Detection of estrogenic disrupting compounds（EDCs） in drinking waters around China has led to rising concerns about health risks associated with these compounds.There is,however,a paucity of studies on the occurrenc...Detection of estrogenic disrupting compounds（EDCs） in drinking waters around China has led to rising concerns about health risks associated with these compounds.There is,however,a paucity of studies on the occurrence and identification of the main compounds responsible for this pollution in the source waters.To fill this void,we screened estrogenic activities of 23 source water samples from six main river systems in China,using a recombinant two-hybrid yeast assay.All sample extracts induced significant estrogenic activity,with E2 equivalents（EEQ） of raw water ranging from 0.08 to 2.40 ng/L.Additionally,16 samples were selected for chemical analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.The EDCs of most concern,including estrone（E1）,17β-estradiol（E2）,17α-ethinylestradiol（EE2）,estriol（E3）,diethylstilbestrol（DES）,estradiol valerate（EV）,4-t-octylphenol（4-t-OP）,4-nonylphenols（4-NP） and bisphenol A（BPA）,were determined at concentrations of up to 2.98,1.07,2.67,4.37,2.52,1.96,89.52,280.19 and 710.65 ng/L,respectively.Causality analysis,involving comparison of EEQ values from yeast assay and chemical analysis identified E2,EE2 and 4-NP as the main responsible compounds,accounting for the whole estrogenic activities（39.74% to 96.68%）.The proposed approach using both chemical analysis and yeast assay could be used for the identification and evaluation of EDCs in source waters of China.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the larvicidal and pupicidal potential of the methanolic extracts from Moringa oleifera(M.oleifera) plant seeds against malarial vector Anopheles stephensi(A.stephensi) mosquitoes at different co...Objective:To evaluate the larvicidal and pupicidal potential of the methanolic extracts from Moringa oleifera(M.oleifera) plant seeds against malarial vector Anopheles stephensi(A.stephensi) mosquitoes at different concentrations(20,40,60,80 and 100 ppm).Methods:M.oleifera was collected from the area of around Bharathiar University,Coimbatore.The dried plant materials were powdered by an electrical blender.From each sample,100 g of the plant material were extracted with 300 mL of methanol for 8 h in a Soxhlet apparatus.The extracts were evaporated to dryness in rotary vacuum evaporator to yield 122 mg and 110 mg of dark greenish material(residue) from Arcang amara and Ocimum basilicum,respectively.One gram of the each plant residue was dissolved separately in 100 mL of acetone(stock solution) from which different concentrations, i.e.,20,40,60,80 and 100 ppm were prepared.Results:Larvicidal activity of M.oleifera exhibited in the first to fourth instar larvae of the A.stephensi,and the LC_(50) and LC_(90) values were 57.79 ppm and 125.93 ppm for the first instar,63.90 ppm and 133.07 ppm for the second inslar,72.45 ppm and 139.82 ppm for the third instar,78.93 ppm and 143.20 ppm for the fourth instar,respectively. During the pupal stage the methanolic extract of M.oleifera showed that the LC_(50),and LC_(90) values were 67.77 ppm and 141.00 ppm,respectively.Conclusions:The present study indicates that the phytochemicals derived from M.oleifera seeds extracts are effective mosquito vector control agents and the plant extracts may be used for further integrated pest management programs.展开更多
AIM To identify potential anti-cancer constituents in natural extracts that inhibit cancer cell growth and migration. METHODS Our experiments used high dose thymoquinone (TQ) as an inhibitor to arrest LoVo (a human co...AIM To identify potential anti-cancer constituents in natural extracts that inhibit cancer cell growth and migration. METHODS Our experiments used high dose thymoquinone (TQ) as an inhibitor to arrest LoVo (a human colon adenocarcinoma cell line) cancer cell growth, which was detected by cell proliferation assay and immunoblotting assay. Low dose TQ did not significantly reduce LoVo cancer cell growth. Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) is an enzyme that is involved in the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in humans. PGE2 can promote COX-2 protein expression and tumor cell proliferation and was used as a control. RESULTS Our results showed that 20 mu mol/L TQ significantly reduced human LoVo colon cancer cell proliferation. TQ treatment reduced the levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-GSK3 beta, and beta-catenin and thereby inhibited the downstream COX-2 expression. Results also showed that the reduction in COX-2 expression resulted in a reduction in PGE2 levels and the suppression of EP2 and EP4 activation. Further analysis showed that TG treatment inhibited the nuclear translocation of beta-catenin in LoVo cancer cells. The levels of the cofactors LEF-1 and TCF-4 were also decreased in the nucleus following TQ treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with low dose TQ inhibited the COX-2 expression at the transcriptional level and the regulation of COX-2 expression efficiently reduced LoVo cell migration. The results were further verified in vivo by confirming the effects of TQ and/or PGE2 using tumor xenografts in nude mice. CONCLUSION TQ inhibits LoVo cancer cell growth and migration, and this result highlights the therapeutic advantage of using TQ in combination therapy against colorectal cancer.展开更多
Objective:To develop a novel approach for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous leaves extracts of Catharanthus roseus(C.roseus) Linn.G.Don which has been proven aclive against malaria parasite Pla...Objective:To develop a novel approach for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous leaves extracts of Catharanthus roseus(C.roseus) Linn.G.Don which has been proven aclive against malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum(P.falciparum).Methods:Characterizations were determined by using ultraviolet-visible(UV-Vis) spectrophotometry,scanning electron microscopy(SEM).energy dispersive X-ray and X-ray diffraction.Results:SLM showed the formation of silver nanoparticles with an average size of 35-55 nm.X-ray diffraction analysts showed that the particles were crystalline in nature with face centred cubic structure of the hulk silver with the broad peaks at 32.4.46.4 and 28.0.Conclusions:It can be concluded that the leaves of C.roseus can he good source for synthesis of silver nanoparticle which shows aiitiplasmodial activity against P.falciparum.The important outcome of the study will he the development of value added products from medicinal plants C.roseus lor hionicdical and nanotechnology based industries.展开更多
