What samples are suitable for monitoring antimicrobial-resistant genes? Using NGS technology, a comparison between eDNA and mrDNA analysis from environmental water.

Introduction: The rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that is affecting humans, animals, and the environment, compromises the human immune system and represents a significant threat to public health. Regarding the impact on water sanitation, the risk that antimicrobial-resistant genes (ARGs) and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in surface water in cities pose to human health remains unclear. To determine the prevalence of AMR in environmental surface water in Japan, we used DNA sequencing techniques on environmental water DNA (eDNA) and the DNA of multidrug-resistant bacteria (mrDNA).

Quantitative proteomic analyses uncover regulatory roles of Nrf2 in human endothelial cells.

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcriptional regulator, is the predominant factor in modulating oxidative stress and other cellular signaling responses. Studies from our lab and others highlighted that activation of the Nrf2 pathway by small molecules improves endothelial function by suppressing oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. However, the exact mechanisms by which Nrf2 elicits these effects are unknown.

Simultaneous production of renewable biohydrogen, biobutanol and biopolymer from phytogenic CoNPs-assisted Clostridial fermentation for sustainable energy and environment.

Considering the environmental impacts, rapid fossil fuel depletion and production costs, sustainable production of clean biofuels from alternative sources is required to meet the increasing demand for energy while avoiding environmental pollution. In this study, phytogenic cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs)-assisted dark fermentation process was developed for the simultaneous production of biohydrogen, biobutanol and biopolymer from glucose using Clostridium acetobutylicum NCIM 2337. The maximum biohydrogen yield of 2.

Development and Evaluation of Polyvinylpyrrolidone K90 and Poloxamer 407 Self-Assembled Nanomicelles: Enhanced Topical Ocular Delivery of Artemisinin.

Age-related macular degeneration is a multifactorial disease affecting the posterior segment of the eye and is characterized by aberrant nascent blood vessels that leak blood and fluid. It ends with vision loss. In the present study, artemisinin which is poorly water-soluble and has potent anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties was formulated into nanomicelles and characterized for its ocular application and anti-angiogenic activity using a CAM assay.

Tannic acid prevents macrophage-induced pro-fibrotic response in lung epithelial cells via suppressing TLR4-mediated macrophage polarization.

Background: Polarized macrophages induce fibrosis through multiple mechanisms, including a process termed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Mesenchymal cells contribute to the excessive accumulation of fibrous connective tissues, leading to organ failure. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of tannic acid (TA), a natural dietary polyphenol on M1 macrophage-induced EMT and its underlying mechanisms.

Tannic acid protects against experimental acute lung injury through downregulation of TLR4 and MAPK.

Acute lung injury (ALI) and its severe form acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients, and no specific therapies are still available to control the mortality rate. Thus, we explored the preventive and therapeutic effects of tannic acid (TA), a natural polyphenol in the context of ALI. We used in vivo and in vitro models, respectively, using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce ALI in mice and exposing J774 and BEAS-2B cells to LPS.

Tannic acid modulates fibroblast proliferation and differentiation in response to pro-fibrotic stimuli.

In response to tissue injury, fibroblasts migrate into the wound, where they undergo proliferation and differentiation. The persistence of these differentiated fibroblasts (myofibroblasts) is associated with excessive scarring in various organs. We aimed to investigate the effects of Tannic acid (TA) on fibroblast proliferation and differentiation, and found that TA inhibited fibroblast differentiation as assessed by reduced expression of α-smooth muscle actin, N-cadherin, and type-1-collagen.

Nepafenac loaded silica nanoparticles dispersed in-situ gel systems: Development and characterization.

This research was aimed to develop and evaluate nepafenac loaded silica nanoparticles dispersed in-situ gel system for the improved treatment of ocular diseases. The blank silica nanoparticles prepared by stober's process showed the particle size of 151 nm to 285 nm with the zeta potential of -19.6 to -31.

Development of copolymeric nanoparticles of hypocrellin B: Enhanced phototoxic effect and ocular distribution.

