Showing papers by "Central University of Kerala published in 2020"

Repositioning of the global epicentre of non-optimal cholesterol

Abstract: High blood cholesterol is typically considered a feature of wealthy western countries1,2. However, dietary and behavioural determinants of blood cholesterol are changing rapidly throughout the world3 and countries are using lipid-lowering medications at varying rates. These changes can have distinct effects on the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol, which have different effects on human health4,5. However, the trends of HDL and non-HDL cholesterol levels over time have not been previously reported in a global analysis. Here we pooled 1,127 population-based studies that measured blood lipids in 102.6 million individuals aged 18 years and older to estimate trends from 1980 to 2018 in mean total, non-HDL and HDL cholesterol levels for 200 countries. Globally, there was little change in total or non-HDL cholesterol from 1980 to 2018. This was a net effect of increases in low- and middle-income countries, especially in east and southeast Asia, and decreases in high-income western countries, especially those in northwestern Europe, and in central and eastern Europe. As a result, countries with the highest level of non-HDL cholesterol—which is a marker of cardiovascular risk—changed from those in western Europe such as Belgium, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Malta in 1980 to those in Asia and the Pacific, such as Tokelau, Malaysia, The Philippines and Thailand. In 2017, high non-HDL cholesterol was responsible for an estimated 3.9 million (95% credible interval 3.7 million–4.2 million) worldwide deaths, half of which occurred in east, southeast and south Asia. The global repositioning of lipid-related risk, with non-optimal cholesterol shifting from a distinct feature of high-income countries in northwestern Europe, north America and Australasia to one that affects countries in east and southeast Asia and Oceania should motivate the use of population-based policies and personal interventions to improve nutrition and enhance access to treatment throughout the world.

Clinical Applications of Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs): Where do we Stand Now?

Abstract: In this era of multi-drug resistance (MDR), antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are one of the most promising classes of potential drug candidates to combat communicable as well as noncommunicable diseases such as cancers and diabetes. AMPs show a wide spectrum of biological activities which include antiviral, antifungal, anti-mitogenic, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Apart from these prospective therapeutic potentials, the AMPs can act as food preservatives and immune modulators. Therefore, AMPs have the potential to replace conventional drugs and may gain a significant global drug market share. Although several AMPs have shown therapeutic potential in vitro or in vivo, in most cases they have failed the clinical trial owing to various issues. In this review, we discuss in brief (i) molecular mechanisms of AMPs in various diseases, (ii) importance of AMPs in pharmaceutical industries, (iii) the challenges in using AMPs as therapeutics and how to overcome, (iv) available AMP therapeutics in market, and (v) AMPs under clinical trials. Here, we specifically focus on the therapeutic AMPs in the areas of dermatology, surgery, oncology and metabolic diseases.

Benefit of lifestyle-based T2DM prevention is influenced by prediabetes phenotype.

Abstract: The prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a target priority for the WHO and the United Nations and is a key priority in the 2018 Berlin Declaration, which is a global call for early actions related to T2DM. Health-care policies advocate that individuals at high risk of developing T2DM undertake lifestyle modification, irrespective of whether the prediabetes phenotype is defined by hyperglycaemia in the postprandial state (impaired glucose tolerance) and/or fasting state (impaired fasting glucose) or by intermediate HbA1c levels. However, current evidence indicates that diabetes prevention programmes based on lifestyle change have not been successful in preventing T2DM in individuals with isolated impaired fasting glucose. We propose that further research is needed to identify effective lifestyle interventions for individuals with isolated impaired fasting glucose. Furthermore, we call for the identification of innovative approaches that better identify people with impaired glucose tolerance, who benefit from the currently available lifestyle-based diabetes prevention programmes.

MoS2 Confined MXene Heterostructures as Electrode Material for Energy Storage Application

Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) titanium carbide Ti3C2 (MXene) is exemplified as the promising electrode material for supercapacitors. MXene was derived by etching of Al-layer from MAX phase (Ti3AlC2), and MoS2 was confined on MXenes through incipient wet impregnation of MoS2 precursor. The prepared MXene and MoS2/MXene materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, BET analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrochemical characteristics of MXene and MoS2/MXene heterostructures were evaluated by different techniques such as cyclic voltammogram, galvanostatic charge-discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrochemical measurements revealed that the maximum specific capacitance of the MoS2/Mxene electrodes reaches up to 342 F g−1 at a discharge current density of 0.4 A g−1 in an enlarged voltage window of -1.5 V to 1.5 V. Also, Electrochemical impedance studies show that the incorporation of MoS2 decreases the charge transfer resistance of MoS2/MXene. Overall, the electrochemical performance of MoS2/MXene exhibited excellent reversibility, cycle stability, and rate performance. The obtained results uncover MoS2/MXene as promising electrode materials for supercapacitors.

