Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Potential of Polyherbal Drug Made with Three Herbs: An In vitro Cell Culture Model

In diabetes, the postprandial phase is characterized by a rapid and large increase in blood glucose levels, and the possibility that the postprandial “hyperglycemic spikes” may be relevant to the onset of cardiovascular complications has recently received much attention. Medicinal use of herbal medicine in the treatment and prevention of diseases including diabetes has a long history compared to conventional medicine. These plants have no side effects and many existing medicines are derived from the plants. Hence, the current investigation was planned to make a poly herbal drug (PHD) through Punica granatum (fruits), Illicium verum (flowers) and Nyctanthes arbor (leaves) and assess their antioxidant and antidiabetic activities in vitro and in HepG2 cell line. The respective plant methanolic extracts and PHD are exposed to phytochemical assessment and to discriminate the bioactive factors by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry. We evaluated the antioxidant properties 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and total antioxidant activity of individual plant extracts and the PHD. At the same time, In vitro and cell culture approaches were used to assess the anti-diabetic activity. The PHD has a higher concentration of secondary metabolites than individual plant extracts, according to our findings. On the other hand, we also notice that PHD demonstrated higher antioxidant capability and considerable in vitro glucose-lowering effects along with noteworthy inhibition of ɑ-amylase, glucosidase, lipase, dipeptidyl peptidase-IV, collagenase and protein glycation in HepG2 cell line. In conclusion, this study clearly demonstrated the significant antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of the PHD. Hence, PHD may be used as a potential source in the management of diabetes, hyperglycemia and the related state of oxidative stress.

Development of Technology Transfer in Agriculture During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Russia

In an ever-changing environment, strategic decisions are made when implementing changes in the technology transfer process. Currently, it is important to implement effective measures to stimulate the development of technology transfer in the agro-industrial complex in modern conditions; to develop ways to stimulate the demand of agricultural enterprises for modern technologies, including by optimizing prices for them. Insufficient demand for innovative technologies also arises due to possible risks. In this regard, it is necessary to develop ways to reduce risks in the process of technology transfer in agriculture. The authors investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on technology transfer and the way the coronavirus forced people to change their habits and isolate themselves from each other. During this period of time, the role of digital technologies has increased and technology transfer has come to help build new ties between inventors and consumers of scientific achievements. The authors tried to consider the scenario of technology transfer development in agriculture by proposing an algorithm for implementing the technology transfer process in the country’s agriculture. Methods of benchmarking, comparative analysis and a systematic approach were used to process information obtained from electronic databases, online publications, the legal reference system, and Internet information resources. As indicated in the article, an important task today is to organize effective interaction between participants in the technology transfer process, including in the virtual space on the Internet sites. For the effective functioning of the technology transfer market in agriculture and its infrastructure, it is necessary to regularly monitor the market situation in order to meet the interests of both buyers and sellers as much as possible.

Insecticidal Efficacy of Medicines During Cat Flea Infestations in Tyumen

From time immemorial people began to domesticate wild animals and throughout many generations, they are kept by people genetically isolated from external pathogens. In the prevailing era, every pet owner is trying to breed and protect his animal from contagious and noncontagious diseases. Having said that, lack and inadequacy of knowledge and mass media on simple preventive measures results in the widespread occurrence of infectious and invasive diseases, including flea, Ctenocephalides felis infestation among dogs as well as cats. The present paper primarily attempts to present the results of therapeutic efficiency of Komfortis, Foresto, and Fitoelita medical agents used during flea infestation among domestic cats. In order to meet the purpose of the study, research was carried out within the framework of study and analysis of the epizootic state of invasive diseases of agricultural and unproductive animals, bees, and birds. Studies of changes in the species composition, and bioecological patterns of the development cycle of parasites under shifting boundaries of their ranges were also done. For the study, the animals were divided into three groups of 10 animals each. Standard clinical and hematological research methods were used during the study. Blood sampling included three stages: before insecticide treatment, the intermediate interval of 15 days, and the final stage. Based on the results obtained, it was found that Komfortis and Foresto have 100% therapeutic efficacy at all stages of flea development and possess a long-lasting action duringa flea infestation. The morphological blood analysisshowed that the proposed medical agents have no toxic orsideeffects.

