The Prospective Effect of Allopurinol on the Oxidative Stress Index and Endothelial Dysfunction in Covid-19

SARS-CoV-2 by the direct cytopathic effect or indirectly through the propagation of pro-inflammatory cytokines could cause endothelial dysfunction (ED) and oxidative stress (OS). It has been reported that OS is triggered by various types of viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2. Into the bargain, allopurinol is regarded as a potent antioxidant that acts through inhibition of xanthine oxidase (XO), which is an essential enzyme of purine metabolism. Herein, the present study aimed to find the potential protective effects of allopurinol on the biomarkers of OS and ED in patients with severe Covid-19. This single-center cohort study recruited 39 patients with mild-moderate Covid-19 compared with 41 patients with severe Covid-19. Nineteen patients with severe Covid-19 were on the allopurinol treatment because of underlying chronic gout 3 years ago compared with 22 Covid-19 patients not on this treatment. The recruited patients were allocated into three groups: group I, mild-moderate Covid-19 on the standard therapy (n = 39); group II, severe Covid-19 patients on the standard therapy only (n = 22); and group III, severe Covid-19 patients on the standard therapy plus allopurinol (n = 19). The duration of the study was 3 weeks from the time of hospitalization till the time of recovery. In addition, inflammatory biomarkers (D-dimer, LDH, ferritin, CRP, procalcitonin), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), endothelin-1 (ET-1), uric acid and oxidative stress index (OSI), CT scan score, and clinical score were evaluated at the time of admission and discharge regarding the effect of allopurinol treatment adds to the standard treatment of Covid-19. Allopurinol plus standard treatment reduced LDH, ferritin, CRP, procalcitonin, and ET-1 serum level significantly (P < 0.05) compared with Covid-19 patients on standard treatment. Besides, neutrophil (%), lymphocyte (%), and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were reduced in patients with severe Covid-19 on standard treatment plus allopurinol compared with Covid-19 patients on standard treatment alone (P < 0.01). OSI was higher in patients with severe Covid-19 than mild-moderate Covid-19 patients (P = 0.00001) at admission. At the time of discharge, the oxidative status of Covid-19 patients was significantly improved compared with that at admission (P = 0.01). In conclusion, Covid-19 severity is linked with high OS and inflammatory reaction with ED development. High uric acid in patients with severe Covid-19 is correlated with high OS and inflammatory biomarkers. Allopurinol with standard treatment in patients with severe Covid-19 reduced oxidative and inflammatory disorders with significant amelioration of ED and clinical outcomes.

Gum mediated synthesis and characterization of CuO nanoparticles towards infectious disease-causing antimicrobial resistance microbial pathogens

BACKGROUND

In this work biologically active CuO nanoparticle were discussed. The literature suggests that CuO shows very good antibacterial activity on both Gram positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Further, it is used in antibacterial coatings on various substrates to prevent various kinds of medical equipment's. Here CuO NPs was prepared via greener approach and almond gum is used as a reducing agent. Almond gum is nontoxic and contains huge amount of polysaccharides. Hence, the gum mediated CuO NPs can be used to treat urinary tract infection (UTI).

METHOD

The CuO NPs were characterized using UV, FTIR, XRD and HESEM with EDX analysis. The antibacterial (both Gram positive and Gram negative) effects of CuO NPs were determined with agar well diffusion method.

RESULTS

The CuO NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction pattern result indicates that the monoclinic structure with average crystallite size about 12.91 nm. Straight line model in Scherrer method results found to be crystallite size. The crystallite size and microstrain were estimated in W-H analysis. Lorentz polarization factor, size-strain plot (SSP), morphological index (M-I) and dislocation density were calculated based on x-ray diffraction data. The FTIR analysis confirms presence of Cu and O band. From the absorption spectrum of CuO NPs, it was found to be cutoff wavelength of 230 nm and direct bandgap was found to be 4.97 eV. Morphology analysis shows that the synthesized of CuO NPs reveals agglomerated and spherical in shape. It was found to be 16 nm-25 nm. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) result indicates percentages of Cu and O element present in the sample. Antimicrobial studies reveal zone of inhibition of CuO NPs. This was used in different pathogens such as gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. This study shows exhibit excellent antimicrobial effects of CuO NPs.

CONCLUSION

Hence, in this article the novel and cost-effective method to prepare CuO NPs was discussed. The prepared CuO NPs can be used as an antifungal and antibacterial reagent.

Opportunistic mycoses in COVID-19 patients/survivors: Epidemic inside a pandemic

Being considered minor vexations, fungal infections hinder the life of about 15% of the world population superficially, with rare threats to life in case of invasive sepsis. A significant rise in the intrusive mycoses due to machiavellian fungal species is observed over the years due to increased pathology and fatality in people battling life-threatening diseases. Individuals undergoing therapy with immune suppressive drugs plus recovering from viral infections have shown to develop fungal sepsis as secondary infections while recovering or after. Currently, the whole world is fighting against the fright of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and corticosteroids being the primitive therapeutic to combat the COVID-19 inflammation, leads to an immune-compromised state, thereby allowing the not so harmful fungi to violate the immune barrier and flourish in the host. A wide range of fungal co-infection is observed in the survivors and patients of COVID-19. Fungal species of Candida, Aspergillus and Mucorales, are burdening the lives of COVID-19 patients/survivors in the form of Yellow/Green, White and Black fungus. This is the first article of its kind to assemble note on fungal infections seen in the current human health scenario till date and provides a strong message to the clinicians, researchers and physicians around the world "non-pathological fungus should not be dismissed as contaminants, they can quell immunocompromised hosts".