Objective:To assess the effect of quercetin(flavonoid) against lindane induced alterations in lipid profile of wistar rats.Methods:Rats were administered orally with lindane(100 mg/kg body weight) and quercetin(10 mg/...Objective:To assess the effect of quercetin(flavonoid) against lindane induced alterations in lipid profile of wistar rats.Methods:Rats were administered orally with lindane(100 mg/kg body weight) and quercetin(10 mg/kg body weight) for 30 days.After the end of treatment period lipid profile was estimated in serum and tissue.Results:Elevated levels of serum cholesterol, triglycerides,low density lipoprotein(LDL),very Low Density Lipoprotein(VLDL) and tissue triglycerides,cholesterol with concomitant decrease in serum HDL and tissue phospholipids were decreased in lindane treated rats were found to be significantly decreased in the quercetin and lindane co-treated rats.Conclusions:Our study suggests that quercetin has hypolipidemic effect and offers protection against lindane induced toxicity in liver by restoring the altered levels of lipids.The quercetin cotreatment along with lindane for 30 days reversed these biochemical alterations in lipids induced by lindane.展开更多
Objective:To investigate antidiabetic efficacy of the extract of field grown and in vitro raised leaves of Solanum xanthocarpum(S.xanthocarpum) against alloxan induced diabetic rats. Methods:The antidiabetic activity ...Objective:To investigate antidiabetic efficacy of the extract of field grown and in vitro raised leaves of Solanum xanthocarpum(S.xanthocarpum) against alloxan induced diabetic rats. Methods:The antidiabetic activity of the crude methanol extracts of the field grown and in vitro raised leaves of S.xanthocarpum at different concentrations(100-200 mg/kg bw) was tested against alloxan induced diabetic rats.The antidiabetic efficacy was validated through various biochemical parameters and the antioxidant effect was also determined.The phytochemical analyses of field grown S.xanthocarpum and in vitro rasied 5.xanthocarpum leaves were done by estimating their chlorophyll,carotenoids,total sugar,protein,amino acid and minerals contents. Results:The results revealed that the methanol extracts of both the leaves(field grown and in vitro raised) of S.xanthocarpum was efficient anti hyperglycemic agents at a concentration of 200 mg/kg bw and posses potent antioxidant activity.However,the extracts of in vitro rasied S.xanthocarpum raised leaves exhibit higher efficacy than the field grown leaves in all tested concentrations.Proximal composition and mineral analysis of S.xanthocarpum revealed higher concentration of contents in in vitro rasied S.xanthocarpum than field grown S.xanthocarpum. Conclusions:From the results it can be concluded that the leaves extracts of S.xanthocarpum can be a potential candidate in treating the hyperglycemic conditions and suits to be an agent to reduce oxidative stress.展开更多
This paper is concerned with the exponential H_∞ filtering problem for a class of discrete-time switched neural networks with random time-varying delays based on the sojourn-probability-dependent method. Using the av...This paper is concerned with the exponential H_∞ filtering problem for a class of discrete-time switched neural networks with random time-varying delays based on the sojourn-probability-dependent method. Using the average dwell time approach together with the piecewise Lyapunov function technique, sufficient conditions are proposed to guarantee the exponential stability for the switched neural networks with random time-varying delays which are characterized by introducing a Bernoulli stochastic variable.Based on the derived H_∞ performance analysis results, the H_∞ filter design is formulated in terms of Linear Matrix Inequalities(LMIs). Finally, two numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design procedure.展开更多
Studies in recent years have shown that aquatic pollution by microplastics(MPs)can be considered to pose additional stress to amphibian populations.However,our knowledge of how MPs affect amphibians is very rudimentar...Studies in recent years have shown that aquatic pollution by microplastics(MPs)can be considered to pose additional stress to amphibian populations.However,our knowledge of how MPs affect amphibians is very rudimentary,and even more limited is our understanding of their effects in combination with other emerging pollutants.Thus,we aimed to evaluate the possible toxicity of polyethylene MPs(PE-MPs)(alone or in combination with a mix of pollutants)on the health of Physalaemus cuvieri tadpoles.After 30 days of exposure,multiple biomarkers were measured,including morphological,biometric,and developmental indices,behavioral parameters,mutagenicity,cytotoxicity,antioxidant and cholinesterase responses,as well as the uptake and accumulation of PE-MPs in animals.Based on the results,there was no significant change in any of the parameters measured in tadpoles exposed to treatments,but induced stress was observed in tadpoles exposed to PE-MPs combined with themixture of pollutants,reflecting significant changes in physiological and biochemical responses.Through principal component analysis(PCA)and integrated biomarker response(IBR)assessment,effects induced by pollutants in each test group were distinguished,confirming that the exposure of P.cuvieri tadpoles to the PE-MPs in combination with a mix of emerging pollutants induces an enhanced stress response,although the uptake and accumulation of PE-MPs in these animalswas reduced.Thus,our study provides newinsight into the danger to amphibians of MPs coexisting with other pollutants in aquatic environments.展开更多
