In silico prediction of CD8+ and CD4+ T cell epitopes in Leishmania major proteome: Using immunoinformatics

The leishmaniases are NDTs (neglected tropical diseases) that affect people all over the world. They are brought on by protozoans from the genus Leishmania and disseminated by phlebotomine flies that are afflicted with the disease. The best option to manage and lower the incidence of these diseases has been thought by the creation of a safe and effective vaccination. This research used an in silico based mining approach to look for high potential epitopes that might bind to MHC Class I and MHC Class II molecules (mainly; HLA-A*02:01 & HLA-DRB1*03:01) from human population in order to promote vaccine development. Based on the presence of signal peptides, GPI anchors, antigenicity predictions, and a subtractive proteomic technique, we have screened 17 putative antigenic proteins from the 8083 total proteins of L. major. After that thorough immunogenic epitope prediction were done using IEDB-AR tools. We isolated five immunogenic epitopes (three 9-mer & two 15-mer) from five antigenic proteins through docking and MD simulation analysis. Finally, these five anticipated epitopes, viz., TLPEIPVNV, ELMAPVFGL, TLAAAVALL, NSINIRLDGVTSAGF and NVPLVVDASSLFRVA have considerably stronger binding potential with their respective alleles and may trigger immunological responses. The goal of this work was to identify MHC restricted epitopes for CD8+ and CD4+ T cells activation using immunoinformatics in order to identify potential vaccine candidates against L. major parasites.

Molecular Interactions Leading to Advancements in the Techniques for COVID-19 Detection: A Review

Since 2019 the world has been in a combat with the highly contagious disease COVID-19 which is caused by the rapid transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). Detection of this disease in an early stage helps to control its spread and management. To combat this epidemic with one-time effective medication, improved quick analytical procedures must be developed and validated. The requirement for accurate and precise analytical methods for the diagnosis of the virus and antibodies in infected patients has been a matter of concern. The global impact of this virus has motivated scientists and researchers to investigate and develop various analytical diagnostic techniques. This review includes the study of standard methods which are reliable and accredited for the analytical recognition of the said virus. For early detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, RT-PCR (Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) is an accurate method among other methods and, thus, considered as the "gold standard" technique. Here, we outline the most extensively used analytical methods for diagnosing COVID-19, along with a brief description of each technique and its analytical aspects/perspective.

MOB-CBAM: A dual-channel attention-based deep learning generalizable model for breast cancer molecular subtypes prediction using mammograms

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Deep Learning models have emerged as a significant tool in generating efficient solutions for complex problems including cancer detection, as they can analyze large amounts of data with high efficiency and performance. Recent medical studies highlight the significance of molecular subtype detection in breast cancer, aiding the development of personalized treatment plans as different subtypes of cancer respond better to different therapies.

METHODS

In this work, we propose a novel lightweight dual-channel attention-based deep learning model MOB-CBAM that utilizes the backbone of MobileNet-V3 architecture with a Convolutional Block Attention Module to make highly accurate and precise predictions about breast cancer. We used the CMMD mammogram dataset to evaluate the proposed model in our study. Nine distinct data subsets were created from the original dataset to perform coarse and fine-grained predictions, enabling it to identify masses, calcifications, benign, malignant tumors and molecular subtypes of cancer, including Luminal A, Luminal B, HER-2 Positive, and Triple Negative. The pipeline incorporates several image pre-processing techniques, including filtering, enhancement, and normalization, for enhancing the model's generalization ability.

RESULTS

While identifying benign versus malignant tumors, i.e., coarse-grained classification, the MOB-CBAM model produced exceptional results with 99 % accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score values of 0.99 and MCC of 0.98. In terms of fine-grained classification, the MOB-CBAM model has proven to be highly efficient in accurately identifying mass with (benign/malignant) and calcification with (benign/malignant) classification tasks with an impressive accuracy rate of 98 %. We have also cross-validated the efficiency of the proposed MOB-CBAM deep learning architecture on two datasets: MIAS and CBIS-DDSM. On the MIAS dataset, an accuracy of 97 % was reported for the task of classifying benign, malignant, and normal images, while on the CBIS-DDSM dataset, an accuracy of 98 % was achieved for the classification of mass with either benign or malignant, and calcification with benign and malignant tumors.

CONCLUSION

This study presents lightweight MOB-CBAM, a novel deep learning framework, to address breast cancer diagnosis and subtype prediction. The model's innovative incorporation of the CBAM enhances precise predictions. The extensive evaluation of the CMMD dataset and cross-validation on other datasets affirm the model's efficacy.

Exploring chemical space, scaffold diversity, and activity landscape of spleen tyrosine kinase active inhibitors

This study aims to comprehensively characterize 576 inhibitors targeting Spleen Tyrosine Kinase (SYK), a non-receptor tyrosine kinase primarily found in haematopoietic cells, with significant relevance to B-cell receptor function. The objective is to gain insights into the structural requirements essential for potent activity, with implications for various therapeutic applications. Through chemoinformatic analyses, we focus on exploring the chemical space, scaffold diversity, and structure-activity relationships (SAR). By leveraging ECFP4 and MACCS fingerprints, we elucidate the relationship between chemical compounds and visualize the network using RDKit and NetworkX platforms. Additionally, compound clustering and visualization of the associated chemical space aid in understanding overall diversity. The outcomes include identifying consensus diversity patterns to assess global chemical space diversity. Furthermore, incorporating pairwise activity differences enhances the activity landscape visualization, revealing heterogeneous SAR patterns. The dataset analysed in this work has three activity cliff generators, CHEMBL3415598, CHEMBL4780257, and CHEMBL3265037, compounds with high affinity to SYK are very similar to compounds analogues with reasonable potency differences. Overall, this study provides a critical analysis of SYK inhibitors, uncovering potential scaffolds and chemical moieties crucial for their activity, thereby advancing the understanding of their therapeutic potential.