Inhibition of hepatitis C virus genotype 4 replication using siRNA targeted to the viral core region and the CD81 cellular receptor

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most important causative agents of hepatitis worldwide. The current study aimed to evaluate the silencing effect of the small interference RNA (siRNA) molecules designed against the core region of HCV genotype 4 (HCV-4) and the CD81 gene, which is the cellular receptor for HCV in the human hepatocytes. RT-PCR was used to measure the changes in both the viral HCV core and the cellular CD81 genes induced by the specific siRNA molecules. Additionally, the fluctuations in either the viral or the cellular proteins of the target regions were tested by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. The results showed the effectiveness of the used siRNA molecules against the target genes in either RNA or protein levels. The effect of 100 nM of siCD81 and 40 nM of siCore was more evident at 24 and 48 h post-transfection. The combination of the two siRNA molecules resulted in an extra inhibitory effect of the HCV core at both the RNA (85.6%) and protein (98.5%) levels. The current study suggested that targeting of the CD81 cellular receptor and/or the viral HCV core region by the small interference molecules might be a suitable choice in the suppression of HCV-4 replication. This might assist the development of new antiviral medications and provides a new alternative strategy for the targeting and treatment of HCV genotype 4.

Occurrence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase, AmpC, and carbapenemase-producing genes in gram-negative bacterial isolates from human immunodeficiency virus infected patients

BACKGROUND

Progressive decline of immune response in HIV patients makes them susceptible to frequent bacterial infections. High usage of antibiotics influences the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria and worsens the clinical outcomes. In this study, the occurrence of drug-resistant genes in Gram-negative bacterial isolates from HIV patients in South India was analyzed.

METHODS

A total of 173 Gram-negative bacterial (GNB) isolates from HIV patients were screened for antibiotic susceptibility profile using the Kirby-Bauer diskdiffusion method. Positivity of drug-resistant genes was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction method.

RESULTS

In this study, 72.8% of bacterial isolates were obtained from urine specimens, and Escherichia coli (47.4%) was the predominantly isolated bacterium. Overall, 87.3% and 83.2% of GNB were resistant to 3rd generation cephalosporin antibiotics such as cefotaxime and ceftazidime, respectively, 56.6% were resistant to cephamycin (cefoxitin) and 43% to carbapenem (imipenem) antibiotics. Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) production was noted among 79.5% of GNB isolates, followed by AmpC (57.1%) and Metallo β-lactamases (37.3%). Molecular analysis revealed that ESBL genes such as blaTEM (94.1%), blaCTX-M (89.2%), and blaSHV (24.2%) were detected at higher levels among GNB isolates. Carbapenemase-producing genes such as blaOXA-48 (20%), blaOXA-23 (2.6%), and both blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-51 like genes (2.6%) and AmpC producing genes such as blaCIT (26.7%), blaDHA (3.6%), and blaACC (1.8%) were detected at low-level.

CONCLUSIONS

This study concludes that ESBL producing genes are detected at high level among gram-negative bacterial isolates from HIV patients in South India.

Novel findings in context of molecular diversity and abundance of bacteriophages in wastewater environments of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The diversity among bacteriophages depends on different factors like ecology, temperature conditions and genetic pool. Current study focused on isolation, identification and diversity of phages from 34 sewage water samples collected from two different wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), King Saud University wastewater treatment plants (KSU-WWTP) and Manfoha wastewater treatment plants (MN-WWTP) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Samples were analyzed by PCR and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Siphoviridae, Podoviridae and Myoviridae families were detected by family-specific PCR and highest prevalence of Myoviridae 29.40% was found at MN-WWTP followed by 11.76% at KSU-WWTP. Siphoviridae was detected 11.76% at MN-WWTP and 5.88% at KSU-WWTP. Lowest prevalence for Podoviridae family (5.88%) was recorded at MN-WWTP. Significant influence of temporal variations on prevalence of Myoviridae and Siphoviridae was detected in both WWTP and MN-WWTP, respectively. Highest phage prevalence was obtained in August (75%), followed by September (50%). Highest phage prevalence was recorded at a temperature range of 29–33°C. Significant influence of temperature on the prevalence of Myoviridae phages was detected at MN-WWTP. Four bacteriophages with various abundance levels were identified by NGS. Cronobacter virus Esp2949-1 was found first time with highest abundance (4.41%) in wastewater of Riyadh. Bordetella virus BPP1 (4.14%), Dickeya virus Limestone (1.55%) and Ralstonia virus RSA1 (1.04%) were also detected from samples of MN-WWTP. Highest occurrence of Bordetella virus BPP1 (67%) and (33.33%) was recorded at KSU-WWTP and MN-WWTP, respectively. Highest Bordetella virus BPP1 occurrence was recorded in September (50%) followed by August (40%). The findings of study showed new insights of phage diversity from wastewater sources and further large-scale data studies are suggested for comprehensive understanding.

