In silico evaluation of favipiravir-associated potential new drugs against polymerase enzyme of SARS-CoV-2.

Millions of lives have been lost to the deadly SARS-CoV-2 virus. Vaccines and antiviral drugs are essential scientific tools in combating viral infections. This in silico study focused on the RdRp inhibitor favipiravir, exploring new analogs by substituting the fluorine atom on the pyrazine ring with both homocyclic and heterocyclic moieties. Initially, ADME and toxicity properties were assessed using SwissADME and ProTox-II online tools. Ligands L6 and L7 exhibited high bioavailability and drug-likeness compared to favipiravir. Subsequently, all new analogs were docked into the RdRp active site using AutoDock Vina, demonstrating high affinity compared to favipiravir. Based on optimal ADMET profiles and docking scores, ligands L4, L6, and L7 underwent 200 ns MDS using the CHAARM 36 force field in NAMD software to validate docking results. Various trajectory analyses, including RMSD, RMSF, histograms, total number of contacts, and ligand properties, were conducted to gain insights into the interaction patterns between ligands and RdRp. All protein-ligand complexes exhibited greater stability than favipiravir throughout simulations period. This theoretical study suggests that ligands L6 and L7 could serve as lead candidates for RdRp inhibition. Cell-Based SARS-CoV-2 RdRp Activity Assay is recommended to validate these in silico findings.

A comparative analysis of dendrometric, macromorphological, and micromorphological characteristics of Pistacia atlantica subsp. atlantica and Pistacia terebinthus in the middle Atlas region of Morocco.

The genus Pistacia, with its species having notable ecological, economic, and medicinal implications, demonstrates remarkable environmental adaptability. The central objective of the study is to analyze interspecific variations between Pistacia atlantica subsp. atlantica and Pistacia terebinthus across three distinct bioclimatic zones in the Middle Atlas region of Morocco. The methodology includes collecting dendrometric measurements and conducting macromorphological examinations on these two taxa, with a detailed analysis of 27 qualitative and quantitative variables. A micro-morphological analysis of leaves, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), is employed to explore specific features such as size and stomatal density, as well as qualitative aspects like epidermal cell shape and trichomes. Dendrometric measurements have revealed that the canopy surface and the number of trunks per tree can serve as distinctive features between the two species. Regarding the sex ratio of Pistacia atlantica subsp. atlantica, 59% of the examined trees are males, primarily associated with the jujube tree in arid zones and the dwarf palm in humid areas. In contrast, female Pistacia terebinthus exhibit a similar percentage, predominantly associated with oak groves and cade juniper in their distribution areas. Principal component analysis of biometric measurements emphasized a significant disparity between the two species, representing 60.25% of the total variance. The use of SEM unveiled new features facilitating the identification of the two species. By leveraging the macromorphological and micromorphological variability of pistachio trees, we can qualify those best suited to diverse bioclimates. In this regard, we suggest incorporating them into reforestation and rehabilitation programs aimed at restoring our declining ecosystems.

Degradation of Argan oils used in edible and cosmetic applications after exposure to UV light.

This study investigates for the first time the effects of UV light exposure on the chemical composition of artisanal and cold-pressed culinary and cosmetic argan oils, as well as their quality and biological activities. We ascertained the oxidative stability of both types of oil through measurements of the peroxide value, acidity, UV-spectrophotometric indexes (E232 and E270), and iodine value. Over the course of eight hours at room temperature, the impact of UV light on the breakdown of tocopherols, polyphenols, chlorophylls, and carotenoid pigments was examined. The findings showed that during photo-oxidation, acidity, peroxide value, and particular extinction coefficients (E232 and E270) gradually increased. On the other hand, a decline in the content of polyphenols, tocopherols, carotenoid, and chlorophyll was noted. Interestingly, iodine levels failed to improve. Although after an eight-hour degradation, the physicochemical profile of argan oils remained exceptional. DPPH• (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) antioxidant activity tests showed a gradual decrease in radical inhibition over time, which was attributed to lower levels of tocopherol and polyphenol. However, roasted oils showed antifungal action against Botrytis cinerea fungus, while Argan vegetable oils showed no activity against Escherichia coli, Microbacterium resistens, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and Raoultella ornithinolytica, according to antimicrobial assays.

Comprehensive phytochemical and toxicological analysis of Chenopodium ambrosioides (L.) fractions.

