Blue Method Research Articles

Hydrogen Sulfide-Releasing Indomethacin-Derivative (ATB-344) Prevents the Development of Oxidative Gastric Mucosal Injuries.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) emerged recently as an anti-oxidative signaling molecule that contributes to gastrointestinal (GI) mucosal defense and repair. Indomethacin belongs to the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and is used as an effective intervention in the treatment of gout- or osteoarthritis-related inflammation. However, its clinical use is strongly limited since indomethacin inhibits gastric mucosal prostaglandin (PG) biosynthesis, predisposing to or even inducing ulcerogenesis. The H2S moiety was shown to decrease the GI toxicity of some NSAIDs. However, the GI safety and anti-oxidative effect of a novel H2S-releasing indomethacin derivative (ATB-344) remain unexplored. Thus, we aimed here to compare the impact of ATB-344 and classic indomethacin on gastric mucosal integrity and their ability to counteract the development of oxidative gastric mucosal injuries. Wistar rats were pretreated intragastrically (i.g.) with vehicle, ATB-344 (7-28 mg/kg i.g.), or indomethacin (5-20 mg/kg i.g.). Next, animals were exposed to microsurgical gastric ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). Gastric damage was assessed micro- and macroscopically. The volatile H2S level was assessed in the gastric mucosa using the modified methylene blue method. Serum and gastric mucosal PGE2 and 8-hydroxyguanozine (8-OHG) concentrations were evaluated by ELISA. Molecular alterations for gastric mucosal barrier-specific targets such as cyclooxygenase-1 (COX)-1, COX-2, heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX)-1, HMOX-2, superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD)-1, SOD-2, hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α, xanthine oxidase (XDH), suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), CCAAT enhancer binding protein (C/EBP), annexin A1 (ANXA1), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 1 receptor type I (IL-1R1), interleukin 1 receptor type II (IL-1R2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2), or H2S-producing enzymes, cystathionine γ-lyase (CTH), cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), or 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfur transferase (MPST), were assessed at the mRNA level by real-time PCR. ATB-344 (7 mg/kg i.g.) reduced the area of gastric I/R injuries in contrast to an equimolar dose of indomethacin. ATB-344 increased gastric H2S production, did not affect gastric mucosal PGE2 content, prevented RNA oxidation, and maintained or enhanced the expression of oxidation-sensitive HMOX-1 and SOD-2 in line with decreased IL-1β and XDH. We conclude that due to the H2S-releasing ability, i.g., treatment with ATB-344 not only exerts dose-dependent GI safety but even enhances gastric mucosal barrier capacity to counteract acute oxidative injury development when applied at a low dose of 7 mg/kg, in contrast to classic indomethacin. ATB-344 (7 mg/kg) inhibited COX activity on a systemic level but did not affect cytoprotective PGE2 content in the gastric mucosa and, as a result, evoked gastroprotection against oxidative damage.

Anticancer and Antimutagenic Properties of Pogonatherum paniceum on Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Pogonatherum paniceum (P. paniceum) (Lam.) Hack. plays an important role in detoxification. However, its anticancer activity has not yet been elucidated. The aim of our study was to examine the suppressive proliferation, anti-migration and mutagenic/antimutagenic properties of P. paniceum. Moreover, we set out to determine the cellular mechanism underlying its antiproliferation. To investigate P. paniceum's anticancer ability, HCT116 and HT29 cell lines were treated with a water extract containing P. paniceum, and then the cell viability was examined using the trypan blue exclusion method which were compared to HEK293 (non-cancerous cells). The anticancer effects were investigated by MTS (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) and colony formation assay. Apoptosis induction, cell cycle distribution, and migration abilities were assessed by cell death detection enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), flow cytometry, and wound healing assay. Finally, the mutagenicity and antimutagenicity were evaluated using the micronucleus assay. Treatment with P. paniceum caused a loss of cell viability in HCT116 and HT29 cells (not found in HEK293), which had an IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) of 1,156.2 and 1,207.0 µg/mL, respectively. We found that P. paniceum significantly inhibited the proliferative function of HCT116 and HT29 cells. To find the mechanism that exerts a suppressive proliferation effect on P. paniceum, we determined the DNA fragmentation and cell cycle distribution. We also found that P. paniceum treatment increased apoptosis and arrested of the cell cycle at G0/G1 remarkably when compared with the control group. Moreover, P. paniceum could decrease the migration of HCT116 and HT29 cancer cells. Finally, the treatment of P. paniceum did not induce micronucleus formation but did decrease the micronucleus frequency against mutagen-mitomycin C. P. paniceum did not possess any toxicity (cytotoxic and mutagenic) but has the potential for anticancer activity against human colorectal cells by increasing apoptosis, which leads to the suppression of cell proliferation. P. paniceum also inhibits cell migration and exerts antimutagenicity, thereby suggesting that P. paniceum might be useful for colorectal cancer treatment.

