Vinca alkaloids as a potential cancer therapeutics: recent update and future challenges.

Vinca alkaloids including vincristine, vinblastine, vindesine, and vinflunine are chemotherapeutic compounds commonly used to treat various cancers. Vinca alkaloids are one of the first microtubule-targeting agents to be produced and certified for the treatment of hematological and lymphatic neoplasms. Microtubule targeting agents like vincristine and vinblastine work by disrupting microtubule dynamics, causing mitotic arrest and cell death. The key issues facing vinca alkaloids applications include establishing an environment-friendly production technique based on microorganisms, as well as increasing bioavailability without causing harm to patient's health. The low yield of these vinca alkaloids from the plant and the difficulty of meeting their huge colossal demand around the globe prompted researchers to create a variety of approaches. Endophytes could thus be selected to produce beneficial secondary metabolites required for the biosynthesis of vinca alkaloids. This review covers the significant aspects of these vital drugs, from their discovery to the present day, in a concise manner. In addition, we emphasize the major hurdles that must be overcome in the coming years to improve vinca alkaloid's effectiveness.

Biological activities of Pleurotus spp. polysaccharides: A review.

Mushrooms are consumed for their nutrients and therapeutic bioactive compounds and are used medicinally in Chinese and Japanese medicine traditions since time immemorial. Members of the genus Pleurotus form a heterogeneous group of edible species with outstanding nutritional profiles rich in fiber, vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, ascorbic acid, ergosterine, and niacin), micro and macro-elements (phosphorus and iron), and carbohydrates. Pleurotus is one of the most diversified medicinal and edible mushrooms related to the composition of chemical structures such as polysaccharides, glycoproteins, and secondary metabolites such as alkaloids and betalains. The cultivation of Pleurotus spp. on lignocellulosic wastes represents one of the most economically and cost-effective organic recycling processes, especially for the utilization of different feasible and cheap recyclable residues. Also, several Pleurotus spp. have the ability to remove phenolic compounds from wastewater with the action of phenoloxidase activity. Here, we have reviewed the chemistry of such polysaccharides and their reported biological activities, namely, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, anti-tumor, antioxidant, etc. The mechanism of action and effects of novel polysaccharides extracted from various species of Pleurotus have been studied. The current study will be beneficial for guiding future research projects on the above concept and investigating more deeply the health of human beings. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Mushrooms are one of the most delicious foods around the globe and have many medicinal properties for decades. Various Pleurotus species have been in focus in recent years because of their palatability and medicinal importance too. It contains many bioactive compounds among which polysaccharides are valued to a great extent. Many biological activities are exerted by polysaccharides derived from the Pleurotus spp., namely, anti-tumor, antioxidant, and many more. They are responsible for significant physiological responses in animals, animal-alternative in vitro models, and humans. Their important physicochemical characteristics benefit their use in the food industry as well. So, the biological activities of these Pleurotus spp. polysaccharides will provide an insight to develop Pleurotus spp. as functional foods, because of their nutritional value and presence of bioactive components.

Attributes of screening and vaccination for cervical cancer: insights of an online survey among female school teachers of Kota, Rajasthan, India.

Background: Cervical cancer is largely preventable. The study was aimed to find out the attributes of screening and vaccination for cervical cancer among female school teachers of Kota, Rajasthan, India. Methods: It was an observational study, cross-sectional in design conducted among female school teachers of Kota, Rajasthan, India using a predesigned structured questionnaire administered by Google Form during the months of March to May, 2020. In total, 397 schoolteachers from 18 different schools of Kota participated in our survey. Results: Among the study subjects, 33 (8.3%) had ever undergone screening for cervical cancer, whereas only 12 (3.0%) had taken vaccine against it. In multivariable logistic regression analysis; age (>40 years) [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 5.7 (2.0-15.8)], correct knowledge regarding frequency of screening (yes) [AOR: 6.0 (2.4-15.5)], positive attitude for the disease (yes) [AOR:3.0 (1.1-8.0)] and gynaecologist consultation behaviour (periodic) [AOR: 1.4 (1.1-8.6)] were significant attributes of ever undergoing screening for cervical cancer. On the other hand, themultivariable significant attributes of vaccination were age (≤40 years) [AOR: 7.6 (1.5-38.9)]and positive attitude for the disease (yes) [AOR: 6.4 (1.1-38.2)]. Conclusion: Acceptance of screening and vaccination for cervical cancer among the study subjects was found to be quite low. Policymakers should more actively involve school teachers in generating awareness and in raising the demand for cervical cancer screening and vaccination in their native communities to curb the disease in the country.