Search For Better Alternatives Research Articles

Biological Potential of Asphodelus microcarpus Extracts: α-Glucosidase and Antibiofilm Activities In Vitro.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D), characterized by insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction, requires continuous advancements in management strategies, particularly in controlling postprandial hyperglycemia to prevent complications. Current antidiabetics, which have α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, have side effects, prompting the search for better alternatives. In addition, diabetes patients are particularly vulnerable to yeast infections because an unusual sugar concentration promotes the growth of Candida spp. in areas like the mouth and genitalia. Asphodelus microcarpus contains bioactive flavonoids with potential enzyme inhibitory properties. This study investigates α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities and antioxidant and antimycotic capacity of ethanolic extracts from different parts of A. microcarpus. Results show that extracts significantly inhibit α-glucosidase, with the IC50 value being up to 25 times higher than for acarbose, while exerting low α-amylase activity. The extracts also demonstrated strong antioxidant properties and low cytotoxicity. The presence of phenolic compounds is likely responsible for the observed biological activities. Molecular docking analysis of 11 selected compounds identified emodin and luteolin as significant inhibitors of α-glucosidase. Additionally, the extracts demonstrated significant antibiofilm action against an MDR strain of Candida albicans. These findings suggest that A. microcarpus is a promising source of natural compounds for T2D management.

Comparative study between dexmedetomidine and midazolam as pre-medication for the prevention of etomidate-induced myoclonus and attenuation of stress response at endotracheal intubation in laparoscopic cholecystectomies

Background: Myoclonus is a common issue in etomidate anesthesia induction, and various drugs have been used to reduce its incidence, highlighting the ongoing search for better alternatives in anesthesiology. Aims and Objectives: The study analyzed the impact of dexmedetomidine (DEX) and midazolam pre-treatment on etomidate-induced myoclonus incidence, stress response at laryngoscopy, and intubation during etomidate induction. Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized controlled intervention study (superiority trial) was done involving 42 patients of age 20–60 years, randomly allocated in two equal groups (Group D: Inj. DEX was given as infusion (0.5 μg/kg) in 10 mL 0.9% normal saline over 10 min and 5 min before induction. Group M: Inj. Midazolam was given 0.02 mg/kg, prepared in 10 mL 0.9% normal saline, to be infused over 10 min and 5 min before induction). Myoclonus was graded after intravenous administration of etomidate (0.3 mg/kg) and hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation were observed at various time intervals. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 27.0. Independent t-test/Mann–Whitney test (for non-parametric data) and Chi-square test/Fisher’s exact test were used to compare variables. A P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study found that DEX effectively suppressed stress response due to intubation compared to midazolam, with mean myoclonus gradation (Mean±SD) in Group-D and Group-M being 0.6190±0.7400 and 1.6667±0.8563, respectively, indicating a significant distribution with group. Conclusion: DEX was found to be more effective than midazolam in preventing etomidate-induced myoclonus and attenuating stress response compared to midazolam.

Using Raman spectroscopy for early detection of resistance-breaking strains of tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus in tomatoes.

Tomato spotted wilt (TSW) disease caused by tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus (TSWV, Orthotospovirus tomatomaculae) poses a significant threat to specialty and staple crops worldwide by causing over a billion dollars in crop losses annually. Current strategies for TSWV diagnosis heavily rely on nucleic acid or protein-based techniques which require significant technical expertise, and are invasive, time-consuming, and expensive, thereby catalyzing the search for better alternatives. In this study, we explored the potential of Raman spectroscopy (RS) in early detection of TSW in a non-invasive and non-destructive manner. Specifically, we investigated whether RS could be used to detect strain specific TSW symptoms associated with four TSWV strains infecting three differentially resistant tomato cultivars. In the acquired spectra, we observed notable reductions in the intensity of vibrational peaks associated with carotenoids. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), we confirmed that TSWV caused a substantial decrease in the concentration of lutein that was detected by RS. Finally, we demonstrated that Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) could be used to differentiate strain-specific TSW symptoms across all tested cultivars. These results demonstrate that RS can be a promising solution for early diagnosis of TSW, enabling timely disease intervention and thereby mitigating crop losses inflicted by TSWV.