Analysis of the Effectiveness of Second Attempt Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) 24 Hours (Second Day) After Primary Failure

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a minimally invasive intervention that has established itself as the gold standard therapeutic option for various pancreaticobiliary conditions. Deep cannulation of the common bile duct (CBD) is essential in ERCP. However, cannulation is not possible in approximately 20% of the cases with the usual techniques even when performed by highly trained professionals or at major healthcare institutions. In case of failure on the first attempt, alternative choices include redoing the procedure (on the second attempt) or moving on to more proficient endoscopic methods such as endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or radiology-aided techniques (rendezvous procedures), totally percutaneous approaches, or surgical treatments.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the effectiveness of the second attempt ERCP 24 hours (second day) after primary failure.

METHODOLOGY

This analytical study was conducted to check the outcomes of second attempt ERCP in patients with prior failed cannulation, from June 20, 2023, to November 20, 2023, at the Department of Gastroenterology, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. Patients of either sex, aged >16 years with failed biliary cannulation, and who were otherwise clinically stable were included in the study. Patients with surgically modified anatomy, an unidentified main duodenal papilla, or a history of sphincterotomy at another setup were excluded. Outcomes were assessed in terms of gaining deep biliary access (cannulation) using a therapeutic duodenoscope and endoscopy system supported by a fluoroscope while using a wire-guided sphincterotome. Factors linked to second ERCP cannulation success or failure were analyzed using SPSS version 24.

RESULTS

Ninety-four patients were enrolled including 61 (64.9%) males and 33 (35.10%) females. The mean age of the participants was 39.01±14.831 years. The most common indication for the intervention was CBD stones, which were present in 70 (74.5%) patients. Successful cannulation on the second attempt was achieved in 72 (76.6%) patients. Experienced endoscopists achieved a greater proportion of successful cannulation (86.8%) compared to 33.3% by endoscopists with lower experience (p-value: <0.001). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to predict the outcomes (cannulation), which revealed an odds ratio for endoscopist experience of 33.604 (95% confidence interval: 6.948-162.52).

CONCLUSION

A second ERCP attempt 24 hours after the primary failed attempt appears to be the best course of action for the majority of clinically stable patients.

Unveiling the Latest Advancements in Vanadium Carbide MXene based Supercapacitors and their Future Trends

Vanadium-carbide-based MXenes have bewitched the scientific community due to their distinctive characteristics, which make them potential candidates for several technological applications, such as supercapacitors (SCs), batteries, gas separation, biological sensors, and desalination. This article provides an overview of recent developments in the synthesis and applications of vanadium-carbide MXene in SCs. Vanadium carbide is one of the most difficult MXenes to synthesize, and various synthesis techniques, including electrochemical exfoliation and chemical etching, have been utilized to fabricate this material. Additionally, the review article also emphasizes the potential use of vanadium carbide MXene as SCs. Finally, the paper concludes with the challenges faced in the synthesis process and the prospects of vanadium carbide MXene-based material fabrication. Overall, this review article provides in-depth and detailed information on recent research on vanadium carbide MXene and its possible uses.

Gemmata algarum, a Novel Planctomycete Isolated from an Algal Mat, Displays Antimicrobial Activity

Axenic cultures of two strains, JC673T and JC717, both belonging to the phylum Planctomycetota, were isolated from distinct geographical locations in India. Strain JC673T was obtained from algal mats of a wetland situated in the state of Kerala, India, while strain JC717 originated from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), state of Tamil Nadu, India. The two strains share 99.9% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and are most closely related to Gemmata obscuriglobus UQM 2246T (99.3% 16S rRNA gene sequence identity). The newly isolated strains are Gram-negative, grow aerobically and tolerate up to 4% (w/v) NaCl and a pH of up to 9.0. Cells are spherical and form pink-pigmented colonies. The respiratory quinone is MK-6. Major fatty acids are C18:0, C16:1ω5c and C16:0. Polar lipids include phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, several unidentified amino lipids, unidentified phospholipids, additional unidentified lipids, and an unidentified choline lipid. The polyamine spermidine is produced by the two strains. The strains have a genome size of about 8.2 Mb with a DNA G+C content of 67.6%. Solvent-based culture extracts of the isolates showed antimicrobial activity against three bacterial test strains. Their phylogenetic position along with differences in morphological, physiological, and genomic features support the classification as a new species of the genus Gemmata, for which we propose the name Gemmata algarum sp. nov. Strain JC673T (=KCTC 72851T = NBRC 114340T) and JC717 are the type and non-type strain of the new species, respectively.

Reprogramming in Candida albicans Gene Expression Network under Butanol Stress Abrogates Hyphal Development

Candida albicans is the causative agent of invasive fungal infections. Its hyphae-forming ability is regarded as one of the important virulence factors. To unravel the impact of butanol on Candida albicans, it was placed in O+ve complete human serum with butanol (1% v/v). The Candida transcriptome under butanol stress was then identified by mRNA sequencing. Studies including electron microscopy demonstrated the inhibition of hyphae formation in Candida under the influence of butanol, without any significant alteration in growth rate. The numbers of genes upregulated in the butanol in comparison to the serum alone were 1061 (20 min), 804 (45 min), and 537 (120 min). Candida cells exhibited the downregulation of six hypha-specific transcription factors and the induction of four repressor/regulator genes. Many of the hypha-specific genes exhibited repression in the medium with butanol. The genes related to adhesion also exhibited repression, whereas, among the heat-shock genes, three showed inductions in the presence of butanol. The fungal-specific genes exhibited induction as well as repression in the butanol-treated Candida cells. Furthermore, ten upregulated genes formed the core stress gene set in the presence of butanol. In the gene ontology analysis, enrichment of the processes related to non-coding RNA, ribosome biosynthesis, and metabolism was observed in the induced gene set. On the other side, a few GO biological process terms, including biofilm formation and filamentous growth, were enriched in the repressed gene set. Taken together, under butanol stress, Candida albicans is unable to extend hyphae and shows growth by budding. Many of the genes with perturbed expression may have fitness or virulence attributes and may provide prospective sites of antifungal targets against C. albicans.

