In silico DFT and molecular modeling of novel pyrazine-bearing thiazolidinone hybrids derivatives: elucidating in vitro anti-cancer and urease inhibitors.

In the present work, one of the leading health issues i.e. cancer was targeted by synthesizing and biologically investigating the potential of pyrazine-based thiazolidinone derivatives (1-13). The basic structure of the synthesized compounds was determined using a variety of spectroscopic techniques, including 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HREI-MS. These scaffolds were studied for their biological profiles as anti-cancer as well as anti-urease agents. The biological effectiveness of these compounds was compared using the reference tetrandrine (IC50 = 4.50 ± 0.20 µM) and thiourea (IC50 = 5.10 ± 0.10 µM), respectively. Among novel compounds, scaffold 3, 6, 7 and 10 demonstrated an excellent potency with highest inhibitory potential (IC50 = 1.70 ± 0.10 and 1.30 ± 0.20 µM), (IC50 = 4.20 ± 0.10 and 5.10 ± 0.30 µM), (IC50 = 2.10 ± 0.10 and 3.20 ± 0.20 µM) and (IC50 = 2.70 ± 0.20 and 4.20 ± 0.20 µM), respectively, out of which scaffold 3 emerged as the leading compound due to the presence of highly reactive -CF3 moiety which interacts via hydrogen bonding. Molecular docking investigations of the potent compounds was also carried out which revealed the binding interactions of ligands with the active sites of enzyme. Moreover, the electronic properties, nucleophilic and electrophilic sited of the lead compounds were also studied under density functional theory (DFT).

Uncovering chikungunya virus-encoded miRNAs and host-specific targeted genes associated with antiviral immune responses: an integrated bioinformatics approach.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the genus Alphavirus and is responsible for causing Chikungunya fever, a type of arboviral fever. Despite extensive research, the pathogenic mechanism of CHIKV within host cells remains unclear. In this study, an in-silico approach was used to predict that CHIKV produces micro-RNAs that target host-specific genes associated with host cellular regulatory pathways. Putative micro-RNAs of CHIKV were predicted using the miRNAFold and Vmir RNA structure web servers, and secondary structure prediction was performed using RNAfold. Host-specific target genes were then predicted, and hub genes were identified using CytoHubba and module selection through MCODE. Functional annotations of hub genes revealed their association with various pathways, including osteoclast differentiation, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, and mRNA surveillance. We used the freely available dataset GSE49985 to determine the level of expression of host-specific target genes and found that two genes, F-box and leucine-rich repeat protein 16 (FBXL16) and retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARA), were down-regulated, while four genes, RNA binding protein with serine-rich domain 1 (RNPS1), RNA helicase and ATPase (UPF1), neuropeptide S receptor 1 (NPSR1), and vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 1 (VIPR1), were up-regulated. These findings provide insight into novel miRNAs and hub genes associated with CHIKV infection and suggest potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Further experimental validation of these targets could lead to the development of effective treatments for CHIKV-mediated diseases.

Mathematical modeling for prediction of physicochemical characteristics of cardiovascular drugs via modified reverse degree topological indices.

Global health concerns persist due to the multifaceted nature of heart diseases, which include lifestyle choices, genetic predispositions, and emerging post-COVID complications like myocarditis and pericarditis. This broadens the spectrum of cardiovascular ailments to encompass conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and valvular disorders. Timely interventions, including lifestyle modifications and regular medications such as antiplatelets, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, antiarrhythmics, and vasodilators, are pivotal in managing these conditions. In drug development, topological indices play a critical role, offering cost-effective computational and predictive tools. This study explores modified reverse degree topological indices, highlighting their adjustable parameters that actively shape the degree sequences of molecular drugs. This feature makes the approach suitable for datasets with unique physicochemical properties, distinguishing it from traditional methods that rely on fixed degree approaches. In our investigation, we examine a dataset of 30 drug compounds, including sotagliflozin, dapagliflozin, dobutamine, etc., which are used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Through the structural analysis, we utilize modified reverse degree indices to develop quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) models, aiming to unveil essential understandings of their characteristics for drug development. Furthermore, we compare our QSPR models against the degree-based models, clearly demonstrating the superior effectiveness inherent in our proposed method.