In the present communication,various fluxes blended Y2 O3：Eu3＋（5 mol%） nanopowders（NPs） were successfully fabricated by solution combustion method.PXRD pattern confirms body-centered cubic structure of the prepa...In the present communication,various fluxes blended Y2 O3：Eu3＋（5 mol%） nanopowders（NPs） were successfully fabricated by solution combustion method.PXRD pattern confirms body-centered cubic structure of the prepared samples.Energy band gap（Eg） of the fabricated products was estimated and is found to be in the range of 3.13-3.32 eV.Photoluminescence（PL） emission spectra exhibit sharp and intense peaks at ～579,592,614,657,704 nm corresponding to 5 D0→7 FJ（J = 0,1,2,3 and 4） transitions of Eu3＋ ions.Significance of fluxes for enhancing the PL emissions was extensively studied.Photometric studies of the prepared samples are located in pure red region.Optimized NPs were explored as a novel sensing agent for visualization of latent fingerprints（LFPs） on various surfaces including porous,semiporous and non-porous surfaces followed by powder dusting technique.Various experiments including aging,temperature,scratching and aquatic fresh water treatment tests were performed to evaluate applicability of the fabricated NPs.Visualized LFPs exhibit well defined ridge details including most authenticated sweat pores are also revealed with high sensitivity,selectivity,little background hindrance and less toxicity.Aforementioned results evidence that the method and fabricated NPs can be considered to be simple,rapid and economical and provide novel sensing platform for LFPs visualization in prospective forensic applications.展开更多
Food Waste(FW)is a pressing environmental concern that affects every country globally.About one-third of the food that is produced ends up as waste,contributing to the carbon footprint.Hence,the FW must be properly tr...Food Waste(FW)is a pressing environmental concern that affects every country globally.About one-third of the food that is produced ends up as waste,contributing to the carbon footprint.Hence,the FW must be properly treated to reduce environmental pollution.This study evaluates a few available Food Waste Treatment(FWT)technologies,such as anaerobic digestion,composting,landfill,and incineration,which are widely used.A Bipolar Picture Fuzzy Set(BPFS)is proposed to deal with the ambiguity and uncertainty that arise when converting a real-world problem to a mathematical model.A novel Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation-Stable Preference Ordering Towards Ideal Solution(CRITIC-SPOTIS)approach is developed to objectively analyze FWT selection based on thirteen criteria covering the industry’s technical,environmental,and entrepreneurial aspects.The CRITIC method is used for the objective analysis of the importance of each criterion in FWT selection.The SPOTIS method is adopted to rank the alternative hassle-free,following the criteria.The proposed model offers a rank reversal-free model,i.e.,the rank of the alternatives remains unaffected even after the addition or removal of an alternative.In addition,comparative and sensitivity analyses are performed to ensure the reliability and robustness of the proposed model and to validate the proposed result.展开更多
Nanotechnology is a key advanced technology enabling contribution,development,and sustainable impact on food,medicine,and agriculture sectors.Nanomaterials have potential to lead qualitative and quantitative productio...Nanotechnology is a key advanced technology enabling contribution,development,and sustainable impact on food,medicine,and agriculture sectors.Nanomaterials have potential to lead qualitative and quantitative production of healthier,safer,and high-quality functional foods which are perishable or semi-perishable in nature.Nanotechnologies are superior than conventional food processing technologies with increased shelf life of food products,preventing contamination,and production of enhanced food quality.This comprehensive review on nanotechnologies for functional food development describes the current trends and future perspectives of advanced nanomaterials in food sector considering processing,packaging,security,and storage.Applications of nanotechnologies enhance the food bioavailability,taste,texture,and consistency,achieved through modification of particle size,possible cluster formation,and surface charge of food nanomaterials.In addition,the nanodelivery-mediated nutraceuticals,synergistic action of nanomaterials in food protection,and the application of nanosensors in smart food packaging for monitoring the quality of the stored foods and the common methods employed for assessing the impact of nanomaterials in biological systems are also discussed.展开更多
Objective:To obtain Iuteolin and apigenin rich fraction from the ethanolic extract of Cynodon dactylon(L.)(C.dactylon) Pers and evaluate the fraction's cytotoxicity and anti-Chikungunya potential using Vero cells....Objective:To obtain Iuteolin and apigenin rich fraction from the ethanolic extract of Cynodon dactylon(L.)(C.dactylon) Pers and evaluate the fraction's cytotoxicity and anti-Chikungunya potential using Vero cells.Methods:The ethanolic extract of C.dactylon was subjected to silica gel column chromatography to obtain anti-chikungunya virus(CHIKV) fraction.Reverse phase-HPLC and GC-MS studies were carried out to identily the major phytochemicals in the fraction using phylochemical standards.Cytotoxicity and the potential of the fraction against CHIKV were evaluated in vitro using Vero cells.Reduction in viral replication was assessed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) after treating the viral infected Vero cells with the fraction.Results:Reverse Phase-HPLC and GC-MS studies confirmed the presence of flavonoids,luteolin and apigenin as major phytochemicals in the anti-CHIKV ethanolic fraction of C.dactylon- The fraction was found to exhibit potent viral inhibitory activity(about 98%) at the concentration of 50 μg/mL as observed by reduction in cytopathic effect,and the cytotoxic concentration of the fraction was found to be 250 μg/mL.RT-PCR analyses indicated that the reduction in viral mRNA synthesis in fraction treated infected cells was much higher than the viral infected control cells.Conclusions:Luteolin and apigenin rich ethanolic fraction from C.dactylon can be utilized as a potential therapeutic agent against CHIKV infection as the fraction does not show cytotoxicity while inhibiting the virus.展开更多