Biocompatibility of graphene oxide nanosheets functionalized with various amino acids towards mesenchymal stem cells

Graphene and its derivatives have gained popularity due to their numerous applications in various fields, such as biomedicine. Recent reports have revealed the severe toxic effects of these nanomaterials on cells and organs. In general, the chemical composition and surface chemistry of nanomaterials affect their biocompatibility. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of graphene oxide (GO) synthesized by Hummer's method and functionalized by different amino acids such as lysine, methionine, aspartate, and tyrosine. The obtained nanosheets were identified by FT-IR, EDX, RAMAN, FE-SEM, and DLS techniques. In addition, trypan blue and Alamar blue methods were used to assess the cytotoxicity of mesenchymal stem cells extracted from human embryonic umbilical cord Wharton jelly (WJ-MSCs). The annexin V staining procedure was used to determine apoptotic and necrotic death. In addition, COMET and karyotyping techniques were used to assess the extent of DNA and chromosome damage. The results of the cytotoxicity assay showed that amino acid modifications significantly reduced the concentration-dependent cytotoxicity of GO to varying degrees. The GO modified with aspartic acid had the lowest cytotoxicity. There was no evidence of chromosomal damage in the karyotyping method, but in the comet assay, the samples modified with tyrosine and lysine showed the greatest DNA damage and rate of apoptosis. Overall, the aspartic acid-modified GO caused the least cellular and genetic damage to WJ-MSCs, implying its superior biomedical applications such as cell therapy and tissue engineering over GO.

COMPARISON OF IN VIVO CYANIDE EXAMINATION WITH PICRIC ACID AND PRUSIAN BLUE METHODS

This study aims to determine the comparison of invivo cyanide examination by comparing the Pyric Acid method with the Blue Prusian method in the stomachs of experimental animals. It is an imental expre research. Samples of 40 white Wistar rats weighed between 100-200 g. Then the 40 rats were given lethal dose cyanide orally and divided into 2 groups: 1 group will be detected cyanide by picric acid method and 1 other group using blue prusian method. In such groups are taken gastric tissue. Consecutive examination time intervals on days 1 and 7. The results of cyanide examination with the Picric Acid method were obtained on day 1 of positive gastric tissue cyanide 94.7%, while with the Blue Prusian method on day 1 examination positive cyanide 85%. The results of cyanide examination with the PikraAcid t method on day 7 found that the gastric tissue was positive for cyanide 36.8%, while with the Blue Prusian method 35%. Both methods showed high sensitivity to cyanide examination in the gastric postmortem (P<0.05).

Klasifikasi Citra Daging Babi dan Daging Kerbau Menggunakan Histogram Citra dan GLCM

Due to high consumer demand, some traders use the high price of meat to make a profit by mixing pork and buffalo meat. Some consumers are not aware of this, because in plain view buffalo meat with pork meat is difficult to distinguish, especially for some ordinary people. This action is very detrimental and disturbing the local community, especially Muslims. At present, technological advances in the field of digital image processing are increasing rapidly, especially in food products. In general, this research was conducted in 2 (three) stages. The first stage, namely the stage of image data collection of pork and buffalo meat. The second stage, namely the classification of pork and buffalo meat images using image histogram analysis and the Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) method based on the color and texture of the meat. In this study using the Red Green Blue (RGB) color image method and GLCM texture extraction, namely contrast, homogeneity, energy, and correlation. The study was conducted using 20 samples of meat images (10 images of pork and 10 images of buffalo meat, respectively). Based on the results of the research that has been done, it was found that the image of buffalo meat has a higher percentage value of the Red (R) color component when compared to the pork image, whereas the percentage value of the Green (G) and Blue (B) color components is lower when compared to the image pork. Then, if the value between pixels is not homogeneous (small homogeneity value), then the contrast value is large, and vice versa if the value between pixels is homogeneous (large homogeneity value) then the contrast value is small. The image of buffalo meat has a small homogeneity value compared to the image of pork, so the variation in intensity (contrast) in the image of buffalo meat is high.

