Phytochemical profiling and anticancer potential of gardenia latifolia extracts against arsenic trioxide induced liver fibrosis in rat model.

Introduction: Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) is an environmental contaminant that may cause hepatic injuries. As2O3-induced liver injuries are detected as an underlying cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) around the globe. The present study aimed to investigate the potential of Gardenia latifolia (GL) extracts against oxidative stress and apoptotic activity in HCC-induced rats and to explore in silico molecular docking analysis of phytocompounds of G. latifolia. Methods: The present study was designed to investigate the hepato-protective effect of ethanol and n-hexane extract of G. latifolia. Phytochemical analysis was performed using gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the identified metabolites were used for computational docking analysis. The binding potential and inhibitory effect of the identified metabolites against inflammatory markers were assessed. Fifty male albino rats were selected for the in vivo study and were randomly divided into five groups, with 10 rats in each group. Group I is the control group. Hepatotoxicity was induced in groups II, III, IV, and V with 350 mg/kg/day of As2O3. Group II was taken as positive control, Group III and IV were treated with ethanol and n-hexane extract of G. latifolia, respectively, and Group V was treated with cisplatin 3.0 mg/kg/day. At the end of treatment, different stress and liver biomarkers were also analyzed. Results and Discussion: The quantitative phytochemical profiling revealed a high content of total flavonoid and tannins found at 5.731 ± 0.1856 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g and 86.31 ± 14.20 mg tannic acid equivalent (TAE)/g in G. latifolia n-hexane extract, while a significant concentration of TFC was 276.821 ± 2.19 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g, in ethanolic extract. GC-MS analysis resulted in the identification of 26 metabolites in ethanol extract while 32 metabolites in n-hexane extract, respectively. Both the extracts restored the abnormal levels of stress markers (p < 0.05) in Groups III and IV, and were comparable to the comparative control group V, which was given cisplatin as the standard drug. The histopathological examination revealed the regeneration of hepatocytes, dilated sinusoidal cells, necrosis, and distorted hepatic architecture observed in arsenic trioxide hepatotoxic liver. Among the top most identified metabolites from GC-MS analysis, stigmasterol exhibited -8.3 and -7.1 kcal/mol in silico binding affinities against cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and interleukin (IL-6), respectively, while Dasycarpidan-1-methanol exhibited the best binding affinities of -6.8 and -7.2 kcal/mole against matrixmetalloprotinease (MMP)-3 and heat shock protein-90 (HSP-90), respectively. 6-AH-cAMP showed the best docking score of -7.5 kcal/mol for the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) macromolecule. Metabolite Dasycarpidan-1-methanol, acetate represented drug like properties so it was further analyzed by MD simulation and stable dynamic nature of protein ligand complex was evaluated. Conclusion: In conclusion, the effective therapeutic potential of G. latifolia extracts targeted oxidative stress, increasing antioxidant activities and inhibiting inflammation and liver complications at early stages. Further research on the molecular level may further explore the anticancer potential of this plant against various types of cancers.

COVID-19 among health care workers and their impact on the health care system in a teaching hospital in Pakistan: A cross sectional observational study.

Background and Aims: Health care workers (HCWs) are thought to be high-risk population for acquiring coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The COVID-19 emergence has had a profound effect on healthcare system. We sought to investigate the COVID-19 among HCWs and their effects on the healthcare system. Methods: A cross sectional observational study was conducted at Timergara teaching hospital. The study included HCWs with positive real time polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The study duration was from April to September, 2020. The demographic profile of each recruited subject was collected through structured interview. The patient's admissions to hospital were collected for the 5 months before (October 2019-February 2020) and 5 months after lockdown (March-July 2020). Results: A total of 72 out of 689 (10%) HCWs were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, of whom 83% were front-liners. The majority were male (72%), with comorbidities (14%) and no mortality. The structured interview of all participants showed that the healthcare setting was the major possible source of infection (97%). The patient admissions into the hospital were reduced by 42% during lockdown than prelockdown period. The patients admission was significantly decreased in the medical ward during lockdown (60% decrease; p < 0.01) with slightly similar trends in other departments. Conclusion: In conclusion, we found increased risk of COVID-19 for front-line HCWs. Lack of mortality was the favorable outcome. Lack of replacing the infected HCWs possibly explained the marked decrease in hospital admissions, and potential inadequate healthcare delivery during the lockdown. Understanding SARS-CoV-2 among HCWs and their impact on health-care system will be crucial for countries under COVID-19 crises or in case of future pandemic to deliver proper health services.

Comparative efficacy of phosphorous supplements with phosphate solubilizing bacteria for optimizing wheat yield in calcareous soils.