In the present study,anti-radical,anti-diabetic and antimicrobial activities of different solvent extracts of Passiflora ligularis fruits were investigated.Among the various solvents,acetone extract displayed maximum ...In the present study,anti-radical,anti-diabetic and antimicrobial activities of different solvent extracts of Passiflora ligularis fruits were investigated.Among the various solvents,acetone extract displayed maximum total phenolic(640.70 mg GAE/g extract),tannin(214.30 mg GAE/g extract)and flavonoid contents(387.33 mg RE/g extract).Results of antioxidant studies revealed that the acetone extract of fruits possessed an efficient 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl(DPPH•)(IC5019.13g/mL),2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS•+)(9800.94mol/L trolox equi/g extract),superoxide(78.27%)and nitric oxide(79.95%)radical scavenging activities,ferric reducing antioxidant power(43.06 mmol Fe(II)/mg extract),metal chelating(134.53 mg EDTA/g extract)ability.The acetone extract of P.ligularis fruits also exhibited significant(P<0.005)inhibition activities onα-amylase(82.56%)andα-glucosidase(75.36%)enzymes.Furthermore,the fruits of P.ligularis also demonstrated antibacterial activities against Gram(+)and Gram(−)bacteria and inhibited the fungal strains Candida albicans(14.85 mm)and Aspergillus niger(13.91 mm)in the disc diffusion method.Quantification of polyphenolics by HPLC showed the presence of ellagic acid,gallic acid,and rutin.Therefore,the results indicate that the fruit pulp of P.ligularis can serve as a potential antioxidative and antimicrobial agent in food and pharmaceutical industries.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extract of Passiflora foetida(P.foetida) leaves.Methods:Ethanol extract of P.foetida leaf was evaluated for analgesic action by acetic...Objective:To investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extract of Passiflora foetida(P.foetida) leaves.Methods:Ethanol extract of P.foetida leaf was evaluated for analgesic action by acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate method in albino mice.The anti-inflammatory property of ethanolic leaf extract was tested by carrageenan induced acute paw edema and histamine induced acute paw edema in rats.Results:The dose 200 mg/kg of P. foetida leaf extract exhibited highest significant analgesic activity[(13.50±0.43) min]at a reaction time of 20 min in hot plate method in mice.The ethanol extract of leaf dose 100 mg/kg produced a highly significant anti inflammatory effect[(1.302±0.079) mL]in rats.Conclusions:It is very clear that P.foetida also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities for the pharmaceuticals.展开更多
Samarium doped vertically aligned one dimensional ZnO nanorod（NR） arrays were grown by vapor phase transport（VPT） method through vapor solid（VS） growth process. Influence of different concentrations（0% to 8%） ...Samarium doped vertically aligned one dimensional ZnO nanorod（NR） arrays were grown by vapor phase transport（VPT） method through vapor solid（VS） growth process. Influence of different concentrations（0% to 8%） of Sm（all Sm contents in the paper are in mass fraction） on the ZnO NR arrays were investigated by X-ray diffraction（XRD）, field emission scanning electron microscopy（FESEM）, photoluminescence（PL）, Raman spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry（VSM） techniques, respectively. X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the ZnO NR arrays were perfectly oriented along（002） crystallographic orientation with wurtzite crystal structure. Photoluminescence results showed an increase in oxygen vacancies due to increase in Sm doping. M-H curves revealed enhanced ferromagnetic behavior, and the magnetic moment values were 0.45, 0.363, 1.694, 3.613 and 2.197 emu/cm^3 for（0–8%） Sm doped ZnO NR arrays respectively. The curve revealed that paramagnetic behavior was observed for undoped ZnO NR arrays and on increasing the Sm dopant to 4%, paramagnetic switched to ferromagnetic behavior.展开更多
Hypsizygus ulmarius polysaccharide(HUP)is a water-soluble polysaccharide obtained by hot water extraction,followed by precipitation and deproteinization.The characteristics of HUP,antioxidant activity and liver protec...Hypsizygus ulmarius polysaccharide(HUP)is a water-soluble polysaccharide obtained by hot water extraction,followed by precipitation and deproteinization.The characteristics of HUP,antioxidant activity and liver protection against alcohol-induced liver damage were studied.Structural characteristics indicate that the HUP is a pyran-type polysaccharide with a molecular weight of 2076 Da.In antioxidant scavenging assay,HUP showed moderate DMPD radical scavenging activity,cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity and inhibitory effect against lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner.Regarding in vivo hepatoprotective activity,compared with the ethanol induction group,pre-treatment of low and high doses of HUP signifi cantly reduced the behaviours of serum enzymes,lowered the levels of hepatic oxidative stress markers,restored the levels of biochemical constituents,enhanced the levels of liver and serum enzymatic antioxidants and non-enzymatic antioxidants,and improved the serum lipid levels of alcohol-intoxicated rats.The hepatoprotective effect of HUP was comparable to positive control silymarin.Besides,HUP pre-treatment signifi cantly normalized the histopathological changes induced by ethanol.The results indicate that HUP could be used as a functional food and may protect the biological system from oxidative stress through its antioxidant activity,thus having a signifi cant protective effect on acute alcoholic liver injury.展开更多
In the present investigation,a new composite nanostructured photoanodes were prepared using TiO_2 nanotubes（TNTs） with TiO_2 nanoparticles（TNPs）.TNPs were synthesized by sol-gel method,and TNTs were prepared throu...In the present investigation,a new composite nanostructured photoanodes were prepared using TiO_2 nanotubes（TNTs） with TiO_2 nanoparticles（TNPs）.TNPs were synthesized by sol-gel method,and TNTs were prepared through alkali hydrothermal method.Dye-sensitized solar cells（DSSCs） were fabricated with different photoanodes comprising of various ratios of TNTs ＋ TNPs,synthetic indigo dye as photosensitizer,PMII（l-propyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide） as ionic liquid electrolyte and cobalt sulfide as counter electrode.The structures and morphologies of TNPs and TNTs were analyzed through X-ray diffractometer,transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscopes.The results of the investigation showed that the DSSC-4 made with composite photoanode structure（TNTs/TNPs）（90% of TNPs ＋ 10% of TNTs） had improved photocurrent efficiency（2.11%） than pure TNPs（1.00%） and TNT film（0.78%）.Electrochemical impedance spectra revealed that the composite TNTs/TNPs film-based DSSCs possessed the lowest charge-transfer resistances and longest electron lifetime.Hence,it could be concluded that the composite TNTs/TNPs photoanode facilitates the charge transport rate and enhances the efficiencies of DSSCs.展开更多
