Preliminary insights on the mutational spectrum of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in Pakhtun ethnicity breast cancer patients from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan

Gene mutations are a source of genetic instability which fuels the progression of cancer. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are considered as major drivers in the progression of breast cancer and their detection indispensable for devising therapeutic and management approaches. The current study aims to identify novel pathogenic and recurrent mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 in Pakhtun population from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. To determine the BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic mutation prevalence in Pakhtun population from KP, whole exome sequencing of 19 patients along with 6 normal FFPE embedded blocks were performed. The pathogenicity of the mutations were determined and they were further correlated with different hormonal, sociogenetic and clinicopathological features. We obtained a total of 10 mutations (5 somatic and 5 germline) in BRCA1 while 27 mutations (24 somatic and 3 germline) for BRCA2. Five and seventeen pathogenic or deleterious mutations were identified in BRCA1 and BRCA2 respectively by examining the mutational spectrum through SIFT, PolyPhen-2 and Mutation Taster. Among the SNVs, BRCA1 p.P824L, BRCA2 p. P153Q, p.I180F, p.D559Y, p.G1529R, p.L1576F, p.E2229K were identified as mutations of the interaction sites as predicted by the deep algorithm based ISPRED-SEQ prediction tool. SAAFEQ-SEQ web-based algorithm was used to calculate the changes in free energy and effect of SNVs on protein stability. All SNVs were found to have a destabilizing effect on the protein. ConSurf database was used to determine the evolutionary conservation scores and nature of the mutated residues. Gromacs 4.5 was used for the molecular simulations. Ramachandran plots were generated using procheck server. STRING and GeneMania was used for prediction of the gene interactions. The highest number of mutations (BRCA1 7/10, 70 %) were on exon 9 and (BRCA2, 11/27; 40 %) were on exon 11. 40 % and 60 % of the BRCA2 mutations were associated Grade 2 and Grade 3 tumors respectively. The present study reveals unique BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in Pakhtun population. We further suggest sequencing of the large cohorts for further characterizing the pathogenic mutations.

Prevalence of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

BACKGROUND

CCHFV is well recognized as a major public health threat and its prevalence and epidemiological distribution in Pakistan and specifically in KP province is not well documented.

METHODS

We used a gold-standard PCR-based diagnostic assay for confirmation of CCHFV among suspected patients. A total of 150 patients were enrolled from June 2022 to September 2022 and their blood samples were collected for PCR confirmation.

RESULTS

The overall positivity rate for CCHFV was 26.67%, with the virus mostly prevalent in the middle-aged group (21-40 years). In the July of 2022, a significant spike in the prevalence of CCHFV was observed in provincial capital Peshawar with the highest burden (31.57%).

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate the necessity of strengthening CCHFV monitoring programs and intensifying efforts to identify hotspot regions for effective surveillance and control of CCHFV. The months before the Eid-ul-Adha are crucial in the context of CCHFV control.

Valorization and Repurposing of Citrus limetta Fruit Waste for Fabrication of Multifunctional AgNPs and Their Diverse Nanomedicinal Applications

Herein we propose an ecofriendly process for the biofabrication of AgNPs by applying fruit waste of Citrus limetta. The aqueous extracts from the peels of the fruit were used as green chelating and stabilizing agents. Structural, optical, vibrational, morphological, and magnetic properties were established using UV-Vis (ultraviolet visible spectroscopy), XRD (X-rays diffraction), FTIR (Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy), EDS (energy dispersive spectroscopy), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), ESR (electron spin resonance), and PPMS (physical property management system), while the thermal properties were established using TGA/DTG (thermal gravimetric analysis/derivative thermogravimetry). XRD pattern revealed intense peaks with single-phase purity, while the Debye-Scherrer approximation revealed an average crystallite size of 33.18 nm. The W-H plot revealed the size of 55.2 nm and strain 2.68 × 10-4. FTIR spectra revealed the involvement of different functional groups and major IR vibrations were observed at 2329 cm-1, 2092 cm-1, 1794 cm-1, 1268 cm-1, and 754 cm-1. TGA/DTG revealed major weight loss events at 240 °C and 360 °C. SEM revealed spherical or quasi-spherical morphology, while EDS confirmed the presence of elemental silver. The M-H behavior for all measurement temperature shows diamagnetic behavior. Electron spin resonance (ESR) revealed a high proportion of free electrons. Furthermore, the pharmacognostic and nanomedicinal potential CL-AgNPs was established using multiple in vitro and in vivo bioassays. The in vivo wound healing assays in mice revealed excellent healing potential which were similar to positive control. The percent wound healing is reported to be 93% on the 14th day of incision after application of CL-AgNPs. Bioassays were performed to assess enzyme inhibition potential of the CL-AgNPs for Alzheimer disease and antidiabetic applications. The AChE and BChE potential of the CL-AgNPs was highest at 1000 µg mL-1, i.e., 92% and 56%, respectively. The α-glucosidase inhibition potential for the CL-AgNPs was higher as compared to the α-glucosidase, while the DPPH free radical scavenging was reported to be 70% to 11% at varying concentrations between 1000 and 62.5 µg mL-1. Overall, our results indicate that the waste fruit peels can be a sustainable and eco-friendly resource of synthesis of the multifunctional nanoparticles.