Validation of Methylene Blue Analysis Method in Wastewater Samples by Uv-Vis Spectrophotometry

<p><strong>Abstract.</strong> Methylene blue (MB) is an extensively utilized cationic dye in the textile industry. MB is, however, a highly noxious substance that can have detrimental effects on both the environment and human health. MB can pollute waterways and cause the mortality of aquatic organisms in the environment. Due to the hazards posed by MB, it is crucial to have an effective method for analyzing its concentration in wastewater. This will ensure that MB-contaminated water is appropriately treated and disposed of, thereby protecting the environment and human health. One of the analyses utilized the Evolution 360 UV-Vis Spectrophotometer to determine methylene blue concentrations. The Evolution 360 UV-Vis Spectrophotometer method was validated by measuring linearity tests, limit detection and quantization, precision, and accuracy. The R-value for linearity measurements is greater than 0.99, indicating that the method is proportionally validated. As required, the precision measurement yields acceptable results, with a %RSD value of less than 2%, and the accuracy measurement yields a recovery of 100% (between 80 and 110%). So that the method for measuring the concentration of methylene blue in water using the UV-Vis Evolution 360 Spectrophotometer satisfies the requirements for linearity, precision, and accuracy.</p><p><strong>Keywords:</strong></p><p align="left">Analysis, Methylene Blue, Method Validation, Spectrophotometer</p>

Effect of hydrocooling on postharvest storage of sorrel (Rumex acetosa L.)

The objective of this work was to determine the effect of the binomial time/temperature of hydrocooling (10 and 20 min at 0 °C, 10 °C, and 20 °C) on the shelf life of sorrel, a non-conventional vegetable. The experimental design was entirely randomized in a 2 × 3 × 6 factorial scheme with three repetitions. The vegetables were stored at 10±1 °C and 99% relative humidity for 10 days. The effects of time and temperature of hydrocooling on physical and chemical characteristics were observed. The degradation of bioactive compounds was higher in the control samples and samples hydrocooled at 0 °C, resulting in lower antioxidant capacity at 10 days. Hydrocooling at 20 °C for 10 min maintained the color of the vegetables until the tenth day, with a chlorophyll content of 34.54 mg.100 g−1, related to the reduction of the respiration rate and weight loss. Hydrocooled sorrel for 20 min at the same temperature showed a vitamin C content of 63.71 mg.100 g−1 and total phenolics of 249.57 mg of EAG.100 g−1 of fresh matter, by the Fast Blue method. Thus, 20 °C for 10 or 20 min was the most efficient parameter for preserving sorrel samples.

Technoeconomics and carbon footprint of hydrogen production

Decarbonization of the global economy needs not only carbon-free electricity but also a fuel that is free of greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen is a prime candidate, with colors such as gray, blue and green production methods receiving attention. Generally missing from this discourse, however, is a quantitative comparison on the cost, scale, carbon footprint and infrastructure requirements for each of these technologies. Here we present a detailed technoeconomic comparison of five hydrogen production technologies: thermochemical water splitting, methane pyrolysis, water electrolysis, steam methane reforming, and chemical looping hydrogen production. Steam or autothermal methane reforming with carbon capture (SMR + CC) at large scale sets the benchmark for costs, but at small scales, electrochemical technologies appear more suitable. Potentially competitive with and sometimes more affordable than SMR + CC are chemical looping hydrogen production and methane pyrolysis. The impacts of the CO2 footprint of the electricity grid and a price on CO2 are also quantitatively evaluated. A qualitative consideration of the ability to leverage existing infrastructure is also offered with a view towards rapid scalability. Finally, the key research needs are identified for each technology.