In-vitro antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of lipopeptide against drug resistant Vibrio species

BACKGROUND

The unrestricted application of antibiotics increased antimicrobial resistance in bacteria through horizontal gene transfer of resistant genes from the pathogenic sources and the evolution of multi-drug resistance organisms. The application of antibiotics caused severe risk to human health because animals may transmit diseases to humans. Hence, the search of novel antimicrobial agents from microbial sources is an urgent need.

METHODS

A lipopeptide producing stain SU05 was isolated from the pond water by serial dilution method. The lipopeptide yield was improved after optimization method and the yield was analyzed using High Performance Liquid chromatography. The influence of wheat bran (0.5%-2.5%) and rice bran (0.5%-2.5%), pH (5.5-8.5), temperature (25-40 °C) were screened to improve the production of lipopeptides by stain SU05 in submerged fermentation. Antibacterial activity of crude lipopeptide was tested against Vibrio anguillarum, Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio salmonicida, Vibrio septicus, Vibrio fischeri, and Vibrio splendidus. The influence of lipopeptide on enzymes and antimicrobial property was analyzed.

RESULTS

Lipopeptide production was improved after nutrient supplements and optimization of physical factors. Lipopeptide showed potent activity against multi-drug resistant bacterial strains such as, V. anguillarum, V. harveyi, V. vulnificus, V. salmonicida, V. septicus, V. fischeri, and V. splendidus. Lipopeptide shows stability on various enzymes and this clearly revealed that the purified lipopeptide was highly stable in the presence of proteolytic enzymes. The findings suggest that lipopeptide SU05 characterized from the bacteria can survive at acidic environment in the intestine, and could be used to formulate fish feed.

CONCLUSIONS

The finding showed that the characterized lipopepties synthesized by B. amyloliquefaciens SU05 had a broad spectrum antibiotic potential against multidrug resistant Vibriosis causing bacterial pathogens. They were highly stable at broad temperature and pH ranges. These results demonstrated stability of lipopeptide at extreme conditions. The stability and activity of lipopeptide at extreme climatic condition is also useful for the application in pharmaceutical and food processing industries.

Masitinib analogues with the N-methylpiperazine group replaced - A new hope for the development of anti-COVID-19 drugs

Masitinib is an orally acceptable tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is currently investigated under clinical trials against cancer, asthma, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A recent study confirmed the anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) activity of masitinib through inhibition of the main protease (M^pro) enzyme, an important pharmacological drug target to block the replication of the coronavirus. However, due to the adverse effects and lower potency of the drug, there are opportunities to design better analogues of masitinib. Herein, we substituted the N-methylpiperazine group of Masitinib with different chemical moieties and evaluated their drug-likeness and toxicities. The filtered analogues were subjected to molecular docking studies which revealed that the analogues with substituents methylamine in M10 (CID10409602), morpholine in M23 (CID59789397) and 4-methylmorpholine in M32 (CID143003625) have a stronger affinity to the drug receptor compared to masitinib. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulation analysis reveals that the identified analogues alter the mobility, structural compactness, accessibility to solvent molecules, and the number of hydrogen bonds in the native target enzyme. These structural alterations can help explain the inhibitory mechanisms of these analogues against the target enzyme. Thus, our studies provide avenues for the design of new masitinib analogues as the SARS-CoV-2 M^pro inhibitors.

Antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of the silver nanoparticles synthesized using aqueous extracts of coconut meat (Cocos nucifera L)

Human pathogenic fungi and bacteria pose a huge threat to human life, accounting for high rates of mortality every year. Unfortunately, the past few years have seen an upsurge in multidrug resistance pathogens. Consequently, finding an effective alternative antimicrobial agent is of utmost importance. Hence, this study aimed to phytofabricate silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous extracts of the solid endosperm of Cocos nucifera L, also known as coconut meat (Cm). Green synthesis is a facile, cost-effective and eco-friendly methods which has several benefits over other physical and chemical methods. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The Cm-AgNPs showed a UV-Vis peak at 435 nm and were crystalline and quasi-spherical, with an average size of 15 nm. The FTIR spectrum displayed functional groups of phenols, alkaloids, sugars, amines, and carbonyl compounds, which are vital in the reduction and capping of NPs. The antibacterial and anticandidal efficacy of the Cm-AgNPs was assessed by the agar-well diffusion method and expressed as a zone of inhibition (ZOI). Amongst all the test isolates, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Candida auris, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis were more susceptible to the NPs with a ZOI of 26.33 ± 0.57 mm, 19.33 ± 0.57 mm, and 18 ± 0.76 mm. The MIC and MFC values for Candida spp. were higher than the bacterial test isolates. Scanning electron microscopic studies of all the test isolates at their MIC concentrations showed drastically altered cell morphology, indicating that the NPs could successfully cross the cell barrier and damage the cell integrity, causing cell death. This study reports the efficacy of Cm-AgNPs against several Candida and bacterial strains, which had not been reported in earlier studies. Furthermore, the synthesized AgNPs exhibited significant antioxidant activity. Thus, the findings of this study strongly imply that the Cm-AgNPs can serve as promising candidates for therapeutic applications, especially against multidrug-resistant isolates of Candida and bacteria. However, further investigation is needed to understand the mode of action and biosafety.

