Genetic toxicology originated in 1973 with the Ames test, but it has evolved significantly since then. In the early 2000s, there was great promise for the reduction, refinement, and replacement of animal testing; however, the acceleration of these changes has only occurred over the past 5-7 years. With the advent of new technologies in the laboratory, such as organs-on-a-chip, 3D systems, toxicogenomics, reverse dosimetry/qIVIVE, and PBPK/PBTK/mathematical modeling, along with advances like induced pluripotent stem cell technology, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, automation, advanced visual imaging, big data throughput, and machine learning (ML), there is an increasing shift away from animal testing. Part I of the study describes the current genetic toxicity tests required by regulatory agencies for the approval of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and industrial chemicals, as well as their limitations. This part explores how new approach methods (NAMs), already in use or in qualification/validation, can help bridge those gaps, acknowledging that such assays must meet rigorous standards for fitness for purpose, domain of applicability, and context of use. Additionally, the status of regulatory acceptance and implementation is discussed.
The field of toxicology is moving forward rapidly, and the trend is toward non-animal testing. In terms of genetic toxicity testing, there are many accepted OECD test guidelines reliant on in vivo animal models. In the interest of providing a complete picture of the methods available for both animal-derived and non-animal genetic toxicity testing, Part I in the series discusses the existing short-term accepted test methodologies, while Part II examines available New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). The advantages and disadvantages of the current methodologies are discussed here, while those of new methodologies and the current regulatory landscape relative to them are reserved for discussion in Part II.
Over the years, there have been many advances made within the treatment and diagnosis of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (Mtb). In recent times, the rise of drug resistance has led to higher mortality rates specifically in poorer countries. There is an urgent need for novel treatment regimens to work against Mtb. A gene family, found in Mtb, PE_PGRS proteins shows potential as a drug target in its life cycle; to prevent the activation of latent Mtb to active Mtb. In silico functional annotations of these proteins are cost-effective and avoid wasting effort on a protein with no potential. Previous studies indicated that the PE_PGRS showed potential for further research. The protein biomarkers which showed the most promise was identified as PE_PGRS17, PE_PGRS31, PE_PGRS50 and PEPGRS54. The sequences of these proteins were searched on the Mycobrowser software. Results were designed by entering these sequences into various computational algorithms. PE_PGRS17 showed characteristics of a potential vaccine candidate. Considering this result, expression profiling and purification was conducted on the recombinant PE_PGRS17 Mtb protein biomarker. The results were calculated using various online software algorithms. Many characterizations and other aspects were predicted to understand the stability, localization, and function of these proteins. All the proteins are estimated to produce an immune response or be involved in the process of immunity. The expression condition of the recombinant PE_PGRS17 was optimised, and purification strategy achieved using E.coli as a host cell. These findings make these proteins, specifically PE_PGRS17, popular for further scientific study. The predicted structures, protein-protein interaction and antigenic properties of the proteins estimate whether the protein can be used for further studies specifically as drug/vaccine targets. Ultimately PE_PGRS17 is seen as the most stable according to its structure and it holds more promise as a key factor to tuberculosis studies.
Background: Due to its numerous health benefits, fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is commonly used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese medicine. Its leaves and seeds contain several compounds (e.g., alkaloids, amino acids, coumarins, flavonoids, saponins, polyphenols, carbohydrates, vitamins, and other bioactive compounds). Fenugreek is used for reproductive health problems, hepatoprotective properties, and improved digestion. Studies have shown that it has anti-cancerous, cardioprotective, anti-sterility, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anti-helminthic, and neuroprotective properties. Various studies have been carried out on animals and humans to show the effectiveness of fenugreek against various diseases. Methods: This review focuses on studies and clinical trials to examine the effects of fenugreek on various diseases from 1990 to 2022, using popular databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. Results: By altering the activity of metabolic enzymes, fenugreek stimulates insulin secretion, reduces blood sugar, and controls cholesterol synthesis. It enhances SOD, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, and catalase activity to protect cellular organelles from oxidative stress. Fenugreek improves the gastric mucosa lining and secretion, which improves gastric ulcers and digestion. Fenugreek ameliorates menstrual cramps and significantly increases sperm cell counts and testosterone levels in males. Conclusion: Studies and clinical trials have shown the beneficial effects of fenugreek. Therefore, it could be used as a therapeutic agent against various disorders.
: Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by neuronal loss, synaptic dysfunction, deposition of amyloid-beta (Aβ), and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). AD patients exhibit the loss of cholinergic neurons, leads to low levels of acetylcholine and increased activity of acetylcholinesterase which further reduces the levels of acetylcholine. It has now been established that acetylcholine plays a major role in controlling cognitive functions. A number of drugs have been reported to inhibit the activity of acetylcholinesterase, which can improve cognitive dysfunction in AD patients. Objective: We have studied the effect of two commonly used acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (Galantamine and Rivastigmine) on the transgenic Drosophila model of AD. Methods: The effect of rivastigmine and galantamine was studied on cognitive parameters (Odour choice index, Open field assay, Courtship index and memory loss). Molecular docking was also performed for rivastigmine (with Aβ42 and acetylcholinesterase) and galantamine (with Aβ42 and acetylcholinesterase). Results: Both drugs were found to be effective in reducing cognitive defects. However, it was unclear from the data obtained which drug was more effective. The results obtained from the docking studies showed a positive interaction with Aβ42 and acetylcholinesterase for both drugs. Conclusion: Rivastigmine and galantamine are potent in reducing cognitive dysfunction in the transgenic AD flies expressing human Aβ42 in the neurons.
Background: Over the years, there have been many advances made within the treatment and diagnosis of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis ( Mtb ). In recent times, the rise of drug resistance has led to higher mortality rates, specifically in poorer countries. There is an urgent need for novel treatment regimens to work against Mtb . Previous studies have identified a gene family within Mtb , known as PE_PGRS proteins, which has shown potential as a drug target. Functional annotations can assist with identifying the role these proteins may play within Mtb. Methods: Previous studies indicated PE_PGRS to have potential for further research. The protein biomarkers that showed the most promise were identified as PE_PGRS17, PE_PGRS31, PE_PGRS50, and PEPGRS54. The sequences of these proteins were searched on the Mycobrowser software. Results were designed by entering these sequences into various computational algorithms. PE_PGRS17 showed characteristics of a potential vaccine candidate. Considering this result, expression profiling and purification were conducted on the recombinant PE_PGRS17 Mtb protein biomarker. Results and Discussion: The results were calculated using various online software algorithms. Many characteristics were predicted to understand the stability, localization, and function of these proteins. All the proteins have been estimated to produce an immune response or be involved in the process of immunity. The recombinantPE_PGRS17 protein was chosen to be optimally expressed and purified using E.coli as a host cell. These findings specifically on PE_PGRS17, can be expanded in future scientific studies. Conclusion: The predicted structures, protein-protein interaction, and antigenic properties of the proteins estimate whether a protein can be used for further studies, specifically as drug/vaccine targets. Ultimately, PE_PGRS17 is seen as the most stable according to its predicted structure, which holds promise as a key factor in future tuberculosis studies.
The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has entered a threatening stage all over the world. Many lives have been lost, and many more are in need of treatment. The mild symptoms may include fever and dry cough, but in severe cases, it could lead to pneumonia and ultimately death in some instances. Though medical scientists all over the globe are working hard to develop a treatment for this disease, yet no definite cure has been found. To date, the treatment strategy is based on adopting strategies to break the transmission of the virus and repurposing of the old drugs to prevent the loss of life. Among the various potent candidates, flavonoids may play a protective role in these times. Studies have already proven various health-promoting properties of flavonoids in earlier viral diseases, like SARS and MERS. Since ancient times, been plants have used to treat a number of human diseases. Different phytoproducts have been previously described to inhibit the replication of numerous viruses. Despite the positive reports for plant-based medications, no successful clinical trials on phytoproducts as anti-COVID agents have been conducted to date. This review highlights the efficacy of flavonoids as a treatment strategy either alone or in combination with other drugs.