Insight into the molecular mechanism, cytotoxic, and anticancer activities of phyto-reduced silver nanoparticles in MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines

This contribution insight on the cytotoxic and anticancer activities and molecular mechanism of phyto-reduced silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. A simple, entirely green synthesis process was optimized for the phyto-reduction of AgNP (~12.7 nm) using aqueous leaf extracts of Indigofera heterantha. The structural and vibrational properties of biosynthesized AgNPs were extensively characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, x-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), while their shape and morphology was studied through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cell viability assay indicates concentration dependent inhibition with IC50 , 27.93 ± 2.10 μg/mL against MCF-7 cells and 294.38 ± 3.87 μg/mL against L929 cells. The manifested anticancer mechanism in MCF-7 cells was extensively studied using Acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB), 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and Annexin-V/propedium iodide fluorescence microscopic assays. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured using DCFH-DA fluorescent spectroscopy. Overall, the results show that AgNPs exhibit cytotoxic and apoptotic effect on breast cancer MCF-7 cells by damaging membrane integrity and nuclear fragmentation due to oxidative stress generated by elevated level of ROS. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Biomimetic synthesis of nano dimension size silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Characterization of AgNPs through UV-Vis, DLS, XRD, FTIR, and SEM. Cytotoxic and anticancer effects of the biosynthesized AgNPs in L929 fibroblast cells and MCF7 breast cancer respectively. Determination of morphological, and nuclear changes triggered by AgNPs in MCF 7 breast cancer cells using fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry. Apoptosis induction by AgNPs in cancer cells through oxidative stress generated by reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Mutational Landscape and In-Silico Analysis of TP53, PIK3CA, and PTEN in Patients with Breast Cancer from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Herein, we report the mutational spectrum of three breast cancer candidate genes (TP53, PIK3CA, and PTEN) using WES for identifying potential biomarkers. The WES data were thoroughly analyzed using SAMtools for variant calling and identification of the mutations. Various bioinformatic tools (SIFT, PolyPhen-2, Mutation Taster, ISPRED-SEQ, SAAFEQ-SEQ, ConSurf, PROCHECK etc.) were used to determine the pathogenicity and nature of the SNVs. Selected interaction site (IS) mutations were visualized in PyMOL after building 3D structures in Swiss-Model. Ramachandran plots were generated by using the PROCHECK server. The selected IS mutations were subjected to molecular dynamic simulation (MDS) studies using Gromacs 4.5. STRING and GeneMANIA were used for the prediction of gene-gene interactions and pathways. Our results revealed that the luminal A molecular subtype of the breast cancer was most common, whereas a high percentage of was Her2 negatives. Moreover, the somatic mutations were more common as compared to the germline mutations in TP53, PIK3CA, and PTEN. 20% of the identified mutations are reported for the first time from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In the enrolled cohort, 23 mutations were nonsynonymous SNVs. The frequency of mutations was the highest in PIK3CA, followed by TP53 and PTEN. A total of 13 mutations were found to be highly pathogenic. Four novel mutations were identified on PIK3CA and one each on PTEN and TP53. SAAFEQ-SEQ predicted the destabilizing effect for all mutations. ISPRED-SEQ predicted 9 IS mutations (6 on TP53 and 3 on PIK3CA), whereas no IS mutation was predicted on PTEN. The TP53 IS mutations were TP53R43H, TP53Y73X, TP53K93Q, TP53K93R, TP53D149E, and TP53Q199X; whereas for PIK3CA, the IS mutations were PIK3CAL156V, PIK3CAM610K, and PIK3CAH1047R. Analysis from the ConSurf Web server revealed five SNVs with a highly conserved status (conservation score 9) across TP53 and PTEN. TP53P33R was found predominant in the grade 3 tumors, whereas PTENp.C65S was distributed on ER+, ER-, PR+, PR-, Her2+, and Her2- patients. TP53p.P33R mutation was found to be recurring in the 14/19 (73.6%) patients and, therefore, can be considered as a potential biomarker. Finally, these mutations were studied in the context of their potential association with different hormonal and social factors.