Unlocking AlN Piezoelectric Performance with Earth‐Abundant Dopants

AbstractThe increasing demand for high‐performance piezoelectric materials and toxicity and thermal stability issues of the widely used lead zirconate titanates (PZT) have spurred a search for better alternatives in electronic devices. In comparison to PZT, group III nitrides such as aluminum nitride (AlN), are only weakly piezoelectric, but doping AlN with scandium (Sc) improves the piezoelectric response by nearly 500%. Relative to PZT, doped‐AlN piezoelectric materials are advantageous because they are far more compatible with complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) materials, and they maintain both piezoelectric and thermodynamic stability up to very high temperatures. Unfortunately, rare‐earth metals are notoriously expensive, and fabricating stable films with rare‐earth dopants is also challenging, limiting their use in industrial applications. In this work, ab initio calculations are combined with targeted fabrication and experimentation to identify alternative earth‐abundant dopants for AlN from the periodic table d‐block. Amongst the 23 elements screened, it is found that group IVB metals, titanium, zirconium, and hafnium induce large piezoelectric enhancements comparable to Sc. This improvement is traced to shifts in the atomic sublattice structure and changes in the local charge states. In demonstrating a highly accessible and affordable path for technological adaptation of AlN‐based piezoelectrics, this work provides the foundation for sustainable, next‐generation electronics.

Microalgae as sources of green bioactives for health-enhancing food supplements and nutraceuticals: A review of literature

The world population is ever increasing and so is the need to ensure food security. Food production needs to increase by about 70% within the next 40 years to cater for food consumption. Moreover, with increasing collective consciousness toward food supplementation for improving quality of health, the development of nutraceuticals has gained prominence in disease prevention, treatment, and overall health improvement. However, due to the constant controversial debate of food production for consumption against other uses, the search for better alternatives led to microalgae. Species such as Spirulina, Chlorella, Scenedesmus, and Dunaliella, among many others, are important sources of primary and secondary metabolites that play crucial roles in disease prevention and treatment. Understanding the significance of nutraceuticals and how microalgae can be used to produce those value-added molecules is necessary for any potential commercial exploitation. This review discusses the potential of microalgae to be exploited as promising sources of nutraceuticals. Here, essential biomolecules used as nutraceuticals are explored and their crucial roles in disease prevention, especially cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and strengthening the immune system. The composition of microalgae, which makes them suitable candidates to produce nutraceuticals, is discussed. Furthermore, the multifarious aspects of microalgae cultivation, in terms of cultivation systems and factors affecting biomass production and productivity regarding nutraceutical production, are reviewed. The multiple sustainable facets of microalgae culture, which can help in carbon sequestration, fast biomass production, and boosting health benefits, should interest stakeholders and potential commercial producers. Bioprocessing of microalgae for the extraction and purification of microalgae-based products is also reviewed, focusing on the key methods of pre-treatment, extraction, and purification of microalgal biomass.

Rat Anterior Cingulate Cortex Continuously Signals Decision Variables in a Patch Foraging Task.