基金supported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (No. KZCX1-YW-06-02)the National Basic Research Program of China (No. 2007CB407304)the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People’sRepublic of China (No. 200909040)
文摘Detection of estrogenic disrupting compounds（EDCs） in drinking waters around China has led to rising concerns about health risks associated with these compounds.There is,however,a paucity of studies on the occurrence and identification of the main compounds responsible for this pollution in the source waters.To fill this void,we screened estrogenic activities of 23 source water samples from six main river systems in China,using a recombinant two-hybrid yeast assay.All sample extracts induced significant estrogenic activity,with E2 equivalents（EEQ） of raw water ranging from 0.08 to 2.40 ng/L.Additionally,16 samples were selected for chemical analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.The EDCs of most concern,including estrone（E1）,17β-estradiol（E2）,17α-ethinylestradiol（EE2）,estriol（E3）,diethylstilbestrol（DES）,estradiol valerate（EV）,4-t-octylphenol（4-t-OP）,4-nonylphenols（4-NP） and bisphenol A（BPA）,were determined at concentrations of up to 2.98,1.07,2.67,4.37,2.52,1.96,89.52,280.19 and 710.65 ng/L,respectively.Causality analysis,involving comparison of EEQ values from yeast assay and chemical analysis identified E2,EE2 and 4-NP as the main responsible compounds,accounting for the whole estrogenic activities（39.74% to 96.68%）.The proposed approach using both chemical analysis and yeast assay could be used for the identification and evaluation of EDCs in source waters of China.
文摘Objective:To evaluate the larvicidal and pupicidal potential of the methanolic extracts from Moringa oleifera(M.oleifera) plant seeds against malarial vector Anopheles stephensi(A.stephensi) mosquitoes at different concentrations(20,40,60,80 and 100 ppm).Methods:M.oleifera was collected from the area of around Bharathiar University,Coimbatore.The dried plant materials were powdered by an electrical blender.From each sample,100 g of the plant material were extracted with 300 mL of methanol for 8 h in a Soxhlet apparatus.The extracts were evaporated to dryness in rotary vacuum evaporator to yield 122 mg and 110 mg of dark greenish material(residue) from Arcang amara and Ocimum basilicum,respectively.One gram of the each plant residue was dissolved separately in 100 mL of acetone(stock solution) from which different concentrations, i.e.,20,40,60,80 and 100 ppm were prepared.Results:Larvicidal activity of M.oleifera exhibited in the first to fourth instar larvae of the A.stephensi,and the LC_(50) and LC_(90) values were 57.79 ppm and 125.93 ppm for the first instar,63.90 ppm and 133.07 ppm for the second inslar,72.45 ppm and 139.82 ppm for the third instar,78.93 ppm and 143.20 ppm for the fourth instar,respectively. During the pupal stage the methanolic extract of M.oleifera showed that the LC_(50),and LC_(90) values were 67.77 ppm and 141.00 ppm,respectively.Conclusions:The present study indicates that the phytochemicals derived from M.oleifera seeds extracts are effective mosquito vector control agents and the plant extracts may be used for further integrated pest management programs.
基金Supported by (in part) the Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare Clinical Trial and Research Center of Excellence,No.MOHW105-TDU-B-212-133019
文摘AIM To identify potential anti-cancer constituents in natural extracts that inhibit cancer cell growth and migration. METHODS Our experiments used high dose thymoquinone (TQ) as an inhibitor to arrest LoVo (a human colon adenocarcinoma cell line) cancer cell growth, which was detected by cell proliferation assay and immunoblotting assay. Low dose TQ did not significantly reduce LoVo cancer cell growth. Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) is an enzyme that is involved in the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in humans. PGE2 can promote COX-2 protein expression and tumor cell proliferation and was used as a control. RESULTS Our results showed that 20 mu mol/L TQ significantly reduced human LoVo colon cancer cell proliferation. TQ treatment reduced the levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-GSK3 beta, and beta-catenin and thereby inhibited the downstream COX-2 expression. Results also showed that the reduction in COX-2 expression resulted in a reduction in PGE2 levels and the suppression of EP2 and EP4 activation. Further analysis showed that TG treatment inhibited the nuclear translocation of beta-catenin in LoVo cancer cells. The levels of the cofactors LEF-1 and TCF-4 were also decreased in the nucleus following TQ treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with low dose TQ inhibited the COX-2 expression at the transcriptional level and the regulation of COX-2 expression efficiently reduced LoVo cell migration. The results were further verified in vivo by confirming the effects of TQ and/or PGE2 using tumor xenografts in nude mice. CONCLUSION TQ inhibits LoVo cancer cell growth and migration, and this result highlights the therapeutic advantage of using TQ in combination therapy against colorectal cancer.
基金supported by DRDO.Ministry of Defence,Goverment of India,New Delhi(Grant No.DLS/81/4822/LSRB-224/SHDD)
文摘Objective:To develop a novel approach for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous leaves extracts of Catharanthus roseus(C.roseus) Linn.G.Don which has been proven aclive against malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum(P.falciparum).Methods:Characterizations were determined by using ultraviolet-visible(UV-Vis) spectrophotometry,scanning electron microscopy(SEM).energy dispersive X-ray and X-ray diffraction.Results:SLM showed the formation of silver nanoparticles with an average size of 35-55 nm.X-ray diffraction analysts showed that the particles were crystalline in nature with face centred cubic structure of the hulk silver with the broad peaks at 32.4.46.4 and 28.0.Conclusions:It can be concluded that the leaves of C.roseus can he good source for synthesis of silver nanoparticle which shows aiitiplasmodial activity against P.falciparum.The important outcome of the study will he the development of value added products from medicinal plants C.roseus lor hionicdical and nanotechnology based industries.