Phyto-fabrication of ultrafine nanoscale holmium oxide HT-Ho2O3 NPs and their biomedical potential

In this study holmium oxide nanoparticles (Ho2O3 NPs) are fabricated using Hyphaene thebaica extracts as a bioreductant. The XRD pattern of HT-Ho2O3 NPs (product from phyto-reduction) suggested that the nanoparticles are crystalline with no impurities. Scherrer approximation revealed grain sizes of ∼10 nm. The HR-TEM revealed HT-Ho2O3 NPs possessed a quasi-spherical morphology complemented by SEM and the particle sizes were in the range of 6-12 nm. The infrared spectra revealed characteristic Ho-O bonding at ∼603 cm-1. Raman spectra indicated five main peaks positioned at 156 cm-1, 214 cm-1, 328 cm-1, 379 cm-1 and 607 cm-1. Eg (optical bandgap) was found to be 5.1 eV. PL spectra indicated two major peaks at 415 nm and 607 nm. EDS spectra confirmed the elemental presence of holmium (Ho). Spotty rings were obtained during the SAED measurement which indicated crystallinity of HT-Ho2O3 NPs. The HT-Ho2O3 NPs were further analyzed for their antioxidant, anti-angiogenic and cytotoxic properties. The antioxidant potential was moderate i.e., 43.40 ± 0.96% at 1000 μg mL-1 which decreased in a dose dependent manner. Brine shrimp lethality was highest at 1000 μg mL-1 with the LC50 320.4 μg mL-1. Moderate anti-angiogenic potential was observed using in ova CAM assay. MTT bioassay revealed that the HT-Ho2O3 NPs inhibited the 3T3 cells (IC50 67.9 μg mL-1), however, no significant inhibition was observed against MCF-7 cells. α-Amylase and β-glucosidase inhibition revealed that the HT-Ho2O3 NPs can be of use in controlling blood glucose levels. Overall, it can be concluded that biosynthesis using aqueous extracts can be a suitable alternative in finding ecofriendly paradigms for the synthesis of nanoparticles. We suggest extended research into the bioreduced Ho2O3 NPs for establishing their biomedical potential and toxicity.

Physicochemical and nanomedicine applications of phyto-reduced erbium oxide (Er2O3) nanoparticles

Hyphaene thebaica fruits were used for the fabrication of spherical erbium oxide nanoparticles (HT-Er₂O₃ NP_S) using a one-step simple bioreduction process. XRD pattern revealed a highly crystalline and pure phase with crystallite size of ~ 7.5 nm, whereas, the W-H plot revealed crystallite size of 11 nm. FTIR spectra revealed characteristic Er-O atomic vibrations in the fingerprint region. Bandgap was obtained as 5.25 eV using K-M function. The physicochemical and morphological nature was established using Raman spectroscopy, reflectance spectroscopy, SAED and HR-TEM. HT-Er₂O₃ NP_S were further evaluated for antidiabetic potential in mice using in-vivo and in-vitro bioassays. The synthesized HT-Er₂O₃ NP_S were screened for in vitro anti-diabetic potentials against α-glucosidase enzyme and α-amylase enzyme and their antioxidant potential was evaluated using DPPH free radical assay. A dose dependent inhibition was obtained against α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ 12 μg/mL) and α-amylase (IC₅₀ 78 μg/mL) while good DPPH free radical scavenging potential (IC₅₀ 78 μg mL^-1) is reported. At 1000 μg/mL, the HT-Er₂O₃ NP_S revealed 90.30% and 92.30% inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. HT-Er₂O₃ NPs treated groups were observed to have better glycemic control in diabetic animals (503.66 ± 5.92*** on day 0 and 185.66 ± 2.60*** on day 21) when compared with positive control glibenclamide treated group. Further, HT-Er₂O₃ NP_S therapy for 21 days caused a considerable effect on serum total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL as compared to untreated diabetic group. In conclusion, our preliminary findings on HT-Er₂O₃ NP_S revealed considerable antidiabetic potential and thus can be an effective candidate for controlling the post-prandial hyperglycemia. However, further studies are encouraged especially taking into consideration the toxicity aspects of the nanomaterial.

Fostering openness in open science: An ethical discussion of risks and benefits

Transformation of science by embracing the concepts of open science presents a very attractive strategy to enhance the reliability of science. Open science policies embody the concepts of open data and open access that encompass sharing of resources, dissemination of ideas, and synergizing the collaborative forums of research. Despite the opportunities in openness, however, there are grave ethical concerns too, and they present a dual-use dilemma. Access to sensitive information is seen as a security risk, and it also possesses other concerns such as confidentiality, privacy, and affordability. There are arguments that open science can be harmful to marginalized groups. Through this study, we aim to discuss the opportunities of open science, as well as the ethical and security aspects, which require further deliberation before full-fledged acceptance in the science community.