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is the main hurdle in achieving sustainable crop production ps especially in calcareous soils. Using bio-fertilizers like phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) could be a useful approach for sustainable P management as they improve P availability in soil via dissolution, desorption and mineralization reactions. In addition, application of organic amendments with PSB could further ameliorate soil conditions for sustainable management of immobilized nutrients in calcarious soils. Therefore, we performed pot experiment to study the role of PSB in nullifying antagonistic effects of liming (4.78, 10, 15 and 20%) on P availability from poultry manure (PM), farm yard manure (FYM), single super phosphate (SSP) and rock phosphate (RP) in alkaline soils. PSB inoculation improved wheat growth, P availability and stimulated soil acidification over control regardless of P sources and lime levels. Soil calcification adversely affected plant growth, P nutrition, induced soil salinity and alkalinity, however, PSB and manures application potentially nullified such harmful effects over mentioned traits. Individually, organic sources were superior than mineral sources however, the performance of mineral fertilizers with PSB was at par to sole application of manures. Furthermore, application of RP with PSB proved as effective as sole SSP. Therefore, using PSB as bio-fertilizer has huge potential for improving P availability in calcareous soils.

Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Two Hydrogel Formulations Comprising Polyherbal Extract.

Background: Nature represents a basic source of medicinal scaffolds that can develop into potent drugs used in the treatment of many diseases. Aim: The present study was planned to evaluate the combined effects of polyherbal methanolic extract of the herbs (fruit of capsicum, bark of cinnamon, rhizome of turmeric and rhizome of ginger) that were individually well known for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. Furthermore, we aimed to develop hydrogel formulation of this polyherbal extract and to characterize and evaluate its analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential. Materials and Methods: Zingiber officinale (R.), Capsicum annuum (L.), Curcuma longa (L.), and Cinnamomum verum (J.) polyherbal extract (GCTC) was prepared by maceration and evaluated for analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential. Then, two different types of hydrogel formulation were prepared. One is pH-based hydrogel in which carbopol-940 was used and the other is temperature-based gel in which methocel-K100 was used as gelling agent. Different concentrations of polyherbal extract (GCTC), at 1%, 3% and 5%, were used in hydrogel formulation. These prepared hydrogel formulations were characterized and evaluated for analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential. Results: Results show that polyherbal extract and all the developed formulations of polyherbal extract (GCTC), at concentrations of 1%, 3% and 5%, have significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects with good appearance, homogeneity, spreadability, extrudability and stability. Conclusion: It was concluded from this project that polyherbal extract (GCTC) and its hydrogel have significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential.

Authentication of the therapeutic Lamiaceae taxa by using pollen traits observed under scanning electron microscopy.

Herbal medicines are gaining popularity worldwide for human healthcare because of their therapeutic potential. However, adulteration and use of unauthentic raw herbals as substitutes have become a major issue for the local communities and industry for reasons of safety and efficacy. Therefore, the authentication of medicinal plants before their use in herbal medicines is a need of time. Hence, the present study was designed with an aim, to authenticate the therapeutic Lamiaceous taxa by using pollen traits observed under scanning electron microscopy. Pollen micro-morphological studies solve the problem through discrimination and correct identification of the Lamiaceae species from the adulterants. Based on pollen features, Lamiaceae were further divided into two sub-families Lamioideae (tricolpate) and Nepetoideae (hexa-colpate). The pollen grains of Lamioideae were found as small to medium-sized, tricolpate, radially/bilateral symmetrical, sub-spheroidal and oblate shape. Besides, exine patterns bireticulate, reticulate and micro-reticulate, colpus surface sculpturing as psilate, gemmate, scabrate, and verrucate have also been reported. A significant variation was found in the pattern of the reticulum, thickness, and the number of secondary lumina per primary lumen. Similarly, Nepetoideae has a hexa zono-colpate pollen but tri and tetra zono-colpate pollen have also been observed. Hence, this study contributes to the authentication and correct identification of medicinally important Lamiaceae taxa by using scanning electron microscopic techniques and can help to solve the adulteration problem. Highlights Authentication of medicinally important Lamiceous taxa was carried out through scanning electron microscopic techniques. Chemotaxonomic characterization was used for the accurate identification of the therapeutic taxa. The medicinal, palynological and phytochemical significance of Lamiaceae taxa were evaluated. A significant variation was seen in the palynological traits that help in the determination and authentication of the therapeutic Lamiaceous species. Based on the chemotaxonomic characterization, our study can help to solve the adulteration problem for the reason of safety and efficacy.

Improving boron use efficiency via different application techniques for optimum production of good quality potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in alkaline soil.

Boron (B) deficiency is a widespread problem in alkaline soils which affects yield and quality of potato but is often ignored by the growers. That's why, we compared the impact of different methods of boron application (foliar spray, fertigation and soil dressing) along with control on boron use efficiency (BUE), quality and yield of potato in alkaline soils. Boron (0.5 kg ha-1) applied as a foliar spray had significantly increased plant height, tuber per plant, tuber volume and enhanced the quality in terms of vitamin C, starch and B content of potato compared to other methods. Moreover, foliar applied B significantly improved B uptake and it use efficiency over other application methods. B concentration in tubers were strongly correlated with vitamin C and starch contents. The application methods were ranked as foliar spray>fertigation>soil dressing in term of their effectiveness towards potato yield and quality improvement. Thus, for optimum production of good quality potato, B should be applied as foliar spray at the rate of 0.5 kg B ha-1 in existing agro-climatic conditions.