Chenopodium ambrosioides aerial parts have been historically employed in traditional medicine for addressing various ailments such as headaches, abdominal discomfort, joint issues, and respiratory disorders, alongside treatments for lice and warts. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive phytochemical analysis of C. ambrosioides and assess the acute and subacute toxicity of oral treatments using fractions in preclinical trials. Spectrophotometric analysis via LC-MS/MS was used to characterize the plant's chemical composition. Acute toxicity evaluation followed Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development code 42 guidelines, conducted on adult male and female Wistar strain mice. Subsequently, Swiss mice were divided into six groups for the subacute toxicity study, receiving oral doses of 200 mg/kg extracts and fractions for 28 days. Daily observations and biochemical analyses were performed, with LC-MS/MS revealing a diverse array of compounds including organic acids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, rutin, hesperidin, nicotiflorine, and fumaric acid. Results indicated no lethality or alterations in body weight in treated groups, though some organ weight changes were noted. Biochemical analyses demonstrated values within the normal range for all groups, suggesting that the treatments did not induce adverse effects. Acute and subacute treatments with fractions did not result in lethality or toxic alterations at therapeutic doses, implying the safety of the product at appropriate levels. This study underscores the potential of C. ambrosioides as a safe therapeutic option warranting further exploration.

Valorization of corn silk through incorporation in instant mix and analyzing its shelf life by kinetic modelling.

Corn silk (Zea mays L.), an abundant agricultural waste, contains various bioactive compounds that exhibit promising health benefits. The current study focuses on development and optimization of corn silk-based instant mix using response surface methodology. The optimized product, with 14.66% corn silk, 10% sugar and 0.22% xanthan gum in a skim milk powder base, scored 0.925 desirability. The physico-chemical and sensory parameters of optimized mix closely aligned with expected values. The instant mix packaged in metallised polyester yielded superior preservation of quality indicators over 120 days compared to low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The microbial load in corn silk instant mix was observed across packaging materials and highlighting hydroxyl methyl furfural (HMF) as the primary predictor of product stability, the study calculated a 94.95 days half-life at 10 °C. Corn silk's rich bioactive compound supports its integration into nutraceuticals and instant mixes, mitigating food waste while enhancing nutritional value. Novelty statement. In this study, corn silk powder was utilized for the development of the instant mix. This innovative approach transforms corn silk, typically discarded as agricultural waste, into a commercially sustainable product that delivers the nutrients of corn silk to a broader population. Despite fresh corn silk being a perishable commodity, it has very low storage shelf life. The developed instant mix effectively preserves its nutritional value for up to six months, offering a sustainable and nutritious option for consumers.

In silico homology modeling of dengue virus non-structural 4B (NS4B) protein and its molecular docking studies using triterpenoids.

BACKGROUND: Dengue fever has become a significant worldwide health concern, because of its high morbidity rate and the potential for an increase in mortality rates due to lack of adequate treatment. There is an immediate need for the development of effective medication for dengue fever. METHODS: Homology modeling of dengue virus (DENV) non-structural 4B (NS4B) protein was performed by SWISS-MODEL to predict the 3D structure of the protein. Structure validation was conducted using PROSA, PROCHECK, Ramachandran plot, and VERIFY-3D. MOE software was used to find out the in-Silico inhibitory potential of the five triterpenoids against the DENV-NS4B protein. RESULTS: The SWISS-MODEL was employed to predict the three-dimensional protein structure of the NS4B protein. Through molecular docking, it was found that the chosen triterpenoid NS4B protein had a high binding affinity interaction. It was observed that the NS4B protein binding energy for 15-oxoursolic acid, betulinic acid, ursolic acid, lupeol, and 3-o-acetylursolic acid were - 7.18, - 7.02, - 5.71, - 6.67 and - 8.00 kcal/mol, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: NS4B protein could be a promising target which showed good interaction with tested triterpenoids which can be developed as a potential antiviral drug for controlling dengue virus pathogenesis by inhibiting viral replication. However, further investigations are necessary to validate and confirm their efficacy.

Phytochemical-mediated regulation of aflatoxigenic fungi contamination in a shifting climate and environment.

