Bimetallic Ag/Cu incorporated into chemically exfoliated MoS2 nanosheets to enhance its antibacterial potential: in silico molecular docking studies

Bimetallic Ag and Cu (1:1 wt%) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized and annealed at temperatures of 400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C using chemical reduction techniques. High temperature annealed (at 800 °C) Ag:Cu sample ratios (5 and 10 wt%) were used to dope MoS₂. A wide variety of techniques including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, Raman, photoluminescence, and ultraviolet visible spectrophotometry were used to study the morphology, structure, functional groups, excitons recombination, and thermal and optical properties of both annealed and doped samples. The antimicrobial activity of the prepared products was tested on the MRSA-superbug with ciprofloxacin antibiotic as the reference drug. Statistically significant (P < 0.05) inhibition zones (mm) were recorded for the as-synthesized Ag-Cu, heat-treated samples at 400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C, doped Ag-Cu/MoS₂ 5% and Ag-Cu/MoS₂ 10% which ranged from 6.35-9.85 mm and 8.60-11.75 mm at (0.5, 1.0 mg 50 μl^-1) concentrations compared with ciprofloxacin 12.55 mm and DIW 0 mm inhibition zones, respectively. Overall Ag-Cu NPs alone and with different temperature treatments showed less antibacterial efficacy compared with Ag-Cu/MoS₂ 5% and 10%. Furthermore, molecular docking studies were employed to unveil the binding interaction pattern of NPs in the active pocket of β-lactamase enzyme suggested that it could be a potential inhibitor that could be further evaluated for its enzyme inhibition characteristics.

Photocatalytic and bactericidal properties and molecular docking analysis of TiO2 nanoparticles conjugated with Zr for environmental remediation

Despite implementing several methodologies including a combination of physical, chemical and biological techniques, aquatic and microbial pollution remains a challenge to this day. Recently, nanomaterials have attracted considerable attention due to their extraordinary prospective for utilization toward environmental remediation. Among several probable candidates, TiO₂ stands out due to its potential for use in multifaceted applications. One way to improve the catalytic and antimicrobial potential of TiO₂ is to dope it with certain elements. In this study, Zr-doped TiO₂ was synthesized through a sol–gel chemical method using various dopant concentrations (2, 4, 6, and 8 wt%). Surface morphological, microstructural and elemental analysis was carried out using FESEM and HR-TEM along with EDS to confirm the formation of Zr–TiO₂. XRD spectra showed a linear shift of the (101) anatase peak to lower diffraction angles (from 25.4° to 25.08°) with increasing Zr⁴⁺ concentration. Functional groups were examined via FTIR, an ample absorption band appearing between 400 and 700 cm⁻¹ in the acquired spectrum was attributed to the vibration modes of the Ti–O–Ti linkage present within TiO₂ nanoparticles, which denotes the formation of TiO₂. Experimental results indicated that with increasing dopant concentrations, photocatalytic potential was enhanced significantly. In this respect, TiO₂ doped with 8 wt% Zr (sample 0.08 : 1) exhibited outstanding performance by realizing 98% elimination of synthetic MB in 100 minutes. This is thought to be due to a decreased rate of electron–hole pair recombination that transpires upon doping. Therefore, it is proposed that Zr-doped TiO₂ can be used as an effective photocatalyst material for various environmental and wastewater treatment applications. The good docking scores and binding confirmation of Zr-doped TiO₂ suggested doped nanoparticles as a potential inhibitor against selected targets of both E. coli and S. aureus. Hence, enzyme inhibition studies of Zr-doped TiO₂ NPs are suggested for further confirmation of these in silico predictions.

Despite implementing several methodologies including a combination of physical, chemical and biological techniques, aquatic and microbial pollution remains a challenge to this day.

