Efficacy Of Different Concentrations Research Articles

A comparative analysis of the antimicrobial efficacy of different concentrations of silver nanoparticles and chlorhexidine against Enterococcus faecalis - In vitro study

Introduction: Root canal irrigants combat endodontic microbial flora, effectively targeting resilient microbes like Enterococcus faecalis, which persist despite treatment. Chlorhexidine (CHX), as an irrigant, boasts broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, notable substantivity in dentine, and favorable biocompatibility. In the realm of nanotechnology, the use of silver nanoparticle (AgNP) solutions appears promising, given their strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the antimicrobial effectiveness of varying concentrations (1%, 0.75%, and 0.5%) of AgNPs and 2% CHX against E. faecalis. Materials and Methods: Four irrigant solutions, including 1%, 0.75%, and 0.5% AgNPs and 2% CHX with gentamicin as the control, will be assessed. The ATCC 29212 strain of E. faecalis will be cultivated at 37°C on brain–heart infusion Broth plates. After 48 h, the bacterial population will be quantified by counting colony-forming units on agar plates. Each irrigant will be applied to the plates, and the resulting bacterial inhibition zone will be measured. Results: Our study demonstrates the antimicrobial effects of 1%, 0.75%, and 0.5% AgNPs and 2% CHX against E. faecalis. While 2% CHX exhibited superior activity, AgNPs at various concentrations also displayed inhibitory effects against E. faecalis. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study highlights the antimicrobial properties of 1%, 0.75%, and 0.5% AgNPs and 2% CHX against E. faecalis. The results indicate that 2% CHX exhibits superior activity, while AgNPs at various concentrations also demonstrate inhibitory zones against E. faecalis.

Efficacy of Different Concentrations of IBA and NAA on Growth of Hardwood Cuttings of Fig (Ficus carica L.) cv Dinkar

An investigation was conducted to know the influence of growth hormones on shoot growth in hardwood cuttings of fig (Ficus carica L.). The experiment was set up in RBD having thirty cuttings with three replications treated with different concentrations of growth hormones viz., T1 (IBA 1000 ppm), T2 (IBA 2000 ppm), T3 (NAA 1000 ppm), T4 (NAA 2000 ppm), T5 (IBA 1000 ppm + NAA 1000 ppm), T6 (IBA 2000 ppm + NAA 2000 ppm) along with control. Present study revealed earliest sprouting, maximum shoot diameter, shoot length and number of leaves, fresh and dry weights shoot with T6 (IBA 2000 ppm + NAA 2000 ppm). On the basis of findings of this study fig hardwood cuttings treated with IBA 2000 ppm + NAA 2000 ppm under the shade house conditions can be recommended to nursery growers and researchers to obtain desirable shoot growth under Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh.

Effect of cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin treatment on boar sperm cryopreservation.

This study investigated the efficacy of different concentrations of Cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin (CLC) on cryopreservation in boar sperm quality. In this study, we treated boar sperm with different concentrations of CLC before freezing and analyzed the sperm cholesterol concentration, plasma membrane, acrosome integrity rate and total motility rate before and after freeze-thawing. We also investigated the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), ATP, and structural- and oxidative-damage related proteins in all groups after thawing. The results revealed that the cholesterol concentration of the CLC-treated groups was higher than that of the control group, both before freezing and after thawing (p < 0.05). The plasma membrane integrity rate, acrosome integrity rate, and total motility rate of sperm were also enhanced after thawing in the CLC-treated group (all p < 0.05). Moreover, ROS and MDA production and ATP loss were reduced in CLC-treated sperm during freezing and thawing (p < 0.05). Finally, CLC pretreatment partially prevented the consumption of various proteins involved in metabolism including CAPZB, HSP90AA1 and PGAM2 (p < 0.05). CLC treatment increased cholesterol concentration and decreased structural injury and oxidative damage during boar sperm freezing and thawing, improving the efficacy of sperm cryopreservation in boar.

Clinical Efficacy of Different Concentrations of Povidone Iodine in the Management of Peri-Implant Mucositis.