Background:In today's global world, most women are experiencing midlife health problems which can affect their lives and mental status. Most of the diseases occurr after childbirth and during pregnancy or gestation period which can lead to severe problems such as postpartum depression (PPD), postmenopausal depression, perimenopausal depression which ultimately affects the mental health condition and develop various depressive episodes which ultimately lead to depression in women.Objective:The review paper gives the information that if there is untreated maternal depression then it can lead to anxiety, fear, negative effect on child development, disruption of the mother-infant relationship, and the occurrence of depressive symptoms in the early life of infants. Hormone levels are changed at the time of pregnancy.Methods:The data was collected by studying combination of research and review papers from different databases like PubMed, Medline, and Web of science by using search keywords like “Postpartum depression”, “Postmenopausal depression”, “Risk factors”, “Pathogenesis of PPD”, “Predictors of postpartum depression”.Results:This can lead to disrupting the quality of life of menopausal women like deficiency of nutrients, not properly regular physical activities, elevated Body Mass Index (BMI), loss of libido (loss of interest in sexual activities), due to the lack of education, and awareness among the people. Factors like increase in physical activity can naturally help in PPD condition. Mind body therapy, drug therapy and cognitive and mindfulness-based therapies help in hormonal imbalances.Conclusion:It was found that low birth weight and congenital abnormalities in babies lead to affect depression after delivery. It is recommended that health care providers and physicians are provided with information regarding factors contributing PPD and postmenopausal depression. Sleep timings and consumptions of nutraceuticals can help in natural healing with depression amongst women suffering from postpartum, postmenopausal and perimenopausal depression.
The healthcare sector supports people extensively in combating illnesses and disorders. Healthcare professionals provide humanity with newer therapies and medications to overcome the consequences of illness or ailments [1]. Furthermore, nowadays, patients want a newer and better healthcare system that meets the speed of modern life and is more personalized. A quantum computing system is an answer to meet the latency and energy efficiency requirements for realtime health data collection and analysis. Now, the question is, what is Quantum computing? Quantum computing is a revolutionary computing system, based on the quantum mechanics and incredible phenomenon of quantum physics. It is a great combination of physics, maths, information theory, and computer science. It enables large computational capacity, lower energy use, and exponential speed over conventional computers by manipulating the behavior of microscopical particles, such as atoms, electrons, photons, etc., [2].
Background: Tanning nowadays due to pollution, stress, UV rays, and lifestyle has become a major skincare problem. Synthesis of a poly-herbal anti-tan formulation has been performed in this work, and it is evaluated on various parameters. Objective: The present work is aimed at the synthesis of herb-based anti-tan medicine and the evaluation of its various parameters for its efficiency as well as stability. Materials & Methods: The herbal preparation was prepared in-house according to the proposed composition, using all the natural contents. The dye was evaluated for its different standards. Results: The values of various parameters certified the quality standards of the formulation. The parameters were found to be ample enough for the standardization of herbal medicinal formulation. Conclusion: The prepared herbal pack was found to be appropriate according to all standards and can serve as a better alternative for treating tanning.
New reports offer evidence that under different circumstances, intrauterine mother-infant transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurs. In contrast, early observations in the COVID-19 pandemic recommended that vertical transmission from women infected with SARS-CoV-2 can be challenging and no virus is detected in human amniotic fluid (HAF). The present study aimed to propose the idea that HAF can be used as a potential therapy for hospitalized, symptomatic, and laboratory-verified SARS-CoV-2 patients by mitigating COVID-19 related inflammation and decreasing its fibrosis. Considering that COVID-19 can cause a severe pulmonary fibrotic response in some patients, HAF by decreasing fibrosis may be considered as an alternative and novel therapy against COVID-19. Lastly, given the inexpensive, easy to access, and safe nature of HAF, integrating this therapy may decrease the COVID-19 attributed death and burden to the health system, especially in countries with limited access to vaccines where HAF is widely available.
Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the presence of microbial air contaminants in the operating theatre at a teaching hospital. Objective: Airborne microbial level in operation theatre is one of the significant risks in hospital as it can increase the surgical site infection and nosocomial infections. Background: Duo SAS Super 360 Air Sampler was used to collect the airborne samples in triplicate each for nutrient and MacConkey agar at eight operation rooms and two corridors for morning and evening sessions. Sampling was conducted for three months and repeated every two months. Microbiological culture, gram staining and biochemical tests such as catalase test, oxidase test, coagulase test, Triple Sugar Iron Agar test, urease test, citrate test, Sulfide, Indole, Motility test, Methyl Red Voges-Proskauer test, disc diffusion test, and Albert’s stain were performed on the pure isolated culture. Methods: Sampling was conducted for three months and repeated every two months. Microbiological culture, gram staining and biochemical tests such as catalase test, oxidase test, coagulase test, Triple Sugar Iron Agar test, urease test, citrate test, Sulfide, Indole, Motility test, Methyl Red Voges- Proskauer test, disc diffusion test, and Albert’s stain were performed on the pure isolated culture. Bacteria that were present in the operation rooms were Bacillus spp ., Micrococcus spp . and Staphylococcus spp . while Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii were absent. The bacteria identified in the operation theater may also cause surgical site infections and nosocomial infections to the patients, although the microbial contamination in the air of the operation theatre is low. Results: The bacteria identified in the operation theater may also cause surgical site infections and nosocomial infections to the patients, although the microbial contamination in the air of the operation theatre is low. Conclusion: Strengthening surveillance on the hygienic condition of the operation theatre and routine sampling is strongly recommended to control all possible sources and types of infection.