In patch foraging tasks, animals must decide whether to remain with a depleting resource or to leave it in search of a potentially better source of reward. In such tasks, animals consistently follow the general predictions of optimal foraging theory (the marginal value theorem; MVT): to leave a patch when the reward rate in the current patch depletes to the average reward rate across patches. Prior studies implicate an important role for the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in foraging decisions based on MVT: within single trials, ACC activity increases immediately preceding foraging decisions, and across trials, these dynamics are modulated as the value of staying in the patch depletes to the average reward rate. Here, we test whether these activity patterns reflect dynamic encoding of decision-variables and whether these signals are directly involved in decision-making. We developed a leaky accumulator model based on the MVT that generates estimates of decision variables within and across trials, and tested model predictions against ACC activity recorded from male rats performing a patch foraging task. Model predicted changes in MVT decision variables closely matched rat ACC activity. Next, we pharmacologically inactivated ACC in male rats to test the contribution of these signals to decision-making. ACC inactivation had a profound effect on rats' foraging decisions and response times (RTs) yet rats still followed the MVT decision rule. These findings indicate that the ACC encodes foraging-related variables for reasons unrelated to patch-leaving decisions.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The ability to make adaptive patch-foraging decisions, to remain with a depleting resource or search for better alternatives, is critical to animal well-being. Previous studies have found that anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) activity is modulated at different points in the foraging decision process, raising questions about whether the ACC guides ongoing decisions or serves a more general purpose of regulating cognitive control. To investigate the function of the ACC in foraging, the present study developed a dynamic model of behavior and neural activity, and tested model predictions using recordings and inactivation of ACC. Findings revealed that ACC continuously signals decision variables but that these signals are more likely used to monitor and regulate ongoing processes than to guide foraging decisions.

Photoinduced Superhydrophilicity of Gd-Doped TiO2 Ellipsoidal Nanoparticles Boosts T1 Contrast Enhancement for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

The unsatisfactory performance of current gadolinium chelate based T1 contrast agents (CAs) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) stimulates the search for better alternatives. Herein, we report a new strategy to substantially improve the capacity of nanoparticle-based T1 CAs by exploiting the photoinduced superhydrophilic assistance (PISA) effect. As a proof of concept, we synthesized citrate-coated Gd-doped TiO2 ellipsoidal nanoparticles (GdTi-SC NPs), whose r1 increases significantly upon UV irradiation. The reduced water contact angle and the increased number of surface hydroxyl groups substantiate the existence of the PISA effect, which considerably promotes the efficiency of paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) and thus the imaging performance of GdTi-SC NPs. In vivo MRI of SD rats with GdTi-SC NPs further demonstrates that GdTi-SC NPs could serve as a high-performance CA for sensitive imaging of blood vessels and accurate diagnosis of vascular lesions, indicating the success of our strategy.

Flexible isoporous air filters for high-efficiency particle capture

Air pollution with a high concentration level of particulate matter (PM) holds responsibility for an increasing number of fatalities worldwide. Inhalable and harmful airborne PM, generated by anthropogenic and natural sources, can act as carcinogenic agents and can also absorb and transfer with them viruses and bacteria. Stationary and automove filters, masks are part of our routine life. However, traditional fibrous air filters and improved high-efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA) suffer from several inevitable drawbacks, justifying the search for better alternatives. Herein, we present nanofabricated isoporous polymeric membranes with of PM2.5 and PM10 capture efficiency as high as 99.9%. The membranes were transparent and flexible with pore sizes of 0.7, 2 and 5 μm. Those with 2 μm had a density of 4.13 × 106 pores per cm2. Moreover, membranes coated with silver nanoparticles showed excellent biocidal effect against Acinetobacter baylyi bacteria. The membrane can be used in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems of buildings and car cabins, and can be incorporated in personal masking.

Efficacy of Myristica fragrans and Terminalia chebula as Pulpotomy Agents in Primary Teeth: A Clinical Study.

