Human Digestive Tract Research Articles

Breaking resistance: in silico subtractive and comparative genomics approaches for drug targeting in Bacteroides fragilis.

The purpose of this study was to identify potential novel drug targets for Bacteroides fragilis infections using bioinformatics techniques, such as subtractive and comparative genomics. Bacteroides fragilis is a frequently isolated anaerobic pathogen, particularly in the human digestive tract, where its pathogenesis and persistence are influenced by various virulence factors. By understanding these factors, the study aims to explore alternative therapeutic strategies and provide insights for the development of treatments against B. fragilis infections, particularly as alternatives to antibiotic therapy. A comparative subtractive genomic analysis was performed against the B. fragilis (strain CL07T12C05) to identify unique drug targets. The analysis includes the identification of non-paralogous, non-homologous, essential, and drug target like proteins. Moreover, a comprehensive structural analysis of the protein was conducted utilizing structure modeling and validation techniques, along with network topology analysis. Furthermore, a library comprising approximately 9000 FDA-approved compounds accessible in the DrugBank database was employed to conduct virtual screenings for compounds effective against the designated drug target. The top shortlisted compounds were further studied by employing MD simulations using GROMACS. This approach was chosen due to the established safety, efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity profiles of these compounds. As a result, B. fragilis (strain CL07T12C05) was found to possess 4595 proteins. Among these, 3518 were identified as non-homologous, 1508 deemed essential for bacterial viability, 348 exhibited drug-like properties, 203 were implicated in virulence, and 135 displayed antibiotic resistance. Following an extensive literature review, the protein Sialic acid O-acetyltransferase was chosen through a hierarchical shortlisting process as a potential therapeutic target. The ongoing research facilitated the repurposing of drug compounds: DB12411, DB02112, DB03591, and DB00192, as cost-effective medications against B. fragilis related infections. MD simulations analysis showed that DB12411 may be a potential drug candidate against Sialic acid O-acetyltransferase from B. fragilis. Through subtractive and comparative genomic analysis, Sialic acid O-acetyltransferase was identified as a promising drug target against Bacteroides fragilis. The findings indicate that compounds targeting this protein could potentially be effective in treating B. fragilis infections. However, further experimental validation is required to conclusively confirm their efficacy.

Research Progress on the Correlation between Gut Microorganisms and Gastrointestinal Diseases

The intestinal microbiota refers to the complex community of microorganisms present in the human digestive tract. With the development of high-throughput sequencing technologies such as 16SrRNA gene sequencing and metagenomic sequencing, the intestinal microbiota has been shown to be closely related to gastric cancer and colorectal cancer. At the same time, a series of studies have been conducted to explore the intestinal microbiota as a new type of non-invasive biological marker. This article summarizes the research on the intestinal microbiota of gastric cancer and colorectal cancer, and explains the changes in the intestinal microbiota when the disease occurs, so as to provide new ideas for finding potential molecular targets for the prevention, treatment, and intervention of tumors.

Cave Bats as Carriers of Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase Produced by Escherichia coli from the Island of Lombok, Indonesia

Background: Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative commensal bacterium that normally resides in the digestive tract of humans and animals which is used as an indicator of the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) gene in an individual and can carry out gene transfer. Transmission of ESBL E. coli from wild animals has not been given much attention even though wild animals can act as vectors that spread ESBL in the environment so that it can pose a risk to public health. This research aims to identify the blaTEM gene which codes for ESBL in E. coli from bats that live in caves in Lombok, Indonesia. Methods: A total of 135 samples from bat rectal swabs were cultured on Eosin Methylene Blue Agar media and biochemical suspects were identified using the Indole, Methyl red, Voges-Proskauer, Citrate + and H2S (IMVIC) test. The E. coli bacteria obtained were tested for sensitivity using 7 classes of antibiotics, namely amoxicillin, ciprofloxacine, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, tetracycline, gentamicin, cefotaxime and azithromycin. Bacteria that show multidrug resistance are subjected to PCR testing to detect the blaTEM gene. Result: Of the 135 test samples, it was found that 97 (71.85%) samples were positive for E. coli, 12 (12.37%) samples were Multidrug Resistance (MDR) and 2 (2.06%) samples had the blaTEM gene as the ESBL coding gene in bats that live in caves on the island of Lombok, Indonesia. The presence of the blaTEM gene in E. coli from bats can be indicated as a reservoir for MDR and ESBL transmission so that it can have an impact on public health.