Water is a basic need for the functioning of all life forms that exist on earth. However, current water resources are being polluted by anthropogenic sources, which include social unit, as well as agricultural and industrial waste. People all over the world have concerns about the impact of effluent pollution on the atmosphere, which is increasing day by day. It is hard to purify wastewater before it flows into water reservoirs. Hence, the treatment of wastewater remains an essential need before it is allowed to enter natural water streams. Wastewater treatment is relatively a modern practice. This review will particularly discuss the ways of heavy metal ion removal from wastewater. The ultimate purpose of wastewater management is to improve the health of human and environmental aspects.
Background: Natural herbal shampoos are appealing to the consumers as they contain natural herbs without any harmful effects. The shampoo is used to remove dirt or other debris from hairs. Natural herbs are used in a herbal shampoo, which becomes more beneficial, safe, or efficacious than synthetic ones. Aim: The present study aims to formulate and evaluate a herbal shampoo containing various herbal extracts for anti-lice activity. Materials and Methods: Natural herbs such as neem, hibiscus, henna leaves, amla fruit and reetha epicarp are the components of the natural herbal shampoos used in this study. Soxhlet apparatus was used for water-based extraction of these natural herbs, whereas the maceration process was used for alcohol-based extraction. Nine formulations were prepared and evaluated by using different parameters like physical appearance, viscosity, surface tension, foam volume, pH, solid content, dirt dispersion and wetting time. Results: All nine shampoo formulations were successfully prepared at the pH range of 5.86-6.06. The physical appearance was observed to be between light brown to greenish-brown for F1 to F9 batches. The viscosity of the formulations was found to be between 1.05±0.011 to 0.96±0.011. Mortality of head lice (Lethal time (LT50)) for all the formulations was found in the range of 7.5 min- 52.5 min. Formulation F5 was found to be the best in the context of all the parameters. Formulation F5 showed good foaming property. The wetting ability was found to be good due to reduced surface tension (33.05±0.86); solid content was found to be 1.74% so that it would be easy to wash out from the hair. Conclusion: All the shampoo formulations showed good quality and could be used safely and effectively. These formulations also showed anti-lice activity so they can be used for the problem of head lice.
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder that mainly results due to the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain. It is well known that dopamine is synthesized in substantia nigra and is transported to the striatum via nigrostriatal tract. Besides the sporadic forms of PD, there are also familial cases of PD and number of genes (both autosomal dominant as well as recessive) are responsible for PD. There is no permanent cure for PD and to date, L-dopa therapy is considered to be the best option besides having dopamine agonists. In the present review, we have described the genes responsible for PD, the role of dopamine, and treatment strategies adopted for controlling the progression of PD in humans.
Background: The term ‘super host’ plant is often used in the literature surrounding plant-galling interactions, but the different contexts in which the term is used generates doubt and confusion due to the absence of a systematic definition of the term’s meaning. Objective: In this study, we used 60 well-defined plant-galling assemblages to propose a systematic definition of super-host plants at the local and regional level. In addition, we investigated factors that explain the number of galling species per host plant at different geographic scales. Methods: Plant-galling assemblages were compiled from an extensive literature review on insect gall inventories carried out in Brazil. Results: We found 888 host plant species belonging to 94 families and 340 genera hosting 2,376 insect gall morphotypes. At a local scale, 33.2% of host plant species harbored one insect gall morphotype and 12.2% hosted two gall morphotypes, making up 45.4% of the host plant species in each locality. At the regional scale, 51.5% of host plant species harbored one insect gall morphotype, and 17.9% of host plant species hosted two gall morphotypes, corresponding to 69.4% of all host plant species. Based on the average number of galling species per plant species, we classified the plant species into: 1) Host species; 2) Multi-host species and 3) Super-host species. The super-host plant species that showed the greatest richness of gall morphotypes at the local level were Baccharis reticularia and Adenocalymma neoflavidu. Furthermore, we found a positive relationship between plant life-form architectural complexity and the number of galling species at the local level. At the regional scale, we registered five super-host species (Guapira opposita, Protium heptaphyllum, Copaifera langsdorffii, Myrcia splendens, and Byrsonima sericea) which hosted 21 or more insect gall morphotypes. The number of galling species per host plant species at the regional scale was influenced positively by geographic distribution rank and number of biomes in which each species of the plant occurs. Conclusion: The present study stands out as the first of its kind to provide a systematic standardization for the super-host plants and to investigate factors influencing these species.