Circular dichroism assessment of an imidazole antifungal drug with plant based silver nanoparticles: Quantitative and DFT analysis

Circular dichroism (CD) methods have been developed for the analysis of luliconazole (LUC) using plant based silver nanoparticles (P-AgNPs). Cleaner and natural approach have found significant attention in recent times owing to their exceptional physicochemical characteristics. Utilizing FTIR, SEM, and XRD, the produced nanoparticles were analyzed. The produced P-AgNPs were then used to assay LUC in formulation drugs. Four CD methods are developed as zero order and second order derivative methods. Methods I and II are based on a normal CD scan (zero order) that produced calibration range from 2 - 16 μgmL^-1 at 232 nm (positive band) and 299 nm (negative band), respectively. Methods III and IV are the second order derivative methods that are developed at 232 nm (negative band) and at 251 nm (positive band). Density functional theory study was done to comprehend the feasibility of the developed methods and to optimize the structure and energy gap that validated the experimental procedure. The LUC assay methods using the proposed CD approach are simple, sensitive and precise with a limit of detection for methods I, II, III and IV of 0.527, 0.428, 0.250 and 0.30 μgmL^-1 and limit of quantification of 1.75, 1.42, 0.833 and 1.0 μgmL^-1, respectively. For intra- and inter-day precision, the recovery data ranged from 99.48 to 101% and 99.37 to 101%, respectively. The methods were used in dosage forms that produced a relative standard deviation of less than 2% and the true bias (θ_L and θ_U) within ±2%, demonstrating the potential use of the developed methods.

Recent Advances in Chemotherapeutics for Leishmaniasis: Importance of the Cellular Biochemistry of the Parasite and Its Molecular Interaction with the Host

Leishmaniasis, a category 1 neglected protozoan disease caused by a kinetoplastid pathogen called Leishmania, is transmitted through dipteran insect vectors (phlebotomine, sand flies) in three main clinical forms: fatal visceral leishmaniasis, self-healing cutaneous leishmaniasis, and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. Generic pentavalent antimonials have long been the drug of choice against leishmaniasis; however, their success is plagued with limitations such as drug resistance and severe side effects, which makes them redundant as frontline therapy for endemic visceral leishmaniasis. Alternative therapeutic regimens based on amphotericin B, miltefosine, and paromomycin have also been approved. Due to the unavailability of human vaccines, first-line chemotherapies such as pentavalent antimonials, pentamidine, and amphotericin B are the only options to treat infected individuals. The higher toxicity, adverse effects, and perceived cost of these pharmaceutics, coupled with the emergence of parasite resistance and disease relapse, makes it urgent to identify new, rationalized drug targets for the improvement in disease management and palliative care for patients. This has become an emergent need and more relevant due to the lack of information on validated molecular resistance markers for the monitoring and surveillance of changes in drug sensitivity and resistance. The present study reviewed the recent advances in chemotherapeutic regimens by targeting novel drugs using several strategies including bioinformatics to gain new insight into leishmaniasis. Leishmania has unique enzymes and biochemical pathways that are distinct from those of its mammalian hosts. In light of the limited number of available antileishmanial drugs, the identification of novel drug targets and studying the molecular and cellular aspects of these drugs in the parasite and its host is critical to design specific inhibitors targeting and controlling the parasite. The biochemical characterization of unique Leishmania-specific enzymes can be used as tools to read through possible drug targets. In this review, we discuss relevant metabolic pathways and novel drugs that are unique, essential, and linked to the survival of the parasite based on bioinformatics and cellular and biochemical analyses.

Incidence and molecular characterization of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli of avifauna origin in Pakistan

Members of Enterobacteriaceae are known to produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) which hydrolyze the beta-lactam group of antibiotics. The existence of ESBL-producing Salmonella enterica (S. enterica) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) harbored by urban avifauna was investigated in this study. Dropping samples (n= 180) were collected from six different bird species in the district Jhang, Punjab province, Pakistan. Isolation and identification of ESBL isolates were made by using cefotaxime- (4 mg/L) supplemented MacConkey agar and double disc synergy test (DDST). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for the detection of four different ESBL genes including blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaSHV and blaOXA. A total of 42.69% isolates were confirmed as ESBL via DDST including 30.64% S. enterica and 49.54% E. coli. The incidence of ESBL S. enterica and ESBL E. coli was found highest in egret (Ardea alba) and pigeon (Columba livia) as 64.28% and 78.95%, respectively. The blaCTX-M gene was detected in 57.89% and 64.81% of isolates of S. enterica and E. coli, respectively. Among other genes in S. enterica and E. coli, blaTEM (21.05%, 20.4%); blaSHV (15.78%, 9.26%), and blaOXA (5.26%, 5.56%) were detected, respectively. All of the tested isolates were found resistant to at least one of the thirteen antimicrobial agents except meropenem. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the incidence and genetic diversity of ESBL bacteria associated with urban avifauna in Pakistan. The urban avifauna can serve as a potential subject of bio-surveillance to monitor the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.

Identification of potential novel inhibitors against glutamine synthetase enzyme of Leishmania major by using computational tools

Glutamine Synthetase (GS) is functionally important in many pathogens, so its viability as a drug target has been widely investigated. We identified Leishmania major glutamine synthetase (Lm-GS) as an appealing target for developing potential leishmaniasis inhibitors. Comparative modeling, virtual screening, MD simulations along with MM-PBSA analyses were performed and two FDA approved compounds namely Chlortalidone (id ZINC00020253) and Ciprofloxacin (id ZINC00020220) were identified as potential inhibitor among the screened library. These compounds may be used as a lead molecule, although additional in vitro and in vivo testing is required to establish its anti-leishmanial effect. Hence, the goal of this study was to locate and identify certain medications that were previously FDA-approved for definite disorders and that might show anti-leishmanial effect. Due to GS's presence in additional Leishmania species, a novel medication docked with Lm-GS may have broad anti-leishmania efficacy.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Immunoinformatics based design and prediction of proteome-wide killer cell epitopes of Leishmania donovani: Potential application in vaccine development