ABSTRACTBackgroundPulpotomy is the treatment for cariously exposed vital primary molars. UsingfFormocresol as a pulpotomy agent is been in controversy, which has triggered the search for better alternatives. The product like ‘Myristica fragrans (MF)–Nutmeg gel, Terminalia chebula (TC)–Myrobolan gel is gaining popularity as herbal pulpotomy agents.AimTo evaluate and compare clinical and radiographical success of herbal gels Myristica fragrans (MF)–Nutmeg, and Terminalia chebula (TC)–Myrobolan as pulpotomy medicaments in primary teeth.Materials and methodsTwenty participants (n = 20), each with at least two primary molars requiring pulpotomy, were selected and divided into two test groups. In 10 children Terminalia chebula gel was placed in one side and Formocresol on another side. Rest 10 children were treated with Myristica fragrans gel on one side and another side with formocresol. The treated teeth selected for clinical and radiographic evaluation were monitored periodically for 3, 6 and 12 months.ResultsWith the follow-up of 12 months there was no significant difference in efficacy of all three pulpotomy medicaments, i.e. Nutmeg, Myrobolan, and Formocresol, respectively was foundConclusionHerbal gels have a promising role in dentistry having the proper knowledge, and their effects on teeth would prove them as a successful dental therapeutic agent.How to cite this articleMali S, Singla S, Sharma A, Gautam A, Niranjan B, Jain S. Efficacy of Myristica fragrans and Terminalia chebula as Pulpotomy Agents in Primary Teeth: A Clinical Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent, 2018;11(6):505-509

Searching for an Accurate Marker-Based Prediction of an Individual Quantitative Trait in Molecular Plant Breeding

Molecular plant breeding with the aid of molecular markers has played an important role in modern plant breeding over the last two decades. Many marker-based predictions for quantitative traits have been made to enhance parental selection, but the trait prediction accuracy remains generally low, even with the aid of dense, genome-wide SNP markers. To search for more accurate trait-specific prediction with informative SNP markers, we conducted a literature review on the prediction issues in molecular plant breeding and on the applicability of an RNA-Seq technique for developing function-associated specific trait (FAST) SNP markers. To understand whether and how FAST SNP markers could enhance trait prediction, we also performed a theoretical reasoning on the effectiveness of these markers in a trait-specific prediction, and verified the reasoning through computer simulation. To the end, the search yielded an alternative to regular genomic selection with FAST SNP markers that could be explored to achieve more accurate trait-specific prediction. Continuous search for better alternatives is encouraged to enhance marker-based predictions for an individual quantitative trait in molecular plant breeding.

Comparative Analysis of the Energy Consumption of Different Wastewater Treatment Plants

Wastewater treatment is a process of intensive use of resources, mainly energy, which accounts for 15 to 40% of the operating costs in conventional wastewater treatment systems. With the expected demographic increase and the restrictive trend in quality standards for effluent discharge, the energy consumption tends to increase further if there are no changes in the processes. The literature gathers the energy consumption of different wastewater treatment systems, in an attempt to map the processes and to help the decision making in the search for better alternatives. One of these alternatives is the recovery of energy from the sewer. The conventional treatment system requires between 0.3 and 0.6 kWh/m3, while the energy contained in the wastewater may be up to 10 times of the one required for the treatment. The simultaneous wastewater treatment and power generation, called the hybrid treatment system, is a worldwide trend. In Brazil, recent studies have shown, through energy balances, the energy viability of anaerobic-aerobic systems, with the production of algae. This work presents a comparative review of the energy consumption of different wastewater treatment plants, aiming at a better understanding and management of the processes. The results showed that there are few Brazilian data published, indicating that the country still demands more studies on the subject to improve its processes. In the treatment of wastewater, most studies point to the aerobic process as the largest consumer of energy, and efforts are focused on the optimization of the conventional system, but still without great achievements. Environmental goals and water supply strategies are poorly integrated with the energy handling, leading to an inefficient use, and with economic and environmental consequences.

Comparative Evaluation of Anti Microbial effects of Triple Antibiotic Paste and Amox and its derivatives against E. Faecalis: An in vitro study.