Ceftriaxone and MC-100093 mitigate fentanyl-induced cardiac injury in mice: Preclinical investigation of its underlying molecular mechanisms.

Drug addiction is considered a worldwide concern and one of the most prevailing causes of death globally. Opioids are highly addictive drugs, and one of the most common opioids that is frequently used clinically is fentanyl. The potential harmful effects of chronic exposure to opioids on the heart are still to be elucidated. Although ß-lactam antibiotics are well recognized for their ability to fight bacteria, its protective effect in the brain and liver has been reported. In this study, we hypothesize that ß-lactam antibiotic, ceftriaxone, and the novel synthetic non-antibiotic ß-lactam, MC-100093, are cardioprotective against fentanyl induced-cardiac injury by upregulating xCT expression. Mice were exposed to repeated low dose (0.05 mg/kg, i.p.) of fentanyl for one week and then challenged on day 9 with higher dose of fentanyl (1 mg/kg, i.p.). This study investigated cardiac histopathology and target genes and proteins in serum and cardiac tissues in mice exposed to fentanyl overdose and ß-lactams. We revealed that fentanyl treatment induced cardiac damage as evidenced by elevated cardiac enzymes (troponin I). Furthermore, fentanyl treatment caused large aggregations of inflammatory cells and elevation in the areas and volumes of myocardial fibers, indicating hypertrophy and severe cardiac damage. Ceftriaxone and MC-100093 treatment, However, induced cardioprotective effects as evidenced by marked reduction in cardiac enzymes (troponin I) and changes in histopathology. Furthermore, ceftriaxone and MC-100093 treatment decreased the levels of hypertrophic genes (α-MHC & ß-MHC), apoptotic (caspase-3), and inflammatory markers (IL-6 & NF-κB). This study reports for the first time the cardioprotective effect of ß-lactams against fentanyl-induced cardiac injury. Further studies are greatly encouraged to completely identify the cardioprotective properties of ceftriaxone and MC-100093.

Inhibitory effect and mechanism of oregano essential oil on Listeria monocytogenes cells, toxins and biofilms.

Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a prevalent foodborne pathogen with a remarkable capacity to form biofilms on utensil surfaces. The Listeriolysin O (LLO) exhibits hemolytic activity, which is responsible for causing human infections. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect and mechanism of oregano essential oil (OEO) on L. monocytogenes, evaluated the effects on its biofilm removal and hemolytic activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of OEO against L. monocytogenes was 0.03 % (v/v). L. monocytogenes was treated with OEO at 3/2 MIC for 30 min the bacteria was decreased below the detection limit (10 CFU/mL) in PBS and TSB (the initial bacterial load was about 6.5 log CFU/mL). The level of L. monocytogenes in minced pork co-cultured with OEO (15 MIC) about 2.5 log CFU/g lower than that in the untreated group. The inhibitory mechanisms of OEO against planktonic L. monocytogenes encompassed perturbation of cellular morphology, elevation in reactive oxygen species levels, augmentation of lipid oxidation extent, hyperpolarization of membrane potential, and reduction in intracellular ATP concentration. In addition, OEO reduced biofilm coverage on the surface of glass slides by 62.03 % compared with the untreated group. Meanwhile, OEO (1/8 MIC) treatment reduced the hemolytic activity of L. monocytogenes to 24.6 % compared with the positive control. Molecular docking suggested carvacrol and thymol might reduce the hemolytic activity of L. monocytogenes. The results of this study demonstrate that OEO exhibits inhibitory effects against L. monocytogenes, biofilms and LLO, which had potential as natural antimicrobial for the inhibition of L. monocytogenes.