Mycotoxin contamination poses a significant problem in developing countries, particularly in northern Pakistan's fluctuating climate. This study aimed to assess aflatoxin contamination in medicinal and condiment plants in Upper Dir (dry-temperate) and Upper Swat (moist-temperate) districts. Plant samples were collected and screened for mycotoxins (Aflatoxin-B1 and Aflatoxin-B-2). Results showed high levels of AFB-1 (11,505.42 ± 188.82) as compared to AFB-2 (846 ± 241.56). The maximum contamination of AFB-1 in Coriandrum sativum (1154.5 ± 13.43 ng to 3328 ± 9.9 ng) followed by F. vulgare (883 ± 9.89 ng to 2483 ± 8.4 ng), T. ammi (815 ± 11.31 ng to 2316 ± 7.1 ng), and C. longa (935.5 ± 2.12 ng to 2009 ± 4.2 ng) while the minimum was reported in C. cyminum (671 ± 9.91 ng to 1995 ± 5.7 ng). Antifungal tests indicated potential resistance in certain plant species (C. cyminum) while A. flavus as the most toxins contributing species due to high resistance below 80% (54.2 ± 0.55 to 79.5 ± 2.02). HPLC analysis revealed hydroxyl benzoic acid (5136 amu) as the dominant average phytochemical followed by phloroglucinol (4144.31 amu) with individual contribution of 8542.08 amu and 12,181.5 amu from C. cyaminum. The comparison of average phytochemicals revealed the maximum concentration in C. cyminum (2885.95) followed by C. longa (1892.73). The findings revealed a statistically significant and robust negative correlation (y = - 2.7239 × + 5141.9; r = - 0.8136; p < 0.05) between average mycotoxins and phytochemical concentrations. Temperature positively correlated with aflatoxin levels (p < 0.01), while humidity had a weaker correlation. Elevation showed a negative correlation (p < 0.05), while geographical factors (latitude and longitude) had mixed correlations (p < 0.05). Specific regions exhibited increasing aflatoxin trends due to climatic and geographic factors.

Exploratory evaluation supported by experimental and modeling approaches of Inula viscosa root extract as a potent corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in a 1 M HCl solution.

The corrosion of metals poses a threat to the economy, the environment, and human health due to undesirable reactions and contaminated products. Corrosion inhibitors, including natural products, can play a key role in protecting metallic materials, especially under challenging conditions. In this study, the roots of the Inula viscosa plant were examined for their ability to act as corrosion inhibitors in a 1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution. Different extracts of the plant were evaluated for their corrosion inhibition capacity in a 1 M HCl solution. The effectiveness of different plant extracts was assessed, including an aqueous extract, an ethanolic extract, and a combined water-ethanol extract. Compounds present in the roots of Inula viscosa were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography. The electrochemical properties of the extracts were studied using various techniques such as open circuit potential, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and potentiodynamic polarization. Additionally, surface analysis after immersion was performed using scanning electron microscopy. Electrochemical data revealed that Inula viscosa root (IVR) extracts acted as mixed-type corrosion inhibitors with pronounced cathodic characteristics. The inhibitory efficiency was closely related to the concentration of Inula viscosa (I. viscosa), showing a significant increase with higher concentrations. This resulted in a decrease in corrosion current and an increase in polarization resistance. Notably, inhibitory efficiency reached high levels, up to 97.7% in mixed extract which represents a mixture between water and ethanol. In our study, it was observed that the mixed extract (water + ethanol) allowed for a greater corrosion inhibition compared to the other solvents studied, 97.7%. Surface analyses confirmed the formation of an organic film layer on the steel surface, attributed to the bonding of functional groups and heteroatoms in I. viscosa components. Therefore, this study paves the way for the potential integration of I. viscosa as a promising corrosion inhibition material, offering durable protection against steel corrosion and opening avenues for various related applications.

Biological Properties of Mentha viridis L. Essential Oil and Its Main Monoterpene Constituents.

This research aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic, dermatoprotective, and antibacterial activities of Mentha viridis L. essential oil (MVEO) collected in the province of Ouezzane (Northwest Morocco). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed that the main constituents of MVEO were carvone (37.26 %), 1,8-cineole (11.82 %), limonene (5.27 %), α-terpineol (4.16 %), and ß-caryophyllene (4.04 %). MVEO showed strong inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities, exceeding those of acarbose, but weak anti-elastase activity. The main compounds, ß-caryophyllene (IC50=79.91±2.24 and 62.08±2.78 µg/mL) and limonene (IC50=90.73±3.47 and 68.98±1, 60 µg/mL), demonstrated the strongest inhibitory effects on both digestive enzymes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase, respectively). In silico investigations, using molecular docking, also showed the inhibitory potential of these bioactive compounds against the enzymes tested. In conclusion, MVEO, due to its main components such as limonene, 1,8-cineole, ß-caryophyllene, carvone, and α-terpineol, shows promising prospects for drug discovery and natural therapeutic applications.