Viability and Survival of Lactobacillus casei Encapsulated with Whey, Sucrose and Maltodextrin Using Freeze-Dried Technique

Lactobacillus casei bacterium in probiotic products and in the human digestive tract could be decreased so that encapsulation preserved techniques need to protect the viability of Lactobacillus casei. The aimed of this study was to determine the ability and survival of L.casei with cryoprotectant materials that consist of a combination of whey with sucrose and whey with maltodextrin using freeze drying technique. The study design used was a complete randomized design consisting of five treatments with two replications which were control; whey 10% with sucrose 10%; whey 10% with maltodextrin 10%; whey 20% with sucrose 10%; and whey 20% with maltodextrin 10%. The anova test α = 0.05 was conducted, if significantly different than continued with a Duncan test. The results showed Lactobacillus casei encapsulated with whey 20% (v/v) and sucrose 10% (w/v) had the highest viability to the freeze drying process and during 28 days of storage at low temperatures (4°C) with the viability of each amounted to 92.66% and 90.38%. Lactobacillus casei with whey 20% (v/v) and maltodextrin 10% (w/v) was the best survival to 0.5% bile salts and low pH (pH 2). The best result was Lactobacillus casei with whey 20% (v/v) and maltodextrin 10% (w/v) to encapsulated and protected the bacterium.

Advances, challenges and future directions in the development of in vitro gastrointestinal models used in assessing infant formulas

This review critically evaluates current in vitro gastrointestinal models for assessing infant formulas from a perspective focusing on a process along digestion, absorption and microbial fermentation. Despite their potential, none of the current in vitro gastrointestinal models fully considers the dynamics and continuous upstream‐downstream process of the human digestive tract. Considering the substantial differences between infants and adults, there is a pressing need for whole‐process gastrointestinal models tailored to infants. Developing such models is crucial for accurately assessing infant formula nutritional value and physiological function, enhancing the formulation of infant formulas to better meet the needs of infants.

A novel antitumor mechanism of triptonide in colorectal cancer: inducing ferroptosis via the SLC7A11/GPX4 axis.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignancy affecting the human digestive tract. Triptonide has been shown to have some anticancer activity, but its effect in CRC is vague. Herein, we examined the effect of triptonide on CRC. In this study, the results of bioinformatics analysis displayed that triptonide may regulate ferroptosis in CRC by modulating GPX4 and SLC7A11. In HCT116 and LoVo cells, the expression levels of GPX4 and SLC7A11 were significantly reduced after triptonide management versus the control group. Triptonide inhibited proliferation, but promoted ferroptosis in CRC cells. SLC7A11 upregulation overturned the effects of triptonide on proliferation and ferroptosis in CRC cells. Triptonide inhibited activation of the PI3K/AKT/Nrf2 signaling in CRC cells. Activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling or Nrf2 upregulation overturned the effects of triptonide on proliferation and ferroptosis in CRC cells. Triptonide suppressed CRC cell growth in vivo by modulating SLC7A11 and GPX4. In conclusion, Triptonide repressed proliferation and facilitated ferroptosis of CRC cells by repressing the SLC7A11/GPX4 axis through inactivation of the PI3K/AKT/Nrf2 signaling.

Application of In Vitro Digestion Models in the Evaluation of Dietary Supplements.

Nowadays, dietary supplements are a permanent part of our diet. Using various simulated in vitro digestive models, the bioavailability of dietary supplement ingredients has also been investigated. In most cases, static models are used instead of dynamic ones. This article focuses on the division of applications of in vitro methods, such as assessing the quality of dietary supplements (in chemical and pharmaceutical form), the impact of diet on the assessment of the bioavailability of product ingredients, the impact of supplement ingredients on the state of intestinal microflora, and the development of new products using various encapsulation methods. The review included publications from 2000 to 2024 showing the use of in vitro methods in dietary supplements containing polysaccharides, proteins, elements, vitamins, and bioactive substances, as well as probiotic and prebiotic products. The impact of components in dietary supplements on the human digestive tract and their degree of bioaccessibility were determined through the use of in vitro methods. The application of in vitro methods has also become an effective tool for designing new forms of dietary supplements in order to increase the availability and durability of labile ingredients in these products.