Mechanical plaque control is the first line of management of peri-implant diseases. Povidone iodine is one of the broad spectrum and potent antiseptics available at various concentrations. The aim of the study was to assess and compare the efficacy of various concentrations of povidone iodine in the management of peri-implant mucositis. In the present double blinded, parallel designed, randomized clinical trial, a total of 60 patients with peri-implant mucositis (20 participants in each group [Group 1 (povidone iodine 0.1%), Group 2 (povidone iodine 2%) and Group 3 (povidone iodine 010%)] were enrolled. Scaling and root planing was done and then the peri-implant sulcus was irrigated with respective irrigant and repeated once in a week for 4 weeks. Loe and Silness Gingival Index (GI) and Mombelli Modified sulcular bleeding index (BI) were recorded at baseline and after a month and compared. Statistical analysis was done using One-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD post hoc test. A statistically significant difference (P = 0.000) observed between the three concentrations when compared after 1 month. Also, a statistically significant difference between Group 1 and Group 3 and Group 2 and Group 3 was observed in terms of post GI (P = 0.000) and post BI (P = 0.000) but statistically no significant difference was observed between Group 1 and Group 2 in terms of post GI (P = 0.171) and post BI (P = 0.338). The 2% and 10% povidone iodine showed significant improvement in gingival index and bleeding index and hence it could be an effective adjunct to scaling and root planing in the management of peri-implant mucositis.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Different Concentrations of Sodium Hypochlorite in the Elimination of Enterococcus Faecalis: An In-vitro Study

Introduction: Primary teeth are equally important as permanent teeth. Endodontic therapy aids in the preservation and maintenance of extremely carious primary teeth. For root canal therapy to be successful, root canals must be properly prepared and effectively irrigated. Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) has been the gold standard for root canal treatment of primary teeth. However, there are a few drawbacks to using higher concentrations of sodium hypochlorite, such as toxic reactions from its apical penetration. In addition, an excess of irrigation fluid via the apical region could harm the permanent tooth underneath. Therefore, it is crucial to select the proper concentration to preserve the delicate balance between effectiveness and safety. Aim: The present in-vitro study was conducted in the city of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, between March and June 2022. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of lower concentrations of sodium hypochlorite, such as 1%, 0.5%, and 0.25%, against Enterococcus faecalis. Materials and Methods: The antibacterial activity of different concentrations of sodium hypochlorite (1%, 0.5%, and 0.25%) against Enterococcus faecalis was performed using Muller Hinton agar. Three Mueller Hinton agar plates were prepared and sterilised for 15 minutes for each concentration. The volumes used were 25 μL, 50 μL, and 100 μL, respectively. E. faecalis was swabbed and poured into the sterilised plates. The plates were incubated for 24 hours at 37°C. After incubation, the plates were examined, and their zone of Inhibition was determined. ANOVA test was applied with Post-hoc Tukey’s analysis. Results: One-way ANOVA test showed that there was a significant difference with a p-value &lt;0.001 in all three groups. Post-hoc Tukey’s analysis was done, and the test showed that the highest zone of inhibition was seen with 1% sodium hypochlorite at 100 μL, with zone diameter of 39 mm, and the least zone of inhibition was seen with 0.25% sodium hypochlorite solution at 25 μL, with zone diamter of 22 mm. Conclusion: The results of the present study show that a 1% sodium hypochlorite solution can be used to successfully disinfect root canals, indicating its potential as an effective antimicrobial agent in endodontic procedures.

In vitro efficacy of different concentrations of lupeol on old world Leishmania donovani.

Leishmaniosis is a tropical neglected parasitic disease that is endemic in many countries, including Middle East, with no existing effective vaccines. The bite of female sand-fly transmits the causative agent, Leishmania spp., to humans. High toxicity, resistance and treatment failure of the available chemotherapy against visceral leishmaniosis demands the investigation of new anti-leishmanial compounds. Lupeol is a form of triterpene isolated from several medicinal plants and possesses an antimicrobial property. In this study, cytotoxic effect of lupeol was screened against the mammalian amastigotes form and insect promastigote form of Leishmania donovani, following three cycles of incubation at different concentrations by MTT assay. Results revealed the in vitro anti-leishmanial effect of lupeol on both forms of the parasite where significant decline in promastigotes and amastigotes growth was observed. This was conducted along three times of follow up (24, 48, 72) hours, in comparison to the classical sodium stibogluconate treatment. Cell viability was calculated and the minimum IC50 was detected after 48 hours for amastigotes and 24 hours for promastigotes, 12.125 μM, 102.78 μM, respectively. Given the severity of visceral leishmaniosis and the toxicity of conventional chemotherapies, the anti-leishmanial activity of lupeol suggested a promising compound for additional clinical trials.