Hydrogenation of Lignin-Derived Phenolic Compound Eugenol over Ruthenium-Containing Nickel Hydrotalcite-Type Materials

Abstract: Sustainable production of fine chemicals and fuels from renewable energy resources are important process-es in the current scenario of the energy crisis. In this study, we have reported complete hy...

How Indians responded to the Arogya Setu app

Abstract: The mHealth app Arogya Setu can substantially contribute to the containment and management of COVID-19. This study explores the experiences and expectations of Arogya Setu app users by conducting a combined content analysis of their reviews. Five hundred and three most relevant reviews were analyzed using the descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The reviews are primarily posted in the areas of user acceptance (80%), app usefulness (72.8%), and app features (62.2%). The thematic analysis resulted in four themes: user acceptance, app usefulness, promptness of the Indian Government in bringing the app on time, and concerns and cautions raised by the users. These help in strengthening the app features enabling the real-time data capture and analytics and providing timely information to authorities for better decision-making.

Strophanthidin Attenuates MAPK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathways in Human Cancers.

Abstract: Lung cancer is the most prevalent in cancer-related deaths, while breast carcinoma is the second most dominant cancer in women, accounting for the most number of deaths worldwide. Cancers are heterogeneous diseases that consist of several subtypes based on the presence or absence of hormone receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Several drugs have been developed targeting cancer biomarkers; nonetheless, their efficiency are not adequate due to the high reemergence rate of cancers and fundamental or acquired resistance toward such drugs, which leads to partial therapeutic possibilities. Recent studies on cardiac glycosides (CGs) positioned them as potent cytotoxic agents that target multiple pathways to initiate apoptosis and autophagic cell death in many cancers. In the present study, our aim is to identify the anticancer activity of a naturally available CG (strophanthidin) in human breast (MCF-7), lung (A549), and liver cancer (HepG2) cells. Our results demonstrate a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect of strophanthidin in MCF-7, A549, and HepG2 cells, which was further supported by DNA damage on drug treatment. Strophanthidin arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase; this effect was further validated by checking the inhibited expressions of checkpoint and cyclin-dependent kinases in strophanthidin-induced cells. Moreover, strophanthidin inhibited the expression of several key proteins such as MEK1, PI3K, AKT, mTOR, Gsk3α, and β-catenin from MAPK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. The current study adequately exhibits the role of strophanthidin in modulating the expression of various key proteins involved in cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and autophagic cell death. Our in silico studies revealed that strophanthidin can interact with several key proteins from various pathways. Taken together, this study demonstrates the viability of strophanthidin as a promising anticancer agent, which may serve as a new anticancer drug.

Recent Advances in the Preparation and Applications of Organo-functionalized Porous Materials.

Abstract: Organo-functionalized materials with porous structure offer unique adsorption, catalytic and sensing properties. These unique properties make them available for various applications, including catalysis, CO2 capture and utilization, and drug delivery. The properties and the performance of these unique materials can be altered with suitable modifications on their surface. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the preparation and applications of organo-functionalized porous materials with different structures. Initially, a brief historical overview of functionalized porous materials is presented, and the subsequent sections discuss the recent developments and applications of various functional porous materials. In particular, the focus is given on the various methods used for the preparation of organo-functionalized materials and their important roles in the heterogenization of homogeneous catalysts. A special emphasis is also given on the applications of these functionalized porous materials for catalysis, CO2 capture and drug delivery.

Pulsed laser deposited CoFe2O4 thin films as supercapacitor electrodes

Abstract: The influence of the substrate temperature on pulsed laser deposited (PLD) CoFe2O4 thin films for supercapacitor electrodes was thoroughly investigated. X-ray diffractometry and Raman spectroscopic analyses confirmed the formation of CoFe2O4 phase for films deposited at a substrate temperature of 450 °C. Topography and surface smoothness was measured using atomic force microscopy. We observed that the films deposited at room temperature showed improved electrochemical performance and supercapacitive properties compared to those of films deposited at 450 °C. Specific capacitances of about 777.4 F g−1 and 258.5 F g−1 were obtained for electrodes deposited at RT and 450 °C, respectively, at 0.5 mA cm−2 current density. The CoFe2O4 films deposited at room temperature exhibited an excellent power density (3277 W kg−1) and energy density (17 W h kg−1). Using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the series resistance and charge transfer resistance were found to be 1.1 Ω and 1.5 Ω, respectively. The cyclic stability was increased up to 125% after 1500 cycles due to the increasing electroactive surface of CoFe2O4 along with the fast electron and ion transport at the surface.