Factors Associated with the Presence of E.coli in Food: Literature Review

Background: Escherichia coli is a gram-negative bacterium of normal flora of the human and animal digestive tracts, and is important in human digestion. These bacteria can live in the stool, and can cause health problems, such as: diarrhea, vomiting, and other digestive problems. E coli bacteria can be pathogenic if the number of bacteria in the digestive tract increases or is outside the intestine. Food Sanitation Efforts include supervision, protection, and improvement of hygiene and sanitation quality specifically for Ready-to-Eat Processed Foods. Food hygiene and sanitation quality supervision is carried out through: surveillance, laboratory tests, risk analysis, and/or follow-up recommendations. Protection of food hygiene and sanitation quality is carried out through: communication, information, and education; health checks of food handlers; use of personal protective equipment; and/or the development of appropriate technology. Improving the quality of food hygiene and sanitation is carried out through: communication, information, and education; and/or food processing technology engineering Objective: The purpose of this literature review is to find out the factors related to the presence of E.coli in food Method: The research method used is a literature study with a search method in a literature review, which searches for literature that is in accordance with relevant social media such as google scholar, garuda, e-journal in the field of diarrhea incidence. Search the literature as a reference from 2014-2024 and get 10 articles or journals that are relevant in the last 10 years. Results: The results of this literature review explain that factors related to the presence of e.coli in food in public places include: personal hygiene of food handlers, how to wash cutlery, PPE of food handlers are not paid attention to, poor food sanitation, food handlers do not pay attention to controlling environmental conditions from the handling of raw materials to the distribution process, the storage place of cutlery is not considered, and improper serving of food. Conclusion: The conclusion of this literature review article is that there are many factors related to the presence of e.coli in food in public places. And recommend to environmental health workers the need to socialize and supervise the hygiene and sanitation of traders in particular. To the general public to pay attention to the cleanliness of what will be consumed.

Sequential Sampling of the Gastrointestinal Tract to Characterize the Entire Digestive Microbiome in Japanese Subjects.

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract harbors trillions of microorganisms known to influence human health and disease, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) now enables the in-depth analysis of their diversity and functions. Although a significant amount of research has been conducted on the GI microbiome, comprehensive metagenomic datasets covering the entire tract are scarce due to cost and technical challenges. Despite the widespread use of fecal samples, integrated datasets encompassing the entire digestive process, beginning at the mouth and ending with feces, are lacking. With this study, we aimed to fill this gap by analyzing the complete metagenome of the GI tract, providing insights into the dynamics of the microbiota and potential therapeutic avenues. In this study, we delved into the complex world of the GI microbiota, which we examined in five healthy Japanese subjects. While samples from the whole GI flora and fecal samples provided sufficient bacteria, samples obtained from the stomach and duodenum posed a challenge. Using a principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), clear clustering patterns were identified; these revealed significant diversity in the duodenum. Although this study was limited by its small sample size, the flora in the overall GI tract showed unwavering consistency, while the duodenum exhibited unprecedented phylogenetic diversity. A visual heat map illustrates the discrepancy in abundance, with Fusobacteria and Bacilli dominating the upper GI tract and Clostridia and Bacteroidia dominating the fecal samples. Negativicutes and Actinobacteria were found throughout the digestive tract. This study demonstrates that it is possible to continuously collect microbiome samples throughout the human digestive tract. These findings not only shed light on the complexity of GI microbiota but also provide a basis for future research.

Four novel Acinetobacter lwoffii strains isolated from the milk of cows in China with subclinical mastitis

BackgroundAcinetobacter lwoffii (A. lwoffii) is a Gram-negative bacteria common in the environment, and it is the normal flora in human respiratory and digestive tracts. The bacteria is a zoonotic and opportunistic pathogen that causes various infections, including nosocomial infections. The aim of this study was to identify A. lwoffii strains isolated from bovine milk with subclinical mastitis in China and get a better understanding of its antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance profile. This is the first study to analyze the drug resistance spectrum and corresponding mechanisms of A. lwoffii isolated in raw milk.ResultsFour A. lwoffii strains were isolated by PCR method. Genetic evolution analysis using the neighbor-joining method showed that the four strains had a high homology with Acinetobacter lwoffii. The strains were resistant to several antibiotics and carried 17 drug-resistance genes across them. Specifically, among 23 antibiotics, the strains were completely susceptible to 6 antibiotics, including doxycycline, erythromycin, polymyxin, clindamycin, imipenem, and meropenem. In addition, the strains showed variable resistance patterns. A total of 17 resistance genes, including plasmid-mediated resistance genes, were detected across the four strains. These genes mediated resistance to 5 classes of antimicrobials, including beta-lactam, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, tetracycline, sulfonamides, and chloramphenicol.ConclusionThese findings indicated that multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter lwoffii strains exist in raw milk of bovine with subclinical mastitis. Acinetobacter lwoffii are widespread in natural environmental samples, including water, soil, bathtub, soap box, skin, pharynx, conjunctiva, saliva, gastrointestinal tract, and vaginal secretions. The strains carry resistance genes in mobile genetic elements to enhance the spread of these genes. Therefore, more attention should be paid to epidemiological surveillance and drug resistant A. lwoffii.