Potential of antiviral peptide-based SARS-CoV-2 inactivators to combat COVID-19

The appearance of new variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the lack of effective antiviral therapeutics for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a highly infectious disease caused by the virus, demands the search for alternative therapies. Most antiviral drugs known are passive defenders which must enter the cell to execute their function and suffer from concerns such as permeability and effectiveness, therefore in this current study, we aim to identify peptide inactivators that can act without entering the cells. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is an essential protein that plays a major role in binding to the host receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and mediates the viral cell membrane fusion process. SARS vaccines and treatments have also been developed with the spike protein as a target. The virtual screening experiment revealed antiviral peptides which were found to be non-allergen, non-toxic and possess good water solubility. U-1, GST-removed-HR2 and HR2-18 exhibit binding energies of -47.8 kcal/mol, -43.01 kcal/mol, and -40.46 kcal/mol, respectively. The complexes between these peptides and spike protein were stabilized through hydrogen bonds as well as hydrophobic interactions. The stability of the top-ranked peptide with the drug-receptor is evidenced by 50-ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The binding of U-1 induces conformational changes in the spike protein with alterations in its geometric properties such as increased flexibility, decreased compactness, the increased surface area exposed to solvent molecules, and an increase in the number of total hydrogen bonds leading to its probable inactivation. Thus, the identified antiviral peptides can be used as anti-SARS-CoV-2 candidates, inactivating the virus’s spike proteins and preventing it from infecting host cells.

Unleashing the synergistic effect of promising fungicides: a breakthrough solution for combating powdery mildew in pea plants

Pea powdery mildew, caused by Erysiphe pisi, is a major limitation to global pea production. The emergence of fungicide-resistant pathogen populations due to frequent and injudicious pesticide application highlights the importance of exploring the synergistic properties of fungicide combinations. This study investigated the efficacy of difenoconazole, thiophanate-methyl, and sulfur, both individually and in mixtures, against powdery mildew and assessed the interaction types between these fungicides. The results demonstrated that the combination of difenoconazole, thiophanate-methyl, and sulfur was the most effective in reducing, reducing disease severity to 6.10% and minimizing conidial production on foliage. Additionally, this fungicide combination reduced conidial germination by 89.26% in vitro and by 87.50% in a detached leaf assay compared to the control. The treatment also positively impacted leaf chlorophyll content (55.18), green pod yield (22.21 tons ha-1), seed yield (12.29 tons ha-1), and other yield-related parameters. Although statistically significant, this ternary fungicide combination was closely followed by the binary combination of thiophanate-methyl and sulfur, which was the only combination exhibiting synergism in both laboratory and field trials with a synergy factor (SF) > 1. In conclusion, this approach offers improved disease control as part of integrated disease management (IDM) while minimizing the risk of resistant pathogen strains.

Metabolic and proteomic analysis of a medicinal morel (Morchella elata) from Western Himalayas, Kashmir

Morels are edible fungi growing naturally in the wild and cultivated for food and medicines worldwide. They have been collected and consumed by people since ancient times. In the present study, fruiting bodies of Morchella elata were collected from the field during the years 2020-22 through consecutive field visits. Identification was carried out through a morpho-anatomical and phylogenetic study that confirmed the collected morel species as Morchella elata. The metabolic analysis was conducted using Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC/MS) and FTICR/orbitrap techniques. The study revealed the presence of 159 organic compounds and 435 peptide sequences in the ascocarp. Different bioactive and significant compounds have been identified in the fruiting bodies of M. elata. This mushroom is highly nutritious, and the presence of these bioactive compounds contributes to its health benefits, making it a potential functional food in nutraceuticals. From the current study, it is concluded that M. elata is an edible, highly nutritive fungus and contains many bioactive contents. It could be used in the screening of bioactive substances useful in the preparation of anticancer drugs.