In the present work, we have developed a photosensitizer hypocrellin B (HB) and nano silver loaded PLGA-TPGS nanoparticles with improved singlet oxygen production for enhanced photodynamic effect for the efficient treatment of age related macular degeneration. Random copolymer (PLGA-TPGS) synthesized by ring opening and bulk polymerization was characterized by IR, H NMR and TGA analysis. HBS-CP-NPs prepared by nanoprecipitation techniques were spherical shaped 89.

Development and evaluation of camptothecin loaded polymer stabilized nanoemulsion: Targeting potential in 4T1-breast tumour xenograft model.

Targeted delivery of anticancer agents is poised to improve cancer therapy, for which polymers can serve as targeting ligands or nanocarriers for chemotherapeutic agents. In this study, we have developed and evaluated the efficacy of a camptothecin (CPT)-loaded polymer stabilized nanoemulsion (PSNE) for the passive targeted delivery to breast cancer. Based on the pseudo-ternary phase diagrams, PSNEs were developed using capmul MCM:poloxamer 407 (4:1), solutol HS 15:simulsol P23 (1:2) and water.

Tannic acid attenuates TGF-β1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by effectively intervening TGF-β signaling in lung epithelial cells.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, and an irreversible lung disorder characterized by the accumulation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in the extracellular matrix. The transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is thought to be one of the possible sources for a substantial increase in the number of fibroblasts/myofibroblasts in IPF lungs. Tannic acid (TA), a natural dietary polyphenolic compound has been shown to possess diverse pharmacological effects.

Chitosan stabilized camptothecin nanoemulsions: Development, evaluation and biodistribution in preclinical breast cancer animal mode.

Clinical use of camptothecin (CPT) is hindered due to its poor water and oil solubility, active lactone ring instability and non-targeted toxicity. Recently we reported formulation of camptothecin microemulsions with increased solubility for the improved treatment of breast cancer. In this research chitosan stabilized camptothecin nanoemulsions (CHI-CPT-NEs) were formulated improve the cancer targeting efficiency of CPT.

Co-encapsulated resveratrol and quercetin in chitosan and peg modified chitosan nanoparticles: For efficient intra ocular pressure reduction.

Natural anti-oxidants resveratrol (RES) and quercetin (QUR) posses the ability to reduce intra ocular pressure efficiently. Concurrent administration of RES and QUR was able to enhance the bioavailability of RES. Present research work describes upsurge of QUR in RES loaded chitosan (CS) nanoparticles (NPs) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified CS NPs for improved delivery and synergic effects on reducing intra ocular pressure for the treatment of glaucoma.

Artemisinin loaded chitosan magnetic nanoparticles for the efficient targeting to the breast cancer.

Artemisinin, a natural anti-malarial agent, also possesses anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic activity in cancer cells with very low toxicity to normal healthy cells. Drug loaded magnetic nanoparticles by using external magnetic field could selectively accumulate the drug at the target site and thereby reduce the doses required to achieve therapeutic concentration which may otherwise produce serious side effects on healthy cells. In the present study the artemisinin magnetic nanoparticles were successfully formulated using chitosan by ionic-gelation method.

C-phycocyanin suppresses transforming growth factor-β1-induced epithelial mesenchymal transition in human epithelial cells.

Background: Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process through which epithelial cells undergo multiple biochemical changes, causing them to differentiate into a mesenchymal-cell phenotype. This process has been shown to contribute to the development of fibrotic diseases. C-phycocyanin (C-PC) is a phycobiliprotein extracted from Spirulina platensis.

Development and evaluation of magnetic microemulsion: tool for targeted delivery of camptothecin to BALB/c mice-bearing breast cancer.

Purpose: Development and evaluation of camptothecin-loaded-microemulsion (ME) and -magnetic microemulsion (MME) for passive/active-targeted delivery to BALB/c mice-bearing breast cancer.

Methods: Based on the pseudo-ternary phase diagrams camptothecin-loaded-MEs and -MMEs were developed using benzyl alcohol:Captex 300 (3:1), TPGS:Tween 80 (2:1) and water. Furthermore, characterized for their droplet size distribution, magnetic susceptibility and effect of droplet size in plasma and evaluated for in vitro and in vivo targeting potential, drug release, haemolytic potential, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, in vivo biodistribution and lactone ring stability.