Biochemical changes in cultivars of sweet oranges infected with citrus tristeza virus

Citrus fruit production occupies a place of considerable importance in the economy of the world including Pakistan. Tristeza disease caused by Citrus Tristeza Virus (CTV) exists in various forms that may or may not cause symptoms in the plants. The bioactive compounds and antioxidants are naturally present in plants and provide a defense mechanism that is generally accelerated in response to a stress. The objective of the present study was to target and analyze the citrus plants that were CTV positive to observe the changes in the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants of citrus (Sweet Oranges only). It was observed that in response to CTV infection, both the non-enzymatic antioxidants (total flavonoid, ascorbic acid, phenolic acid) and enzymatic antioxidants (catalase, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase) activities showed an increasing trend overall. The profiling of antioxidants in response to a viral infection may help in the discovery of new biomarkers that can be used as a monitoring tool in disease management.

Effect of heating on the oxidative stability of corn oil and soybean oil

The effects of conventional and microwave heating on the oxidative properties of corn and soybean oil were evaluated. The results showed that acid value, peroxide value, oxidative indices, total oxidation value, and p-anisidine values changed significantly with the rise in temperature (p < 0.05). The peroxide and p-anisidine values for corn oil (PV: 50.670 meqO2/kg, p-AV: 8.248) were greater than soybean oil (PV: 41.694 meqO2/kg, p-AV: 7.566) for conventional heating. The peroxide and p-anisidine values for soybean oil (PV: 6.545 meqO2/kg, p-AV: 76.539) were greater compared to corn oil (PV: 5.074 meqO2/kg, p-AV: 65.360) for microwave heating. The results concluded that microwave heating had a greater impact on the chemical degradation of the fatty acids of the oil. The FT-IR spectra showed peak changes at 3743 cm-1 and 1739 cm-1 and confirmed the rancidity of the oils from microwave heating due to the formation of secondary oxidation products. It was concluded that corn oil showed more oxidative changes compared to soybean oil.

Design and Synthesis of New Sulfur-Containing Hyperbranched Polymer and Theranostic Nanomaterials for Bimodal Imaging and Treatment of Cancer

In this study, we have synthesized a new hyperbranched polyester polymer containing sulfur-pendants (HBPE-S) in the branching points. This HBPE-S polymer is composed of spherical shaped, aliphatic three-dimensional architecture with carboxylic acid groups on the surface. The presence of sulfur pendants in the polymeric cavities demonstrated important role in the effective encapsulation of Bi-DOTA complexes ([Bi] = 5.21 μM), when compared to the previously reported polymer without sulfur pendants (HBPE, [Bi] = 1.07 x 10-3 μM). Higher X-ray blocking capability and excellent X-ray contrast images were obtained from Bi-DOTA encapsulating HBPE-S polymeric nanoparticles when compared with that of HBPE nanoparticles. In addition, the HBPE-S polymer's spherical structure with amphiphilic cavities allow for the successful encapsulation of anti-tumor drugs and optical dyes, indicating suitable for delivery of wide-range of theranostic agents for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Therapeutic drug taxol encapsulating, folic acid decorated HBPE-S-Fol nanoparticles showed more than 80% of lung carcinoma cell death within 24 h of incubation. Cell viability and microscopic experiments also confirmed for the targeted delivery, thereby minimizing toxicity to healthy tissues. Taken together, new HBPE-S polymer and multimodal theranostic nanoplatforms were synthesized with enhanced X-ray blocking capability for the effective cancer targeting and treatment monitoring.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles: a ‘radical’ approach to neurodegenerative disease treatment

Despite advances in understanding the factors that cause many neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), no current therapies have yielded significant results. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeONPs) have recently emerged as therapeutics for the treatment of NDs due to their antioxidant properties. This report summarizes the recent findings regarding CeONPs in treatment of various NDs, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, ischemic stroke and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Interest in CeONPs as a potential nanomedicine for NDs has increased due to: their ability to alter signaling pathways, small diameter allowing passage through the blood–brain barrier and scavenging of reactive oxygen species. Due to these properties, CeONPs could eventually revolutionize existing treatments for NDs.

