Showing papers by "Sharda University published in 2021"

Oxidative Stress in Cancer Cell Metabolism.

Abstract: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important in regulating normal cellular processes whereas deregulated ROS leads to the development of a diseased state in humans including cancers. Several studies have been found to be marked with increased ROS production which activates pro-tumorigenic signaling, enhances cell survival and proliferation and drives DNA damage and genetic instability. However, higher ROS levels have been found to promote anti-tumorigenic signaling by initiating oxidative stress-induced tumor cell death. Tumor cells develop a mechanism where they adjust to the high ROS by expressing elevated levels of antioxidant proteins to detoxify them while maintaining pro-tumorigenic signaling and resistance to apoptosis. Therefore, ROS manipulation can be a potential target for cancer therapies as cancer cells present an altered redox balance in comparison to their normal counterparts. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the generation and sources of ROS within tumor cells, ROS-associated signaling pathways, their regulation by antioxidant defense systems, as well as the effect of elevated ROS production in tumor progression. It will provide an insight into how pro- and anti-tumorigenic ROS signaling pathways could be manipulated during the treatment of cancer.

A Hybrid CNN-SVM Threshold Segmentation Approach for Tumor Detection and Classification of MRI Brain Images

Abstract: Objective In this research paper, the brain MRI images are going to classify by considering the excellence of CNN on a public dataset to classify Benign and Malignant tumors. Materials and Methods Deep learning (DL) methods due to good performance in the last few years have become more popular for Image classification. Convolution Neural Network (CNN), with several methods, can extract features without using handcrafted models, and eventually, show better accuracy of classification. The proposed hybrid model combined CNN and support vector machine (SVM) in terms of classification and with threshold-based segmentation in terms of detection. Result The findings of previous studies are based on different models with their accuracy as Rough Extreme Learning Machine (RELM)-94.233%, Deep CNN (DCNN)-95%, Deep Neural Network (DNN) and Discrete Wavelet Autoencoder (DWA)-96%, k-nearest neighbors (kNN)-96.6%, CNN-97.5%. The overall accuracy of the hybrid CNN-SVM is obtained as 98.4959%. Conclusion In today's world, brain cancer is one of the most dangerous diseases with the highest death rate, detection and classification of brain tumors due to abnormal growth of cells, shapes, orientation, and the location is a challengeable task in medical imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a typical method of medical imaging for brain tumor analysis. Conventional machine learning (ML) techniques categorize brain cancer based on some handicraft property with the radiologist specialist choice. That can lead to failure in the execution and also decrease the effectiveness of an Algorithm. With a brief look came to know that the proposed hybrid model provides more effective and improvement techniques for classification.

Understanding the holistic approach to plant-microbe remediation technologies for removing heavy metals and radionuclides from soil

Abstract: Heavy metals (HMs) and radionuclides are released through geological and anthropogenic activities and enter the environment through wastewater, soil and sediment. Large amounts of Pb (>1000 ppm), Zn (>4000 ppm) and Cd (40-400 ppm) have recently been reported in soils near Picher, USA that are harmful to the living organism. These inorganic pollutants cannot be degraded and cause damage to vital human organs and ecosystems. Different industrial and municipal solid waste was a major source of HMs in soil, including airborne aerosols. In the same manner, nuclear waste and radioactive materials used (e.g., medical facilities) or released in different processes contribute to the environmental pollution of radionuclides. The release of such toxic ions from different sources leads to mutagenesis, carcinogenesis and serious risks to the living organisms. As a result, proper management of waste from these sources, as well as environmentally friendly remediation methods, is warranted. However, recent studies have shown that it is more difficult to remove HMs and radionuclides from the source, but they can be effectively neutralized or converted into a less toxic metabolites. The combination of a unique plant-microbe system plays a key role in the remediation process. However, new bioremediation methods are now being used to eliminate HMs and radionuclides. Microbes are capable of bio-transforming, bio-sorbent and biomineralizing HMs and radionuclides through their inherent catabolic process. Enhancing phytoremediation using different strategies for the remediation of HMs and radionucleotides is necessary to ensure that the land resource is safe, fertile and productive for sustainable use.