Anticancer and Gene Expression Analysis of Piper nigrum Extract on Colon Cancer Cell Lines

One of the most prevalent malignancies among geriatrics is colorectal cancer (CRC), which starts to develop in the forms of genetic syndromes in young adults. The Piper nigrum is one important common spice used in the household having anticancer activities. The current study aims to evaluate P. nigrum seed extracts potency as anticancer against CRC cell line (COLO205). The extract is used to elucidate the MTT assay, DNA damage studies (COMET assay), Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide dual staining, cell death, cell cycle arrest using Flow cytometry, and regulation of Bcl-2, Bax & P53 gene regulation. To check the cell cytotoxicity by MTT assay methanolic extract was used. To evaluate anticancer activity the sample was extracted in methanol. RT-PCR was used to elevate gene expression studies of Bcl-2, Bax, and P53. In the dose-dependent mode, the extract inhibited the growth of COLO205 cells and the IC50 value was calculated at 48.2 μg/ml. The DNA fragmentation induced by apoptosis was the primary reason for the cell toxicity as observed by DNA damage studies & AO/EB dual staining technique. The extract concentration ranging from 40 & 80 μg/ml remarkably increased the proportion of cells in the S & G2/M phase. Cells at the late-apoptotic stage were found to be in the range of 22% - 57%. The Bax and P53 were upregulated and Bcl-2 was downregulated when treated with the extract. From this investigation underlying the mechanism of CRC was found to be P. nigrum extract caused to induce apoptosis and upregulation of tumor suppressor gene downregulation of apoptosis-suppressing gene bcl-2.

Isolation and Molecular Identification of Phenol Degrading Bacterium from Industrial Wastes, Collected from Jeddah Saudi Arabia

In the past two decades, phenolic compounds have had different applications, however their use in densification has increased considerably due to Covid 19. Discharge of these dangerous materials is highly toxic and causes risk and severe problems to the environment and health of human and animals, in addition to it being harmful to the aquatic life. Phenol degradation is very important due to high toxicity and stability. The aim of this study is to isolate phenol-degrading aerobic bacteria from hydrocarbon contaminated soil or wastewater, collected from the industrial area of Jeddah. Minimal medium containing phenol as carbon source was used to isolate different bacteria. About 30 actinomycete isolates were obtained, purified and preserved on Starch nitrate. Out of 30 isolates, eight isolates (27%) grow well in medium containing 0.1% phenol. After growing in broth medium, isolate BA4 and isolate BA8 were very active in phenol degradation. Growth and phenol degradation was measured in liquid medium for the two isolates. Morphological and physiological characters of these isolates were detected using different methods. Using molecular methods, they were belonging to a genus of actinomycetes. They were identified as Streptomyces flavabus BA4 and Streptomyces sp. BA8.The effects of some growth factors on growth and phenol degradation were determined. Growth was measured by dry weight (mg/l) while phenol degradation was detected by assaying the residual phenol concentration. The presence of electron donors such as glucose, starch, glycine, peptone, and Na acetate affect both growth and phenol degradation. It was clear that addition of 1 g/l peptone enhanced both growth and phenol degradation. The isolate use phenol and its derivatives m-cresol and o-cresol as carbon sources and addition of vitamin B complex increased the bacterial growth. In conclusion, phenol degradation was detected by actinobacteria and was affected by some physical and biochemical factors. It was noticed that optimization of growth conditions enhanced both growth and phenol degradation by the two selected Streptomyces isolate. Degradation process by isolate BA4 could be a promising solution for removal of phenol from wastewater.