Rice seeds biofortification using biogenic iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized by using Glycyrrhiza glabra: a study on growth and yield improvement.

Iron, a crucial micronutrient, is an integral element of biotic vitality. The scarcity of iron in the soil creates agronomic challenges and has a detrimental impact on crop vigour and chlorophyll formation. Utilizing iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) via nanopriming emerges as an innovative method to enhance agricultural efficiency and crop health. The objective of this study was to synthesize biogenic IONPs from Glycyrrhiza glabra (G. glabra) plant extract using green chemistry and to evaluate their nanopriming effects on rice seed iron levels and growth. The synthesized IONPs were analyzed using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. The UV-Vis peak at 280 nm revealed the formation of IONPs. SEM and TEM showed that the nanoparticles were spherical and had an average diameter of 23.8 nm. Nanopriming resulted in a substantial enhancement in growth, as seen by a 9.25% and 22.8% increase in shoot lengths for the 50 ppm and 100 ppm treatments, respectively. The yield metrics showed a positive correlation with the concentrations of IONPs. The 1000-grain weight and spike length observed a maximum increase of 193.75% and 97.73%, respectively, at the highest concentration of IONPs. The study indicates that G. glabra synthesized IONPs as a nanopriming agent significantly increased rice seeds' growth and iron content. This suggests that there is a relationship between the dosage of IONPs and their potential for improving agricultural biofortification.

Blending cold-pressed peanut oil with omega-3 fatty acids from walnut oil: Analytical profiling and prediction of nutritive attributes and oxidative stability.

This study aimed to explore the possibility of enriching cold-pressed Virginia (VIO) and Valencia (VAO) peanut oils with omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) from walnut oil (WO) to produce blended oils with improved nutritional value. The oxidative stability of pure and blended oils was examined under accelerated conditions (60 °C) for 28 days. The FA and tocopherol profiles, as well as nutritional quality indices, were determined. As the proportion of WO increased in the blends, the levels of linoleic and α-linolenic essential FAs increased, while oleic acid content decreased. Furthermore, γ- and δ-tocopherol levels rose, whereas α-tocopherol declined. Among the studied blends, VIO:WO blends, especially at a (70:30) ratio, were nutritionally favorable with a balanced FA profile. During storage, notable changes were observed in tocopherol levels, along with subtle alterations in the FA profile of the blended oils. Hence, the oxidative stability of pure VIO and VAO decreased with WO incorporation.

Nutritional and bioactive properties and antioxidant potential of Amaranthus tricolor, A. lividus, A viridis, and A. spinosus leafy vegetables.

Climate change results in continuous warming of the planet, threatening sustainable crop production around the world. Amaranth is an abiotic stress-tolerant, climate-resilient, C4 leafy orphan vegetable that has grown rapidly with great divergence and potential usage. The C4 photosynthesis allows amaranth to be grown as a sustainable future food crop across the world. Most amaranth species grow as weeds in many parts of the world, however, a few amaranth species can be also found in cultivated form. Weed species can be used as a folk medicine to relieve pain or reduce fever thanks to their antipyretic and analgesic properties. In this study, nutritional value, bioactive pigments, bioactive compounds content, and radical scavenging potential (RSP) of four weedy and cultivated (WC) amaranth species were evaluated. The highest dry matter, carbohydrate content, ash, content of iron, copper, sodium, boron, molybdenum, zinc, ß-carotene and carotenoids, vitamin C, total polyphenols (TP), RSP (DPPH), and RSP (ABTS+) was determined in Amaranthus viridis (AV). On the other hand, A. spinosus (AS) was found to have the highest content of protein, fat, dietary fiber, manganese, molybdenum, and total flavonoids (TF). In A. tricolor (AT) species the highest total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a and b, betaxanthin, betacyanin, and betalain content was determined. A. lividus (AL) was evaluated as the highest source of energy. AV and AT accessions are underutilized but promising vegetables due to their bioactive phytochemicals and antioxidants.