Improvement of Stress Resistance of Microencapsulated Lactobacillus plantarum by Emulsion Electrospinning.

Probiotics have become increasingly recognized for their potential health-promoting properties; however, the viability of probiotics can be affected by storage and transportation processes as well as the stressful environment of the human digestive tract, preventing them from achieving effective concentration (107 CFU/mL). In this regard, the embedding technology of probiotics provides an effective protection method. Dextran-based water in water (W/W) emulsion loaded with Lactobacillus plantarum was used as spinning solution to prepare Lactobacillus plantarum-loaded electrospun fibers. The structure of the W/W emulsion and the electrospun fibers was charactered. Lactobacillus plantarum were uniformly embedded in the internal phase of the W/W emulsion and the loading efficiency was 9.70 ± 0.40 log CFU/g. After 240 min digestion in the gastrointestinal tract, and temperature treatment in 65 °C and 72 °C, the loaded probiotics maintained high activity. Even after 5 days of storage in room temperature and 4 °C, the loaded probiotic activity levels remained high, with counts >8 log CFU/g. These results suggest that probiotics encapsulated by emulsion electrospinning could be potentially delivered in a novel food delivery system used in the future food industry.

Isolation, selection, and evaluation of characteristics of potential Bacillusstrains for probiotic products

In the human digestive tract, there resides a very large number of microorganisms, including more than 400 different species of bacteria. Probiotics are defined as live bacteria that when introduced into the body in sufficient quantities will produce beneficial health effects. Probiotics (commonly known as digestive enzymes) are not drugs but are classified as nutritional supplements. In this study, we aim to investigate the probiotic properties of 2 strains of Bacillus bacteria isolated from fecal samples of healthy people, without the use of antibiotics or probiotic products for at least 1 month. The basic properties investigated include the hemolytic ability of bacteria, tolerance to artificial gastric acid and bile salt, and sensitivity to antibiotics. Out of a total of 72 isolates, 2 potential Bacillus strains were selected that did not cause hemolysis, were able to survive and survive in the harsh environment of the digestive system, and were sensitive to antibiotics commonly used for humans. On that basis, we initially evaluated the safety and potential application of these 2 strains to probiotic products.

Exploring host-commensal-pathogen dynamics in cell line and organotypic human intestinal epithelial models

Host and microbiome intricately interact in the ecosystem of the human digestive tract, playing a crucial role in our health. These interactions can initiate immune responses in the epithelial cells, which, in turn, activate downstream responses in other immune cells. Here, we used a CaCo-2 and a human intestinal enteroid (HIE) model to explore epithelial responses to both commensal and pathogenic bacteria, individually and combined. CaCo-2 cells were co-cultured with peripheral blood mononuclear cells, revealing downstream activation of immune cells. While both systems showed comparable cytokine profiles, they differed in their responses to the different bacteria, with the organoid system being more representative of responses observed in humans. We provide evidence of the pro-inflammatory responses associated with these bacteria. These models contribute to a deeper understanding of the interactions between the microbiota, intestinal epithelium, and immune cells in the gut, promoting advances in the field of host-microbe interactions.

Characterization, antioxidant activity and in vitro digestion of hawthorn pectin prepared by gradient ethanol precipitation

Four modified hawthorn pectin fractions (MHPs), named MHP-30, MHP-50, MHP-70 and MHP-90, were obtained by ultrasonic-assisted pectin methyl esterase modification and gradient ethanol precipitation. The results indicated that all four MHPs were composed of galacturonic acid, galactose, xylose, arabinose, glucose and mannose in different proportions. With the increase of the ethanol concentration, the molecular weight, esterification degree and galacturonic acid content of MHPs all decreased, whereas the arabinose content and branching degree increased. The structural characterization from XRD, SEM, and FT-IR showed that four MHPs exhibited amorphous structure, similar functional groups, diverse surface morphologies. Besides, in vitro antioxidant assays confirmed that MHP-70 and MHP-90 exhibited stronger total antioxidant activities than MHP-30 and MHP-50. The results of simulated saliva-gastrointestinal digestion showed that the molecular weight of MHP-70 and MHP-90 remained stable, yielded small amounts of reducing sugars, and were resistant to digestion in the human upper digestive tract. Overall, MHP-70 and MHP-90 shown great potential as novel natural antioxidants, which are expected to be good carbon sources for the utilization of intestinal microorganisms.