Preservation of Peripheral Blood Stem Cells (CD34+/CD38-) for Bone Marrow Transplantation in Thai Lymphoma Patients

Abstract Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is one method of lymphoma therapy. Peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) separation, preservation, cell viability, and cell function before transplantation are important factors in the success rate of stem cell transplantation. This study aims to separate and estimate the efficiency of deep-freezing preservation in autologous PBSCs (CD34+/CD38-) from lymphoma patients undergoing stem cell transplantation. PBSCs were separated and collected by leukapheresis before being cryopreserved and stored in liquid nitrogen. The number of CD34+/CD45dim cells was investigated and compared with the subpopulation of CD34+/CD38- cells using conventional trypan blue exclusion method and 7-AAD before and after cryopreservation. Colony-forming units (CFUs) were determined to indirectly assess the viability and potency of the PBSCs. The result showed that CD34+/CD38– cells constituted 35.56% of total CD34+ cells and 0.05% of total nucleated cells (TNCs). After thawing, the number of CD34+/CD38- cells did not demonstrate significant differences compared with pre-storage. The percentage of CFU recovery was 94.74%. In this study, the storage process of deep-freezing cryopreservation demonstrated high-quality recovery of CD34+/CD38- cells from PBSCs for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in lymphoma patients. This result showed novel data about the preservation of CD34+/CD38- cells. Keywords: Lymphoma, Autologous peripheral blood stem cell, Blood cryopreservation, Bone marrow transplantation

Kajian Isoterm Adsorpsi Linear Alkilbenzena Sulfonate (LAS) dalam Limbah Cair Detergen Menggunakan Biosorben Ampas Kopi dan Ampas Kelapa

One of the efforts to minimize the impact of detergent waste pollution is by adsorption using coffee dregs and coconut dregs adsorbents. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimum mass of coffee grounds and coconut pulp as adsorbents, to compare the effectiveness of their absorption in decreasing levels of Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonate, and to study their adsorption isotherm models. This research was conducted in batches with variations in the mass of each adsorbent, namely 1 gram, 2 grams, 3 grams, 4 grams and 5 grams. This research was conducted in batches with variations in the mass of each adsorbent, namely 1 gram, 2 grams, 3 grams, 4 grams and 5 grams. The detergent waste samples were contacted with the adsorbent for 30 minutes and then the absorption capacity was tested using the Methylene Blue test method. The results showed that the optimum absorption of LAS content from coffee grounds and coconut pulp adsorbents occurred at a mass of 2 grams with the greatest increase in absorption efficiency index Coconut dregs adsorbent is more effective than coffee dregs because it can absorb up to 37%, while coffee dregs are only 10% with the same adsorbent mass of 5 grams. The adsorption isotherm model of the 2 types of adsorbents refers to the Langmuir equilibrium with R2 values for coffee grounds 0.8651 and coconut pulp 0.9868.

Prevalence of Oral Mucosal Lesions among Tobacco Consumers: Cross-Sectional Study.

Different lesions of mucosa can arise in people with a habit of tobacco usage. An assessment of prevalence of such lesions among tobacco consumers was done through this study. A total of 1000 persons were included in this cross-sectional survey. Individuals with a habit of tobacco usage in any form were included in the study. Demographic data were recorded for each study participant. Furthermore, all the participants were examined for associated oral lesions through toluene blue staining method. Types of tobacco consumption reported were for bidi, cigarette, hookah, gutkha, zarda, pan masala, and supari. Different types of associated lesions that were observed included tobacco pouch keratosis, leukoplakia, smoker's melanosis, erythroplakia, erythroleukoplakia, squamous cell carcinoma, sub-mucous fibrosis, and lichen planus in descending order. The oral sites involved were buccal mucosa, labial mucosa, floor of the mouth, gingiva, palate, and tongue in descending order. Various types of oral lesions can arise due to tobacco usage in different forms. The most common change observed is pouch keratosis in chewers and leukoplakia in smokers.