Evaluation and comparison of antibacterial efficacy of different concentrations of Chhattisgarh herbal product-Terminalia chebula fruit extract in opposition to Enterococcus faecalis: An invitro study.

Due to the low cost, natural origin, higher safety margins, and little to negligible adverse effects of herbal medications, the use of plants and plant derivatives in medicine is becoming increasingly widespread. Terminalia chebula is among the most significant medicinal plants in ayurvedic, siddha, unani, and homeopathic remedies. It is ranked first in Ayurvedic material medicine. T. chebula has been shown to have established effects against various bacterial and fungal infections, including dental caries pathogens. In recent years, there has been a rise in interest in dentistry and medicine related to Enterococcus faecalis. The research aimed to assess the antibacterial effectiveness of different concentrations of T. chebula ethanolic fruit extract (10%, 40%, and 100%) in opposition to E. faecalis and compare it with 2% chlorhexidine. For the study, T. chebula ethanolic fruit extracts were obtained and prepared with Group I: -10% concentration, Group II: -40% concentration, Group III: -100% concentration, and Group IV: -2% chlorhexidine. Colonies of E. faecalis were cultivated in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth at 37°C and were inoculated in 16 BHI agar plates. Then, on the petri dishes, four wells were created (8 mm diameter) using a metal borer. The Agar well diffusion method was used to examine the antibacterial activity, and the zones of inhibition around the wells were noted. The obtained data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests. The result shows that as the concentration increases, there is an increase in the efficacy of the antibacterial property of the extract before it reaches the saturation point. The decreasing order of antibacterial was chlorhexidine >100% T. chebula >40% T. chebula >10% T. chebula. The production of contemporary pharmaceuticals from T. chebula was addressed, as the global scenario is currently evolving toward using nontoxic plant products with traditional medicinal benefits.

Biofungicide potential of wood vinegar against anthracnose of bell pepper (Capsicum anuum L.) caused by Colletotrichum spp.

Bell pepper is an essential food ingredient used for home consumption, catering and in the food industry. However, bell pepper's shelf-life is reduced due to anthracnose caused by the fungus Colletotrichum spp. Control measures using wood vinegar as an alternative to commercial fungicides are explored to control bell pepper anthracnose. The study evaluated the efficacy of different concentrations of wood vinegar - 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and, 5% against bell pepper anthracnose, laid out in a completely randomized design with triplicates. Spore germination assay and poisoned food technique revealed that 3% was the lowest concentration to completely inhibit the germination of conidia, while at 2%, the colony diameter and sporulation of Colletotrichum spp. was significantly reduced compared to the untreated control. In addition, treated fruits with 3% wood vinegar showed a significant decrease in disease incidence and lower disease severity ratings comparable with 0.0625% benomyl for both protective and eradicative treatments. The eradicative treatment was more effective than the protective treatment. Thus, wood vinegar was shown to have strong antifungal activity against Colletotrichum spp.

Combined addition of L-carnitine and L-proline improves cryopreservation of dairy goat semen

Cryopreservation of semen renders artificial insemination easier and cheaper compared to use of fresh semen. However, the cellular oxidative stress, toxicity of cryoprotectants, and osmotic imbalance may lead to a decline in semen quality and fertilization ability during the process of cryopreservation. L-carnitine and L-proline have been demonstrated to possess effective antioxidant properties in cryopreservation, with the latter also exhibiting excellent permeability and thus being utilized as a permeable cryoprotectant in the field. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of LC and LP on cryopreservation of semen of dairy goats. After thawing, sperm motility, membrane integrity, and acrosome integrity rate of cryopreserved semen treated with LC (50 mM) were significantly higher compared to the untreated control samples. Based on this premise, we conducted experiments to assess the cryoprotective efficacy of different concentrations of LP. The findings demonstrated that the inclusion of 50 mM LP resulted in improved sperm motility compared to other concentrations. Furthermore, the levels of damaging reactive oxygen species and the malonyldialdehyde marker for oxidative stress were significantly lower in goat semen treated with these concentrations of LC and LP compared to semen exposed to other treatments. Semen treated with LC and LP also exhibited good fertilization ability during both in vitro fertilization and artificial insemination. Thus, LC (50 mM) and LP (50 mM) improve cryoprotection of dairy goat sperm which suggests that addition of these compounds will be highly beneficial to the development of dairy goat breeding.