Designing an mRNA Vaccine against P. jirovecii Involved in Fatal Pneumonia Infections via Comparative Proteomics and Reverse Vaccinology Approaches.

BACKGROUND: Pneumocystis jirovecii is the most emerging life-threating health problem that causes acute and fatal pneumonia infection. It is rare and more contagious for patients with leukemia and immune-deficiency disorders. Until now there is no treatment available for this infection therefore, it is needed to develop any treatment against this pathogen. METHODS: In this work, we used comparative proteomics, robust immune-informatics, and reverse vaccinology to create an mRNA vaccine against Pneumocystis jirovecii by targeting outer and transmembrane proteins. Using a comparative subtractive proteomic analysis of two Pneumocystis jirovecii proteomes, a distinct non-redundant Pneumocystis jirovecii (strain SE8) proteome was chosen. Seven Pneumocystis jirovecii transmembrane proteins were chosen from this proteome based on hydrophilicity, essentiality, virulence, antigenicity, pathway interaction, protein-protein network analysis, and allergenicity. OBJECTIVE: The reverse vaccinology approach was used to predict the immunogenic and antigenic epitopes of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I, II and B-cells from the selected proteins on the basis of their antigenicity, toxicity and allergenicity. These immunogenic epitopes were linked together to construct the mRNA-based vaccine. To enhance the immunogenicity, suitable adjuvant, linkers (GPGPG, KK, and CYY), and PRDRE sequences were used. RESULTS: Through predictive modeling and confirmation via the Ramachandran plot, we assessed secondary and 3D structures. The adjuvant RpfE was incorporated to enhance the vaccine construct's immunogenicity (GRAVY index: -0.271, instability index: 39.53, antigenicity: 1.0428). The physiochemical profiling of vaccine construct was predicted it an antigenic, efficient, and potential vaccine. Notably, strong interactions were observed between the vaccine construct and TLR-3/TLR-4 (-1301.7 kcal/mol-1 and -1374.7 kcal/mol-1). CONCLUSIONS: The results predicted that mRNA-based vaccines trigger a cellular and humoral immune response, making the vaccine potential candidate against Pneumocystis jirovecii and it is more suitable for in-vitro analysis and validation to prove its effectiveness.

A novel vaccine construct against Zika virus fever: insights from epitope-based vaccine discovery through molecular modeling and immunoinformatics approaches.

The Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging virus associated with the Flaviviridae family that mainly causes infection in pregnant women and leads to several abnormalities during pregnancy. This virus has unique properties that may lead to pathological diseases. As the virus has the ability to evade immune response, a crucial effort is required to deal with ZIKV. Vaccines are a safe means to control different pathogenic infectious diseases. In the current research, a multi-epitope-based vaccination against ZIKV is being designed using in silico methods. For the epitope prediction and prioritization phase, ZIKV polyprotein (YP_002790881.1) and flavivirus polyprotein (>YP_009428568.1) were targeted. The predicted B-cell epitopes were used for MHC-I and MHC-II epitope prediction. Afterward, several immunoinformatics filters were applied and nine (REDLWCGSL, MQDLWLLRR, YKKSGITEV, TYTDRRWCF, RDAFPDSNS, KPSLGLINR, ELIGRARVS, AITQGKREE, and EARRSRRAV) epitopes were found to be probably antigenic in nature, non-allergenic, non-toxic, and water soluble without any toxins. Selected epitopes were joined using a particular GPGPG linker to create the base vaccination for epitopes, and an extra EAAAK linker was used to link the adjuvant. A total of 312 amino acids with a molecular weight (MW) of 31.62762 and an instability value of 34.06 were computed in the physicochemical characteristic analysis, indicating that the vaccine design is stable. The molecular docking analysis predicted a binding energy of -329.46 (kcal/mol) for TLR-3 and -358.54 (kcal/mol) for TLR-2. Moreover, the molecular dynamics simulation analysis predicted that the vaccine and receptor molecules have stable binding interactions in a dynamic environment. The C-immune simulation analysis predicted that the vaccine has the ability to generate both humoral and cellular immune responses. Based on the design, the vaccine construct has the best efficacy to evoke immune response in theory, but experimental analysis is required to validate the in silico base approach and ensure its safety.