Background: Vitamin D3 (VD3) is involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of affective-related disorders and controls the functional activity of various hormonal systems. The complex interaction between estrogen and VD3 creates a neurobiological basis for their participation in similar behavioral disorders. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate whether VD3 (5.0 mg/kg, s.c.) facilitates the antidepressant-like action of fluoxetine (10.0 mg/kg, i.p.) or paroxetine (10.0 mg/kg, i.p.) by enhancing the antidepressant-like activity of these drugs in adult long-term Ovariectomized (OVX) rats subjected to Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS) protocol for 6 weeks. Methods: Sucrose Preference (SPT) and Forced Swim (FST) tests were performed to evaluate the anhedonia state and depressive symptoms, respectively. The Open-Field Test (OFT) was carried out to measure locomotor activity as well as grooming behavior produced by CUMS in long-term OVX rats. Corticosterone (CS)/estradiol (E2) in the serum was tested by rat ELISA kits. NF-kB, 5-HT/5-HIIA, and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in the hippocampus were also examined by rat ELISA kits. Results: The results of this study suggest that combined treatment with fluoxetine (10.0 mg/kg, i.p.) or paroxetine (10.0 mg/kg, i.p.) along with VD3 (5.0 mg/kg, s.c.) produces distinct effects on the depression-like behavior in long-term OVX/CUMS rats. Co-administration of fluoxetine (10.0 mg/kg, i.p.) with VD3 did not facilitate the antidepressant-like effects of fluoxetine in the long-term OVX rats with CUMS. On the other hand, co-treatment with paroxetine with VD3 resulted in faster and marked antianhedonic- and antidepressant-like effects in long-term OVX rats with CUMS as compared to treatment with paroxetine alone. The co-administration of paroxetine and VD3 attenuates stress-induced modifications of CS/E2 levels in the serum, as well as- proinflammatory cytokine/NF-kB/5-HT levels in the hippocampus of long-term OVX rats exposed to CUMS. Conclusion: Supplementation of VD3 (5.0 mg/kg, s.c.)to paroxetine (10.0 mg/kg, i.p.) facilitates antianhedonic- and antidepressant-like effects of paroxetine in adult long-term OVX rats exposed to CUMS.
Introduction:In this study, the genetic variability in eight populations ofOreochromis niloticusand seven populations ofSarotherodon galilaeuswas estimated using molecular markers.Materials and Methods:Fish specimens were collected from eight sites representing the White Nile, Blue Nile and the River Nile. Tissue samples from gills and dorsal fin were removed from individual specimens and preserved separately in absolute ethanol prior to molecular analysis by RAPD-PCR using eight primers. DNA analysis using OPA-04, OPA-13, OPA-03, OPA-06, OPA-07, OPA-09, OPA-10 and RAPD-8 produced different bands for each.Results and Discussion:The total bands generated by the primers were: 17, 16, 18, 12, 12, 14, 14, and 17. They were in the range of 100 to 1020 bp. Levels of variability were estimated by the proportion of polymorphic bands obtained by each primer within a population. The range of variability was wider inO. niloticus(46.0 to 91.7) compared toS. galilaeus(56.2 to 83.3). The dendrogram obtained differentiated the populations into 22 sub-clusters.Oreochromis niloticusfrom Al Kalakla exhibited a high level of genetic diversity. This diversity is evident among and within the studied populations, as estimated by RAPD-PCR techniques.Conclusion:To promote tilapia production, the study recommended increasing genetic variation within broodstocks by crossing high similarity breeds with low similarity ones.