Combination Therapy of NSCLC Using Hsp90 Inhibitor and Doxorubicin Carrying Functional Nanoceria

K-RAS driven non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents a major cause of death among smokers. Recently, nanotechnology has introduced novel avenues for the diagnosis and personalized treatment options for cancer. Herein, we report a novel, multifunctional nanoceria platform loaded with a unique combination of two therapeutic drugs, doxorubicin (Doxo) and Hsp90 inhibitor ganetespib (GT), for the diagnosis and effective treatment of NSCLC. We hypothesize that the use of ganetespib synergizes and accelerates the therapeutic efficacy of Doxo via ROS production, while minimizing the potential cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin drug. Polyacrylic acid (PAA)-coated cerium oxide nanoparticles (PNC) were fabricated for the targeted combination therapy of lung cancers. Using "click" chemistry, the surface carboxylic acid groups of nanoceria were decorated with folic acid to target folate-receptor-overexpressing NSCLC. As a result of combination therapy, results showed more than 80% of NSCLC death within 48 h of incubation. These synergistic therapeutic effects were assessed via enhanced ROS, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and migration assays. Overall, these results indicated that the targeted codelivery of Doxo and GT using nanoceria may offer an alternative combination therapy option for the treatment of undruggable NSCLC.

Experiences of stigma among hepatitis B and C patients in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan

Hepatitis B and C are chronic diseases with mental and social impacts which can result in poor quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the experiences of stigma in a sample of hepatitis B- and C-positive patients in Pakistan. In a cross-sectional study, 140 inpatients and outpatients from 3 tertiary-care hospitals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi answered a semi-structured questionnaire about stigma experienced from relatives, friends, spouse and health-care providers, and about work/financial problems. The majority of patients (75%) said they had had to change their lifestyle, and significantly more were males than females. Stigma was marked in terms of disease transmission, with 66% of patients fearing that they could transmit the infection to others; 19% said that family members avoided sharing towels, soap and eating and drinking utensils. Marital relationships were affected for 51% of married patients who had told their spouse. Patients' comments showed a sense of family and societal discrimination resulting in feelings of disappointment and isolation.

Novel lip pit phenotypes and mutations of IRF6 in Van der Woude syndrome patients from Pakistan

The role of interferon regulatory factor 6 (IRF6) gene mutations in causing Van der Woude syndrome (VWS) and poplyteal pterygium syndrome has been described in different populations worldwide. The former is one of the major syndromes of cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CL/P) with the distinct phenotype of presence of pits with or without sinuses on the lower lip. We identified seven probands with VWS from Punjab province of Pakistan and recognized two previously unreported lip pit phenotypes. The mutational analysis of IRF6 in this cohort revealed four novel and two previously reported mutations. The newly identified mutations include three frameshifts (c.635delG; c.21_33del13; c.627delC) and one transition mutation (c.2T>C) affecting the first codon of IRF6. Together with a past epidemiological study on VWS in Pakistan, the frequency of this syndrome among CL/P individuals from Punjab was calculated to be 1.17%.

Milk quality, manufacturing properties and blood biochemical profile from dairy cows fed peas (&lt;i&gt;Pisum sativum&lt;/i&gt; L.) as dietary protein supplement

Abstract. Pea (Pisum sativum L.), a protein-rich legume seed well adapted to many climatic areas and widely used for feed and food, was fed to Italian Friesian breed cows for 16 weeks to assess its effects on milk yield and production, renneting properties and metabolic responses. Cows within each group were assigned to two isonitrogenous and isoenergetic concentrates based on corn plus soybean meal or peas. Individual milk samples were collected from two consecutive milkings, composited, and then analysed for fat, protein, casein and lactose contents and somatic cells count as well as blood and milk urea and milk technological characteristics. Cow blood samples were taken and plasma were analysed for metabolites, biological enzymes, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). Peas supplementation had no effects on metabolic blood profile as well as on milk composition traits and clotting aptitude. Milk and blood from cows fed peas indicated a reduction (P<0.05) of their urea concentrations compared to those fed soybean meal. Our findings indicate that peas can replace soybean meal as protein source in diet of dairy cows without unfavourable effects on milk quality and cheesemaking properties.