Effects of gelatin and oxytocin supplementation in a long-term semen extender on boar semen quality and fertility potential.

This study investigated the efficacy of different concentrations of gelatin supplementation in long-term semen extender on boar semen quality during storage for 10 days at 17°C. Additionally, oxytocin was added to stored semen to enhance fertility. In Experiment 1, boar semen was collected, diluted with gelatin at concentrations between 0% and 2.5% (w/v) and mixed with a semen extender. Then, it was kept in a refrigerator at 17°C and stored for 10 days. In Experiment 2, the sperm quality was examined after adding 0, 5, and 10 IU oxytocin per artificial insemination dose to the most effective semen extender from Experiment 1 and placing it in a refrigerator at 17°C for 10 days. In Experiment 3, the fertility potential in terms of non-return rate and litter size was determined using the most effective solid-stored semen supplemented with oxytocin. The results indicated that sperm quality decreased with increasing storage time (p<0.05). The sperm quality in terms of total motility, progressive motility, and viable sperm with intact acrosomes and high mitochondrial potential was the highest with 1.5% gelatin supplementation (p<0.001) on all days of storage. Treatment with oxytocin did not affect sperm quality (p>0.05). The non-return rate and litter size after insemination with semen supplemented with 1.5% gelatin and 10 IU of oxytocin after 8 to 10 days of storage were comparable to those of the control group (p>0.05). A semen extender as a solid medium supplemented with 1.5% gelatin successfully preserved boar semen for a long storage duration. Treatment with oxytocin did not affect sperm quality. In addition, the fertility capacity using 1.5% gelatin with 10 IU oxytocin and stored for 8 to 10 days was acceptable and comparable to that of short-term storage.

Zinc oxide nano-flowers improve the growth and propagation of mulberry cuttings grown under different irrigation regimes by mitigating drought-related complications and enhancing zinc uptake

Silkworm larvae mainly consume mulberry leaves; therefore, mulberry cultivation is important for the production of raw silk. Drought stress and micronutrient deficiency (Zn) are known to affect the propagation of mulberry cuttings. In this purview, the current investigation attempted to inspect the efficacy of different concentrations of zinc oxide nano-flower (ZnNFs) applied through both soil admixture and foliar spray on the propagation of mulberry cuttings grown under deficit irrigation regimes. The overall results demonstrated that the ZnNF-treated plant cuttings were well-adapted to drought stress and performed better in comparison to the control set. Out of the tested concentrations – ZnNF-10 (applied as 10 mg/kg soil and 10 ppm as foliar spray thrice) was found to be optimum, showing relatively better initial root establishment, the emergence of leaves, and survival and sprouting percentage. Further studies also confirmed an improvement in the accumulation of photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrates, and protein content even under extreme drought conditions. Most importantly, the ZnNF-10 treatment contributed to ROS detoxification and cell membrane protection by enhancing the pool of antioxidant enzymes. The study further demonstrated that ZnNF-10 application enhanced zinc content by 147.50%, 179.49%, and 171.99% in root, shoot, and leaves of the treated cuttings; thereby, improving the bioaccumulation factor of the plant parts. All of these interactive phenomena led to an increment in shoot height, biomass, leaf area, and leaf number of cuttings. These findings, therefore, indicated that ZnNFs can be developed as a promising nano-fertilizer for mulberry growth facilitating Zn uptake and mitigation of drought-induced complications.

Sargassum sp. as a biofertilizer: is it really a key towards sustainable agriculture for The Bahamas?