2-Methoxy-6-Acetyl-7-Methyljuglone: A Bioactive Phytochemical with Potential Pharmacological Activities.

Natural products have been the focus of biomedical and pharmaceutical research to develop new therapies in recent years. 2-methoxy-6-acetyl-7-methyljuglone (2-methoxystypandrone, MAM) a natural bioactive juglone derivative, is known to have various levels of pharmacotherapeutic efficacies as an anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-HIV activities. MAM fights cancer progression by inducing apoptosis, necroptosis and deregulating signaling pathways through H2O2-induced JNK/iNOS/NO and MAPK, ERK1/2 pathways, JNK activation, and the RIP1/RIP3 complex. In this review, we summarize the pharmacological importance of MAM in the field of drug discovery. Furthermore, this review not only emphasizes the medicinal properties of MAM, but also discusses its potential efficacy in future medicinal products.

Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on routine vaccination in Pakistan: a hospital-based study.

The effect of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on routine vaccination in low- and middle-income countries are scarce. The current pandemic has disrupted routine immunization globally. We aimed to analyze the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on routine immunizations practice in Pakistan. A retrospective study was conducted. The data were extracted from the immunization registry in order to assess the disruption in routine immunization coverage during 5 months of the lockdown period. We compared 5 months post lockdown against the baseline period of 5 months preceding lockdown. To broaden the horizon of our research we also collected data of vaccination from rural areas within the country. The results of the current study showed that on average, there was a disruption in routine immunization by 36% during lockdown when compared with the prepandemic period. The largest decline was observed for measles vaccination with a decline of 48%. In rural areas there was a lower decline in vaccination coverage with the highest decline noted for rotavirus vaccination of 15%. This monthly decrease in routine vaccination continued to be at a decline for several months during lockdown; however, it slightly increased post lockdown. In conclusion, on average, there was more than 30% declined in routine vaccination during the lockdown period, while somewhat improved post lockdown, i.e. 12%. Thus, this ongoing pandemic is a reminder for the national immunization programs to consider to tackle the disruption in routine immunization, otherwise, this continued disruption may lead to secondary outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases amongst the public.

Comparing the phosphorus use efficiency of pre-treated (organically) rock phosphate with soluble P fertilizers in maize under calcareous soils.

In calcareous soils, phosphorus (P) availability to plant is impaired due to the formation of insoluble complexes with calcium and magnesium. Therefore, this study was executed to compare the P use efficiency (PUE) of four different P sources [rock phosphate (RP), acidulated rock phosphate (ARP), single super phosphate (SSP) and di ammonium phosphate (DAP)] alone or pre-treated with organic amendments (farm yard manure (FYM) enriched compost, simple compost and humic acid (HA)) along with control in maize crop under calcareous soils. All treatments irrespective of P sources received 90 kg P2O5 ha-1. Phosphorus application regardless of its sources and combination with organic amendments significantly improved maize growth, yield as well as P uptake and PUE. Rock phosphate when applied alone was recorded inferior but its performance significantly improved with compost or its pre-addition with FYM and HA, that further enhanced upon acidulation. Maize grain yield increased by 21, 22.2, 67.9 and 94% with RP, ARP, ARP enriched compost and ARP+ compost respectively, over control. Similarly, PUE of DAP improved from 31.7 to 43.1 and 39 with sample and enriched compost correspondingly. Post-harvest soil and grain P were at par for SSP, ARP and DAP alone or in conjugation with organic amendments when averaged across the amendments. These results suggested that pretreatment of P sources with organic amendments is an economical and more feasible approach to improve maize yield and PUE. Moreover, on-farm acidulation of RP may give at par results with SSP and DAP with cheaper rate and hence recommended for P management in maize in alkaline calcareous soils.

Variation and succession of microbial communities under the conditions of persistent heavy metal and their survival mechanism.

This review summarizes the recent papers published about the microbial communities under the conditions of persistent heavy metals around the world. Many microbial communities' study has demonstrated intense changes in the community composition, and microbial diversity caused by heavy metals, environmental pollution as well as adaptation processes allowing survival of microbes in metal-polluted ecosystems. The effect of heavy metals such as Cu, Pb, Hg, Ni, Cd, Zn, and As on soil microbial communities in mediated soil are reviewed. The different sensitivity measurement, toxicity of metals, relative toxicity is discussed. In recent years, industrial activities have a significant influence on the environment. Especially, heavy metals such as Hg, Cr, Pb, Mn, and As, have induced seriously affected the soil microbial communities, cause diseases and even death of organisms through contaminated soils, although heavy metals in trace amounts are beneficial even significant to organisms. The effect of heavy metals on soil microbial communities is still poorly understood. That how microbial communities respond to environmental changes is a key issue in ecology. In the future further work needed to understand the microbial community under persistent heavy metals, their effects, how to reduce and decrease the microbial diversity, and resistance of specific bacterial species to heavy metals.