Microbes-mediated synthesis strategies of metal nanoparticles and their potential role in cancer therapeutics

Past few years have seen a paradigm shift towards ecofriendly, green and biological fabrication of metal nanoparticles (MNPs) for diverse nanomedicinal applications especially in cancer nanotheranostics. Besides, the well-known green synthesis methods of plant materials, the potential of the microbial world (bacteria, fungi, alga, etc.) in biofabrication is equally realized. Biomolecules and enzymes in the microbial cells are capable of catalyzing the biosynthesis process. These microbial derived inorganic nanoparticles have been frequently evaluated as potential agents in cancer therapies revealing exciting results. Through, cellular and molecular pathways, these microbial derived nanoparticles are capable of killing the cancer cells. Considering the recent developments in the anticancer applications of microbial derived inorganic MNPs, a dire need was felt to bring the available information to a single document. This manuscript reviews not only the mechanistic aspects of the microbial derived MNPs but also include the diverse mechanisms that governs their anticancer potential. Besides, an updated literature review is presented that includes studies of 2019-onwards.

Colchicine anti-inflammatory therapy for non-intensive care unit hospitalized COVID-19 patients: results from a pilot open-label, randomized controlled clinical trial

Systemic inflammation is a hallmark of severe coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Anti-inflammatory therapy is considered crucial to modulate the hyperinflammatory response (cytokine storm) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. There is currently no specific, conclusively proven, cost-efficient, and worldwide available anti-inflammatory therapy available to treat COVID-19 patients with cytokine storm. The present study aimed to investigate the treatment benefit of oral colchicine for hospitalized COVID-19 patients with suspected cytokine storm. Colchicine is an approved drug and possesses multiple anti-inflammatory mechanisms. This was a pilot, open-label randomized controlled clinical trial comparing standard of care (SOC) plus oral colchicine (colchicine arm) vs. SOC alone (control arm) in non-ICU hospitalized COVID-19 patients with suspected cytokine storm. Colchicine treatment was initiated within first 48 hours of admission delivered at 1.5 mg loading dose, followed by 0.5 mg b.i.d. for next 6 days and 0.5 mg q.d. for the second week. A total of 96 patients were randomly allocated to the colchicine (n=48) and control groups (n=48). Both colchicine and control group patients experienced similar clinical outcomes by day 14 of hospitalization. Treatment outcome by day 14 in colchicine vs control arm: recovered and discharged alive: 36 (75.0%) vs. 37 (77.1%), remain admitted after 14-days: 4 (8.3%) vs. 5 (10.4%), ICU transferred: 4 (8.3%) vs. 3 (6.3%), and mortality: 4 (8.3%) vs. 3 (6.3%). The speed of improvement of COVID-19 acute symptoms including shortness of breath, fever, cough, the need of supplementary oxygen, and oxygen saturation level, was almost identical in the two groups. Length of hospitalization was on average 1.5 day shorter in the colchicine group. There was no evidence for a difference between the two groups in the follow-up serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers including C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), ferritin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP). According to the results of our study, oral colchicine does not appear to show clinical benefits in non-ICU hospitalized COVID-19 patients with suspected cytokine storm. It is possible that the anti-inflammatory pathways of colchicine are not crucially involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19.

Silver nanoparticles biosynthesized from secondary metabolite producing marine actinobacteria and evaluation of their biomedical potential

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from marine actinobacteria offers a promising avenue for exploring bacterial extracts as reducing and stabilizing agents. We report extracellular extracts of Rhodococcus rhodochrous (MOSEL-ME29) and Streptomyces sp. (MOSEL-ME28), identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing for synthesis of AgNPs. Ultrafine silver nanoparticles were biosynthesized using the extracts of R. rhodochrous and Streptomyces sp. and their possible therapeutic applications were studied. The physicochemical properties of nanoparticles were established by HR-SEM/TEM, SAED, UV-Vis, EDS, XRD, and FTIR. UV-Vis spectra displayed characteristic absorption at 430 nm and 412 nm for AgNPs from Streptomyces sp. (S-AgNPs) and Rhodococcus sp. (R-AgNPs), respectively. HR-SEM/TEM, XRD, EDS analysis confirmed the spherical shape, crystalline nature, and elemental formation of silver. Crystallite or grain size was deduced as 5.52 nm for R-AgNPs and 35 nm for S-AgNPs. Zeta-potential indicated electrostatic negative charge for AgNPs, while FTIR revealed the presence of diverse functional groups. Disc diffusion assay indicated the broad-spectrum antibacterial potential of S-AgNPs with the maximum inhibition of B. subtilis while R-AgNPs revealed potency against P. aeruginosa at 10 µg/mL concentration. Biogenic AgNPs revealed antileishmanial activity and the IC₅₀ was calculated as 164 µg/mL and 184 µg/mL for R-AgNPs and S-AgNPs respectively. Similarly, the R-AgNPs and S-AgNPs revealed anti-cancer potential against HepG2 and the IC₅₀ was calculated as 49 µg/mL and 69 µg/mL for R-AgNPs and S-AgNPs, respectively. Moreover, the antioxidant activity showed significant results. MTT assay on RD cells, L20B cells, and Hep-2C indicated intensification in viability by reducing the concentration of R-AgNPs and S-AgNPs. The R-AgNPs and S-AgNPs inhibited sabin-like poliovirus (1TCID₅₀ infection in RD cells). Furthermore, hemocompatibility at low concentrations has been confirmed. Hence, it is concluded that biogenic-AgNPs has the potential to be used in diverse biological applications and that the marine actinobacteria are an excellent resource for fabrication of AgNPs.