Factors of pathogenicity of bacteria of the genus Campylobacter and their role in carcinogenesis

Bacteria of the genus Campylobacter are a known common cause of gastroenteritis. However, in recent years, there has been more and more evidence in the scientific literature that these bacteria play an essential role in the development of malignant tumors of the human digestive tract. The aim is to systemize data on pathogenicity/virulence factors of Campylobacter spp. and its role in human carcinogenesis. The review provides a general description of the representatives of the genus in question, indicating their current taxonomic position and importance in human infectious pathology. A detailed description of known pathogenicity/virulence factors, including those with species-specific and strain-specific affiliation, is given. The indirect role of Campylobacter spp. in the mechanism of carcinogenesis has been shown due to the effect on individual links of the immune defense of the human body (e.g., on a pool of proinflammatory cytokines), which supports a chronic focus of inflammation and provokes further malignant cell degeneration. The direct effect of cytolethal expanding toxin (CDT) of Campylobacter as an essential link in carcinogenesis is considered. The facts of tumor-associated interaction of Campylobacter spp. with other bacteria of the human digestive tract are presented. Conclusion. The available data indicate a significant contribution of individual factors of Campylobacter spp. pathogenicity to the mechanisms of malignant neoplastic transformation of human digestive tract cells. CDT plays an essential role among other pathogenesis links.

Interaction of Human Gut Microflora with Commonly Consumed Herbs and Spices: A Review

Abstract: Herbs and spices are used since time memorable to transfuse color and add flavors to food. Their antibacterial properties also help preserve raw and cooked foods. Various diets composed of herbs and spices, as consistent with various researches, have been shown to influence life within the human digestive tract. This modulation forms the basis of various health effects that the herbs and spices and the microflora have on the human health. The intestinal microbiota is engaged in a critical function of promoting health, composed of favourable microbes (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) and potentially harmful microorganisms (Salmonella thyphimurium and Escherichia coli). Spices and herbs make double oddities, i.e., inhibiting the proliferation of hazardous microbes while promoting favorable ones. The paper reviews the relevant manuscripts published in the past 20 years to understand the microbial modulation dynamics of herbs and spices. PubMed, Mendeley, SciELO, Scopus, Science Direct, and other peer-reviewed databases were accessed for the review. Microbial modulation is achieved by means of herbs and spices owing to the reduction of oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen radicals, such as OHˉ, singlet O2, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide radical, which leads to a threat to the intestinal microbiota. Spices and herbs have essential oils that serve as prebiotics, reducing the demand to impart artificial antioxidants, thus avoiding the associated health risks. Thus, the present review explores the mechanisms and underlying functions of herbs and spices in the human gut biome.

Tissue distribution of cysteine string protein/DNAJC5 in C. elegans analysed by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated tagging of endogenous DNJ-14.

Cysteine string protein (CSP) is a member of the DnaJ/Hsp40 family of molecular chaperones. CSP is enriched in neurons, where it mainly localises to synaptic vesicles. Mutations in CSP-encoding genes in flies, worms, mice and humans result in neuronal dysfunction, neurodegeneration and reduced lifespan. Most attention has therefore focused on CSP's neuronal functions, although CSP is also expressed in non-neuronal cells. Here, we used genome editing to fluorescently tag the Caenorhabditis elegans CSP orthologue, dnj-14, to identify which tissues preferentially express CSP and hence may contribute to the observed mutant phenotypes. Replacement of dnj-14 with wrmScarlet caused a strong chemotaxis defect, as seen with other dnj-14 null mutants. In contrast, inserting the reporter in-frame to create a DNJ-14-wrmScarlet fusion protein had no effect on chemotaxis, indicating that C-terminal tagging does not impair DNJ-14 function. WrmScarlet fluorescence appeared most obvious in the intestine, head/pharynx, spermathecae and vulva/uterus in the reporter strains, suggesting that DNJ-14 is preferentially expressed in these tissues. Crossing the DNJ-14-wrmScarlet strain with GFP marker strains confirmed the intestinal and pharyngeal expression, but only a partial overlap with neuronal GFP was observed. DNJ-14-wrmScarlet fluorescence in the intestine was increased in response to starvation, which may be relevant to mammalian CSPα's role in microautophagy. DNJ-14's enrichment in worm reproductive tissues (spermathecae and vulva/uterus) parallels the testis-specific expression of CSPβ and CSPγ isoforms in mammals. Furthermore, CSPα messenger RNA is highly expressed in the human proximal digestive tract, suggesting that CSP may have a conserved, but overlooked, function within the gastrointestinal system.