Revolutionizing the probiotic functionality, biochemical activity, antibiotic resistance and specialty genes of Pediococcus acidilactici BCB1H via in-vitro and in-silico approaches.

This study presents a comprehensive genomic exploration, biochemical characterization, and the identification of antibiotic resistance and specialty genes of Pediococcus acidilactici BCB1H strain. The functional characterization, genetic makeup, biological activities, and other considerable parameters have been investigated in this study with a prime focus on antibiotic resistance and specialty gene profiles. The results of this study revealed the unique susceptibility patterns for antibiotic resistance and specialty genes. BCB1H had good in vitro probiotic properties, which survived well in simulated artificial gastrointestinal fluid, and exhibited acid and bile salt resistance. BCB1H didn't produce hemolysis and had certain antibiotic sensitivity, making it a relatively safe LAB strain. Simultaneously, it had good self-coagulation characteristics and antioxidant activity. The EPS produced by BCB1H also had certain antioxidant activity and hypoglycemic function. Moreover, the genome with a 42.4 % GC content and a size of roughly 1.92 million base pairs was analyzed in the genomic investigations. The genome annotation identified 192 subsystems and 1,895 genes, offering light on the metabolic pathways and functional categories found in BCB1H. The identification of specialty genes linked to the metabolism of carbohydrates, stress response, pathogenicity, and amino acids highlighted the strain's versatility and possible uses. This study establishes the groundwork for future investigations by highlighting the significance of using multiple strains to investigate genetic diversity and experimental validation of predicted genes. The results provide a roadmap for utilizing P. acidilactici BCB1H's genetic traits for industrial and medical applications, opening the door to real-world uses in industries including food technology and medicine.

In silico molecular modeling and in vitro biological screening of novel benzimidazole-based piperazine derivatives as potential acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors.

New series of benzimidazole incorporating piperazine moieties in single molecular framework has been reported. The structures of the synthesized derivatives were assigned by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and HR-MS techniques. The hybrid derivatives were evaluated for their acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition effect. All the synthesized analogs showed good to moderate inhibitory effect ranging from IC50 value 0.20 ± 0.01 µM to 0.50 ± 0.10 µM for acetylcholinesterase and from IC50 value 0.25 ± 0.01 µM to 0.70 ± 0.10 µM for butyrylcholinesterase except one that showed least potency with IC50 value 1.05 ± 0.1 µM and 1.20 ± 0.1 µM. The differences in inhibitory potential of synthesized compounds were due to the nature and position of substitution attached to the main ring. Additionally, molecular docking study was carried out for most active in order to explore the binding interactions established by ligand (active compounds) with the active residues of targeted AChE & BuChE enzyme.

Optimizing the resveratrol fragments for novel in silico hepatocellular carcinoma de novo drug design.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence varies widely around the world and is impacted by factors such as the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B and C infections, alcohol intake, and access to healthcare. The proteins (BRAF_human, VGFR3_human, EGFR_human and UFO_human) play a vital role in hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis, which involves cell proliferation, cell growth, transmission of extracellular signals to the cell nucleus and consequently regulating many other cellular processes. Fostamatinib has been studied for its possible use in the treatment of hepatocellular cancer because it is a more convenient therapy choice for patients and has minor side effects on the human body. However, resveratrol phytochemical has been investigated for its potential use in the prevention and treatment of a wide range of disorders, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurological problems due to its frequently antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating characteristics, which can aid in the prevention of chronic illnesses. This study developed de novo-based fragment-optimized resveratrol (FOR), enhancing therapeutic potential and lowering toxicity. The docking study was performed with four target proteins, and the findings reveal that the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 protein possessed the highest binding energy values of -7.6 kcal/mol with FOR. Additionally, it completely fulfills the criteria of drug-likeliness rules. Thus, FOR proves to be an efficient drug candidate for future in-vivo studies against hepatocellular carcinoma.