基金the UGC SAP DRS(Under Graduate students research orientation programme) sponsored by the University Grants Commission,New Delhiwhich supported the present work
文摘Objective:To assess the effect of quercetin(flavonoid) against lindane induced alterations in lipid profile of wistar rats.Methods:Rats were administered orally with lindane(100 mg/kg body weight) and quercetin(10 mg/kg body weight) for 30 days.After the end of treatment period lipid profile was estimated in serum and tissue.Results:Elevated levels of serum cholesterol, triglycerides,low density lipoprotein(LDL),very Low Density Lipoprotein(VLDL) and tissue triglycerides,cholesterol with concomitant decrease in serum HDL and tissue phospholipids were decreased in lindane treated rats were found to be significantly decreased in the quercetin and lindane co-treated rats.Conclusions:Our study suggests that quercetin has hypolipidemic effect and offers protection against lindane induced toxicity in liver by restoring the altered levels of lipids.The quercetin cotreatment along with lindane for 30 days reversed these biochemical alterations in lipids induced by lindane.
文摘Objective:To investigate antidiabetic efficacy of the extract of field grown and in vitro raised leaves of Solanum xanthocarpum(S.xanthocarpum) against alloxan induced diabetic rats. Methods:The antidiabetic activity of the crude methanol extracts of the field grown and in vitro raised leaves of S.xanthocarpum at different concentrations(100-200 mg/kg bw) was tested against alloxan induced diabetic rats.The antidiabetic efficacy was validated through various biochemical parameters and the antioxidant effect was also determined.The phytochemical analyses of field grown S.xanthocarpum and in vitro rasied 5.xanthocarpum leaves were done by estimating their chlorophyll,carotenoids,total sugar,protein,amino acid and minerals contents. Results:The results revealed that the methanol extracts of both the leaves(field grown and in vitro raised) of S.xanthocarpum was efficient anti hyperglycemic agents at a concentration of 200 mg/kg bw and posses potent antioxidant activity.However,the extracts of in vitro rasied S.xanthocarpum raised leaves exhibit higher efficacy than the field grown leaves in all tested concentrations.Proximal composition and mineral analysis of S.xanthocarpum revealed higher concentration of contents in in vitro rasied S.xanthocarpum than field grown S.xanthocarpum. Conclusions:From the results it can be concluded that the leaves extracts of S.xanthocarpum can be a potential candidate in treating the hyperglycemic conditions and suits to be an agent to reduce oxidative stress.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.61573096 and 61272530)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province of China(Grant No.BK2012741)the 333 Engineering Foundation of Jiangsu Province of China(Grant No.BRA2015286)
文摘This paper is concerned with the exponential H_∞ filtering problem for a class of discrete-time switched neural networks with random time-varying delays based on the sojourn-probability-dependent method. Using the average dwell time approach together with the piecewise Lyapunov function technique, sufficient conditions are proposed to guarantee the exponential stability for the switched neural networks with random time-varying delays which are characterized by introducing a Bernoulli stochastic variable.Based on the derived H_∞ performance analysis results, the H_∞ filter design is formulated in terms of Linear Matrix Inequalities(LMIs). Finally, two numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design procedure.
基金supporting the financing of this study(Process#307743/2018–7)the granting of research productivity grants to Dr.Malafaia G.(Proc.#307743/2018–7)and Dr.Melo e Silva D.(Process#307652/2018-1)+1 种基金for the scientific initiation scholarships to students Silva A.M.and Luz T.M.In addition,the authors thank the Federal Institute of Goiano(GO,Brazil)granting important financial assistance for the publication of this study(Proc.#23219.000139.2022-17).
文摘Studies in recent years have shown that aquatic pollution by microplastics(MPs)can be considered to pose additional stress to amphibian populations.However,our knowledge of how MPs affect amphibians is very rudimentary,and even more limited is our understanding of their effects in combination with other emerging pollutants.Thus,we aimed to evaluate the possible toxicity of polyethylene MPs(PE-MPs)(alone or in combination with a mix of pollutants)on the health of Physalaemus cuvieri tadpoles.After 30 days of exposure,multiple biomarkers were measured,including morphological,biometric,and developmental indices,behavioral parameters,mutagenicity,cytotoxicity,antioxidant and cholinesterase responses,as well as the uptake and accumulation of PE-MPs in animals.Based on the results,there was no significant change in any of the parameters measured in tadpoles exposed to treatments,but induced stress was observed in tadpoles exposed to PE-MPs combined with themixture of pollutants,reflecting significant changes in physiological and biochemical responses.Through principal component analysis(PCA)and integrated biomarker response(IBR)assessment,effects induced by pollutants in each test group were distinguished,confirming that the exposure of P.cuvieri tadpoles to the PE-MPs in combination with a mix of emerging pollutants induces an enhanced stress response,although the uptake and accumulation of PE-MPs in these animalswas reduced.Thus,our study provides newinsight into the danger to amphibians of MPs coexisting with other pollutants in aquatic environments.