Characterization and Comparative Antibacterial Activities of Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized by Tagetes patula L. (Asteraceae) Flower Extract

In this study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were successfully synthesized through a green approach using Tagetes patula L. flower extract. The phytochemical composition of the extract was analyzed by GC-MS. The characterization of AuNPs was performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray powder diffraction, UV-visible spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in combination with energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX). The UV absorption peak at 550 nm was identified as characteristic of gold nanoparticles, and the XRD results confirmed their crystalline nature, with the crystallite size estimated to be around 40 ± 5 nm based on the x-ray peak widening. FTIR, SEM, and EDX analyses confirmed the successful synthesis of AuNPs. The antimicrobial properties of AuNPs were investigated against both plant and human pathogens, demonstrating larger inhibition zones compared to conventional antibiotics. Significant zones of inhibition were observed, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa (26.65 mm), Escherichia coli (23.15 mm), Klebsiella pneumoniae (20.85 mm), and Staphylococcus aureus (12.25 mm). For plant pathogens, inhibition zones included Xanthomonas campestris (31.08 mm), Ralstonia solanacearum (28.95 mm), and Erwinia amylovora (25.4 mm). The AuNPs, produced through an environmentally friendly method, exhibited strong antibacterial activity, indicating their potential as an effective alternative for agricultural pest management. This research provides scientific support for the promising applications of AuNPs as valuable medications in the future.

Cross-linking of fungal β-glucosidase on Al2O3 nanocrystals synthesized using Cajanus cajan L. Millsp. extracts for in suit genistein manufacture

This present study deals with the cross-linking of fungal β-glucosidase on Al2O3 nanocrystals (NCs) synthesized in C. cajan for in-suit genistein production. The Cajanus cajan leaves were dried and used to prepare their extract at 65 °C by agitation for 30 min. For enzyme production under submerged culture, 50 mL of medium at pH 8.6 with an inoculum volume of 2 mL; was incubated for 72 h with optimized parameters at 30 °C. The Al2O3 NCs were synthesized by adding 30 mM Al2NO3 to 25 mL of leaf extract with NaOH at 65 °C for 50 min which enhanced the β-glucosidase specific activity when immobilized. Genistein by biotransformation was obtained using both free (0.67 ± 0.42 mg/mL) and Al2O3 immobilized β-glucosidase (1.3 ± 0.66 mg/mL) for 48 h. The substrate level and enzyme concentration were 2.5 and 1 mL respectively. The UV visible spectra for leaf extract; free and cross-linked β-glucosidase and Al2O3 NCs were at 225, 235, 300, and 210 nm. The bands for Al2O3 NCs were achieved at 500-750 cm- 1 which showed the FTIR analysis to check the change in functional groups of free and Al2O3 cross-linked β-glucosidase. In XRD analysis, peaks depicted the crystalline structure of Al2O3 NCs ranging from 10-50°. The size of NCs was confirmed by using different magnifications (1.01, 2.00, 3.00, 5.00, 7.02, and 10 K X) of SEM images obtained. For zeta potential measurements, the peak was obtained at -21.0 mV.

Antifungal and antioxidant potential of Ocimum species against Ascochyta rabiei (Pass) Lab

Cicer arietinum L. is a vital source of nutrients that suffers substantial annual losses due to Ascochyta blight, caused by the plant pathogen Ascochyta rabiei. This study aimed to investigate the antifungal potential of Ocimum tenuiflorum L. and O. basilicum L. shoots (leaves and stems) against A. rabiei (Pass) Lab. In vitro bioassays were conducted using methanolic extracts from leaves and stems at six different concentrations: 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, and 3.5%. A total of eight compounds were identified through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The highest inhibition of A. rabiei growth was achieved with a 3.5% methanolic leaf extract of O. basilicum. Methanolic extracts from O. tenuiflorum shoots also reduced fungal growth by 6.18-73%. Additionally, the n-hexane fraction derived from O. basilicum inhibited fungal growth by 71-76% and was subsequently analyzed using GC-MS. This analysis identified eight compounds: (1) cyclopentane, methyl-, (2) cyclohexane, (3) 2,2-dimethylbutane, (4) 2,3-dimethylbutane, pentane, (5) 2,3-dimethyl-, (6) 2-bromoacetonitrile, (7) alpha-cadinol, and (8) phenylpropanolamine. The antioxidant activity of O. tenuiflorum and O. basilicum shoots was also assessed using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The highest antioxidant activity, 98.58%, was recorded at a 3.5% methanolic stem extract concentration of O. tenuiflorum. The antioxidant activity potential was highest for O. tenuiflorum at 0.729mg/mL, followed by O. basilicum at 0.411mg/mL.

Determinants, predictors and negative impacts of burnout among health care workers during COVID-19 pandemic

The first defense line of the battle, healthcare workers (HCWs), faces a significant challenge in managing the current COVID-19 pandemic. An online electronic survey was sent to HCWs via email and social media networks. Socio-demographic data and work environment-related variables were assessed. Consequences of burnout (BO) were reported, e.g., elicited medical errors. Maslach burnout inventory was used to diagnose BO. Two hundred and eighty-four participants were included with a mean age of 39.83 ± 7.34 years, 70.8% worked in the COVID-19 frontline, 91.9% were followed daily updates about COVID-19, 63.7% were not satisfied with the coordination between triage and isolation, 64.4% got COVID-19 infection, 91.9% had a colleague or family member developed COVID-19 infection, and 21.5% experienced a colleague /a family member died due to COVID-19. Multivariate analysis by linear regression revealed that; working as a frontline HCW (OR 1.28, CI = 0.14-2.55) and sleep deprivation (OR 3.93, CI = 1.88-8.22) were the predictors of burnout.