Virulence markers of Helicobacter pylori in patients with diarrhoea-dominant irritable bowel syndrome

Recent studies suggest that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is associated with low-grade inflammation. This study aims to determine the distribution of Helicobacter pylori cytotoxin-associated gene A (cagA) and vacuolating cytotoxin A (vacA) alleles (e.g., s1 and s2) in patients with diarrhoea-dominant IBS (IBS-D) as the latter causes vacuolation in colonic epithelial cells in vitro. One hundred and seventy patients meeting Rome III criteria for IBS-D (mean age: 40 +/- 15 years) were enrolled. Gastric biopsy was assessed histologically and DNA extraction was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for H. pylori genus 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA), cagA and vacA allele s1 and s2. There was no age- or gender-related difference in H. pylori positivity in IBS-D compared to the control group. H. pylori was positive in 116 (68%) with IBS-D compared to 88 (55%) in the control group (P=0.01). cagA was positive in 73 (63%) with IBS-D compared to 42 (48%) in the control group (P=0.03). vacA s1 was positive in 61 (53%) with IBS-D compared to 32 (36%) in the control group (P=0.02). cagA s1 was positive in 39 (34%) with IBS-D compared to 13 (15%) in the control group (P=0.002).

Prevalences of Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum infection in adults presenting with chronic diarrhoea

Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum are both waterborne pathogens associated with diarrhoea in developing countries. In a recent study based at the Aga Khan University in Karachi, 334 adults aged 16-83 years (178 patients with chronic diarrhoea and 156 diarrhoea-free volunteers who acted as controls) were checked for infection with these parasites, using stool microscopy and/or PCR. Overall, 21 (6.3%) and 29 (8.7%) of the subjects were found positive for G. lamblia by microscopy and PCR, respectively, while the corresponding values for C. parvum were 13 (3.9%) and 14 (4.2%). Although, compared with the diarrhoea-free controls, the patients with diarrhoea were not significantly more likely to be found infected with Giardia, either by microscopy [15 (8.4%) v. six (3.8%); P=0.085] or PCR [19 (10.7%) v. 10 (6.4%); P=0.167], they were significantly more likely to be found infected with C. parvum, both by microscopy [11 (6.2%) v. two (1.3%); P=0.024] and by PCR [12 (6.7%) v. two (1.3%); P=0.014]. The 19 patients found PCR-positive for Giardia comprised 10 (67%) of the 15 found smear-positive for the same parasite but only nine (5%) of the 163 found smear-negative (k=0.545; P<0.001). Similarly, the 12 patients found PCR-positive for Cryptosporidium comprised all 11 (100%) patients found smear-positive for the same parasite but only one (0.6%) of the 167 found smear-negative (k=0.954; P<0.001). Although C. parvum was associated with chronic diarrhoea in the present study, the carriage of G. lamblia often appeared asymptomatic.

Epidemiology of Van der Woude syndrome from mutational analyses in affected patients from Pakistan

Mutations in IRF6 cause Van der Woude syndrome (VWS), one of the most common syndromes associated with cleft lip (CL) with or without cleft palate (CP). The presence of pits on the lower lip of patients is the most characteristic feature of the syndrome. We have identified three novel and seven previously reported IRF6 mutations in 12 of 16 unrelated families segregating VWS from Pakistan. The three newly identified mutations include a frameshift (c.568delG) and two missense mutations c.295G>A (p.G99S) and c.1219T>C (p.S407P). Recent functional studies on IRF6 and the three-dimensional structure of IRF5 carboxy (C) terminus, a protein encoded by a paralog of IRF6, shed light on the p.S407P substitution. Additionally, the identification of the same mutations responsible for VWS in Pakistan, as reported in other global populations worldwide, marks these residues as mutational hotspots and indicates their essential role in structural stability or function of IRF6. This is the first study of VWS in Pakistan and we estimate that 1 in 100 patients with CL with or without CP (CL/P) are affected in the Pakistani population predominantly from the Punjab area.