基金Project supported by the Vision Group of Science and Technology(VGST),Karnataka(VGST/KFIST L-1/2016-17/GRD-489)
文摘In the present communication,various fluxes blended Y2 O3：Eu3＋（5 mol%） nanopowders（NPs） were successfully fabricated by solution combustion method.PXRD pattern confirms body-centered cubic structure of the prepared samples.Energy band gap（Eg） of the fabricated products was estimated and is found to be in the range of 3.13-3.32 eV.Photoluminescence（PL） emission spectra exhibit sharp and intense peaks at ～579,592,614,657,704 nm corresponding to 5 D0→7 FJ（J = 0,1,2,3 and 4） transitions of Eu3＋ ions.Significance of fluxes for enhancing the PL emissions was extensively studied.Photometric studies of the prepared samples are located in pure red region.Optimized NPs were explored as a novel sensing agent for visualization of latent fingerprints（LFPs） on various surfaces including porous,semiporous and non-porous surfaces followed by powder dusting technique.Various experiments including aging,temperature,scratching and aquatic fresh water treatment tests were performed to evaluate applicability of the fabricated NPs.Visualized LFPs exhibit well defined ridge details including most authenticated sweat pores are also revealed with high sensitivity,selectivity,little background hindrance and less toxicity.Aforementioned results evidence that the method and fabricated NPs can be considered to be simple,rapid and economical and provide novel sensing platform for LFPs visualization in prospective forensic applications.
文摘Food Waste(FW)is a pressing environmental concern that affects every country globally.About one-third of the food that is produced ends up as waste,contributing to the carbon footprint.Hence,the FW must be properly treated to reduce environmental pollution.This study evaluates a few available Food Waste Treatment(FWT)technologies,such as anaerobic digestion,composting,landfill,and incineration,which are widely used.A Bipolar Picture Fuzzy Set(BPFS)is proposed to deal with the ambiguity and uncertainty that arise when converting a real-world problem to a mathematical model.A novel Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation-Stable Preference Ordering Towards Ideal Solution(CRITIC-SPOTIS)approach is developed to objectively analyze FWT selection based on thirteen criteria covering the industry’s technical,environmental,and entrepreneurial aspects.The CRITIC method is used for the objective analysis of the importance of each criterion in FWT selection.The SPOTIS method is adopted to rank the alternative hassle-free,following the criteria.The proposed model offers a rank reversal-free model,i.e.,the rank of the alternatives remains unaffected even after the addition or removal of an alternative.In addition,comparative and sensitivity analyses are performed to ensure the reliability and robustness of the proposed model and to validate the proposed result.
基金funded by National Key R&D Program of China (2018YFC1706200)National Natural Science Fund of China (31571735,81522049)+4 种基金Shanghai Science and Technology Committee Project(17JC1404300)Zhejiang Provincial Ten Thousands Program for Leading Talents of Science and Technology Innovation (2018R52050)Zhejiang Provincial Program for the Cultivation of High-level Innovative Health talents,TCM Foundation for Distinguished Young Talents of Zhejiang Province (2020ZQ014)Project of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (2019ZR15)Opening project of Zhejiang provincial preponderant and characteristic subject of Key University (Traditional Chinese Pharmacology),Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (ZYAOX2018004,ZYAOX2018019)
文摘Nanotechnology is a key advanced technology enabling contribution,development,and sustainable impact on food,medicine,and agriculture sectors.Nanomaterials have potential to lead qualitative and quantitative production of healthier,safer,and high-quality functional foods which are perishable or semi-perishable in nature.Nanotechnologies are superior than conventional food processing technologies with increased shelf life of food products,preventing contamination,and production of enhanced food quality.This comprehensive review on nanotechnologies for functional food development describes the current trends and future perspectives of advanced nanomaterials in food sector considering processing,packaging,security,and storage.Applications of nanotechnologies enhance the food bioavailability,taste,texture,and consistency,achieved through modification of particle size,possible cluster formation,and surface charge of food nanomaterials.In addition,the nanodelivery-mediated nutraceuticals,synergistic action of nanomaterials in food protection,and the application of nanosensors in smart food packaging for monitoring the quality of the stored foods and the common methods employed for assessing the impact of nanomaterials in biological systems are also discussed.
文摘Objective:To obtain Iuteolin and apigenin rich fraction from the ethanolic extract of Cynodon dactylon(L.)(C.dactylon) Pers and evaluate the fraction's cytotoxicity and anti-Chikungunya potential using Vero cells.Methods:The ethanolic extract of C.dactylon was subjected to silica gel column chromatography to obtain anti-chikungunya virus(CHIKV) fraction.Reverse phase-HPLC and GC-MS studies were carried out to identily the major phytochemicals in the fraction using phylochemical standards.Cytotoxicity and the potential of the fraction against CHIKV were evaluated in vitro using Vero cells.Reduction in viral replication was assessed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) after treating the viral infected Vero cells with the fraction.Results:Reverse Phase-HPLC and GC-MS studies confirmed the presence of flavonoids,luteolin and apigenin as major phytochemicals in the anti-CHIKV ethanolic fraction of C.dactylon- The fraction was found to exhibit potent viral inhibitory activity(about 98%) at the concentration of 50 μg/mL as observed by reduction in cytopathic effect,and the cytotoxic concentration of the fraction was found to be 250 μg/mL.RT-PCR analyses indicated that the reduction in viral mRNA synthesis in fraction treated infected cells was much higher than the viral infected control cells.Conclusions:Luteolin and apigenin rich ethanolic fraction from C.dactylon can be utilized as a potential therapeutic agent against CHIKV infection as the fraction does not show cytotoxicity while inhibiting the virus.
基金the financial support of this research project.(UGC letter No:F.No.37-95/2009(SR)).