Biological and molecular characterization of citrus bent leaf viroid

Background and aim

Citrus bent leaf viroid (CBLVd) is one of the emerging and widely distributed viroids in citrus-growing areas of the world, including Pakistan. Previously, CBLVd has been reported in Pakistan for the first time in 2009. Therefore, characterization of CBLVd is required to monitor the viroid status in the citrus orchards concerning citrus decline.

Methods

Biological and molecular characterization of CBLVd was studied through biological indexing and confirmation through RT-PCR, followed by phylogenetic analysis of selected CBLVd isolates. Among four citrus cultivars viz., Kinnow (Citrus nobilis × Citrus deliciosa), Mosambi (C. sinensis), Futrell's Early (C. reticulata) and Lemon (C. medica) used as indicator plants for two transmission trials viz., graft inoculation and mechanical inoculation. Graft inoculation was more efficient than mechanical inoculation.

Results

Symptoms such as mild mosaic, slight backward leaf bending, and leaf curling were observed after eight months' post-inoculation. Citrus nobilis × Citrus deliciosa, C. reticulata and C. sinensis were more sensitive to CBLVd as compared to C. medica. Inoculated plants were reconfirmed through RT-PCR amplicons of 233 bp. The phylogenetic tree of submitted sequences showed more than 90% relevance of CBLVd in Pakistan compared to the rest of the world.

Conclusions

There was slight genetic variability, but more than 90% relevance was found among the submitted and already reported CBLVd isolate from Pakistan. Scanty literature is available regarding the biological and molecular studies of CBLVd in Pakistan. Therefore, the transmission and molecular characterization of CBLVd in Pakistan were studied for the first time.

In Vitro Evaluation, Chemical Profiling, and In Silico ADMET Prediction of the Pharmacological Activities of Artemisia absinthium Root Extract

Artemisia absinthium L., is a plant with established pharmacological properties, but the A. absinthium root extract (AARE) remains unexplored. The aim of this study was to examine the chemical composition of AARE and assess its biological activity, which included antidiabetic, antibacterial, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. GC-MS was used to analyze the chemical components. The antioxidant activity of the total phenolic and flavonoid content was evaluated. Antibacterial activity and cytotoxic effects were identified. Enzyme inhibition experiments were performed to determine its antidiabetic potential. Molecular docking was utilized to evaluate the potential antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities of the compounds from AARE using Maestro 11.5 from the Schrödinger suite. AARE exhibited moderate antioxidant activity in DPPH (IC50: 172.41 ± 3.15 μg/mL) and ABTS (IC50: 378.94 ± 2.18 μg/mL) assays. Cytotoxicity tests on MCF-7 and HepG2 cancer cells demonstrated significant anticancer effects, with IC50 values of 150.12 ± 0.74 μg/mL and 137.11 ± 1.33 μg/mL, respectively. Apoptotic studies indicated an upregulation of pro-apoptotic genes (caspase-3, 8, 9, Bax) and a downregulation of anti-apoptotic markers (Bcl-2 and Bcl-Xl). AARE also inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase, suggesting potential antidiabetic effects, with IC50 values of 224.12 ± 1.17 μg/mL and 243.35 ± 1.51 μg/mL. Antibacterial assays revealed strong activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Molecular docking and pharmacokinetic analysis identified promising inhibitory effects of key AARE compounds on NADPH oxidase, E. coli Gyrase B, and Topoisomerase IIα, with favorable drug-like properties. These findings suggest AARE's potential in treating cancer, diabetes, and bacterial infections, warranting further in vivo and clinical studies.

Molecular epidemiology and phylogenetic analysis of human respiratory syncytial virus type B in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), recently known as the human orthopneumovirus (HOPV), continues to generate new variants with the ability to cause recurrent infections. Data regarding HRSV-B evolution and genetic diversity in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, are very limited. Therefore, the current study was designed to investigate the prevalence, genetic diversity, and evolution of HRSV-B. A total of 200 nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) samples from hospitalized children at King Khaled University Hospital were screened for the presence of HRSV-B. The second hypervariable region (2nd HVR) of the G gene from all 37 HRSV-B genotypes was used to study sequences and family trees. Of the 200 screened nasopharyngeal samples (NPAs), 16 (8%) were positive for HRSV-B, with a high incidence rate in the age group of 2 to 5 months. The analysis of the 2nd HVR region's sequence showed several differences, such as point mutations, different protein lengths, sequence gaps, duplication regions, and glycosylation sites. A total of 46-point mutations were reported, of which 29 changed their corresponding amino acid residues. N-linked glycosylation sites in Riyadh strains were 3, whereas O-linked glycosylation sites ranged from 22 to 32. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Riyadh strains from the seasons 2019/20 and 2022/23 are grouped into the subclade BA-11. Other Riyadh strains from different previous seasons were clustered into different sub-genotypes (BA-9, -10, and -12). Seasonal surveillance and molecular evolution tracking of HRSV-B is essential for the early detection of viral genotypes that might cause severe illness consequences and widespread transmission.