Wastewater Treatment and Reuse: a Review of its Applications and Health Implications

Abstract: Water scarcity is one of the major problems in the world and millions of people have no access to freshwater. Untreated wastewater is widely used for agriculture in many countries. This is one of the world-leading serious environmental and public health concerns. Instead of using untreated wastewater, treated wastewater has been found more applicable and ecofriendly option. Moreover, environmental toxicity due to solid waste exposures is also one of the leading health concerns. Therefore, intending to combat the problems associated with the use of untreated wastewater, we propose in this review a multidisciplinary approach to handle wastewater as a potential resource for use in agriculture. We propose a model showing the efficient methods for wastewater treatment and the utilization of solid wastes in fertilizers. The study also points out the associated health concern for farmers, who are working in wastewater-irrigated fields along with the harmful effects of untreated wastewater. The consumption of crop irrigated by wastewater has leading health implications also discussed in this review paper. This review further reveals that our current understanding of the wastewater treatment and use in agriculture with addressing advancements in treatment methods has great future possibilities.

Evidence of Coronavirus (CoV) Pathogenesis and Emerging Pathogen SARS-CoV-2 in the Nervous System: A Review on Neurological Impairments and Manifestations.

Abstract: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an issue of global significance that has taken the lives of many across the world Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the virus responsible for its pathogenesis The pulmonary manifestations of COVID-19 have been well described in the literature Initially, it was thought to be limited to the respiratory system; however, we now recognize that COVID-19 also affects several other organs, including the nervous system Two similar human coronaviruses (CoV) that cause severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-1) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) are also known to cause disease in the nervous system The neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection are growing rapidly, as evidenced by several reports There are several mechanisms responsible for such manifestations in the nervous system For instance, post-infectious immune-mediated processes, direct virus infection of the central nervous system (CNS), and virus-induced hyperinflammatory and hypercoagulable states are commonly involved Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and its variants, dysfunction of taste and smell, and muscle injury are numerous examples of COVID-19 PNS (peripheral nervous system) disease Likewise, hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke, encephalitis, meningitis, encephalopathy acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, endothelialitis, and venous sinus thrombosis are some instances of COVID-19 CNS disease Due to multifactorial and complicated pathogenic mechanisms, COVID-19 poses a large-scale threat to the whole nervous system A complete understanding of SARS-CoV-2 neurological impairments is still lacking, but our knowledge base is rapidly expanding Therefore, we anticipate that this comprehensive review will provide valuable insights and facilitate the work of neuroscientists in unfolding different neurological dimensions of COVID-19 and other CoV associated abnormalities

Structural Properties and Antimicrobial Activities of Polyalthia longifolia Leaf Extract-Mediated CuO Nanoparticles

Abstract: Herein, we report the eco-benevolent fabrication of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) by a green process using Polyalthia longifolia leaf extract (PLLE). Phytochemical screening for the PLLE evinced the existence of tannins, terpenoids, saponins, phenols, glycosides, and flavonoids. The produced CuONPs were explored by using XRD, zeta potential, DLS, EDAX, HRTEM, BET-surface area, UV-DRS, photoluminescence, and FTIR to ascertain its structural, morphological, and optical properties. Besides, these CuONPs evinced noteworthy bactericidal performance against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes), and good antifungal performance against Aspergillus niger (A. niger), Epidermophyton floccosum (E. floccosum), Aspergillus clavatus (A. clavatus), and Candida albicans (C. albicans). The results indicated that the proactive eco-benign fabrication of CuONPs by sustainable “green chemistry” approaches can offer a convenient alternative to orthodox multi-step strategies for the creation of CuONPs.