Modulation in serum and hematological parameters as a prognostic indicator of COVID-19 infection in hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and different cardiovascular diseases.

SARS-CoV-2 infection affects and modulates serum as well as hematological parameters. However, whether it modifies these parameters in the existing disease conditions, which help in the erection of specific treatments for the disease, is under investigation. Here, we aimed to determine whether serum and hematological parameters alteration in various diseases, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), ischemic heart disease (IHD) and myocardial infarction (MI) conditions correlate and signal SARS-CoV-2 infection, which could be used as a rapid diagnosis tool for SARS-CoV-2 infection in disease conditions. To assess the projected goals, we collected blood samples of 1,113 male and female patients with solo and multiple disease conditions of DM/HTN/IHD/MI with severe COVID-19, followed by biochemical analysis, including COVID-19 virus detection by RT-qPCR. Furthermore, blood was collected from age-matched disease and healthy individuals 502 and 660 and considered as negative control. In our results, we examined higher levels of serum parameters, including D-dimer, ferritin, hs-CRP, and LDH, as well as hematological parameters, including TLC in sole and multiple diseases (DM/HTN/IHD/MI) conditions compared to the control subjects. Besides, the hematological parameters, including Hb, RBC, and platelet levels, decreased in the patients. In addition, we found declined levels of leukocyte count (%), lymphocyte (%), monocyte (%), and eosinophil (%), and elevated level of neutrophil levels (%) in all the disease patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Besides, NLR and NMR ratios were also statistically significantly (p < 0.05) high in the patients with solo and multiple disease conditions of DM/HTN/IHD/MI infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In conclusion, rapid alteration of sera and hematological parameters are associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections, which could help signal COVID-19 in respective disease patients. Moreover, our results may help to improve the clinical management for the rapid diagnosis of COVID-19 concurrent with respective diseases.

Hymenaea courbaril resin-mediated gold nanoparticles as catalysts in organic dyes degradation and sensors in pharmaceutical pollutants.

In this study, green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using aqueous extract from Hymenaea courbaril resin (HCR) is reported. The successful formation, functional group involvement, size, and morphology of the subject H. courbaril resin mediated gold nanoparticles (HCRAuNPs) were confirmed by Ultra Violet-Visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) techniques. Stable and high yield of HCRAuNPs was formed in 1:15 (aqueous solution: salt solution) reacted in sunlight as indicated by the visual colour change and appearance of surface Plasmon resonance (SPR) at 560 nm. From the FT-IR results, the phenolic hydroxyl (-OH) functional group was found to be involved in synthesis and stabilization of nanoparticles. The TEM analysis showed that the particles are highly dispersed and spherical in shape with average size of 17.5 nm. The synthesized HCRAuNPs showed significant degradation potential against organic dyes, including methylene blue (MB, 85 %), methyl orange (MO, 90 %), congo red (CR, 83 %), and para nitrophenol (PNP, 76 %) up to 180 min. The nanoparticles also demonstrated the effective detection of pharmaceutical pollutants, including amoxicillin, levofloxacin, and azithromycin in aqueous environment as observable changes in color and UV-Vis spectral graph.

Network pharmacology and molecular docking: combined computational approaches to explore the antihypertensive potential of Fabaceae species.

Hypertension is a major global public health issue, affecting quarter of adults worldwide. Numerous synthetic drugs are available for treating hypertension; however, they often come with a higher risk of side effects and long-term therapy. Modern formulations with active phytoconstituents are gaining popularity, addressing some of these issues. This study aims to discover novel antihypertensive compounds in Cassia fistula, Senna alexandrina, and Cassia occidentalis from family Fabaceae and understand their interaction mechanism with hypertension targeted genes, using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Total 414 compounds were identified; initial screening was conducted based on their pharmacokinetic and ADMET properties, with a particular emphasis on adherence to Lipinski's rules. 6 compounds, namely Germichrysone, Benzeneacetic acid, Flavan-3-ol, 5,7,3',4'-Tetrahydroxy-6, 8-dimethoxyflavon, Dihydrokaempferol, and Epiafzelechin, were identified as effective agents. Most of the compounds found non-toxic against various indicators with greater bioactivity score. 161 common targets were obtained against these compounds and hypertension followed by compound-target network construction and protein-protein interaction, which showed their role in diverse biological system. Top hub genes identified were TLR4, MMP9, MAPK14, AKT1, VEGFA and HSP90AA1 with their respective associates. Higher binding affinities was found with three compounds Dihydrokaempferol, Flavan-3-ol and Germichrysone, -7.1, -9.0 and -8.0 kcal/mol, respectively. The MD simulation results validate the structural flexibility of two complexes Flavan-MMP9 and Germich-TLR4 based on no. of hydrogen bonds, root mean square deviations and interaction energies. This study concluded that C. fistula (Dihydrokaempferol, Flavan-3-ol) and C. occidentalis (Germichrysone) have potential therapeutic active constituents to treat hypertension and in future novel drug formulation.