An empirical examination of investor sentiment and stock market volatility: evidence from India

Abstract: Understanding the irrational sentiments of the market participants is necessary for making good investment decisions. Despite the recent academic effort to examine the role of investors’ sentiments in market dynamics, there is a lack of consensus in delineating the structural aspect of market sentiments. This research is an attempt to address this gap. The study explores the role of irrational investors’ sentiments in determining stock market volatility. By employing monthly data on market-related implicit indices, we constructed an irrational sentiment index using principal component analysis. This sentiment index was modelled in the GARCH and Granger causality framework to analyse its contribution to volatility. The results showed that irrational sentiment significantly causes excess market volatility. Moreover, the study indicates that the asymmetrical aspects of an inefficient market contribute to excess volatility and returns. The findings are crucial for retail investors as well as portfolio managers seeking to make an optimum portfolio to maximise profits.

Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of melatonin and its related indolamines.

Abstract: The hydroxyl radical (•OH) scavenging activities of Melatonin, an endogenously produced neurohormone and its related indolamines like N-acetyl tryptophan (NAT) and N-acetyl serotonin (NAS) have been investigated using density functional theory. The mechanism involves 4 steps: initial radical addition to position-3 of the indole ring, keto-amine to enol-imine tautomerization, cyclisation, and finally, addition of a second •OH leading to a cyclic end product. Incorporation of an explicit water molecule in tautomerization step leads to a significant reduction in the barrier of this step, so that the subsequent cyclisation step becomes rate-limiting. In agreement with the very high reactivity of •OH, the initial and final addition of •OH to indolamine are found to be barrierless. Radical adduct formed in the initial step was found to be very stable due to the extensive conjugation present in the substrate. Our calculations show that melatonin is the most effective radical scavenger among the three molecules chosen. NAS was found to exhibit antiradical property comparable to that of melatonin. In contrast to the general observation of reduced antioxidant activity of tryptophan, a non-natural derivative of tryptophan used here (NAT) is found to have good radical scavenging activity. This work further implies that non-natural derivatives of indolamines might as well be useful in the detoxification of free radicals as they exhibit almost comparable antioxidant efficiency as that of melatonin.

Naphthoquinone-Dopamine Linked Colorimetric and Fluorescence Chemosensor for Selective Detection of Sn2+ Ion in Aqueous Medium and Its Bio-Imaging Applications

Abstract: A simple naphthoquinone–dopamine hybrid (2CND) was designed and fabricated as a colorimetric and fluorescence chemosensor for the selective recognition of Sn2+ in the aqueous medium. This simply ac...

Role of Sirtuins in Tumor Angiogenesis

Abstract: Generally, changes in the metabolic status of cells under conditions like hypoxia and accumulation of lactate can be sensed by various sensing mechanisms, leading to modulation of a number of signal transduction pathways and transcription factors. Several of the proangiogenic cytokines like VEGF, FGF, PDGF, TGF-β, Ang-2, ILs, etc. are secreted by cancer cells, under hypoxic microenvironment. These cytokines bind to their receptors on the endothelial cells and activates a number of signaling pathways including Akt/PIP3, Src, p38/MAPK, Smad2/3, etc., which ultimately results in the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells. Transcription factors that are activated in response to the metabolic status of tumors include HIFs, NF-κb, p53, El-2, and FOXO. Many of these transcription factors has been reported to be regulated by a class of histone deacetylase called sirtuins. Sirtuins are NAD+ dependent histone deacetylases that play pivotal role in the regulation of tumor cell metabolism, proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. The major function of sirtuins include, deacetylation of histones as well as some non-histone proteins like NF-κB, FOXOs, PPAR⋎, PGC1-α, enzymes like acetyl coenzymeA and structural proteins like α tubulin. In the cell, sirtuins are generally considered as the redox sensors and their activities are dependent on the metabolic status of the cell. Understanding the intricate regulatory mechanisms adopted by sirtuins, is crucial in devising effective therapeutic strategies against angiogenesis, metastasis and tumor progression. Keeping this in mind, the present review focuses on the role of sirtuins in the process of tumor angiogenesis and the regulatory mechanisms employed by them.