Comparison of hydrogen production and system performance in a microbial electrolysis cell containing cathodes made of non-platinum catalysts and binders

Abstract: Microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) is an innovative electrochemical technology that decomposes organic matter in anode and produces hydrogen in cathode. It is imperative to use a high-performance and a low-cost cathode material to make the application of MEC economically viable. In this study, five different cathodes made of low-cost materials were tested in MECs. The materials included activated carbon (AC) and nickel powder (Ni) as a cathode catalyst; polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as a catalyst binder; stainless steel mesh (SSM) as a cathode substrate or a cathode itself. Among the tested cathodes, Ni/AC/PTFE obtained the best performance, followed by Ni/AC/PVDF, AC/PVDF, flamed-oxidized SSM (SSM/F) and SSM. Ni/AC/PTFE exhibited the best performance in hydrogen production rate (HPR, 1.88 L/L d), hydrogen purity (97.5%), coulombic efficiency (124%), energy efficiency (216%), cathodic capacitance (0.9924 F), along with the lowest cathodic impedance (35 Ω). The worst performed SSM showed as follows: 0.57 L/L d of HPR, 71% of hydrogen purity, 36% of coulombic efficiency, 62% of energy efficiency, 0.0008 F of cathodic capacitance and 62 Ω of cathodic impedance. This study shows quantitatively the electrochemical and performance transitions of MEC according to the cathode component changes.

Possible Link between Higher Transmissibility of Alpha, Kappa and Delta Variants of SARS-CoV-2 and Increased Structural Stability of Its Spike Protein and hACE2 Affinity.

Abstract: The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak in December 2019 has caused a global pandemic. The rapid mutation rate in the virus has created alarming situations worldwide and is being attributed to the false negativity in RT-PCR tests. It has also increased the chances of reinfection and immune escape. Recently various lineages namely, B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.617.1 (Kappa), B.1.617.2 (Delta) and B.1.617.3 have caused rapid infection around the globe. To understand the biophysical perspective, we have performed molecular dynamic simulations of four different spikes (receptor binding domain)-hACE2 complexes, namely wildtype (WT), Alpha variant (N501Y spike mutant), Kappa (L452R, E484Q) and Delta (L452R, T478K), and compared their dynamics, binding energy and molecular interactions. Our results show that mutation has caused significant increase in the binding energy between the spike and hACE2 in Alpha and Kappa variants. In the case of Kappa and Delta variants, the mutations at L452R, T478K and E484Q increased the stability and intra-chain interactions in the spike protein, which may change the interaction ability of neutralizing antibodies to these spike variants. Further, we found that the Alpha variant had increased hydrogen interaction with Lys353 of hACE2 and more binding affinity in comparison to WT. The current study provides the biophysical basis for understanding the molecular mechanism and rationale behind the increase in the transmissivity and infectivity of the mutants compared to wild-type SARS-CoV-2.

Antimicrobial Peptides as Potential Therapeutic Agents: A Review

Abstract: The growth of pathogens across the globe is developing at a very fast rate, thus turning into a worldwide health problem. Since, current treatment alternatives have failed to a large extent, novel antibiotics are highly in demand. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have become a significant alternative in this scenario because of their wide-spectrum activity, rapid killing and often cell selectivity. They comprise diverse functional molecules with multifaceted properties, consisting of varied biological activity. Because of the different amino acids and elements in its structure, their action mechanism is specifically altered. Most of the AMPs have been derived from animals, plants and marine sources. They show therapeutic potential, yet, their use is limited because of their short plasma half-life. AMP production can be done at reasonable costs with the help of biotechnological methods. Thus, discovery of an efficient and long-lasting antimicrobial drugs is awaited as soon as these challenges are overcome. The market of antimicrobial peptides is growing at a fast rate. Bioactive peptides from natural sources open up new opportunities to discover lead molecules for management of various ailments. This systematic review centres around the antimicrobial activity, various properties, mechanism and sources of AMPs along with how these properties are exploited for the application of efficient and promising drug agents in pharmaceutical companies. Therefore, in this review information about antimicrobial activity, various properties, mechanism and sources of AMPs along with how these properties are exploited for the application of efficient and promising drug agents in pharmaceutical companies has been discussed.