Precursor effects on the physical, biological, and catalytic properties of Fagonia indica Burm.f. mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles

We report a facile, green and precursor-based comparative study on the biosynthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) using anticancerous Fagonia indica as effective chelating agent. Biosynthesis was carried out using zinc sulfate and zinc acetate as precursor salts to make ZnO_S and ZnO_A NPs under similar experimental conditions which were characterized extensively for physical and biological properties. Scherrer equation deduced a mean crystallite size of ~23.4 nm for ZnO_A NPs and ~41 nm for ZnO_S NPs. The nature of the NPs was compared using UV, diffuse reflectance spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis-DTA, selected area electron diffraction, EDS, zeta potential, high resolution (HR)-SEM, and HR-TEM. Detailed in vitro pharmacognostic activities revealed a significant therapeutic potential for ZnO_A and ZnO_S . Potential antimicrobial activities for the NPs and their nanocosmeceutical formulations are reported. ZnO_A NPs were more cytotoxic to Leishmania tropica as compared to ZnO_S . Significant antioxidant and protein kinase inhibition was obtained. The hemolytic assay indicated a hemocompatible nature of both ZnO_A and ZnO_S NPs. Catalytic degradation of crystal violet dye (CVD) by NPs was examined under different parameters (light, dark, UV). Furthermore, sonophotocatalytic degradation of CVD was also studied. Our results suggested that precursor can have a significant effect on the physical, biological, and catalytic properties of the NPs. In future, we recommend different other in vitro, in vivo biological activities, and mechanistic studies of these as-synthesized NPs.

Genus Viburnum: Therapeutic Potentialities and Agro-Food-Pharma Applications

The genus Viburnum (Adoxaceae, Dipsacales) is of scientific interest due to the chemical components and diverse biological activities found across species of the genus, which includes more than 230 species of evergreen, semievergreen, or deciduous shrubs and small trees. Although frequently used as an ornament, the Viburnum species show biological properties with health-promoting effects. Fruits, flowers, and barks of certain species are used for pharmaceutical purposes or as cooking ingredients, hence containing biochemical compounds with health-promoting activity such are carotenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids. However, its taxonomical determination is difficult, due to its wide distribution and frequent hybridizations; therefore, an objective classification would allow us to understand its biological activity based on its phytochemical components. More than sixty phytochemical compounds have been reported, where vibsanin-type diterpenes and their derivatives are the most prevalent. Leaves and twigs of V. dilatatum contain the largest number of phytochemicals among the genus. Through preclinical evidence, this study provides insight regarding antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and anticancer activities of genus Viburnum.

Ethics, pandemic and environment; looking at the future of low middle income countries

COVID-19 which started in Wuhan, China and swiftly expanded geographically worldwide, including to Low to Middle Income Countries (LMICs). This in turn raised numerous ethical concerns in preparedness, knowledge sharing, intellectual property rights, environmental health together with the serious constraints regarding readiness of health care systems in LMICs to respond to this enormous public health crisis. From the restrictions on public freedom and burgeoning socio-economic impacts to the rationing of scarce medical resources, the spread of COVID-19 is an extraordinary ethical dilemma for resource constrained nations with less developed health and research systems. In the current crisis, scientific knowledge and technology has an important role to play in effective response. Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility of all countries with a moral obligation to support each other. This review discusses the ethical concerns regarding the national capacities and response strategies in LMICs to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the deep link between the environment and the increasing risk of pandemics.

Phyto-fabricated Cr2O3 nanoparticle for multifunctional biomedical applications

Aim: The biosynthesis of chromium oxide nanoparticles (Cr₂O₃ NPs), using Hyphaene thebaica as a bioreductant, for assessment of their potential nanomedicinal applications. Materials & methods: Biosynthesized Cr₂O₃ NPs were characterized by x-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, UV-Vis spectroscopy and ζ-potential measurement. In vitro assays were used to assess the biological properties of Cr₂O₃ NPs. Results: Nanoparticles with size approximately 25-38 nm were obtained with a characteristic Cr-O vibration at 417 cm^-1. A broad spectrum antimicrobial potential and antioxidant nature is reported. Slight inhibition of polio virus and biocompatibility at low doses was observed. Conclusion: We conclude a multifunctional nature of biogenic Cr₂O₃ NPs.