文摘In the present study,anti-radical,anti-diabetic and antimicrobial activities of different solvent extracts of Passiflora ligularis fruits were investigated.Among the various solvents,acetone extract displayed maximum total phenolic(640.70 mg GAE/g extract),tannin(214.30 mg GAE/g extract)and flavonoid contents(387.33 mg RE/g extract).Results of antioxidant studies revealed that the acetone extract of fruits possessed an efficient 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl(DPPH•)(IC5019.13g/mL),2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS•+)(9800.94mol/L trolox equi/g extract),superoxide(78.27%)and nitric oxide(79.95%)radical scavenging activities,ferric reducing antioxidant power(43.06 mmol Fe(II)/mg extract),metal chelating(134.53 mg EDTA/g extract)ability.The acetone extract of P.ligularis fruits also exhibited significant(P<0.005)inhibition activities onα-amylase(82.56%)andα-glucosidase(75.36%)enzymes.Furthermore,the fruits of P.ligularis also demonstrated antibacterial activities against Gram(+)and Gram(−)bacteria and inhibited the fungal strains Candida albicans(14.85 mm)and Aspergillus niger(13.91 mm)in the disc diffusion method.Quantification of polyphenolics by HPLC showed the presence of ellagic acid,gallic acid,and rutin.Therefore,the results indicate that the fruit pulp of P.ligularis can serve as a potential antioxidative and antimicrobial agent in food and pharmaceutical industries.
基金supported by University Grants Commission New Delhi(UGC letter No:F.No.37-95/2009(SR)
文摘Objective:To investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extract of Passiflora foetida(P.foetida) leaves.Methods:Ethanol extract of P.foetida leaf was evaluated for analgesic action by acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate method in albino mice.The anti-inflammatory property of ethanolic leaf extract was tested by carrageenan induced acute paw edema and histamine induced acute paw edema in rats.Results:The dose 200 mg/kg of P. foetida leaf extract exhibited highest significant analgesic activity[(13.50±0.43) min]at a reaction time of 20 min in hot plate method in mice.The ethanol extract of leaf dose 100 mg/kg produced a highly significant anti inflammatory effect[(1.302±0.079) mL]in rats.Conclusions:It is very clear that P.foetida also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities for the pharmaceuticals.
基金supported by Department of Science and Technology,Government of India,under the Nano mission project(SR/NM/NS-113/2010-BU(G)),DST-FIST and DST-PURSE for the characterization facilities
文摘Samarium doped vertically aligned one dimensional ZnO nanorod（NR） arrays were grown by vapor phase transport（VPT） method through vapor solid（VS） growth process. Influence of different concentrations（0% to 8%） of Sm（all Sm contents in the paper are in mass fraction） on the ZnO NR arrays were investigated by X-ray diffraction（XRD）, field emission scanning electron microscopy（FESEM）, photoluminescence（PL）, Raman spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry（VSM） techniques, respectively. X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the ZnO NR arrays were perfectly oriented along（002） crystallographic orientation with wurtzite crystal structure. Photoluminescence results showed an increase in oxygen vacancies due to increase in Sm doping. M-H curves revealed enhanced ferromagnetic behavior, and the magnetic moment values were 0.45, 0.363, 1.694, 3.613 and 2.197 emu/cm^3 for（0–8%） Sm doped ZnO NR arrays respectively. The curve revealed that paramagnetic behavior was observed for undoped ZnO NR arrays and on increasing the Sm dopant to 4%, paramagnetic switched to ferromagnetic behavior.
文摘Hypsizygus ulmarius polysaccharide(HUP)is a water-soluble polysaccharide obtained by hot water extraction,followed by precipitation and deproteinization.The characteristics of HUP,antioxidant activity and liver protection against alcohol-induced liver damage were studied.Structural characteristics indicate that the HUP is a pyran-type polysaccharide with a molecular weight of 2076 Da.In antioxidant scavenging assay,HUP showed moderate DMPD radical scavenging activity,cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity and inhibitory effect against lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner.Regarding in vivo hepatoprotective activity,compared with the ethanol induction group,pre-treatment of low and high doses of HUP signifi cantly reduced the behaviours of serum enzymes,lowered the levels of hepatic oxidative stress markers,restored the levels of biochemical constituents,enhanced the levels of liver and serum enzymatic antioxidants and non-enzymatic antioxidants,and improved the serum lipid levels of alcohol-intoxicated rats.The hepatoprotective effect of HUP was comparable to positive control silymarin.Besides,HUP pre-treatment signifi cantly normalized the histopathological changes induced by ethanol.The results indicate that HUP could be used as a functional food and may protect the biological system from oxidative stress through its antioxidant activity,thus having a signifi cant protective effect on acute alcoholic liver injury.
文摘In the present investigation,a new composite nanostructured photoanodes were prepared using TiO_2 nanotubes（TNTs） with TiO_2 nanoparticles（TNPs）.TNPs were synthesized by sol-gel method,and TNTs were prepared through alkali hydrothermal method.Dye-sensitized solar cells（DSSCs） were fabricated with different photoanodes comprising of various ratios of TNTs ＋ TNPs,synthetic indigo dye as photosensitizer,PMII（l-propyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide） as ionic liquid electrolyte and cobalt sulfide as counter electrode.The structures and morphologies of TNPs and TNTs were analyzed through X-ray diffractometer,transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscopes.The results of the investigation showed that the DSSC-4 made with composite photoanode structure（TNTs/TNPs）（90% of TNPs ＋ 10% of TNTs） had improved photocurrent efficiency（2.11%） than pure TNPs（1.00%） and TNT film（0.78%）.Electrochemical impedance spectra revealed that the composite TNTs/TNPs film-based DSSCs possessed the lowest charge-transfer resistances and longest electron lifetime.Hence,it could be concluded that the composite TNTs/TNPs photoanode facilitates the charge transport rate and enhances the efficiencies of DSSCs.