Despite several extensive and exhaustive efforts, search for potential therapy against leishmaniasis has not made much progress. In the present work, we have employed mining strategy to screen Leishmania donovani proteome for identification of promising vaccine candidate. We have screened 21 potential antigenic proteins from 7960 total protein of L. donovani, based on the presence of signal peptide, GPI anchor, antigenicity prediction and substractive proteomic approach. Secondly, we have also performed comprehensive immunogenic epitope prediction from the screened 21 proteins, using IEDB-AR tools. Out of the 21 antigenic proteins, we obtained 11 immunogenic epitopes from 9 proteins. The final results revealed that four predicted epitopes namely; YPAFAALVF, VAVAATVAY, AAAPTEAAL and MYPLVAVVF, have significantly better binding potential with respective alleles and could elicits immune responses. Docking analysis using PATCHDOCK server and molecular dynamic simulation using GROMACS revealed the potential of the sequences as immunogenic epitopes. In silico studies also suggested that the epitopes occupied almost same binding cleft with the respective alleles, when compared with the reference peptides. It is also suggested from the molecular dynamic simulation data that the peptides were intact in the pocket for longer periods of time. Our study was designed to select MHC class I restricted epitopes for the activation of CD8 T cells using immunoinformatics for the prediction of probable vaccine candidate against L. donovani parasites. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Molecular detection and therapeutic study of Trypanosoma brucei evansi from naturally infected horses in Punjab, Pakistan

Trypanosomiasis is one of the severe pathogenic infections, caused by several Trypanosoma species, affecting both animals and humans, causing substantial economic losses and severe illness. The objective of this study was to determine the molecular diagnosis and the risk factors associated with trypanosomiasis in District Jhang, Punjab, Pakistan. For this purpose, blood samples were randomly collected from 200 horses. A predesigned questionnaire was used to collect data on risk factors before the sample collection. The microscopy examination through Giemsa staining, formol gel test and PCR techniques were used to find the prevalence. The prevalence was recorded as 22.5% with microscopy examination, 21% through formol gel test and 15.5% with PCR based results. Analysis of risk factors associated with Trypanosoma brucei evansi occurrence was carried out using Chi-square test. It showed the prevalence of Trypanosoma brucei evansi was significantly (p⟨0.05) associated with sex, age, rearing purpose and body condition whereas non-significantly (p⟩0.05) with insects control practices. This study supports the idea that PCR is a sensitive, robust and more reliable technique to diagnose trypanosomiasis. It was concluded that Trypanosoma brucei evansi is widely prevalent in Jhang (Pakistan), highlighting a dire need to develop control strategies and education programmes to control this disease in developing countries.

Framework for the analysis of renewable energy grid policies in the context of COVID-19

COVID-19 is a severe global pandemic that has caught the whole world unprepared. In the absence of a clear timeline for this pandemic to end, it is need of the hour to investigate the effect of this pandemic on both previous and anticipated investments. Global economic unrest has hindered the ramping deployment of Renewable energy projects.The most quick actions that may be taken to mitigate the effects and to up-rise the investment portfolio policies are a very critical tool in hands of government for a very immediate effect have also been made without keeping the context of COVID-19 into account.New variants of diff rent nature are being discovered and every now and then new lock downs are happening. In this context different policies have to be evaluated under the pandemic scenario. A case study of a large scale renewable energy project for a higher education institute in Pakistan is being used to measure the difference during COVID and pre COVID times. This paper provides a framework to investigate the impact of COVID on renewable energy system projects under current net-metering, net-billing and self-consumption policies. A recent investment in a photovoltaic system is assessed based on previously projected financial benefits versus the pandemic effected ones. This research concludes that investing in photovoltaic systems are still a viable option even in an extreme pandemic situation with less than 0.5 years increase in payback period, and the government can still provide a stimulus for investing in green energy by implementing net-metering policies on a larger scale.

Commissural Alignment After Balloon-Expandable Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Is Associated With Improved Hemodynamic Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is generally performed without control over the alignment of the bioprosthesis to the native aortic valve (AV) commissures. Data on the impact of commissural misalignment (CMA) on the clinical and hemodynamic outcome after TAVR are scarce.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of commissural misalignment (CMA) on the clinical and hemodynamic outcome in patients with severe tricuspid aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR using the balloon-expandable (BE) SAPIEN 3 valve (Edwards LifeSciences).

METHODS

Clinical data of consecutive patients who underwent BE TAVR at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Los Angeles, California, USA) enrolled in the RESOLVE (Assessment of TRanscathetER and Surgical Aortic BiOprosthetic Valve Thrombosis and Its TrEatment With Anticoagulation) registry were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate CMA, which was defined as a neocommissure position >30° compared with native commissures on computed tomography.

RESULTS

A total of 324 patients (36.6% female, median Society of Thoracic Surgeons score of 3.9%) were included in the analysis. CMA was present in 171 individuals (52.8%). At 30 days, rates of aortic regurgitation greater than mild (5.6%) and a residual AV gradient ≥20 mm Hg (7.4%) were not different between CMA and non-CMA patients. Commissural orientation was independently associated with a relative AV mean gradient increase >50% from discharge to 30 days (per increase of 10° misalignment; OR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.0-1.4; P = 0.01). The long-term composite outcome of death or stroke was not different between groups (log-rank P = 0.29).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with severe tricuspid aortic stenosis who undergo SAPIEN 3 TAVR, the neocommissures align randomly. Our data demonstrate that commissural alignment may impact device performance and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing BE TAVR. (Assessment of TRanscathetEr and Surgical Aortic BiOprosthetic VaLVve Dysfunction with Multimodality Imaging and Its TrEatment with Anticoagulation [RESOLVE]; NCT02318342).