Mapping geographical inequalities in childhood diarrhoeal morbidity and mortality in low-income and middle-income countries, 2000-17: analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017

BACKGROUND

Across low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), one in ten deaths in children younger than 5 years is attributable to diarrhoea. The substantial between-country variation in both diarrhoea incidence and mortality is attributable to interventions that protect children, prevent infection, and treat disease. Identifying subnational regions with the highest burden and mapping associated risk factors can aid in reducing preventable childhood diarrhoea.

METHODS

We used Bayesian model-based geostatistics and a geolocated dataset comprising 15 072 746 children younger than 5 years from 466 surveys in 94 LMICs, in combination with findings of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2017, to estimate posterior distributions of diarrhoea prevalence, incidence, and mortality from 2000 to 2017. From these data, we estimated the burden of diarrhoea at varying subnational levels (termed units) by spatially aggregating draws, and we investigated the drivers of subnational patterns by creating aggregated risk factor estimates.

FINDINGS

The greatest declines in diarrhoeal mortality were seen in south and southeast Asia and South America, where 54·0% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 38·1-65·8), 17·4% (7·7-28·4), and 59·5% (34·2-86·9) of units, respectively, recorded decreases in deaths from diarrhoea greater than 10%. Although children in much of Africa remain at high risk of death due to diarrhoea, regions with the most deaths were outside Africa, with the highest mortality units located in Pakistan. Indonesia showed the greatest within-country geographical inequality; some regions had mortality rates nearly four times the average country rate. Reductions in mortality were correlated to improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) or reductions in child growth failure (CGF). Similarly, most high-risk areas had poor WASH, high CGF, or low oral rehydration therapy coverage.

INTERPRETATION

By co-analysing geospatial trends in diarrhoeal burden and its key risk factors, we could assess candidate drivers of subnational death reduction. Further, by doing a counterfactual analysis of the remaining disease burden using key risk factors, we identified potential intervention strategies for vulnerable populations. In view of the demands for limited resources in LMICs, accurately quantifying the burden of diarrhoea and its drivers is important for precision public health.

FUNDING

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Persicaria hydropiper (L.) Delarbre: A review on traditional uses, bioactive chemical constituents and pharmacological and toxicological activities

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Various plant parts of Persicaria hydropiper (L.) Delarbre (Syn.: Polygonum hydropiper L., Family: Polygonaceae) are used in traditional medicine systems as astringent, sedative, antiseptic and also for the treatment of respiratory disorders, edema and snake bites. It is also used as a spice in many Asian countries.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The main aim of this review is to critically analyze the reported traditional uses, bioactive chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of P. hydropiper.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Scientific database including PubMed, Scopus, SciFinder and secondary resources including books and proceedings were searched using relevant terminologies related to P. hydropiper and available scientific information was critically analyzed.

RESULTS

Analysis of the scientific literature regarding the traditional uses revealed that P. hydropiper is used as a medicine and as spice in food preparations in various parts of the world. Various compounds including flavonoids, phenylpropanoid derivatives, and sesquiterpenoids among others were reported as active compounds. The extracts and compounds from P. hydropiper showed diverse biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cytotoxic, antimicrobial activities, etc. CONCLUSION: Although various research reports showed diverse biological activities for extracts and compounds obtained from P. hydropiper, very few studies were performed using animal models. Many of these studies also lacked proper experimental setting such as use of positive and negative controls and selection of dose as in most of these studies very high doses of extracts were administered. Further, as P. hydropiper is widely used in the treatment of snake bites and insect bites, such effects of extracts and/or compounds are not well explored. Future studies on P. hydropiper should be focused to establish the links between the traditional uses, active compounds and reported pharmacological activities.

Phytosynthesis of BiVO4 nanorods using Hyphaene thebaica for diverse biomedical applications

Biosynthesis of bismuth vanadate (BiVO₄) nanorods was performed using dried fruit extracts of Hyphaene thebaica as a cost effective reducing and stabilizing agent. XRD, DRS, FTIR, zeta potential, Raman, HR-SEM, HR-TEM, EDS and SAED were used to study the main physical properties while the biological properties were established by performing diverse assays. The zeta potential is reported as − 5.21 mV. FTIR indicated Bi–O and V–O vibrations at 640 cm⁻¹ and 700 cm⁻¹/1120 cm⁻¹. Characteristic Raman modes were observed at 166 cm⁻¹, 325 cm⁻¹ and 787 cm⁻¹. High resolution scanning and transmission electron micrographs revealed a rod like morphology of the BiVO₄. Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Fusarium solani indicated highest susceptibility to the different doses of BiVO₄ nanorods. Significant protein kinase inhibition is reported for BiVO₄ nanorods which suggests their potential anticancer properties. The nanorods revealed good DPPH free radical scavenging potential (48%) at 400 µg/mL while total antioxidant capacity of 59.8 µg AAE/mg was revealed at 400 µg/mL. No antiviral activity is reported on sabin like polio virus. Overall excellent biological properties are reported. We have shown that green synthesis can replace well established processes for synthesizing BiVO₄ nanorods.

