes have emerged as a promising alternative for viral vectors. Polyplexes are formed by conjugating a polymer with DNA and in maximum cases the cationic polymers are preferred over others. The structure and stability of the polyplexes depends on various factors. The ability of the polymer to condense the DNA mainly dictates the efficiency of the polyplex mediated transfection. In this review we are going to provide a framework for the synthesis and design of the polyplexes along with the structure and stability of the complexes pertaining to mechanism of action, characterization and therapeutic application, including polyethyleneimine mediated cytotoxicity as well as newer strategies for the generation of better polyplexes.

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Development and Ex-vivo Evaluation of Topiramate Mucoadhesive Nanoparticles for Intranasal Delivery

International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Nanotechnology ◽

10.37285/ijpsn.2020.13.6.10 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. 5250-5255

Author(s):

Ashwin Kumar Tulasi ◽

Anil Goud Kandhula ◽

Ravi Krishna Velupula

Keyword(s):

Particle Size ◽

Nasal Mucosa ◽

Intranasal Administration ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Brain Targeting ◽

Oral Tablet ◽

Promising Alternative ◽

Ex Vivo Permeation

Topiramate is a second-generation antiepileptic drug used in partial, generalized seizures as an oral tablet. Oral route of administration is most convenient but shows delayed absorption. Moreover, in emergency cases, parenteral administration is not possible as it requires medical assistance. Hence, the present study was aimed to develop topiramate mucoadhesive nanoparticles for intranasal administration using ionotropic gelation method. The developed nanoparticles were evaluated for physico-chemical properties like particle size, zeta potential, surface morphology, drug content, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, mucoadhesive strength, and ex vivo permeation studies in excised porcine nasal mucosa. Optimized nanoparticle formulation (T9) was composed oil mucoadhesive agent (Chitosan 1% w/w), cross linking polymer (TPP) and topiramate 275mg, 100mg and 4% respectively. It showed particle size of 350nm, high encapsulation efficacy and strong mucoadhesive strength. In vitro drug diffusion of optimized formulation showed 95.12% release of drug after 180min. Ex-vivo permeation of drug across nasal mucosa was 88.05 % after 180min. Nasocilial toxicity studies showed optimized formulation did not damage the nasal mucosa. Thus, the intranasal administration of topiramate using chitosan can be a promising alternative for brain targeting and the treatment of epilepsy.

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Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Vitamin E - A Promising Relationship?

Revista de Chimie ◽

10.37358/rc.19.1.6855 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 70 (1) ◽

pp. 78-83

Author(s):

Alexandra Totan ◽

Daniela Gabriela Balan ◽

Daniela Miricescu ◽

Radu Radulescu ◽

Iulia Ioana Stanescu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Vitamin E ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Plga Nanoparticles ◽

Diet Group ◽

Normal Diet ◽

Oxidative Stress Biomarkers ◽

Promising Alternative ◽

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver ◽

High Caloric Diet

Oxidative stress (OS) plays an important role in NAFLD molecular mechanism. Nanoencapsulation represents a novel strategy to enhance therapeutic potential of conventional drugs. Our study analyses the encapsulated vitamin E effect on lipid metabolism and oxidative stress biomarkers in NAFLD rats. Animals were divided into 3 groups : G1 - the normal diet group; G2- the high caloric diet group ; G3 - high-caloric diet group receiving PLGA-vit E, 50 mg / kg. Serum advanced human oxidative protein (AOPP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and vitamin E were analysed using ELISA technique. Our results showed significant increase of G2 GPT, ALP, GGT, TG, glucose, TC and AOPP, versus G1 ( P [ 0.05) and a significant decrease of G2 serum TAC and vitamin E versus G1 results ( p = 0.01 and 0.01). Vitamin E nanoparticles (G3) caused a significant increase of TAC and significant decrease of serum AOPP, versus G2 (p [ 0.01). Results showed a significant reduction of GPT, GGT, ALP, TG and total cholesterol ( p [0.05) in G3 versus G2. PLGA nanoparticles should be considered an attractive and promising alternative to improve the bioavailability and biological activity of vitaminE.

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Role of Exosomes in Photodynamic Anticancer Therapy

Current Medicinal Chemistry ◽

10.2174/0929867326666190918122221 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 27 (40) ◽

pp. 6815-6824 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yuan Jiang ◽

Chuanshan Xu ◽

Wingnang Leung ◽

Mei Lin ◽

Xiaowen Cai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Photodynamic Therapy ◽

Basic Principle ◽

Photochemical Reaction ◽

Cell Communication ◽

Anticancer Therapy ◽

Bioactive Molecules ◽

Promising Alternative ◽

Tumor Tissues ◽

Significant Attention

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a promising alternative treatment for malignancies based on photochemical reaction induced by Photosensitizers (PS) under light irradiation. Recent studies show that PDT caused the abundant release of exosomes from tumor tissues. It is well-known that exosomes as carriers play an important role in cell-cell communication through transporting many kinds of bioactive molecules (e.g. lipids, proteins, mRNA, miRNA and lncRNA). Therefore, to explore the role of exosomes in photodynamic anticancer therapy has been attracting significant attention. In the present paper, we will briefly introduce the basic principle of PDT and exosomes, and focus on discussing the role of exosomes in photodynamic anticancer therapy, to further enrich and boost the development of PDT.

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