Potassium augments growth, yield, nutrient content, and drought tolerance in mung bean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek.).

Uneven rainfall and high temperature cause drought in tropical and subtropical regions which is a major challenge to cultivating summer mung bean. Potassium (K), a major essential nutrient of plants can alleviate water stress (WS) tolerance in plants. A field trial was executed under a rainout shelter with additional K fertilization including recommended K fertilizer (RKF) for relieving the harmful impact of drought in response to water use efficiency (WUE), growth, yield attributes, nutrient content, and yield of mung bean at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, BARI, Ishwardi, Pabna in two successive summer season of 2018 and 2019. Drought-tolerant genotype BMX-08010-2 (G1) and drought-susceptible cultivar BARI Mung-1 (G2) were grown by applying seven K fertilizer levels (KL) using a split-plot design with three replications, where mung bean genotypes were allotted in the main plots, and KL were assigned randomly in the sub-plots. A considerable variation was observed in the measured variables. Depending on the different applied KL and seed yield of mung bean, the water use efficiency (WUE) varied from 4.73 to 8.14 kg ha-1 mm-1. The treatment applying 125% more K with RKF (KL7) under WS gave the maximum WUE (8.14 kg ha-1 mm-1) obtaining a seed yield of 1093.60 kg ha-1. The treatment receiving only RKF under WS (KL2) provided the minimum WUE (4.73 kg ha-1 mm-1) attaining a seed yield of 825.17 kg ha-1. Results showed that various characteristics including nutrients (N, P, K, and S) content in stover and seed, total dry matter (TDM) in different growth stages, leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), root volume (RV), root density (RD), plant height, pod plant-1, pod length, seeds pod-1, seed weight, and seed yield in all pickings increased with increasing K levels, particularly noted with KL7. The highest grain yield (32.52%) was also obtained from KL7 compared to lower K with RKF. Overall, yield varied from 1410.37 kg ha-1 using 281 mm water (KL1; well-watered condition with RKF) to 825.17 kg ha-1 using 175 mm water (KL2). The results exhibited that the application of additional K improves the performance of all traits under WS conditions. Therefore, mung beans cultivating under WS requires additional K to diminish the negative effect of drought, and adequate use of K contributes to accomplishing sustainable productivity.

Insights into measles virus: Serological surveillance and molecular characterization.

BACKGROUND: Measles has been a significant public health concern in Pakistan, especially in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province, where sporadic and silent epidemics continue to challenge existing control measures. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and investigate the molecular epidemiology of the measles virus (MeV) in KPK and explore the vaccination status among the suspected individuals. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and October 2021. A total of 336 suspected measles cases from the study population were analyzed for IgM antibodies using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Throat swabs were randomly collected from a subset of positive cases for molecular analysis. Phylogenetic analysis of MeV isolates was performed using the neighbor-joining method. The vaccination status of individuals was also recorded. RESULTS: Among the suspected participants, 61.0% (205/336) were ELISA positive for IgM antibodies, with a higher prevalence in males (64.17%) compared to females (57.04%). The majority of cases (36.0%) were observed in infants and toddlers, consistent with previous reports. The majority of IgM-positive cases (71.7%) had not received any dose of measles vaccine, highlighting gaps in vaccine coverage and the need for improved immunization programs. Genetic analysis revealed that all MeV isolates belonged to the B3 genotype, with minor genetic variations from previously reported variants in the region. CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable insights into the genetic epidemiology of the MeV in KPK, Pakistan. The high incidence of measles infection among unvaccinated individuals highlights the urgency of raising awareness about vaccine importance and strengthening routine immunization programs.