BackgroundMacroalgae blooms (Sargassum sp.) occur annually in The Bahamas due to the integration of various events related to human intercession with the roles of algae in biogeochemical cycles. These blooms are of great concern, as they are associated with many negative effects; thus, the primary aims of this study were to assess the quality of soils collected from South, Central, and North Long Island, and to determine whether Sargassum sp. can be used as a biofertilizer for soils on Long Island. A 60-day pot trial method was established to determine the efficacy of different concentrations (1%, 5%, and 10%) of Sargassum sp. as a biofertilizer on cherry tomato cultivation. Additionally, the soil quality before and after fertilizer amendment was evaluated.ResultsThe results show that Sargassum sp. increased nutrient content of the soil, specifically nitrate nitrogen and phosphorus; however, plant growth performance parameters (plant height, leaf number, bud number, flower number, and root and shoot weights) were negatively affected.ConclusionsDue to the obtained results, it is recommended that serious consideration be taken when utilizing Sargassum sp. as a biofertilizer because the pH and type of soil in Long Island, Bahamas, affects the bioavailability of the nutrients released from the algae.Graphical abstract

Complex drug kenocox against &lt;i&gt;Eimeria&lt;/i&gt; spp. oocysts in turkeys

The purpose of the researchis to test the efficacy of different concentrations of composite Kenocox againstEimeriaspp. oocysts in turkeys in a laboratory experiment and under production conditions.Materials and methods. The anti-Eimeria activity of the new composite disinfection agent Kenocox was tested as compared with phenol in two stages. The first laboratory stage used 2, 4 and 6% Kenocox and 4% phenol as the base drug. The second stage used a bioassay with artificial infection of the young turkeys, and a production test was conducted on a poultry farm.Results and discussion. The conducted studies showed 92.96% intense-effectiveness of 2% Kenocox. 4 and 6% Kenocox showed 100% efficacy against sporulatedEimeriaspp. oocysts, and the base 4 % phenol provided 74.98% efficacy. During the production test of 4% Kenocox on the turkey farm, 91.7% intense-effectiveness was detected.

Mitigating neophobia behaviour of Bandicota bengalensis in accepting poison bait and traps using sulphur compounds as additives

This study aimed to assess the potential of five different sulphur compounds, namely carbon disulphide, dimethyl sulphoxide, dimethyl sulphide, allyl sulphide, and dimethyl disulphide as bait additives in mitigating neophobia behaviour of Bandicota bengalensis towards poison bait and traps. The efficacy of different concentrations (5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 ppm) of each of the sulphur compounds in enhancing bait acceptance was evaluated by exposing them to rats in a laboratory setting. The results showed significantly higher acceptance of bait containing 5 ppm concentration of all the compounds. Moreover, exposure of bait mixed with 5 ppm of all the compounds under multi-choice condition in radial maze revealed higher consumption by female rats of bait admixed with carbon disulphide, while male rats consumed the baits containing carbon disulphide and dimethyl sulphide to a greater extent. Female rats showed significantly higher acceptance (76.22%) of 2% zinc phosphide bait admixed with 5 ppm of carbon disulphide while male rats showed significantly higher acceptance of 2% zinc phosphide bait admixed with carbon disulphide (70.83%) and dimethyl sulphide (60.28%). Field experiments showed that 2% zinc phosphide bait mixed with 50 ppm carbon disulphide significantly reduced rodent activity in wheat crop fields. In laboratory and semi-field conditions, carbon disulphide at a concentration of 5 ppm and, in crop fields, at a concentration of 50 ppm, increased the efficacy of multi-catch traps for B. bengalensis. The study suggests that using carbon disulphide can enhance poison bait acceptance and trapping, thereby mitigating neophobia behaviour and improving rodent control success.

Different Concentrations of Albumin Versus Crystalloid in Patients with Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

The best type of resuscitation fluids for sepsis and septic shock patients remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of different concentrations of albumin on reducing the mortality rate of theses patients by meta-analysis. PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were used for screening the relevant studies. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible if they compared the effects of albumin with crystalloid on mortality in patients with sepsis and septic shock. Data were examined and extracted by two reviewers independently. Any disagreements were resolved by consensus with or without the help from a third reviewer. Data including mortality, sample size of the patients, and resuscitation endpoints were extracted. Meta-analysis was carried based on the corresponding odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Eight studies with a total of 5124 septic patients and 3482 septic shock patients were included in this study. Compared with crystalloid, the use of albumin may represent a trend toward reduced the 90-day mortality of septic patients (OR 0.91 [0.80, 1.02]; P = .11) and significantly improved the outcome of septic shock patients (OR 0.85 [0.74, 0.99]; P = .04). Further analysis showed a potentially beneficial role of both 4% to 5% and 20% albumin on reducing the mortality of septic patients. The use of 20% albumin significantly decreased the 90-day mortality of septic shock patients (OR 0.81 [0.67, 0.98]; P = .03), which was better than 4% to 5% albumin and crystalloid. Albumin treatment, particularly 20% albumin, significantly reduced the 90-day mortality in septic shock patients. Both 4% to 5% and 20% of albumin may work better than crystalloid in improving the survival rate of patients with sepsis, but more relative RCTs are required for validation.