Mechanistic insights of methylcinnamate in improving oxidative stress and inflammation in acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxic mice by upregulating Nrf2 pathway

BACKGROUND

Methylcinnamate (MC), a safe flavoring agent naturally found in Occimum basilicum L. is reported to have an anti-inflammatory responses in various disease models. Acetaminophen (APAP) toxicity is a significant contributor to acute liver injury, which leads to oxidative stress and inflammation. The transcriptional factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) regulated the cellular defense mechanisms aid to antioxidant response facilitation and reduction in inflammation against various disorders.

METHODOLOGY

This study evaluated the protective effects of MC in APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in mice and its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and Nrf2 mechanisms were studied. In-vitro 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay showed the antioxidant capacity of MC. Mice were pretreated with MC (25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg) orally for 7 days. After a fasting period of 16 h, hepatotoxicity was induced by injecting APAP 300 mg/kg intraperitoneal on day 7. Liver profile, oxidative test, and histopathological changes were studied. Gene expression of interlukin-1β (IL-1β), interlukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), Nrf2, and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (quinone) 1 (NQO-1) were estimated by real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α concentrations were also analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

The MC treatment showed a notable reduction in alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities, and total bilirubin level of serum. Moreover, MC significantly attenuated oxidative stress by rising the antioxidant enzymes catalase, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase and reducing the malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels in the liver. Furthermore, MC successfully mitigated the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, which were estimated through RT-qPCR and ELISA. The RT-qPCR revealed a CYP2E1 enzyme inhibition and significant upregulation of hepatic Nrf2 and NQO-1 levels after MC therapy. Histopathological analysis showed improvement in liver injury within the MC treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

It was concluded from this study that pretreatment of MC had successfully protected the liver through anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant activity upon subsequent activation of Nrf2.

New Pyrimidinone Bearing Aminomethylenes and Schiff Bases as Potent Antioxidant, Antibacterial, SARS-CoV-2, and COVID-19 Main Protease MPro Inhibitors: Design, Synthesis, Bioactivities, and Computational Studies

New 2-thioxopyrimidinone derivatives (A1-A10) were synthesized in 87-96% yields via a simple three-component condensation reaction. These compounds were screened extensively through in vitro assays for antioxidant and antibacterial investigations. The DPPH assays resulted in the excellent potency of A6-A10 as antioxidants with IC50 values of 0.83 ± 0.125, 0.90 ± 0.77, 0.36 ± 0.063, 1.4 ± 0.07, and 1.18 ± 0.06 mg/mL, which were much better than 1.79 ± 0.045 mg/mL for the reference ascorbic acid. These compounds exhibited better antibacterial potency against Klebsiella with IC50 values of 2 ± 7, 1.32 ± 8.9, 1.19 ± 11, 1.1 ± 12, and 1.16 ± 11 mg/mL for A6-A10. High-throughput screenings (HTS) of these motifs were carried out including investigation of drug-like behaviors, physiochemical property evaluation, and structure-related studies involving DFT and metabolic transformation trends. The radical scavenging ability of the synthesized motifs was validated through molecular docking studies through ligand-protein binding against human inducible nitric oxide synthase (HINOS) PDB ID: 4NOS, and the results were promising. Furthermore, the antiviral capability of the compounds was examined by in silico studies using two viral proteins PDB ID: 6Y84 and PDB ID: 6LU7. Binding poses of ligands were discussed, and amino acids in the protein binding pockets were investigated, where the tested compounds showed much better binding affinities than the standard inhibitors, proving to be suitable leads for antiviral drug discovery. The stabilities of the molecular docked complexes in real systems were validated by molecular dynamics simulations.

Prospect of herbal medication as prevention against COVID variants

Personal immunity frolicked an essential role in combating COVID-19 impacts on human health individually and collectively in community. Literature represented the fact about food or nutritional supplements are certified to protect against diseases; this was the reason behind public trust on certain plants and other commercial products to boost up immunity against coronavirus disease. Present study was conducted to observe the attitude of common public towards natural herbs in treating various diseases and to assess the possible potential of herbal medication in prevention of negative impacts of different variants of COVID-19 on human health at herbal clinic named "Pakistan Matab". Results concluded that most of the patients (About 80%) avoided COVID-19 testing even on experiencing major symptoms and they preferred herbal medication. Patients who died by COVID-19 were also experiencing different diseases like liver and Kideny malfunctioning; old age was another significant factor in this case. About 90% of patients were COVID symptomatic and 10% were carrying other diseases during observational study period at herbal clinic. Study represented that patients who visited clinic, have a faith on herbal medication with about 60% of patients in favor of vaccine and allopathic medication in combination with herbal treatment. Study investigated that vaccine was only for one type of variant and use of herbal medicines could be better option to boost up immunity against various COVID variants.