Fabrication of Microbicidal Silver Nanoparticles: Green Synthesis and Implications in the Containment of Bacterial Biofilm on Orthodontal Appliances

Among various metal-based nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) manifest superior inhibitory effects against several microorganisms. In fact, the AgNP-based treatment has been reported to inhibit both sensitive and resistant isolates of bacteria and other disease-causing microbes with equal propensity. Keeping this fact into consideration, we executed bio-mediated synthesis of AgNPs employing extract of flower and various other parts (such as bud and leaf) of the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis plant. The physicochemical characterization of as-synthesized AgNPs was executed employing transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and UV-Vis spectroscopy, etc. The as-synthesized AgNPs demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with equal propensity. The as-synthesized AgNPs successfully inhibited Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), one of the main causative bacteria responsible for dental caries. Considering the fact that orthodontic appliances facilitate infliction of the oral cavity with a range of microbes including S. mutans, we determined the growth inhibitory and anti-adherence activities of AgNPs on orthodontic appliances. We performed microbiological assays employing AgNPs adsorbed onto the surface of nickel–titanium (Ni-Ti) orthodontic wires. A topographic analysis of the decontaminated Ni-Ti orthodontic wires was performed by scanning electron microscopy. In addition to antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities against oral S. mutans, the as-fabricated AgNPs demonstrated significant inhibitory and anti-biofilm properties against other biofilm-forming bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy for Quantitative Analysis: A Review for Its Application in the Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Domains

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a rapid and accurate analytical tool for qualification and quantification. The capacity of NMR of being quantitative can also justify the calibration of other analytical methods. In pharmaceutical domain, quantitative NMR (qNMR) can be applied in the identification and quantification of drug simultaneously. The early drug development stage requires a minimum sample for analysis. Thus, priority should be given to utilize this technique to attain results with least investment, rapid analysis time and minimum sample consumption. This technique is a significant phenomenon to identify impurities, drug substance, residual solvents of in-process control (IPC) samples and characterizing the formulations. From an analyst's perspective, qNMR proved to be a routine practice in pharmaceutical industry to qualify any drug product. The absolute and relative methods offer great help in quantifying the component of interest in the process control samples and finished products. This review highlights the evolution of NMR application in the pharmaceutical industry, where determining the purity of drug substance, drug product and establishing the identity of impurities and its level are the challenging aspects. NMR in medicinal field emerging as a numero uno for Covid-19 severity detection and its dire consequences, accelerated vaccine development and the mapping of SAR-COV-2 RNA and proteins via chemical shift assignments.

Effect of garlic supplementation on zootechnical performance and hepato-renal functions in nitrate-treated rabbits

The effect of garlic supplementation on zootechnical performance and hepato-renal functions of rabbits exposed to experimental nitrate poisoning was evaluated. Adult male 6-8 week-old albino rabbits (n= 24) were randomly divided into four groups (A - D) and subjected to nitrate intoxication through the oral administration of sodium nitrate solution at 2 ml/kg bodyweight per day for 40 days. Group A was a control that received no treatment except sodium nitrate. Rabbits in groups B and C were treated with 1% methylene blue solution (2 mg/kg bodyweight per day) and aqueous garlic extract (500 mg/kg bodyweight per day) through intraperitoneal and oral routes, respectively. Rabbits in group D were treated with both 1% methylene blue solution (2 mg/kg bodyweight per day, intraperitoneally) and aqueous garlic extract (500 mg/kg bodyweight per day, orally). On completion of the treatment period, the groups were compared in growth performance, biochemical profile and histopathological changes of hepato-renal tissues. Although the total feed consumption of the groups remained comparable, Group C showed relatively better weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Likewise, garlic extract significantly increased the serum bilirubin concentration and reduced the level of other biochemical attributes in comparison with control animals. The hepatic and renal tissues of Groups C and D remained normal, whereas those of the control group exhibited distinct histopathological alterations. It was concluded that garlic supplementation ameliorated the deleterious effects of nitrate intoxication on production performance and hepato-renal functions of rabbits.

Development of UV-visible spectrophotometric methods for the quantitative and in silico studies for cilazapril optimized by response surface methodology

For cilazapril (CLZ), analytical methods based on donor-acceptor phenomenon that are simple, rapid with broad linear dynamic range for the quantification of drug are not available in the literature. Considering the requirement for the methods, in this study, two economic, potent analytical methods based on the complexation of CLZ with π-acceptors, 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) and 2,5-dichloro-3,6-dihydroxy-p-benzoquinone (CA) were developed, validated, and studied spectrophotometrically. Various analytical data were discussed. The effects of experimental variables were optimized from the results of in silico technique, i.e. Box-Behnken design under response surface methodology. Linear dynamic range was significantly good in the range of 6-60 µg mL^-1 and 20-260 µg mL^-1 for DDQ and CA methods. Moreover, molecular docking studies corroborated the experimental results. Further, the methods were supplemented by the pharmaceutical and biological application for the quantitative assay of CLZ. Collectively, the results of the reported method of the analysis suggest that the developed approach is simple, sensitive, accurate and precise.

STK35L1 regulates host cell cycle-related genes and is essential for Plasmodium infection during the liver stage of malaria

Protein kinases of both the parasite and the host are crucial in parasite invasion and survival and might act as drug targets against drug-resistant malaria. STK35L1 was among the top five hits in kinome-wide screening, suggesting its role in malaria's liver stage. However, the role of host STK35L1 in malaria remains elusive. In this study, we found that STK35L1 was highly upregulated during the infection of Plasmodium berghei (P. berghei) in HepG2 cells and mice liver, and knockdown of STK35L1 remarkably suppressed the sporozoites' infection in HepG2 cells. We showed that STAT3 is upregulated and phosphorylated during P. berghei sporozoites' infection, and STAT3 activation is required for both the upregulation of STK35L1 and STAT3. Furthermore, we found that ten cell cycle genes were upregulated in the sporozoite-infected hepatocytes. Knockdown of STK35L1 inhibited the basal expression of these genes except CDKN3 and GTSE1 in HepG2 cells. Thus, we identified STK35L1 as a host kinase that plays an obligatory role in malaria's liver stage and propose that it may serve as a potential drug target against drug-resistant malaria.