Phytochemical Analysis, Ephedra Procera C. A. Mey. Mediated Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles, Their Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Potentials

Background and Objectives: The current study focuses on an eco-friendly and cost-effective method of Ephedra procera C. A. Mey. mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles as potential cytotoxic, antimicrobial and anti-oxidant agents. Materials and Methods: Plant aqueous extracts were screened for Total Phenolic (TPC), Total Flavonoid contents (TFC), Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging potentials. Total reducing power estimated by potassium ferricyanide colorimetric assay. The biosynthesized E. procera nanoparticles (EpNPs) were characterized by UV-spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction and Scanning electron microscopy. EpNPs were evaluated for their antimicrobial, bio-compatibility and cytotoxic potentials. Results: Initial phytocheimcal analysis of plant aqueous extract revealed TFC of 20.7 ± 0.21 µg/mg extract and TPC of 117.01 ± 0.78 µg/mg extract. TAC, DPPH free radical scavenging and reducing power were 73.8 ± 0.32 µg/mg extract, 71.8 ± 0.73% and 105.4 ± 0.65 µg/mg extract respectively. The synthesized EpNPs were observed to possess high cytotoxicity against HepG2 cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ (61.3 µg/mL) as compared aqueous extract with IC₅₀ of (247 µg/mL). EpNPs were found to be biocompatible and have less effect on human erythrocytes. EpNPs exhibited significant antioxidant potentials and exhibited considerable activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MICs) of 11.12 μg/mL and 11.33 μg/mL respectively. Fungal species Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus were found susceptible to EpNPs. Conclusions: Results of the current study revealed that EpNPs exhibited considerable antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic potentials. Aqueous extract possesses significant anti-radical properties and thus can be useful in free radicals induced degenerative disorders.

Bio-guided profiling and HPLC-DAD finger printing of Atriplex lasiantha Boiss

BACKGROUND

Plants represent an intricate and innovative source for the discovery of novel therapeutic remedies for the management of various ailments. The current study has been aimed to validate the therapeutic potential of ethnomedicinally significant plant Atriplex lasiantha Boiss.

METHODS

The polarity based extraction process was carried out using fourteen solvents to figure out best extraction solvent and bioactive fractions. Total phenolic-flavonoids contents were quantified colorimetrically and polyphenolics were measured using HPLC-DAD analysis. Moreover, the test samples were tested against several diseases targets following various assays including free radicals scavenging, antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic and antileishmanial assay.

RESULTS

Among the solvent fractions, maximum yield was obtained with methanol-water extract i.e., 11 ± 0.49%. Maximum quantity of gallic acid equivalent phenolic content and quercetin equivalent flavonoid content were quantified in methanol-ethyl acetate extract of A. lasiantha. Significant quantity of rutin i.e., 0.3 μg/mg was quantified by HPLC analysis. The methanol-ethyl acetate extract of A. lasiantha exhibited maximum total antioxidant and total reducing power with 64.8 ± 1.16 AAE/mg extract respectively, while showing 59.8 ± 1.07% free radical scavenging potential. A significant antibacterial potential was exhibited by acetone-distilled water extract of A. lasiantha with 11 ± 0.65 mm zone of inhibition against B. subtilis. Considerable antifungal activity was exhibited by ethyl acetate-n-hexane extract of aerial part of A. lasiantha with 14 ± 1.94 mm zone of inhibition against A. fumigatus. Highest percentage of α-amylase inhibition (41.8 ± 1.09%) was observed in ethyl acetate-n-hexane extract. Methanol-acetone extract of A. lasiantha demonstrated significant inhibition of hyphae formation with 11 ± 0.49 mm bald zone of inhibition. Significant in-vitro cytotoxicity against Hep G2 cell line has been exhibited by methanol-chloroforms extract of A. lasiantha.

CONCLUSION

The current study reveals the prospective potential of Atriplex lasiantha Boiss. for the discovery of biologically active compounds through bioassay guided isolation against various diseases.

Biosynthesis of Metal Nanoparticles via Microbial Enzymes: A Mechanistic Approach

During the last decade, metal nanoparticles (MtNPs) have gained immense popularity due to their characteristic physicochemical properties, as well as containing antimicrobial, anti-cancer, catalyzing, optical, electronic and magnetic properties. Primarily, these MtNPs have been synthesized through different physical and chemical methods. However, these conventional methods have various drawbacks, such as high energy consumption, high cost and the involvement of toxic chemical substances. Microbial flora has provided an alternative platform for the biological synthesis of MtNPs in an eco-friendly and cost effective way. In this article we have focused on various microorganisms used for the synthesis of different MtNPs. We also have elaborated on the intracellular and extracellular mechanisms of MtNP synthesis in microorganisms, and have highlighted their advantages along with their challenges. Moreover, due to several advantages over chemically synthesized nanoparticles, the microbial MtNPs, with their exclusive and dynamic characteristics, can be used in different sectors like the agriculture, medicine, cosmetics and biotechnology industries in the near future.