Machine Learning Based Customer Churn Prediction In Banking

Abstract: The number of service providers are being increased very rapidly in every business. In these days, there is no shortage of options for customers in the banking sector when choosing where to put their money. As a result, customer churn and engagement has become one of the top issues for most of the banks. In this paper, a method to predicts the customer churn in a Bank, using machine learning techniques, which is a branch of artificial intelligence is proposed. The research promotes the exploration of the likelihood of churn by analyzing customer behavior. The KNN, SVM, Decision Tree, and Random Forest classifiers are used in this study. Also, some feature selection methods have been done to find the more relevant features and to verify system performance. The experimentation was conducted on the churn modeling dataset from Kaggle. The results are compared to find an appropriate model with higher precision and predictability. As a result, the use of the Random Forest model after oversampling is better compared to other models in terms of accuracy.

Formulation and evaluation of β-cyclodextrin-mediated inclusion complexes of isoniazid scaffolds: molecular docking and in vitro assessment of antitubercular properties

Abstract: Poor aqueous solubility is the major problem encountered with formulation of new bioactive chemical entities. In the present study, we report the synthesis and evaluation of inclusion complexes between two poorly water soluble antitubercular agents (p-hydroxybenzaldehydeisonicotinylhydrazone (HBIH) and 2,3-butanedionebisisonicotinylhydrazone (BDIH)) and β-cyclodextrin. The solubility of these compounds has been enhanced by inclusion complexation and the solid complexes were characterized using FTIR, PXRD, NMR and SEM. Phase-solubility studies indicated that HBIH/BDIH formed a 1 : 1 stoichiometric inclusion complex with β-CD. Moreover, molecular docking analysis identified the most favorable host–guest interactions in the inclusion complexes. The complexes were evaluated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains and exhibited more than 95% growth inhibition. The complexes were devoid of cytotoxicity when tested against the L929 fibroblast cell line. Docking studies were carried out on DprE1 and thymidine monophosphate kinase protein enzymes to provide some understanding of the mechanism of action of these compounds.

A reversible thermo-responsive 2D Zn(II) coordination polymer as a potential self-referenced luminescent thermometer

Abstract: A convenient, fast, and accurate temperature detection method is highly desirable in many biochemical processes and scientific research. Luminescence thermometry is one of the most currently studied approaches among the non-contact and non-invasive thermometry techniques. Here, we present an intrinsic energy-based luminescent thermometer based on a stimuli-responsive coordination polymer, [ZnL2]n·nH2O (H2L = 2,3-butanedionebisisonicotinylhydrazone). The temperature-dependent photophysical characteristic reveals that the thermochromic luminescence in the range 40–90 °C can be switched reversibly from yellow to red in an ambient atmosphere, thereby achieving the non-destructive sensing of temperature. Moreover, the material exhibits a linear relationship between wavelength/intensity and the absolute temperature in a wide range, thus presenting a rare solid-state luminescent thermometer based on both photoemission energy and intensity. The crystal structure reveals a 2D layer-structured framework, characterized by an unusual trigonal prismatic Zn center. The reversible thermochromic behavior is mainly attributed to the change in the coordination environment of Zn2+ ions during the dehydration/hydration process. The rapid response (less than 5 s), good reversibility and solvent-free procedure make the Zn(II) coordination polymer an exceptional thermo-responsive material for use in temperature monitoring devices.

Characterization, cytotoxic and antioxidant potential of silver nanoparticles biosynthesised using endophytic fungus (Penicillium citrinum CGJ-C1)

Abstract: Synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from endophytic fungi is a less explored field and the present investigation is aimed at the synthesis of bioactive silver nanoparticles using endophytic fungi, Penicillium citrinum CGJ-C1 isolated from ethno-medicinal plant Tragia involucrata Lin., The AgNPs were characterized using UV–vis spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) methods. Spectral studies showed that biogenic AgNPs were spherical shaped and well- dispersed nanostructures with an average particle size of 2–5 nm. AgNPs showed cytotoxic activity against three cancer cell lines namely MCF-7, A431, and HePG2 while was nontoxic to the noncancerous cell line (HEK-293). The cytotoxic activity of these particles was found to be dose dependent. The DNA fragmentation study showed the highest DNA damage in cancer cells (MCF-7) than the non-cancerous cell line (HEK-293). The AgNPs also showed potential larvicidal activity. Hence, this study for the first time demonstrates the possibility of exploiting mycoAgNPs in the control of cancer as well as the mosquito-borne diseases.