Machine Learning Identification of Nutrient Intake Variations across Age Groups in Metabolic Syndrome and Healthy Populations.

This study undertakes a comprehensive examination of the intricate link between diet nutrition, age, and metabolic syndrome (MetS), utilizing advanced artificial intelligence methodologies. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning from 1999 to 2018 were meticulously analyzed using machine learning (ML) techniques, specifically extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and the proportional hazards model (COX). Using these analytic methods, we elucidated a significant correlation between age and MetS incidence and revealed the impact of age-specific dietary patterns on MetS. The study delineated how the consumption of certain dietary components, namely retinol, beta-cryptoxanthin, vitamin C, theobromine, caffeine, lycopene, and alcohol, variably affects MetS across different age demographics. Furthermore, it was revealed that identical nutritional intakes pose diverse pathogenic risks for MetS across varying age brackets, with substances such as cholesterol, caffeine, and theobromine exhibiting differential risks contingent on age. Importantly, this investigation succeeded in developing a predictive model of high accuracy, distinguishing individuals with MetS from healthy controls, thereby highlighting the potential for precision in dietary interventions and MetS management strategies tailored to specific age groups. These findings underscore the importance of age-specific nutritional guidance and lay the foundation for future research in this area.

Subtractive proteomics-based vaccine targets annotation and reverse vaccinology approaches to identify multiepitope vaccine against Plesiomonas shigelloides.

Plesiomonas shigelloides, an aquatic bacterium belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family, is a frequent cause of gastroenteritis with diarrhea and gastrointestinal severe disease. Despite decades of research, discovering a licensed and globally accessible vaccine is still years away. Developing a putative vaccine that can combat the Plesiomonas shigelloides infection by boosting population immunity against P. shigelloides is direly needed. In the framework of the current study, the entire proteome of P. shigelloides was explored using subtractive genomics integrated with the immunoinformatics approach for designing an effective vaccine construct against P. shigelloides. The overall stability of the vaccine construct was evaluated using molecular docking, which demonstrated that MEV showed higher binding affinities with toll-like receptors (TLR4: 51.5 ± 10.3, TLR2: 60.5 ± 9.2) and MHC receptors(MHCI: 79.7 ± 11.2 kcal/mol, MHCII: 70.4 ± 23.7). Further, the therapeutic efficacy of the vaccine construct for generating an efficient immune response was evaluated by computational immunological simulation. Finally, computer-based cloning and improvement in codon composition without altering amino acid sequence led to the development of a proposed vaccine. In a nutshell, the findings of this study add to the existing knowledge about the pathogenesis of this infection. The schemed MEV can be a possible prophylactic agent for individuals infected with P. shigelloides. Nevertheless, further authentication is required to guarantee its safeness and immunogenic potential.

Fabricating active Egg Albumin/Sodium Alginate/Sodium Lignosulfonate Nanoparticles film with significantly improved multifunctional characteristics for food packing.

In food packaging, sodium lignosulfonate nanoparticles (SLS NPs) showed significant antibacterial properties, antioxidant and UV barrier activities. Herein, the SLS NPs were synthesized via a sustainable green method and were added into egg albumin/sodium alginate mixture (EA/SA) to fabricate a safe, edible EA/SA/SNPs food packaging. A composite film EA/SA/SNP was examined microstructurally and physicochemically. The mechanical characteristics, UV protection, water resistance, and the composite film's thermal stability were all enhanced by the inclusion of SLS NPs, and water vapor permeability reduced by 44 %. This composite film exhibited robust antioxidative properties with DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging rates reaching 76.84 % and 92.56 %, and effective antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) with antibacterial rates reaching 98.25 % and 97.13 % for the positively charged nanoparticles interacting with the cell membrane. Freshness tests showed that the EA/SA/SNPs packaging film could delay the quality deterioration of fresh tomatoes. This composite film can slow down spoilage bacteria proliferation and prolongs food's preservation period by eight days at ambient temperature.