BackgroundEnterococcus faecalis is a microorganism commonly detected in asymptomatic, persistent endodontic infections. Triple antibiotic paste has stood the test of time as a proven antibiotic combination against E. Faecalis. However, problems with this include staining of teeth and standardization of the preparation. Thus, the search for better alternatives and better preparation techniques is still on.AimTo observe the potential of combinations [(Amoxicillin+ Metronidazole, Amoxicillin Clavulanic Acid + Metronidazole; Amoxicillin and Cloxacillin + Metronidazole)] over Triple Antibiotic Paste.Material and MethodsFifty single rooted teeth free from dental caries were selected for the study. Teeth were cut at equal distance from root apex (13mm from apex) with sterile diamond disk and straight hand piece for standardization of root length. The opening of root canal was enlarged with engine driven pro-taper files. To remove the organic and inorganic debris, canal was cleaned with 17% EDTA followed by 2.5% NaOCl for 5min. Distilled water irrigation was done for 5 min to remove any traces of used chemical and then sterilized in autoclave at 1200c for 15 min. at 15 lbs pressure. Bacteria cultured on blood agar plate and at the same time fresh antibiotic combinations were made and placed in the root canals, then incubated in the incubator, under sterile conditions and observed at 24hrs, 48hr and 72hrs.ResultsThe largest inhibition zones were observed for the Triple Antibiotic Paste, followed by Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid + Metronidazole group however, the clearest zones were achieved with Amoxicillin and Clavlunic acid + Metronidazole group and the smallest for Amoxicillin and Metronidazole group.ConclusionsThe results suggest that though Triple antibiotic showed the maximum inhibition, Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid combination along with Metronidazole gave the most reliable results. Further studies using the different combinations and different concentrations along with different methods of increasing the shelf life of such medications can be undertaken. Key words:Enterococcus faecalis, Triple Antibiotic Paste, Amoxcillin, Clavulanic acid.

Editor's Viewpoint: Beyond Oil: A New Middle East Vision

Editor's Viewpoint: Beyond Oil: A New Middle East Vision

Synthetic nanoparticles camouflaged with biomimetic erythrocyte membranes for reduced reticuloendothelial system uptake

Suppression of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) uptake is one of the most challenging tasks in nanomedicine. Coating stratagems using polymers, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), have led to great success in this respect. Nevertheless, recent observations of immunological response toward these synthetic polymers have triggered a search for better alternatives. In this work, natural red blood cell (RBC) membranes are camouflaged on the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticles for reducing the RES uptake. In vitro macrophage uptake, in vivo biodistribution and pharmacokinetic studies demonstrate that the RBC membrane is a superior alternative to the current gold standard PEG for nanoparticle ‘stealth’. Furthermore, we systematically investigate the in vivo potential toxicity of RBC membrane-coated nanoparticles by blood biochemistry, whole blood panel examination and histology analysis based on animal models. The combination of synthetic nanoparticles and natural cell membranes embodies a novel and biomimetic nanomaterial design strategy and presents a compelling property of functional materials for a broad range of biomedical applications.

Preliminary study of the mechanical and hygrothermal properties of hemp-magnesium phosphate cements

The use of bio-based materials in the construction field is of great interest to society and the scientific community because of its highly sustainable character. They are formed by plant fibres and a binder, usually cement, lime or pozzolanic additives. Among the new vegetable fibres used, hemp-based biomaterials have attracted great attention in the recent years due to its excellent thermal and hygroscopic properties. However, they present a very low mechanical performance, which has intensified the search for better alternatives. In this research, the use of magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) as binder with different hemp additions (8%, 12%, 16% and 20% by weight) was evaluated. Thus, a new material made of hemp and MPC (heMPC) was developed. According to the results obtained, the heMPC could be used in floor or pre-cast structural applications since it presented enhanced mechanical (σmax=0.714±0.11MPa with a 20wt.% of hemp content) and thermal (λD=0.103W·m−1·K−1, density=600kg·m−3) properties with respect other lime-based hemp biomaterials. Furthermore, the material exhibited good hygroscopic properties (water absorption by capillarity). Accordingly, this preliminary study allowed opening a new research line in the use of hemp bio-composites, in which other important properties are currently under investigation. The MPC used as a binder in this study was formulated with a by-product from the MgO industry, which increases the sustainability and recyclability criteria of the material developed.