Eco-friendly Synthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Using Parietaria alsinifolia Extracts and Evaluation of Biological Applications

The current research was conducted to synthesize Parietaria alsinifolia-mediated iron oxide nanoparticles (P.A@FeONPs) using the green and eco-friendly protocol. The biosynthesized P.A@FeONPs were characterized using various approaches like UVs, FTIR, SEM, EDX, and DLS. The mean crystallite size was calculated to be ~ 21.48 nm using the Debye-Scherrer equation. Further, various in vitro biological assays were performed to analyze the therapeutic potentials of FeONPs. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazy (DPPH) antioxidant activity was performed to reveal the DPPH radical scavenging potential of P.A@FeONPs and was calculated as 72%. Similarly, the total reducing power was determined as 65.45 ± 1.77%. In addition, P.A@FeONPs exhibited a significant total antioxidant capacity of 87 ± 4.8%. Antibacterial and antifungal assays were performed using the disc diffusion method. Among the different bacterial strains accession (EFB-10-2023 M.B), Rhodococcus jostii has shown the highest zone of inhibition (23.9 mm at 1000 μg/mL), while Escherichia coli displayed a 22.65 mm zone of inhibition at (1000 μg/mL). Similarly, Aspergillus niger exhibited a substantial zone of inhibition (28.75 mm). A brine shrimp cytotoxicity assay revealed the cytotoxicity potential (LC50 244.92 μg/mL). P.A@FeONPs were also tested against red blood cells, HEK-293, and VERO cell lines (< 200 μg/mL) to validate their biocompatibility. An alpha-amylase inhibition assay demonstrated 68.66% inhibition and substantial cytotoxicity against Hep-2 liver cancer cells (IC50 100 μg/mL). In conclusion, P.A@FeONPs have shown significant bioactivities. In the future, we recommend other biological and catalytic activities using different animal models to explore its potential further.

Competitive antagonistic action of laccase between Trichoderma species and the newly identified wood pathogenic Ganoderma camelum

Ganoderma, a well-known genus in the Ganodermataceae family, has caused the extinction of several tree species due to its pathogenicity. This study explored the pathogenic effect of a newly identified Ganoderma species on trees and its competitive efficiency against Trichoderma species. Ganoderma camelum sp. nov. is characterized by small sessile basidiomata and a velvety, soft, camel-brown pileus. Phylogenetic analysis and ITS rDNA sequences indicated that the species were Trichoderma and Ganoderma camelum. Both fungal species competed antagonistically by secreting laccase. The laccase activity of G. camelum, with a value of 8.3 ± 4.0 U/mL, demonstrated the highest competitive activity against Trichoderma species. The laccase produced by T. atroviride (2.62 U/mL) was most effective in countering the pathogenic action of the novel G. camelum. The molecular weights of laccase were determined using SDS-PAGE (62.0 kDa for G. camelum and 57.0 kDa for T. atroviride). Due to the white rot induced by this Ganoderma species in the host tree, G. camelum showed the highest percentage inhibition of radial growth (76.3%) compared to T. atroviride (28.7%). This study aimed to evaluate the competitive antagonistic activity of Ganoderma and Trichoderma on malt extract agar media in the context of white rot disease in the host tree. This study concluded that the laccase from G. camelum caused weight loss in rubber wood blocks through laccase action, indicating tissue injury in the host species. Therefore, it was also concluded that G. camelum was more effective in pathogenic action of the host and resisted the biological action of T. atroviride. In principal components analysis (PCA), all the species associated with laccase exhibited a very strong influence on the variability of the system. The PIRG rate (percentage inhibition of radial growth) was strongly and positively correlated with laccase activity.

Understanding rhizospheric microbial dynamics in gladiolus corms through quorum sensing and quorum quenching for disease control and growth promotion

Gladiolus, a widely cultivated cut flower known for its aesthetically pleasing multicoloured spikes, has earned significant commercial popularity. A comprehensive understanding of the rhizosphere bacterial community associated with gladiolus is imperative for revealing its potential benefits. Molecular characterization is considered an effective method to gain insights into the structural and functional aspects of microbial populations. The soil characteristics and bacterial communities in the rhizosphere are typically influenced by quorum sensing (QS) and quorum quenching (QQ) mechanisms. This study aims to explore the niceties and diversity of rhizospheric bacterial populations linked with gladiolus corms, with a specific focus on understanding the dynamics of QS and QQ mechanisms in their complex interactions. The isolation of bacterial strains was achieved through the serial dilution method on nutrient agar (NA) media. The identification of the isolates was accomplished by amplifying 16 S rRNA gene sequences via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) via the use of universal primers. Sequence analysis was conducted via BLAST on the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. The characteristics of the isolated bacteria were elucidated via biosensors. This study identified three QS strains and five QQ strains. A consortium of quenchers was formulated utilizing five strains that demonstrated efficacy in mitigating the impact of disease on gladiolus and fostering growth. Among the three treatments-Scale, Descale, and Descale and Cut Half (DSC)-the DSC treatment emerged as the most effective. This treatment exhibited a broader range of variation in biological parameters over time, aligning with prevailing trends in the local market.