Skeletal Deformities in Cultured Striped Catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage, 1878) in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Skeletal deformities are a common issue that poses a challenge that hinders the production of cultured finfish worldwide. The present study aims to describe for the first time skeletal deformities in cultured striped catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage, 1878) from the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. A total of 68 striped catfish were collected from three nurseries in highly concentrated areas of Long An and Dong Thap provinces. These provinces are known for their numerous hatcheries and nursing farms of P. hypophthalmus in the country. The skeletal deformities recorded included saddleback syndrome, missing pectoral fins, lordosis and kyphosis, unilateral deformities of the opercular complex bones, branchiostegal ray and lower jaw deformities. Abnormalities in bone morphotypes between normal and deformed fish were analysed using X-ray scanning and double staining (alizarin red and alcian blue) methods. The morphological abnormalities, in general, can reduce the fillet yield of fish, thereby affecting their market value. Since P. hypophthalmus is the most important freshwater fish exported from the Mekong Delta, a regular monitoring program of skeletal deformities can contribute to identifying improved rearing protocols and enhance the product quality available in the markets.

THE COMPARISON OF RADIOCOLLOID, BLUE DYE AND A COMBINED METHOD FOR SENTINEL LYMPH NODE BIOPSY IN EARLY-STAGE BREAST CANCER

This study aims to compare the performance of radiocolloid, blue dye and a combined method for sentinel lymph node biopsy in early breast carcinoma. One hundred seventy-two clinically node-negative, early-stage breast cancer patients who underwent combined method sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) with 99mTc-nanocolloid and blue dye were recruited. The peri-areolar injection is the method used in both techniques. The hot node contained only radiocolloid, the blue node contained only blue dye, and the hot-blue node contained both tracers. The detection, metastatic, and failure rate of the combined, radiocolloid, and blue dye methods were determined by analysing the number of hot and blue nodes in all patients, all excised nodes, and metastatic nodes. The association between clinicopathological factors and the detection of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) was analysed. The overall SLN detection rate was 98.2% (169/172) for radiocolloid, 95.9% (165/172) for blue dye, and 99.4% (171/172) for the combined method. The metastatic rate was 19.2% (33/172). Among the 33 metastatic-node cases, the combined, radiocolloid and blue dye method failed to identify 1, 1 and 4 cases, respectively. Therefore, the failure rate of the combined, radiocolloid, and blue dye method was 3.0% (1/33), 3.0% (1/33) and 12.1% (4/33), respectively. No significant association between clinicopathological factors and SLN detection was observed. The combined method of SLNB yielded the highest detection rate when compared to the radiocolloid-alone and blue-dye-alone methods. The radiocolloid method detected more SLN than the blue dye method. Therefore, incorporating the radiocolloid method in the blue dye method will improve the SLN identification rate and reduce the failure rate of metastatic detection.

Resveratrol ameliorates ortho- polychlorinated biphenyls' induced toxicity in ovary cells.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can induce chronic oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death, leading to coronary heart disease, endothelial dysfunction, neurotoxicity, cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes, reproductive dysfunction, etc. The aim of this study was to investigate possible protective effect of resveratrol (2.5-20μM) in ovarian cells exposed to PCBs. An emphasis was on identifying mechanisms of resveratrol action upon distinct structure of the individual PCB congener-planar dioxin-like PCB 77 and non-planar di-ortho-substituted PCB 153. Multiple toxicity endpoint analysis was performed. Cell viability/proliferation was assessed by Trypan Blue exclusion method, Neutral Red, Kenacid Blue, and MTT bioassays. The level of oxidative stress was measured by fluorescent probes, and flow cytometry was applied to evaluate the mode of cell death. Resveratrol applied alone did not affect cell proliferation and viability in doses up to 20µM, although significant antioxidative activity was observed. Toxic effects of ortho-PCB 153 (cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and cell death) were mitigated by resveratrol. On the contrary pre-incubation with resveratrol did not result in cell viability protection when planar PCB 77 was applied. This indicates that resveratrol efficacy may be linked to specific structure of the individual congener, suggesting nutritional modulation of environmental insults caused by ortho-PCBs. We point out the importance of resveratrol dosage considering that synergistic cytotoxic effect with both PCB congeners is observed at concentrations ≥ 10μM.