Ursolic acid a promising candidate in the therapeutics of breast cancer: Current status and future implications

Breast cancer [BC] is the deadliest neoplasm in women globally and the second leading cause of cancer associated deaths. Current treatment methods include chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, radiation therapy and surgery. However, BC has shown resistance to these therapies and are often associated with side effects, multidrug resistance, recurrence are the major issues in BC treatment. Currently, dietary phytocompounds have emerged as beneficial agents for the prevention and treatment of cancer because of their safe and cost effective nature. Ursolic acid [UA] is widely spread in fruits and vegetables having the ability to inhibit BC proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis, arrest cell cycle, induced apoptosis, scavenge free radicals and regulate several anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic proteins. UA has also shown potential anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in several human BC cells. This review paper encompasses the role of UA against BC and their mechanism of action in vitro and in vivo studies.

Phyto-Therapeutic and Nanomedicinal Approaches to Cure Alzheimer's Disease: Present Status and Future Opportunities

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive inability manifested due to the accumulation of β-amyloid, formation of hyper phosphorylated neurofibrillary tangles, and a malfunctioned cholinergic system. The degeneration integrity of the neuronal network can appear long after the onset of the disease. Nanotechnology-based interventions have opened an exciting area via theranostics of AD in terms of tailored nanomedicine, which are able to target and deliver drugs across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The exciting interface existing between medicinal plants and nanotechnology is an emerging marvel in medicine, which has delivered promising results in the treatment of AD. In order to assess the potential applications of the medicinal plants, their derived components, and various nanomedicinal approaches, a review of literature was deemed as necessary. In the present review, numerous phytochemicals and various feats in nanomedicine for the treatment of AD have been discussed mechanistically for the first time. Furthermore, recent trends in nanotechnology such as green synthesis of metal nanoparticles with reference to the treatment of AD have been elaborated. Foreseeing the recent progress, we hope that the interface of medicinal plants and nanotechnology will lead to highly effective theranostic strategies for the treatment of AD in the near future.

HPLC-DAD finger printing, antioxidant, cholinesterase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory potentials of a novel plant Olax nana

BACKGROUND

The medicinal importance of a novel plant Olax nana Wall. ex Benth. (family: Olacaceae) was revealed for the first time via HPLC-DAD finger printing, qualitative phytochemical analysis, antioxidant, cholinesterase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory assays.

METHODS

The crude methanolic extract of O. nana (ON-Cr) was subjected to qualitative phytochemical analysis and HPLC-DAD finger printing. The antioxidant potential of ON-Cr was assessed via 1,1-diphenyl,2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azinobis[3-ethylbenzthiazoline]-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) free radical scavenging assays. Furthermore, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) & butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities were performed using Ellman's assay, while α- glucosidase inhibitory assay was carried out using a standard protocol.

RESULTS

The qualitative phytochemical analysis of ON-Cr revealed the presence of secondary metabolites like alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, sterols, saponins and terpenoids. The HPLC-DAD finger printing revealed the presence of 40 potential compounds in ON-Cr. Considerable anti-radical activities was revealed by ON-Cr in the DPPH, ABTS and H2O2 free radical scavenging assays with IC50 values of 71.46, 72.55 and 92.33 μg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, ON-Cr showed potent AChE and BChE inhibitory potentials as indicated by their IC50 values of 33.2 and 55.36 μg/mL, respectively. In the α-glucosidase inhibition assay, ON-Cr exhibited moderate inhibitory propensity with an IC50 value of 639.89 μg/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

This study investigated Olax nana for the first time for detailed qualitative phytochemical tests, HPLC-DAD finger printing analysis, antioxidant, anticholinesterase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays. The antioxidant and cholinesterase inhibitory results were considerable and can provide scientific basis for further studies on the neuroprotective and anti-Alzheimer's potentials of this plant. ON-Cr may further be subjected to fractionation and polarity guided fractionation to narrow down the search for isolation of bioactive compounds.

Biosynthesized colloidal silver and gold nanoparticles as emerging leishmanicidal agents: an insight

Many recent key innovations in nanotechnology have greatly fascinated scientists to explore new avenues in treatment and diagnosis of emerging diseases. Due to extensive utilization of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) in diverse biomedical applications, scientists are looking forward to green synthesis of NPs as safer, simple, fast, and low-cost method over chemical and physical methods. Due to enriched phytochemistry, no need for maintenance and ready availability, plants are preferred for green synthesis of silver (AgNPs) and gold NPs (AuNPs). Recently, several researchers have exploited these biogenic NPs as potential antileishmanial agents. The current article is focused to mechanistically explain the antileishmanial activity of biogenic AuNPs and AgNPs with a futuristic discussion on the faith of these particles as emerging antileishmanial agents.