Impact of Increased Screen Time on Physical and Psychological Health of Indian Students During COVID-19

Now in the 21st century, both physical and psychological health are associated with technology. By the late March 2020, the Indian government announced multiple lockdowns to fight with COVID-19 pandemic which included the shutdown of all educational institutes due to which all schools, college, and universities had shifted all their classes online by using video conferencing apps which also accounted for a large proportion of tasks that resulted in increased screen time after lockdown compared to pre-lockdown during COVID-19. So, the present study was conducted to determine the impact of increased usage of the screen on Psychological and physical health during the COVID-19 among Indian Students. A cross sectional survey was conducted on Indian students by using self- made Questionnaire with snowball sampling method. A total of 210 responses were received online from various schools and colleges students between 15th August to 30th August 2020. The results showed a statistically significant difference between the screen time spent before and during COVID (t= 19.96; p<0.01). Similarly, a statistically significant positive correlation at 0.01 level was found between screen usage time during COVID-19 pandemic with backache (0.62), neck pain (0.71), headache (0.50), and weight gain (0.52) and with mental health (0.40). Hence the study concluded positive association between screen time with physical and psychological health during COVID-19 among Indian students. It further implies that adequate preventive health measures need to be incorporated among students. There is a scope of further study to identify the impact of over usage of screen on health of individuals of specific population i.e., either adolescents or adults’ group and also on the larger sample size to get more reliable and accurate results.

Synthesis, Characterisation and Antimicrobial Potential of Novel N-Alkylated Pyrrole Derivatives of Chitosan

Chitosan, a cationic biopolymer is a major derivative of chitin. It is biocompatible, non-toxic and environ-friendly material and has broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. However, it is less effective in neutral or basic conditions due to its solubility only in acidic medium. Therefore, chemical modification with suitable groups is necessary to enhance the potency of chitosan. The present study was mainly conducted to explore the effect of structural modifications on antimicrobial potential of chitosan. N-Methyl, N-Ethyl and N-Propyl pyrrole were reacted with N-chloroacyl-6-O-triphenylmethylchitosan prepared by stepwise modification of chitosan to form N-Methyl, N-Ethyl and N-Propyl pyrrole derivatives of chitosan. Structural characterization of these pyrrole derivatives was done by IR, NMR, XRD, DSC and Elemental Analysis. The gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli, gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus were selected for antibacterial activity and the fungus C. albicans was selected for antifungal activity by agar diffusion method and MIC method. Antimicrobial activity of the N-Methyl, N-Ethyl and N-Propyl pyrrole derivatives on E. coli, S. aureus and C. albicans showed an inhibitory effect on all the organisms. The potency of inhibition was found to be varied with the substitutions. The maximum activity was shown by N-pyrrolylpropylchitosan against E. coli (zone of inhibition 1.2±0.05cm, MIC 0.15±0.03mg/ml), S. aureus (zone of inhibition 1.4±0.03cm, MIC 0.15±0.01mg/ml), C. albicans (zone of inhibition 0.8±0.03cm, MIC 0.2±0.03mg/ml). The study also confirmed that all the three derivatives exhibited higher inhibition than that of chitosan against E. coli (zone of inhibition 0.7±0.03cm, MIC 0.09±0.02mg/ml), S. aureus (zone of inhibition 0.8±0.03cm, MIC 0.09±0.02mg/ml), C. albicans (zone of inhibition 0.6±0.03cm, MIC 0.09±0.03mg/ml). Results demonstrated that these three N-alkylpyrrole chitosan derivatives exhibited improved potency and hence can have the more applicability as antimicrobials.