Study to Assess the Efficacy of Different Concentration of Nasal Douching on Symptoms and Mucociliary Clearance in Persistent Allergic Rhinitis

Introduction: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is acknowledged as a significant health challenge on a global scale affecting 08 – 39.7% of total population. The management of Allergic rhinitis encompasses patient education on avoidance of allergens as well as the use of pharmacotherapy and allergen- specific immunotherapy. Avoidance of allergen may not be practically applicable always and the pharmacological treatment has side effects on long term use. Hence an alternate treatment modality is required to alleviate the symptom for long duration with less side effects. Materials and Methods: we conducted a randomized double blinded prospective study on 75 patients with allergic rhinitis. They were randomized into 3 groups, 1st group using isotonic saline irrigation, 2nd group using hypertonic nasal irrigation and 3rd group as control. The evaluation was done using SNOT22 score and nasal mucociliary clearance time. Results: Isotonic Saline Nasal Irrigation was found to reduce overall symptoms better than Hypertonic Saline Nasal Irrigation group. Nasal douching also improved Nasal Mucociliary Clearance. Isotonic Saline Nasal Irrigation restored Mucociliary Clearance better than Hypertonic Saline Nasal Irrigation. Compliance to treatment was found to be good for short term. Conclusion: Nasal irrigation along with other medications definitely had better outcome in symptom control in patients with AR. However studies to know the effect of nasal douching in AR for longer duration are needed.

Evaluation of Selenium Nanoparticles in Inducing Disease Resistance against Spot Blotch Disease and Promoting Growth in Wheat under Biotic Stress

In the present study, SeNPs were synthesized using Melia azedarach leaf extracts and investigated for growth promotion in wheat under the biotic stress of spot blotch disease. The phytosynthesized SeNPs were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The in vitro efficacy of different concentrations of phytosynthesized SeNPs (i.e., 100 μg/mL, 150 μg/mL, 200 μg/mL, 250 μg/mL, and 300 μg/mL) was evaluated using the well diffusion method, which reported that 300 μg/mL showed maximum fungus growth inhibition. For in vivo study, different concentrations (10, 20, 30, and 40 mg/L) of SeNPs were applied exogenously to evaluate the morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters under control conditions and determine when infection was induced. Among all treatments, 30 mg/L of SeNPs performed well and increased the plant height by 2.34% compared to the control and 30.7% more than fungus-inoculated wheat. Similarly, fresh plant weight and dry weight increased by 17.35% and 13.43% over the control and 20.34% and 52.48% over the fungus-treated wheat, respectively. In leaf surface area and root length, our findings were 50.11% and 10.37% higher than the control and 40% and 71% higher than diseased wheat, respectively. Plant physiological parameters i.e., chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll content, were increased 14, 133, and 16.1 times over the control and 157, 253, and 42 times over the pathogen-inoculated wheat, respectively. Our findings regarding carotenoid content, relative water content, and the membrane stability index were 29-, 49-, and 81-fold higher than the control and 187-, 63-, and 48-fold higher than the negative control, respectively. In the case of plant biochemical parameters, proline, sugar, flavonoids, and phenolic contents were recorded at 6, 287, 11, and 34 times higher than the control and 32, 107, 33, and 4 times more than fungus-inoculated wheat, respectively. This study is considered the first biocompatible approach to evaluate the potential of green-synthesized SeNPs as growth-promoting substances in wheat under the spot blotch stress and effective management strategy to inhibit fungal growth.