Novel Antiplasmodial Compounds Leveraged with Multistage Potency against the Parasite Plasmodium falciparum: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluations and Pharmacokinetic Studies

Hydroxyethylamine (HEA)-based novel compounds were synthesized and their activity against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 was assessed, identifying a few hits without any apparent toxicity. Hits 5c and 5d also exhibited activity against resistant field strains, PfRKL-9 and PfC580Y. A single dose, 50 mg/Kg, of hits administered to the rodent parasite Plasmodium berghei ANKA exhibited up to 70% reduction in the parasite load. Compound 5d tested in combination with artesunate produced an additional antiparasitic effect with a prolonged survival period. Additionally, compound 5d showed 50% inhibition against hepatic P. berghei infection at 1.56 ± 0.56 μM concentration. This compound also considerably delayed the progression of transmission stages, ookinete and oocyst. Furthermore, the toxicity of 5d assessed in mice supported the normal liver and kidney functions. Altogether, HEA analogues (5a-m), particularly 5d, are nontoxic multistage antiplasmodial agents with therapeutic and transmission-blocking efficacy, along with favorable preliminary pharmacokinetic properties.

Decreased classical monocytes and CD163 expression in TB patients: an indicator of drug resistance

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease instigated by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Peripheral blood monocytes represent highly efficient effector cells of innate immunity against TB. Little is known about monocyte subsets and their potential involvement in the development of M. tuberculosis drug resistance in patients with TB. This study was conducted to investigate alterations in monocyte subsets, CD163 expression on monocytes, and its serum level in patients without and with rifampicin resistance TB (RR-TB) and healthy controls. A total of 164 patients with TB (84 without RR-TB and 80 patients with RR-TB) and 85 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The percentages of various monocyte subsets and surface expression of CD163 on monocytes were quantitatively determined using flow cytometry. The serum level of CD163 was determined by commercially available ELISA kits. Decreased frequency of classical monocytes was detected in patients with RR-TB. Non-classical monocytes were decreased in patients without RR-TB; however, intermediate monocytes were raised in patients with RR-TB. The serum level of CD163 was decreased in patients of RR-TB that showsed a positive correlation with the frequency of CD14++CD16-CD163+ and CD14++CD16+CD163+ monocytes. It is concluded that decreased classical monocytes and sCD163 in patients with RR-TB could be an indicator of drug resistance.

Elevated expression of RUNX3 co-expressing with EZH2 in esophageal cancer patients from India

Background

Runt related transcription factor3 (RUNX3) is considered as a tumor suppressor gene (TSG) that functions through the TGF-β dependent apoptosis. Promoter methylation of the CpG islands of RUNX3 and overexpression of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) has been suggested to downregulate RUNX3 in cancer.

Methods

Here, we studied the expression of RUNX3 and EZH2 in 58 esophageal tumors along with paired adjacent normal tissue. mRNA levels, protein expressions and cellular localizations of EZH2 and RUNX3 were analyzed using real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. DNA methylation was further assessed by the methylation specific-PCR.

Results

Compared to normal tissue, a significant increase in expression of RUNX3 mRNA in 31/57 patient’s tumor tissue (p < 0.04) was observed. The expression of EZH2 was found to be upregulated compared to normal, and a significant positive correlation between EZH2 and RUNX3 expression was observed (p = 0.002). 22 of the 27 unmethylated cases at the promoter region of the RUNX3 had elevated RUNX3 protein expression (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The data presented in this study provide new insights into the biology of RUNX3 and highlights the need to revisit our current understanding of the role of RUNX3 in cancer.

Valve-in-Valve for Degenerated Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Versus Valve-in-Valve for Degenerated Surgical Aortic Bioprostheses: A 3-Center Comparison of Hemodynamic and 1-Year Outcome

Background

As transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is expected to progress into younger patient populations, valve‐in‐TAVR (ViTAVR) may become a frequent consideration. Data on ViTAVR, however, are limited. This study investigated the outcome of ViTAVR in comparison to valve in surgical aortic valve replacement (ViSAVR), because ViSAVR is an established procedure for higher‐risk patients requiring repeated aortic valve intervention.

Methods and Results

Clinical and procedural data of patients who underwent ViTAVR at 3 sites in the United States and Germany were retrospectively compared with data of patients who underwent ViSAVR at Cedars‐Sinai Medical Center, according to Valve Academic Research Consortium‐2 criteria. A total of 99 consecutive patients, 52.5% women, with a median Society of Thoracic Surgeons score of 7.2 were identified. Seventy‐four patients (74.7%) underwent ViSAVR, and 25 patients (25.3%) underwent ViTAVR. Balloon‐expandable devices were used in 72.7%. ViSAVR patients presented with smaller index devices (21.0 versus 26.0 mm median true internal diameter; P<0.001). Significantly better postprocedural hemodynamics (median prosthesis mean gradient, 12.5 [interquartile range, 8.8–16.2] versus 16.0 [interquartile range, 13.0–20.5] mm Hg; P=0.045) were observed for ViTAVR compared with the ViSAVR. Device success, however, was not different (79.2% and 66.2% for ViTAVR and ViSAVR, respectively; P=0.35), as were rates of permanent pacemaker implantation (16.7% versus 5.4%; P=0.1). One‐year‐mortality was 9.4% and 13.4% for ViTAVR and ViSAVR, respectively (log‐rank P=0.38).

Conclusions

Compared with ViSAVR, ViTAVR provides acceptable outcomes, with slightly better hemodynamics, similar device success rates, and similar 1‐year mortality.

Olax scandens Mediated Biogenic Synthesis of Ag-Cu Nanocomposites: Potential Against Inhibition of Drug-Resistant Microbes

In the present study, we have synthesized silver-copper nanocomposites (Ag-Cu NCs) using an Olax scandens leaf extract (green synthesis method) and evaluated their antimicrobial potential against less susceptible pathogens. The kinetics of Ag-Cu NCs synthesis was followed by UV-VIS and fluorescence spectroscopy. The physicochemical characterization of as-synthesized Ag-Cu NCs was executed using electron microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-Ray, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and a Differential Light Scattering method. As-synthesized Ag-Cu NCs induced the formation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), thereby causing alteration and decrementation of cellular proteins, DNA, lipids, etc., and eventually leading to cell death, as determined by a Live/Dead assay. Next, we assessed the anti-biofilm potential of as-synthesized Ag-Cu NCs against biofilm forming bacteria. The as-synthesized Ag-Cu NCs, when compared to monometallic silver nanoparticles, exhibited significantly higher anti-microbial activity against both sensitive as well as drug resistant microbial isolates.