Tailoring the degradation and biological response of a magnesium–strontium alloy for potential bone substitute application

Bone defects are very challenging in orthopedic practice. There are many practical and clinical shortcomings in the repair of the defect by using autografts, allografts or xenografts, which continue to motivate the search for better alternatives. The ideal bone grafts should provide mechanical support, fill osseous voids and enhance the bone healing. Biodegradable magnesium–strontium (Mg–Sr) alloys demonstrate good biocompatibility and osteoconductive properties, which are promising biomaterials for bone substitutes. The aim of this study was to evaluate and pair the degradation of Mg–Sr alloys for grafting with their clinical demands. The microstructure and performance of Mg–Sr alloys, in vitro degradation and biological properties including in vitro cytocompatibility and in vivo implantation were investigated. The results showed that the as-cast Mg–Sr alloy exhibited a rapid degradation rate compared with the as-extruded alloy due to the intergranular distribution of the second phase and micro-galvanic corrosion. However, the initial degradation could be tailored by the coating protection, which was proved to be cytocompatible and also suitable for bone repair observed by in vivo implantation. The integrated fracture calluses were formed and bridged the fracture gap without gas bubble accumulation, meanwhile the substitutes simultaneously degraded. In conclusion, the as-cast Mg–Sr alloy with coating is potential to be used for bone substitute alternative.

English

Diabetes mellitus is a serious endocrine disorder that causes millions of deaths worldwide. The conventional drugs are associated with a number of adverse effects and limitations. In the search for better alternatives, many medicinal plants have been investigated and a variety of compounds have also been isolated. In the present review, medicinal plants selected from those that have been investigated for their antidiabetic potential between the year 2000 and 2013 are presented. The most common families of plants presented are the Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae and Gentianaecae. The structures of some previously isolated compounds with antidiabetic potential are presented. Most of the isolated antidiabetic principles are alkaloids, flavonoids, amino acid, steroids and organic acids. It was however discovered that most of the investigations are preliminary in nature. More detailed investigations into the efficacy, mode of action and safety profile of these plants and the isolated compounds in preclinical and clinical studies are recommended.   Key words: Antidiabetic plants, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, medicinal plants review. 

Exposure of Medical fraternity to formaldehyde in Anatomy and search for better alternatives to formalin

Exposure of Medical fraternity to formaldehyde in Anatomy and search for better alternatives to formalin

Fungal Beta-glucosidases: a bottleneck in industrial use of lignocellulosic materials.

Profitable biomass conversion processes are highly dependent on the use of efficient enzymes for lignocellulose degradation. Among the cellulose degrading enzymes, beta-glucosidases are essential for efficient hydrolysis of cellulosic biomass as they relieve the inhibition of the cellobiohydrolases and endoglucanases by reducing cellobiose accumulation. In this review, we discuss the important role beta-glucosidases play in complex biomass hydrolysis and how they create a bottleneck in industrial use of lignocellulosic materials. An efficient beta-glucosidase facilitates hydrolysis at specified process conditions, and key points to consider in this respect are hydrolysis rate, inhibitors, and stability. Product inhibition impairing yields, thermal inactivation of enzymes, and the high cost of enzyme production are the main obstacles to commercial cellulose hydrolysis. Therefore, this sets the stage in the search for better alternatives to the currently available enzyme preparations either by improving known or screening for new beta-glucosidases.

Bone Graft Substitutes for Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

The procedure of anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is commonly performed on patients suffering from pain and/or neurological symptoms associated with disorders of the lumbar spine caused by disc degeneration and trauma. Surgery is indicated when prolonged conservative management proves ineffective. Because an important objective of the ALIF procedure is solid arthrodesis of the degenerative spinal segment, bone graft selection is critical. Iliac crest bone grafts (ICBG) remain the "gold standard" for achieving lumbar fusion. However, patient dissatisfaction stemming from donor site morbidity, lengthier operating times and finite supply of ICBG has prompted a search for better alternatives. Here presented is a literature review evaluating available bone graft options assessed within the clinical setting. These options include autografts, allograft-based, synthetic and cell-based technologies. The emphasis is on the contentious use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic proteins, which is in widespread use and has demonstrated both significant osteogenic potential and risk of complications.