Applications of Nanomaterials in Agrifood and Pharmaceutical Industry

Abstract: Nanotechnology recently emerged among the most exciting science-related innovations. Nanotechnology-produced metal nanoparticles got a lot of attention. This is emerging as a rapidly developing fie...

Carvacrol, a Plant Metabolite Targeting Viral Protease (Mpro) and ACE2 in Host Cells Can Be a Possible Candidate for COVID-19.

Abstract: The recent outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) started in December 2019, resulting in the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. Coronaviruses are solely accountable for rising mortality and socioeconomic saddles. Presently, there are few repurposed drugs such as remdesivir or favipiravir approved for the treatment of COVID-19, although vaccines and plasma therapy is also subject to emergency approval. However, some potential natural treatments and cures have also been proposed. Molecules of natural origin showed therapeutic importance such as antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity, and could be useful drug candidates for treating COVID-19. In recent years, essential oils have shown promising therapeutic effects against many viral diseases. Carvacrol is one of the monoterpene phenol with abundant presence in essential oils of many aromatic plants, including thyme and oregano. It is being used as food flavoring, additive, and preservatives. Carvacrol is also used as a fragrance in cosmetic products. A number of research studies have shown biological actions of carvacrol with its therapeutic potential is of clinical significance. The in vitro and in vivo studies have shown multiple pharmacological properties such as anticancer, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, vasorelaxant, hepatoprotective, and spasmolytic. This review highlights the various biological and pharmacological properties of carvacrol within the scope of COVID-19.

An overview of vaccine development for COVID-19.

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic continues to endanger world health and the economy. The causative SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has a unique replication system. The end point of the COVID-19 pandemic is either herd immunity or widespread availability of an effective vaccine. Multiple candidate vaccines - peptide, virus-like particle, viral vectors (replicating and nonreplicating), nucleic acids (DNA or RNA), live attenuated virus, recombinant designed proteins and inactivated virus - are presently under various stages of expansion, and a small number of vaccine candidates have progressed into clinical phases. At the time of writing, three major pharmaceutical companies, namely Pfizer and Moderna, have their vaccines under mass production and administered to the public. This review aims to investigate the most critical vaccines developed for COVID-19 to date.

Bioremediation of heavy metals from wastewater using nanomaterials

Abstract: One of the key reasons for water pollution is the existence of heavy metals in wastewater. Industrial wastewater and domestic sewage are one of the top reasons to cause water pollution. Increasing water pollution is a major concern for humans as it is not only affecting our health but also disturbing the economy and sustainable growth all around the world. Heavy metals affect human health as well as flora and fauna of the region because they are non-biodegradable. Heavy metals induce mutagenesis, cancer, and hereditary genetic disorders because they bind to the same sites in which essential metal ions bind and lead to the destabilization of structures and biomolecules. Conventional methods are well-established for the removal of heavy metals, but they have several drawbacks. Therefore, there is a requirement of alternative methods that can efficiently remove heavy metals. Nanoparticles hold immense potential, and they are used as adsorbents for heavy metal removal. Due to its unique properties like high selectivity and adsorption capacity, they are effective sorbents and extensively used for heavy metal removal from wastewater. This review addresses the significant issue of global wastewater crisis. Various methods of heavy metal remediation (HMR) and wastewater treatment are discussed including the application of microbes, plants, and nanoparticles in HMR. This review also highlights real-time applications and economic aspects of HMR. It has been concluded that the application of nanomaterials both, in the existing technologies and novel methods, will help in increasing efficiency, better operational costs, and enhanced outcomes.

