In vitro Evaluation of Anti-Cancer Potential of Different Solvent Extracts Derived from Clerodendrum Infortunatum Linn against Cervical Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is a prevalent and deadly malignancy in females, with chemotherapy often proving ineffective due to significant side effects and the development of chemo-resistance. This study investigates the medicinal potential of Clerodendrum infortunatum linn. , a genus with approximately 500 species in the Lamiaceae family. Limited research exists on the species of Clerodendrum infortunatum and its various solvent extracts. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to assess the anti-cancer properties of different solvent extracts from this plant on human cervical cancer cells. METHODS: The study examines the plant's phytochemical components and their potential to inhibit cancer growth. Aerial parts of the plant were extracted using the Soxhlet method, and the presence of Rutin, Quercetin, and Gallic Acid in specific solvent extracts was validated through High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). In vitro assays, including MTT, Apoptosis, Cell Cycle analysis, Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species assessment, and Gene expression PCR, were conducted to investigate the plant's anti-cancer properties further. RESULTS: The outcomes of the phytochemical assessment indicated that Rutin was predominantly present in the water extract, with quercetin being more concentrated in the decoction, and the hydro-alcoholic extract showing elevated levels of gallic acid. Notably, the decoction extract demonstrated the highest cytotoxic activity, primarily through early apoptosis and arrests in the S-phase and G2M phases. Clerodendrum infortunatum exhibited a reduction in Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species. The gene expression analysis disclosed an impact on the BCL-2 gene. CONCLUSION: Notably, Clerodendrum infortunatum exhibited the ability to initiate early apoptosis, halt the cell cycle at the S and G2M phases, and diminish levels of reactive oxygen species significantly. The gene expression analysis revealed an influence on the BCL-2 gene. To sum up, this research underscores the encouraging cytotoxic and antioxidant attributes of Clerodendrum infortunatum, implying its potential for cervical cancer treatment.

Disaster Preparedness in a Resettled Refugee Community: Qualitative Findings.

INTRODUCTION: Under-resourced communities face disaster preparedness challenges. Research is limited for resettled refugee communities, which have unique preparedness needs. STUDY OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess disaster preparedness among the refugee community in Clarkston, GA. METHODS: Twenty-five semi-structured interviews were completed with community stakeholders. Convenience sampling using the snowball method was utilized until thematic saturation was reached. Thematic analysis of interviews was conducted through an inductive, iterative approach by a multidisciplinary team using manual coding and MAXQDA. RESULTS: Three themes were identified: First, prioritization of routine daily needs took precedence for families over disaster preparedness. Second, communication impacts preparedness. Community members speak different languages and often do not have proficiency in English. Access to resources in native languages and creative communication tactics are important tools. Finally, the study revealed a unique interplay between government, community-based organizations, and the refugee community. A web of formal and informal responses is vital to helping this community in times of need. CONCLUSION: The refugee community in Clarkston, GA faces challenges, and disaster preparedness may not be top of mind for them. However, clear communication, disaster preparedness planning, and collaboration between government, community-based organizations, and the community are possible areas to focus on to bolster readiness.

Safety of apixaban for venous thromboembolic primary prophylaxis in patients with newly diagnosed malignant glioma.

The cumulative incidence of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) among patients with malignant gliomas (MG) is estimated to be as high as 36% during the course of therapy. Development of VTE is associated with an increased risk of hospitalization, delays in cancer treatment, and an increased risk of complications including intracranial hemorrhage as well as VTE specific symptoms. Despite the high risk of VTE and associated morbidity, there is no standard recommendations regarding long term outpatient VTE prophylaxis in patients with MG due to the lack of clinical trial evidence in this patient population. In this study, we treated ten patients with newly diagnosed MG with apixaban, 2.5 mg twice daily beginning 2-21 days after craniotomy and continuing for up to 6 months. Unacceptable toxicity was defined by ≥ grade 2 CNS or non-CNS hemorrhage, a thromboembolic event (i.e. stroke) or cardiovascular event requiring anticoagulation or anti-platelet therapy. There were no unacceptable toxicities to report and no treatment-related adverse events. None of the patients on the study were diagnosed with a VTE while receiving apixaban. We conclude that apixaban can be given safely to patients with primary MG shortly after craniotomy and should be considered for VTE prevention in these high-risk patients.

Interface enriched highly interlaced layered MoS2/NiS2 nanocomposites for the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B dye.

In the past few decades, air and water pollution by organic dyes has become a serious concern due to their high toxicity. Removal of these organic dyes from polluted water bodies is a serious environmental concern and the development of new advanced photocatalytic materials for decomposing organic dyes can be a good solution. In this work, layered molybdenum disulfide/nickel disulfide (MoS2/NiS2) nanocomposites with various NiS2 content was synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method using citric acid as a reducing agent. The X-ray diffraction pattern shows the hexagonal and cubical crystal structure of MoS2 and NiS2, respectively. Morphological analysis confirms the formation of MoS2/NiS2 nanosheets. The elemental composition of the samples was carried out by XPS, which shows a significant interaction between NiS2 and MoS2. The photocatalytic performance of MoS2/NiS2 nanocomposites was studied by the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB). Ni-4 sample shows higher photocatalytic activity with a maximum degradation of 90.61% under visible light irradiation for 32 min.