Effect of Different Finishing and Polishing Methods for Color Stability of the E-Max Dental Ceramics: In vitro Study

In order to assess the influence of finishing and polishing on the surface brightness and color stability of the ceramic veneer, fifty specimens were fabricated with 10 mm diameter and 2 mm thickness using IPS E-Max Ceramic. After glazing, 10 specimens were untouched as control group, and the other 40 specimens were abraded using 125µm diamond bur to create surface roughness. Forty specimens were divided into four groups (n=10), in group 1: specimens were finished using diamond point, in group 2 specimens’ surface was polished with a polishing kit, Group 3: Each specimen surface was polished with the polishing kit as in protocol 2 and was polished a polishing past and group 4 Each specimen was glazed by heating at 621℃ for 3 minutes followed by a temperature increase of 83℃/min up to 918℃ for 30 seconds. Color measurement was performed using spectrophotometer. Color stability data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD test (α=0.05). For Ra values, paired-samples t-tests were used to analyze the data and compare groups. The change in L and E showed a significant difference among the study groups; (group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 4) with respect to three variables L, a and b. A significant difference was noted when compared each group with the control; however, only group 2 showed a significant difference from group 4; the remaining groups demonstrated similar findings for all three variables. The study displayed a significant impact of the finishing and polishing technique on the surface brightness and color stability of ceramic restoration. However, it was evident that combination of two or three polishing techniques which includes polish kit and glaze enhances the surface finish and adds color stability by alternating the yellow – blue axis (increase in b) and red- green axis (decrease in a).

Screening and Evaluation of a Potential Bacteriocin Producing Lactobacillus in Milk and Dairy Products Collected from Puducherry

In an array of identifying safe antimicrobial compounds, bacteriocin producing Lactobacillus strain have been investigated in this study from the daily consuming food resources of humans. Till now, the best studied bacteriocins are nisin A produced by Lactobacillus lactis and pedocin PA-1 synthesized by Pediococcus acidilactici which have been accredited as a preservative in the food industries by the World Health Organization (WHO). For this study, four different milk and dairy products viz., curd, cheese, yoghurt and butter were collected from the local markets of Karaikal region, Puducherry, India and were used for the isolation of Lactobacillus species using MRS agar. Totally, five morphologically distinct strains were collected and were initially named as MPD 1 to MPD 5. During the screening process of bacteriocin production, the strain MPD 5 showed maximum antimicrobial activity against Vibrio cholerae MTCC 3906 with 900AU/ml. This strain was molecular identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MDP 5 based on 16S rRNA partial sequence method. This 16S rRNA partial sequence was submitted to the NCBI nucleotide GenBank and provided with the accession number, MW301154.1. Further, this strain revealed an enhanced production of bacteriocin using the standardized physicochemical factors such as pH 7, 35°C, 2% fructose and 1% peptone. Furthermore, these optimal conditions revealed more than 2-fold increase in the bacteriocin production. All the above information suggesting the possibilities of bacteriocin for the bioindustrial production using the L. plantarum MDP 5 of this study and its future prospects for the investigation of biocidal activities against many highly infectious pathogens of human and veterinary.

On the Ten-Year Success in the Application of Partial Extraction Therapy: A Systematic Review

Hürzeler presented the socket-shield technique (SST) more than 10 years ago. The partial extraction therapy (PET), a collective concept of utilizing the patient’s own tooth root to preserve the periodontium and peri-implant tissue, has been remarkably developed. PET comprises a group of novel techniques for post-extraction implant placement. Several modifications of PET and simultaneous implant placement have been presented since its inception. Since its origin, several alterations have been employed in the methodology of partial extraction of the root and the simultaneous implant placement. A repeatable, predictable protocol is needed to provide tooth replacement in esthetic dentistry. Moreover, a standardized procedure provides a good framework for clinicians to report data relating to the technique with procedural consistency. This review aims to illustrate a reproducible and systematic protocol for the PET techniques with immediate implant placement at the aesthetic zone. The most used technique is the socket-shield technique, which is potentially offers promising results, minimizing the necessity for invasive bone grafts round implants in the aesthetic area, clinical data to support this is very inadequate. The limited research data existing is cooperated by a deficiency of well-designed prospective randomized controlled investigations. The present case studies and techniques are of actual incomplete technical value. Retrospective studies published in limited records but are of inconsistent plan. At this point, it is indistinct whether the socket-shield technique will offer a stable long-time outcome or not