Effect of Lockdown on HCHO and Trace Gases over India during March 2020

Abstract: COVID-19 is one of the deadly Epidemics that has impacted people living in more than 200 countries. In order to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, India observed total lockdown in the first phase for a period of 21 days (24 March–13 May 2020), so that social distancing is maintained. However, this sudden decision severely affected the normal life of people. The air quality improved due to lockdown, some relaxation was given in different cities and within some areas in the city where the people were not affected by COVID-19. In this paper, we discuss results of detailed analysis of trace gases (HCHO, NO2, SO2, CH4, CO and O3) and particulate matter concentration using satellite and ground data in major metropolitan cities of India during 10–31 March, 2020 and compared with the same period in the year 2019, to study the impact of total lockdown. Our analysis suggests, pronounced qualitative changes in HCHO, NO2, SO2, CH4, CO, O3and PM2.5 concentration during complete lockdown period in the month of March 2020. We did not consider the period after 31 March 2020 to avoid influence of anthropogenic sources since the Government made relaxation in the lockdown periods after 31 March 2020.

Prediction model using SMOTE, genetic algorithm and decision tree (PMSGD) for classification of diabetes mellitus

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus is a well-known chronic disease that diminishes the insulin producing capability of the human body. This results in high blood sugar level which might lead to various complications such as eye damage, nerve damage, cardiovascular damage, kidney damage and stroke. Although diabetes has attracted huge research attention, the overall performance of such medical disease classification using machine learning techniques is relatively low, majorly due to existence of class imbalance and missing values in the data. In this paper, we propose a novel Prediction Model using Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique, Genetic Algorithm and Decision Tree (PMSGD) for Classification of Diabetes Mellitus on Pima Indians Diabetes Database (PIDD) dataset. The framework of the proposed PMSGD prediction model is composed of four different layers. The first layer is the pre-processing layer which is responsible for handling missing values, detection of outlier and oversampling the minority class. In the second layer, the most significant features are selected using correlation and genetic algorithm. In the third layer, the proposed model is trained, and its effectiveness is evaluated in the fourth layer in terms of classification accuracy (CA), classification error (CE), precision, recall (sensitivity), measure (FM), and Area_Under_ROC (AUROC). The proposed PMSGD algorithm clearly outperforms its counterparts and achieves a remarkable accuracy of 82.1256%. The best outcome achieved by the proposed system in terms of CA, CE, precision, sensitivity, FM and AUROC is 82.1256%, 17.8744%, 0.8070%, 0.8598, 0.8326 and 0.8511, respectively. The obtained simulation results show the effectiveness and superiority of our proposed PMSGD model and their by reduced error rate to help in decision-making process.

Exosomal therapy—a new frontier in regenerative medicine

Abstract: The recent advances in translational and nanomedicine have paved the way for developing the targeted drug delivery system at a greater pace among global researchers. On par with these technologies, exosomes act as a potential portal for cell-free drug delivery systems as these are bestowed with the native characteristics of the parent cell of origin. Exosomes, called extracellular vesicles (EcVs), are present in almost all cells, tissues, and body fluids. They help in intercellular signaling and maintains tissue homeostasis in the disease pathobiology. Researchers have characterized 9,769 proteins, 2,838 miRNAs, 3,408 mRNAs, and 1,116 lipids being present in exosomal cargo. The separation of exosomes from cells, tissues, and body fluids follow different patterned kinetics. Exosomes interact with the recipient cells through their surface receptor molecules and ligands and internalize within recipient cells through micropinocytosis and phagocytosis. Advancing technologies in regenerative medicine have facilitated the researchers to isolate exosomes from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as these cells are blessed with supreme regenerative potentiality in targeting a disease. Exosomal cargo is a key player in establishing the diagnosis and executing therapeutic role whilst regulating a disease process. Various in vitro studies have exhibited the safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potentiality of exosomes in various cancers, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and orthopedic diseases. This article throws light on the composition, therapeutic role, and regulatory potentials of exosomes with the widening of the horizon in the field of regenerative medicine.