Statistical design and optimization of nano-transfersomes based chitosan gel for transdermal delivery of cefepime.

OBJECTIVES: This research aimed to overcome challenges posed by cefepime excessive elimination rate and poor patient compliance by developing transdermal delivery system using nano-transfersomes based chitosan gel. METHODS: Rotary evaporation-sonication method and the Box-Behnken model were used to prepare cefepime loaded nano-transfersomes (CPE-NTFs). The physiochemical characterization of CPE-NTFs were analyzed including DLS, deformability index, DSC and antimicrobial study. Optimized CPE-NTFs loaded into chitosan gel and appropriately characterized. In vitro release, ex vivo and in vivo studies were performed. RESULTS: The CPE-NTFs were physically stable with particle size 222.6 ± 1.8 nm, polydispersity index 0.163 ± 0.02, zeta potential -20.8 ± 0.1 mv, entrapment efficiency 81.4 ± 1.1% and deformability index 71 ± 0.2. DSC analysis confirmed successful drug loading and thermal stability. FTIR analysis showed no chemical interaction among the excipients of CPE-NTFs gel. The antibacterial activity demonstrated a remarkable reduction in the minimum inhibitory concentration of cefepime when incorporated into nano-transfersomes. CPE-NTFs based chitosan gel (CPE-NTFs gel) showed significant physicochemical properties. In vitro release studies exhibited sustained release behavior over 24 h, and ex vivo studies indicated enhanced permeation and retention compared to conventional cefepime gel. In vivo skin irritation studies confirmed CPE-NTFs gel was nonirritating and biocompatible for transdermal delivery. CONCLUSION: This research showed nano-transfersomes based chitosan gel is a promising approach for cefepime transdermal delivery and provides sustained release of cefepime.

Integrating 16S rRNA profiling and in-silico analysis for an epitope-based vaccine strategy against Achromobacter xylosoxidans infection.

Achromobacter xylosoxidans is an aerobic, catalase-positive, non-pigment-forming, Gram-negative, and motile bacterium. It potentially causes a wide range of human infections in cystic fibrosis and non-cystic fibrosis patients. However, developing a safe preventive or therapeutic solution against A. xylosoxidans remains challenging. This study aimed to construct an epitope-based vaccine candidate using immunoinformatic techniques. A. xylosoxidans was isolated from an auto workshop in Lahore, and its identification was confirmed through 16S rRNA amplification and bioinformatic analysis. Two protein targets with GenBank accession numbers AKP90890.1 and AKP90355.1 were selected for the vaccine construct. Both proteins exhibited antigenicity, with scores of 0.757 and 0.580, respectively and the epitopes were selected based on the IC50 value using the ANN 4.0 and NN-align 2.3 epitope prediction method for MHC I and MHC II epitopes respectively and predicted epitopes were analyzed for antigenicity, allergenicity and pathogenicity. The vaccine construct demonstrated structural stability, thermostability, solubility, and hydrophilicity. The vaccine produced 250 B-memory cells per mm3 and approximately 16,000 IgM + IgG counts, indicating an effective immune response against A. xylosoxidans. Moreover, the vaccine candidate interacted stably with toll-like receptor 5, a pattern recognition receptor, with a confidence score of 0.98. These results highlight the potency of the designed vaccine candidate, suggesting its potential to withstand rigorous in vitro and in vivo clinical trials. This epitope-based vaccine could serve as the first preventive immunotherapy against A. xylosoxidans infections, addressing this bacterium's health and financial burdens. The findings demonstrate the value of employing immunoinformatic tools in vaccine development, paving the way for more precise and tailored approaches to combating microbial threats.

Polysaccharide- and protein-based edible films combined with microwave technology for meat preservation.