Untapped renewable energy potential of crop residues in Pakistan: Challenges and future directions

Sustainability in power generation mainly depends on the transition from fossils to sustainable energy resources. Biomass from the crop residue has huge potential for renewable power generation, but it is still not utilized to its full potential. This study presents a comprehensive methodology to evaluate and forecast the current and future availability of selective crop residue to generate renewable energy. A forecast model incorporating historical trends in the crop yield has been developed in MATLAB and implemented for crop residue based biomass resource assessment of five primary crops (wheat straw, rice husk, rice straw, cotton straw, corn stover, and bagasse) in order to estimate the energy generation potential for Pakistan from 2018 till 2035. It was found that about 40 million tonnes of crop residue was available in Pakistan for power generation in the year 2018 considering a residue removal (availability) factor of 50%. This translates to an estimated potential of about 11,000 MW of electricity generation capacity using crop residue derived biomass for 2018. This capacity is predicted to gradually increase up to 16,000 MW by the year 2035 based on the trends in the growth of crop production since 2001. The suitability of a potential region for the installation of 100 MW biomass-fired power plants was also assessed by calculating crop residue density and an equivalent collection radius (R_e) of 50 km (km). Punjab province of Pakistan, being an agricultural province, with relatively better road infrastructure can sustain crop residue based power plants of up to 7000 MW cumulative capacity at various locations. The challenges, such as economic, logistics, regulatory and political barriers, in generating renewable energy from biomass along with their potential solutions were also discussed. The study also provides a baseline for future research to evaluate and forecast the growth in bio-power generation potential of any biomass resource in a region based on crop yield and area of the region.

Identification and characterization of protective CD8+ T-epitopes in a malaria vaccine candidate SLTRiP

INTRODUCTION

Efforts are required at developing an effective vaccine that can inhibit malaria prevalence and transmission. Identifying the critical immunogenic antigens and understanding their interactions with host proteins forms a major focus of subunit vaccine development. Previously, our laboratory showed that SLTRiP conferred protection to the liver stage of Plasmodium growth in rodents. In the follow-up of earlier research, we demonstrate that SLTRiP-mediated protection is majorly concentrated in specific regions of protein.

METHOD

To identify particular protective regions of protein, we synthesized multiple nonoverlapping fragments from SLTRiP protein. From this, we designed a panel of 8-20mer synthetic peptides, which were predicted using T-epitope-based prediction algorithm. We utilized the IFN-γ enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assay to identify immunodominant peptides. The latter were used to immunize mice, and these mice were challenged to assess protection.

RESULTS

The protective polypeptide fragment SLTRiP C3 and SLTRiP C4 were identified, by expressing and testing multiple fragments of PbSLTRiP protein. The immune responses generated by these fragments were compared to identify the immunodominant fragment. The T-epitopes were predicted from SLTRiP protein using computer-based algorithms. The in vitro immune responses generated by these peptides were compared with each other to identify the immunodominant T-epitope. Immunization using these peptides showed significant reduction in parasite numbers during liver stage.

CONCLUSION

Our findings show that the protective efficacy shown by SLTRiP is localized in particular protein fragments. The peptides designed from such regions showed protective efficacy equivalent to whole protein. The sequence conservation analysis with human Plasmodium species also showed that these peptides were conserved. In conclusion, these peptides or their equivalent from other Plasmodium species could impart protection against malaria in their respective hosts too. Our studies provide a basis for the inclusion of these peptides in clinical vaccine constructs against malaria.

Multistage antiplasmodial activity of hydroxyethylamine compounds, in vitro and in vivo evaluations

Malaria, a global threat to the human population, remains a challenge partly due to the fast-growing drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium species. New therapeutics acting against the pathogenic asexual and sexual stages, including liver-stage malarial infection, have now attained more attention in achieving malaria eradication efforts. In this paper, two previously identified potent antiplasmodial hydroxyethylamine (HEA) compounds were investigated for their activity against the malaria parasite's multiple life stages. The compounds exhibited notable activity against the artemisinin-resistant strain of P. falciparum blood-stage culture with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) in the low micromolar range. The compounds' cytotoxicity on HEK293, HepG2 and Huh-7 cells exhibited selective killing activity with IC₅₀ values > 170 μM. The in vivo efficacy was studied in mice infected with P. berghei NK65, which showed a significant reduction in the blood parasite load. Notably, the compounds were active against liver-stage infection, mainly compound 1 with an IC₅₀ value of 1.89 μM. Mice infected with P. berghei sporozoites treated with compound 1 at 50 mg kg⁻¹ dose had markedly reduced liver stage infection. Moreover, both compounds prevented ookinete maturation and affected the developmental progression of gametocytes. Further, systematic in silico studies suggested both the compounds have a high affinity towards plasmepsin II with favorable pharmacological properties. Overall, the findings demonstrated that HEA and piperidine possessing compounds have immense potential in treating malarial infection by acting as multistage inhibitors.

Malaria, a global threat to the human population, remains a challenge partly due to the fast-growing drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium species.

AgNPs from Nigella sativa Control Breast Cancer: An In Vitro Study

In our current study, we synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from an aqueous seed extract of Nigella sativa. The seed extract contains phytochemical compounds including phenols, terpenoids, and flavonoids that may act as reducing agents and are able to convert metal ions to metal nanoparticles. The formation of synthesized AgNPs was characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDX). The efficacy of N-AgNPs against human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells was tested. The synthesized AgNPs displayed dose-dependent cytotoxicity (1-200 µg/mL) against MCF-7 cells. Morphological alterations of the cells also appeared as bright field images. Treatment of synthesized AgNPs altered the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 (apoptotic proteins) and COX-2 (inflammatory marker) in MCF-7 cells. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating that N-AgNPs from Nigella sativa can induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells.