Actividad biológica de los aceites de semillas de Annona muricata y A. cherimola

Vegetable extracts have become important raw materials for food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries because of their biological potential. The objective of this study was toassess the biological activity of vegetable oils (VOs) extracted from Annona muricata and A. cherimola. Antibacterial activity was determined by plaque microdilution. The assessment of hemolytic inhibition and morphological alterations was performed in erythrocyte cultures by spectrophotometry and microscopy, respectively. Neutrophils were used to analyze both cytotoxicity by the trypan blue exclusion method and the effect on gelatinase granule release (MMP9) via zymography. Whereas VOs showed a mild antibacterial activity (900 μL/mL) on five ATCC bacterial strains, they had no effect on multi-resistant bacteria. In addition, VOs inhibited hydrogen peroxide induced hemolysis and did not cause erythrocyte cell abnormalities. Cytotoxicity was not detected in neutrophils and VOs were able to stimulate MMP9 release. These results support their potential use by the food and cosmetic industries due to their antioxidant, non-cytotoxic, and slight antibacterial capacities

Genome wide association studies and candidate gene mining for understanding the genetic basis of straw silica content in a set of Oryza nivara (Sharma et Shastry) accessions.

Rice is a high-silica (SiO2·nH2O) accumulator. Silicon (Si) is designated as a beneficial element associated with multiple positive effects on crops. However, the presence of high silica content is detrimental to rice straw management, hampering its use as animal feed and as raw material in multiple industries. Rice straw management is a serious concern in north-western India, and it is eventually burned in situ by farmers, contributing to air pollution. A practical solution could lie in reducing the silica content in rice while also attaining sound plant growth. A set of 258 Oryza nivara accessions along with 25 cultivated varieties of Oryza sativa was used to assess the variation in straw silica content using the molybdenum blue colorimetry method. A large continuous variation was observed for straw silica content in O. nivara accessions, ranging from 5.08% to 16%, while it varied from 6.18% to 15.81% in the cultivated varieties. The O. nivara accessions containing 43%-54% lower straw silica content than the currently prominent cultivated varieties in the region were identified. A set of 22,528 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among 258 O. nivara accessions was used for estimating population structure and genome-wide association studies (GWAS). A weak population structure with 59% admixtures was identified among O. nivara accessions. Further, multi-locus GWAS revealed the presence of 14 marker-trait associations (MTAs) for straw silica content, with six of them co-localizing with previously reported quantitative trait loci (QTL). Twelve out of 14 MTAs showed statistically significant allelic differences. Thorough candidate gene analyses revealed the presence of promising candidate genes, including those encoding the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter, Casparian thickening, multi-drug and toxin extrusion (MATE) protein, F-box, and MYB-transcription factors. Besides, ortho-QTLs among rice and maize genomes were identified, which could open ways for further genetic analysis of this trait. The findings of the study could aid in further understanding and characterizing genes for Si transport and regulation in the plant body. The donors carrying the alleles for lower straw silica content can be used in further marker-assisted breeding programs to develop rice varieties with lower silica content and higher yield potential.

Cytotoxic and Osteoblast Differentiation Induction Properties of Crude Polar Extract of Piper sarmentosum leaves

Piper sarmentosum or ‘kaduk’ is a well-known herb plant in Malaysia. Its extracts were found to exhibit a bone-protective effect against osteoporotic rats. Our study aim is to morphologically observe the effect of P. sarmentosum ethyl acetate extract on the differentiation of human peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) into osteoblasts. P. sarmentosum extracts (1-900 µg/mL) prepared using 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) were used in the cytotoxicity assay. Then, the differentiation assay was performed using concentrations of 1-50 µg/mL. The untreated cells acted as the negative control, while the cells cultured in 50 µg/mL ascorbic acid and 10 mM β-glycerophosphate was a positive control. The cytotoxicity effect and proliferation capacity of the cells were analyzed using Trypan Blue exclusion method, while the differentiation of PBSCs was observed using von Kossa staining and ALP gene expression analysis. The result showed a decrease in cells’ viability in a dose-dependent manner during cytotoxicity assay. After 14 days of the differentiation, a constant rate of proliferation could be observed in the treated cells and positive control, while the untreated cells showed an increase in proliferation. The mineralization of extract-treated cells showed significant differences (p<0.05) as compared to the negative control. The expression of ALP was also upregulated on day 14 of differentiation compared to day 0. In conclusion, the extract was capable to induce osteoblast differentiation of human peripheral blood stem cell and potential to be used in tissue regeneration

Phosphate ions detection by using an electrochemical sensor based on laser-scribed graphene oxide on paper