To reduce food-borne bacterial infection caused by food spoilage, developing highly efficient food packing film is still an urgent need for food preservation. Herein, microwave-assisted antibacterial nanocomposite films CaO2@PVP/EA/CMC-Na (CP/EC) were synthesized using waste eggshell as precursor, egg albumen (EA) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMCNa) as matrix by casting method. The size of CaO2@PVP (CP) nanoparticles with monodisperse spherical structures was 100-240 nm. When microwave and CP nanoparticles (0.05 mg/mL) were treated for 5 min, the mortality of E. coli and S. aureus could reach >97 %. Under microwave irradiation (6 min), the bactericidal rate of 2.5 % CP/EC film against E. coli and S. aureus reached 98.6 % and 97.2 %, respectively. After adding CP nanoparticles, the highest tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EB) of CP/EC film reached 19.59 MPa and 583.43 %, respectively. At 18 °C, the proliferation of bacterial colonies on meat can be significantly inhibited by 2.5 % CP/EC film. Detailed characterization showed that the excellent meat preservation activity was due to the synergistic effect of dynamic effect generated by ROS and thermal effect of microwave. This study provides a promising approach for the packaging application of polysaccharide- and protein-based biomass nanocomposite antibacterial edible films.

Exploring the extrachromosomal plasmid rDNA of Naegleria fowleri AY27 genotype II: A human brain-eating amoeba via high-throughput sequencing.

Naegleria fowleri, also known as brain-earing amoeba, causes severe and rapidly fatal CNS infection in humans called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). The DNA from the N. fowleri clinical isolate was sequenced for circular extrachromosomal ribosomal DNA (CERE - rDNA). The CERE contains 18 S, 5.8 S, and 28 S ribosomal subunits separated by internal transcribed spacers, 5 open reading frames (ORFs), and mostly repeat elements comprising 7268 bp out of 15,786 bp (46%). A wide variety of variations and recombination events were observed. Finally, the ORFs that comprised only 4 hypothetical proteins were modeled and screened against Zinc drug-like compounds. Two compounds [ZINC77564275 (ethyl 2-(((4-isopropyl-4 H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl) methyl) (methyl)amino) oxazole-4-carboxylate) and ZINC15022129 (5-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-[2,2'-bipyrimidine]-4,6(1 H,5 H)-dione)] were finalized as potential druggable compounds based on ADME toxicity analysis. We propose that the compounds showing the least toxicity would be potential drug candidates after laboratory experimental validation is performed.

Role of diosmin in preventing doxorubicin-induced cardiac oxidative stress, inflammation, and hypertrophy: A mechanistic approach.

Chemotherapeutic drugs, such as doxorubicin (Dox), are commonly used to treat a variety of malignancies. However, Dox-induced cardiotoxicity limits the drug's clinical applications. Hence, this study intended to investigate whether diosmin could prevent or limit Dox-induced cardiotoxicity in an animal setting. Thirty-two rats were separated into four distinct groups of controls, those treated with Dox (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneal, i.p.), those treated with diosmin 100 mg plus Dox, and those treated with diosmin 200 mg plus Dox. At the end of the experiment, rats were anesthetized and sacrificed and their blood and hearts were collected. Cardiac toxicity markers were analyzed in the blood, and the heart tissue was analyzed by the biochemical assays MDA, GSH, and CAT, western blot analysis (NF-kB, IL-6, TLR-4, TNF-α, iNOS, and COX-2), and gene expression analysis (ß-MHC, BNP). Formalin-fixed tissue was used for histopathological studies. We demonstrated that a Dox insult resulted in increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and hypertrophy as shown by increased MDA levels and reduced GSH content and CAT activity. Furthermore, Dox treatment induced cardiac hypertrophy and damage, as evidenced by the biochemical analysis, ELISA, western blot analysis, and gene expression analysis. However, co-administration of diosmin at both doses, 100 mg and 200 mg, mitigated these alterations. Data derived from the current research revealed that the cardioprotective effect of diosmin was likely due to its ability to mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation. However, further study is required to investigate the protective effects of diosmin against Dox-induced cardiotoxicity.