Zoledronic acid targets chemo-resistant polyploid giant cancer cells

Although polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) are known as a key source of failure of current therapies, sufficient drugs to target these cells are not yet introduced. Considering the similarities of polyploid cells in regeneration and cancer, we hypothesized that zoledronic acid (ZA), an osteoclast-targeting agent, might be used to eliminate PGCCs. The 5637-bladder cancer cell line was treated with various doses of cisplatin to enrich polyploid cells and the efficacy of different concentrations of ZA in reducing this population was assessed. The metabolic profile of PGCCs was investigated with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Lipid profiles, mitochondrial density, and ROS content were also measured to assess the response of the cells to ZA. Cancer cells surviving after three days of exposure with 6 μM cisplatin were mainly polyploid. These cells demonstrated special morphological features such as fusion with diploid or other polyploid cells and originated in daughter cells through budding. ZA could substantially eradicate PGCCs with the maximal effect observed with 50 μM which resulted in the drop of PGCC fraction from 60 ± 7.5 to 19 ± 1.7%. Enriched PGCCs after cisplatin-treatment demonstrated a drastic metabolic shift compared to untreated cancer cells with an augmentation of lipids. Further assays confirmed the high content of lipid droplets and cholesterol in these cells which were reduced after ZA administration. Additionally, the mitochondrial density and ROS increased in PGCCs both of which declined in response to ZA. Taken together, we propose that ZA is a potent inhibitor of PGCCs which alters the metabolism of PGCCs. Although this drug has been successfully exploited as adjuvant therapy for some malignancies, the current evidence on its effects on PGCCs justifies further trials to assess its potency for improving the success of current therapies for tackling tumor resistance and relapse.

Evaluation of the antimicrobial efficacy of different concentrations of a novel root canal filling material for primary teeth - An in vitro study.

The demand for an ideal root canal filling material in primary teeth with maximum antibacterial properties keeps escalating to improve the success rate of root canal treatment in primary teeth. Hence, the present study was conducted to determine the antimicrobial efficacy of the different concentrations of a novel root canal filling material. An in vitro study was designed to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of different concentrations of the novel obturating material for primary teeth. Different concentrations of the novel obturating material were prepared using calcium hydroxide, zinc oxide cement, and metronidazole and were tested for its antimicrobial efficacy against Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis using Mueller-Hinton Agar for 24 h at 37°C. The zone of inhibition was measured in millimeters after 24 h. The values were entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and subjected to statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics were used for data summarization and presentation. Friedman test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare the different concentrations of the novel obturating materials against S. mutans and E. faecalis. P < 0.05 was considered to be significant. Against S. mutans at 1% concentration, the zone of inhibition was statistically greater at 50 μl and at 2% and 3%, the zone of inhibition was greater at 100 μl. Similarly, against E. faecalis, the zone of inhibition was statistically greater at 100 μl at 2% and no significant difference was noted at 1% and 3%. Comparison between the groups at 25, 50, and 100 μl shows no significant difference against S. mutans between 1%, 2%, and 3% of 60-40 concentration. However, 3% 60-40 concentration at 50 μl shows significantly increased zone of inhibition against E. faecalis. Two percentage metronidazole at 60-40 (calcium hydroxide-zinc oxide) concentration of the novel obturating material at 100 μl has better antibacterial properties against both S. mutans and E. faecalis.

Comparative evaluation of the antimicrobial efficacy of different concentrations of the novel root canal filling material for primary teeth: A microbiological study

Aim: To determine the antimicrobial efficacy of the different concentrations of a novel root canal filling material and to proclaim the best concentration with maximal antimicrobial effect against Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis. Materials and Methods: The present study is an in vitro microbiological study to check the antimicrobial efficacy of different concentrations of the novel obturating material which was prepared using calcium hydroxide, zinc oxide cement, and metronidazole against S. mutans and E. faecalis using Muller Hilton Agar for 24 hours at 37°C. A total of 30 samples were tested (15 for S. mutans and 15 for E. faecalis). The zone of inhibition was measured in millimeters after 24 hours. The values were entered in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and subjected to statistical analysis using Friedman test and Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: The mean zone of inhibition was statistically greater against S. mutans at 100 µL with 2% and 3% concentration of the novel root canal filling material (P = 0.01). Comparison in between the groups at different concentrations shows no statistically significant difference among the three different concentrations; however, the zone of inhibition is greater with 3% metronidazole. Conclusion: The formulation obtained with 3% metronidazole at 80-20 (calcium hydroxide–zinc oxide) concentration of the novel obturating material at 100 µL showed better antimicrobial activity against both S. mutans and E. faecalis.