In this work, electrodes based on laser-scribed reduced graphene oxide were fabricated using filter paper as the substrate. To fabricate the electrodes, a water suspension of graphene oxide was filtered to produce a continuous and uniform film of graphene oxide on the filter paper surface. Subsequently, a CO2 laser was used to “write” the working, counter and reference eelctroes by reducing graphene oxide in specific areas to define complete sensors. Referecnce electrodes were then coated with a commercial Ag/AgCl conductive paste to produce a quasi Ag/AgCl reference. As fabricated devices were employed as electrochemical sensors for detection of phosphate ions in water by employing the molybdenum blue method. This method exploits the reaction between molybdate and phosphate ions in acidic media leading to a Keggin-type complex (PMo12O403−) which, being electrochemically active, enables the indiret detection of phosphate ions. Sensors exhibited high selectivity and sensitive detection of phosphate ions in a wide linear range, from 1 to 20 µM; with a limit of detection of 0.4 µM. To demonstrate that sensors could be utilized for in-situ phosphate ion detection, paper substrate was first pre-loaded with sulphuric acid and molybdate ions. During analysis, these chemicals were then desorbed directly into the test sample eliminating the need for any kind of external manipulation or reagent addition. Thus, this paper presents the fabrication of a portable, easy-to-use, biodegradable and fast phosphate ions sensor for in situ and real-time monitoring of water quality.

Graphene Quantum Dot‐PEI‐Cyclodextrin Nanocarrier for Simultaneous miR21a Delivery and Cell Imaging in Cancer Therapy

AbstractOver‐expression of miR21 plays an important role in several cancers by promoting cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis. Here, we attempted to prepare a beta cyclodextrin‐polyethyleneimine‐graphene quantum dot (βCD‐PEI‐GQD) nanocarrier for cellular delivery of miR21a. For this purpose, tosylated‐βCD and GQD were conjugated to branched PEI. The product was characterized by FTIR, 1H‐NMR, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The morphology, particle size distribution, and ζ‐potential of miR21a were examined by TEM and DLS following overnight incubation with βCD‐PEI‐GQD in aqueous media. The miR21 silencing was measured by stem‐loop RT‐PCR in HepG2 human hepatoma cell line. Cellular uptake and cell toxicity assays were determined by fluorescence microscopy and Trypan blue staining method, respectively. The formation of miR21a/CD‐PEI‐GQD Nanoplex with a decreased average size of 114 nm and a ζ‐potential (+36.1 mV) lower than CD‐PEI‐GQD nanocarrier by adding miR21a was confirmed at optimum C/P ratio =8.7. RT‐PCR revealed that miR21a/βCD‐PEI‐GQD Nanoplex significantly downregulated miR21 expression levels effectively. Overall, miR21a delivery using CD‐PEI‐GQD is presented as a novel trackable nanocarrier for cancer therapy.

IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTICANCER ACTIVITY OF THE FRUIT EXTRACT OF RIVINA HUMILIS L. (RED PIGEON BERRY)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic and antioxidant properties of a hydromethanolic extract of Rivina humilis L fruits extract (HMERH) on human cancer cell lines and various in vitro models. HMERH concentrations ranging from 5 to 400mg/ml were utilized in several assay methods such as hydroxyl radicals, DPPH, superoxide radical scavenging activity, metal chelating, and nitric oxide radical test, ABTS, and reducing power assay. All antioxidant assays employed ascorbic acid as the standard. Its short-term cytotoxicity on EAC and DLA cells was determined using the trypan blue dye exclusion method, as well as the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage assay and in vitro cytotoxicity on MEF-L929, DU-145, and PC-3 cells using the MTT assay. The total antioxidant potential was also determined using the phosphomolybdenum test. HMERH demonstrated considerable cytotoxicity against all cancer cell lines examined. The findings of the free radical scavenging activities demonstrated a concentration-dependent and antiradical activity caused by the reduction of ABTS, DPPH, NO, OH, and SO radicals to non-radical form. The findings reveal that antioxidants and cytotoxic agents have potent antioxidant and cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines. Hence, this fruit extract has the potential to be a natural antioxidant and anticancer drug source, which could be valuable in the development of new anticancer therapies.