Effectiveness of natural probiotics in food

Introduction and purposeThe term "probiotic" rooted in Latin, signifies 'for life,' reflecting the historical use of fermented products for therapeutic purposes. Defined by the WHO as living microorganisms conferring health benefits when consumed adequately, probiotics, mainly bacteria from Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera, play a vital role in maintaining gut microbiota balance, regulating digestion, supporting the immune system and influencing mental and cardiovascular health. While browsing many websites devoted to healthy eating or popular science topics, we often came across the topic of probiotic food without any confirmation by scientific research. The aim of this paper is to confirm or exclude the presence of probiotics in popular foods.
 Material and method
 In our work, we will look at individual products with an emphasis on verifying whether the microorganisms they contain meet the WHO criteria of probiotics.
 Results
 Our review managed to prove the probiotic effect of almost all presented food, except for miso. By reviewing many articles, we shed a lot of uncertainty on the repeated myth about the lack of probiotic effect of cucumbers preserved in vinegar and what is more, we found scientific assumptions about the probiotic effect of vinegar itself.
 Conclusion
 Fermented food contains numerous strains of bacteria that are resistant to acid, bile and temperature in the human digestive tract and can be effectively used as a source of probiotics.
 What is more, compared with probiotics from the pharmacy, pickles provide not only probiotics, but also nutritional values, valuable fiber and vitamins. They seem to be a versatile supplement for our health.

Synthesis, characterization, and application of honey stabilized inulin nanoparticles as colon targeting drug delivery carrier

Inulin (INU) is a versatile natural polysaccharide primarily derived from chicory roots. INU possesses the unique quality of evading digestion or fermentation in the early stages of the human digestive tract, instead reaching the lower colon directly. Exploiting on this distinctive attribute, INU finds application in the creation of targeted carrier systems for delivering drugs tailored to colon-related diseases. This study presents a novel method for synthesizing highly stable and non-aggregatory inulin nanoparticles (INU NPs) by ionotropic gelation method, using calcium chloride as crosslinker and natural honey as a stabilizing agent. Different formulation and process parameters were optimized for the synthesis of monodispersed INU NPs. These INU NPs efficiently encapsulated a hydrophilic drug irinotecan hydrochloride trihydrate (IHT) and drug loaded formulation (IINPs) demonstrated excellent colloidal and storage stabilities. Notably, these IINPs exhibited pH-dependent drug release, suggesting potential for colon-specific drug delivery. Anticancer activity of the NPs was found significantly higher in comparison to IHT through cytotoxicity and apoptosis studies against human colorectal carcinoma cells. Overall, this study revealed that the INU NPs synthesized by ionotropic gelation will be an efficient nanocarrier system for colon-targeted drug delivery due to their exceptional biocompatibility and stability in stomach and upper intestinal conditions.

Deep Learning for Histopathological Image Analysis: A Convolutional Neural Network Approach to Colon Cancer Classification

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that attacks the last part of the human digestive tract. Factors such as an unhealthy diet, low fiber consumption, and high animal protein and fat intake can increase the risk of developing this disease. Diagnosis of colon cancer requires sophisticated diagnostic procedures such as CT scan, MRI, PET scan, ultrasound, or biopsy, which are often time-consuming and require particular expertise. This study aims to classify colon cancer based on histopathological images using a dataset of 10,000 images. This data is divided into 7,950 images for training, 2,000 for testing, and 50 for validation, aiming to achieve effective generalization. The Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) method was applied in this research with a relatively shallow architecture consisting of 4 convolution layers, 2 fully connected layers, and 1 output layer. Research results were evaluated by looking at the accuracy value of 99.55%, precision value of 99.49%, recall of 99.59%, prediction experiments on several images, and loss and accuracy graphs to detect signs of overfitting. However, this research has limitations in determining hyperparameters and layer depth, which was only tested from 1 to 5 convolution layers. Therefore, there are still opportunities for further development, such as applying unique feature extraction before the classification process