Repurposing Glyburide as Antileishmanial Agent to Fight Against Leishmaniasis

BACKGROUND

Leishmaniasis is caused by a protozoan parasite, Leishmania. It is common in more than 98 countries throughout the world. Due to insufficient availability of antileishmanial chemotherapeutics, it is an urgent need to search for new molecules which have better efficacy, low toxicity and are available at low cost.

OBJECTIVES

There is a high rate of diabetic cases throughout the world that is why we planned to test the antileishmanial activity of glyburide, an effective sugar lowering drug used for the treatment of diabetes. In this study, glyburide showed a significant decrease in the parasite growth and survival in vitro in a dose-dependent manner.

METHODS

Anti-leishmanial activity of glyburide was checked by culturing Leishmania donovani promastigotes in the presence of glyburide in a dose and time dependent manner. Docking study against Leishmania donovani-Trypanothione synthetase (LdTrySyn) protein was performed using Autodock Vina tool.

RESULTS

Growth reversibility assay shows that growth of treated parasite was not reversed when transferred to fresh culture media after 7 days. Moreover, docking studies show efficient interactions of glyburide with key residues in the catalytic site of Leishmania donovani- Trypanothione synthetase (LdTrySyn), a very important leishmanial enzyme involved in parasite's survival by detoxification of Nitric Oxide (NO) species, generated by the mammalian host as a defense molecule. Thus this study proves that the drug-repurposing is a beneficial strategy for identification of new and potent antileishmanial molecules.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that glyburide binds to LdTrySyn and inhibits its activity which further leads to the altered parasite morphology and inhibition of parasite growth. Glyburide may also be used in combination with other anti-leishmanial drugs to potentiate the response of the chemotherapy. Overall this study provides information about combination therapy as well as a single drug treatment for the infected patients suffering from diabetes. This study also provides raw information for further in vivo disease model studies to confirm the hypothesis.

Biogenic AgNPs synthesized via endophytic bacteria and its biological applications

In this present study, the endophytic bacteria were isolated from the drought-tolerant ornamental plant Pennisetum setaceum. The biomass of endophytic bacteria was utilized for the biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The synthesis of AgNPs was confirmed by UV-Visible and FTIR spectroscopy followed by SEM analysis. The antibacterial studies were performed through MIC, MBC, and biofilm assays. Efficacy of AgNPs against the human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells was also tested, and the IC₅₀ was determined by MTT assay. In our study, we have observed that the synthesized AgNPs exhibited a dose-dependent cytotoxicity (1-100 μg/mL) against MCF-7 cells and morphological alterations of the cells were also visualized and the IC₅₀ was observed at 50 μg/mL. The treatment of synthesized AgNPs altered the expression of apoptotic proteins including Bax, Bcl-2, and inflammatory marker COX-2 in MCF-7 cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that demonstrates the AgNPs from endophytic bacteria isolated from the plant Pennisetum setaceum can induce apoptosis in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Our results suggest that AgNPs used in this study can be utilized to control human pathogens and can also be utilized to induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells.

Metacaspase-3 of Plasmodium falciparum: An atypical trypsin-like serine protease

Metacaspases are clan CD cysteine peptidases found in plants, fungi and protozoa that possess a conserved Peptidase_C14 domain, homologous to the human caspases and a catalytic His/Cys dyad. Earlier reports have indicated the role of metacaspases in cell death; however, metacaspases of human malaria parasite remains poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to functionally characterize a novel malarial protease, P. falciparum metacaspase-3 (PfMCA3). Unlike other clan CD peptidases, PfMCA3 has an atypical active site serine (Ser1865) residue in place of canonical cysteine and it phylogenetically forms a distinct branch across the species. To investigate whether this domain retains catalytic activity, we expressed, purified and refolded the Peptidase_C14 domain of PfMCA3 which was found to express in all asexual stages. PfMCA3 exhibited trypsin-like serine protease activity with ser1865 acting as catalytic residue to cleave trypsin oligopeptide substrate. PfMCA3 is inhibited by trypsin-like serine protease inhibitors. Our study found that PfMCA3 enzymatic activity was abrogated when catalytic serine1865 (S1865A) was mutated. Moreover, PfMCA3 was found to be inactive against caspase substrate. Overall, our study characterizes a novel metacaspase of P. falciparum, different from human caspases and not responsible for the caspase-like activity, therefore, could be considered as a potential chemotherapeutic target.

Screening of Novel Inhibitors Against Leishmania donovani Calcium ion Channel to Fight Leishmaniasis

Leishmania is an intracellular protozoan parasite which causes Leishmaniasis, a global health problem affecting millions of people throughout 89 different countries in the world. The current treatment which includes use of amphotericin B, antimonials, and others has major drawbacks due to toxicity, resistance, and extraordinary high cost. So there is an urgent need of development of new drug targets to fight against leishmaniasis. In this regard we have selected Leishmania donovani Ca2+ ion channel (Ld-CC) as potential drug target. Ld-CC regulates concentration of Ca2+ ions which is involved in several functions like flagellar motion, mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and entry inside the macrophages. Since Ld-CC has not been characterised yet, we performed homology modelling of Leishmania donovani Ca2+ ion channel (Ld-CC) and docking studies of ligand library against this channel. 542 compound library of National Cancer Institute (NCI) diversity 3 dataset selected for screening studies. The ligands ZINC17287336 and ZINC29590262 were selected as best energy conformers because they show highest binding affinity towards its target (Ld-CC). They interact with the active site residues in the pocket of Ld-CC which suggests that the docked conformations are good and acceptable. Moreover, these two selected compounds also have relatively high binding affinity than nifedipine and verapamil, known human calcium channel blockers which had been reported to have mild anti-leishmanial activity. Among these two top screened inhibitors the ligand ZINC29590262 shows poor binding affinity towards the Human voltagedependent L-type calcium channel subunit alpha-1C in comparison to the Ld-CC. Therefore, we proposed this ligand as the best inhibitor which shows 40% more binding affinity with Ld-CC than the human-VDCC. These results suggest that our screened ligand ZINC29590262 could act as novel drug and may show much better antileishmanial activity.