Nanowarriors from Mentha: Unleashing Nature's Antimicrobial Arsenal with Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles.

Medicinal plant-based cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2NPs) possessed excellent antimicrobial properties against multiple strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The CeO2NPs are popular because their electropositive charged surface causes oxidation of plasma membrane and facilitates the penetration of CeO2NPs inside the pathogen body. In the present research work, CeO2NPs stabilized with Mentha leaf extract; as a result, nanoparticles surface-bonded with various functional groups of phytochemicals which enhanced the therapeutic potential of CeO2NPs. The inhibition percentage of CeO2NPs was evaluated against eight pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus epidermidis; Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Comamonas sp., Halobacterium sp., and Klebsiella pneumoniae; and plant bacteria Xanthomonas sp. The antifungal properties of CeO2NPs were evaluated against three pathogenic fungal species Bipolaris sorokiniana, Aspergillus flavus, and Fusarium oxysporum via the streak plate method. The antimicrobial inhibitory activity of CeO2NPs was good to excellent. The current research work clearly shows that three different medicinal plants Mentha royleana, Mentha longifolia, and Mentha arvensis based CeO2NPs, variation in nanoparticle sizes, and surface-to-volume ratio of green CeO2NPs are three factors responsible to generate and provoke antimicrobial activities of CeO2NPs against human pathogenic bacteria and plant infecting fungi. The results show that CeO2NPs possessed good antimicrobial properties and are effective to use for pharmaceutical applications and as a food preservative because of low toxicity, organic coating, and acceptable antimicrobial properties. This study showed a rapid and well-organized method to prepare stable phytochemical-coated CeO2NPs with three different plants M. royleana, M. longifolia, and M. arvensis with remarkable antibacterial and antifungal characteristics.

Evaluation of the impact of two citrus plants on the variation of Panonychus citri (Acari: Tetranychidae) and beneficial phytoseiid mites.

The abundance of Panonychus citri McGregor 1916 (Acari: Tetranychidae) and its associated enemies (Euseius stipulatus Athias-Henriot, 1960; Typhlodromus sp.; Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, 1957) was studied on two 12-year-old citrus cultivars, specifically Clementine "Nules" (Citrus Clementina) and Valencia (Citrus sinensis), in the Gharb region of Morocco. Throughout the entire monitoring period in the Valencia late cultivar, the density of the spider mite P. citri on leaves was notably higher at 38.0% (n = 1,212 mobile forms). Predator P. persimilis exhibited a leaf occupancy of 25.0% (n = 812), followed by Typhlodromus sp. at 20.0% (n = 643). Conversely, the abundance of E. stipulatus was lower at 17.0% (n = 538). In the Nules variety, P. citri abundance recorded a higher percentage at 48.0% (n = 1,922). E. stipulatus emerged as the most abundant predator at 23.0% (n = 898), followed by P. persimilis with 16.0% (n = 639). Meanwhile, the population of Typlodromus sp. remained notably low at 13.0% (n = 498). Regarding the fluctuation of the different mites studied on the two cultivars across monitoring dates, the period from May 4 to June 1 was characterized by low temperatures and a diminished presence of mite populations (P. citri, E. stipulatus, Typhlodromus sp., and P. persimilis). However, from June 7 to June 19, characterized by high temperatures, a notable increase in the presence of mite populations was observed. As regards the effect of the variety on the different mites studied, the varietal impact was significant.

Bio synthesis, comprehensive characterization, and multifaceted therapeutic applications of BSA-Resveratrol coated platinum nanoparticles.

This study examines the manufacturing, characterization, and biological evaluation of platinum nanoparticles, which were synthesized by Enterobacter cloacae and coated with Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and Resveratrol (RSV). The formation of PtNPs was confirmed with the change of color from dark yellow to black, which was due to the bioreduction of platinum chloride by E. cloacae. BSA and RSV functionalization enhanced these nanoparticles' biocompatibility and therapeutic potential. TGA, SEM, XRD, and FTIR were employed for characterization, where PtNPs and drug conjugation-related functional groups were studied by FTIR. XRD confirmed the crystalline nature of PtNPs and Pt-BSA-RSV NPs, while TGA and SEM showed thermal stability and post-drug coating morphological changes. Designed composite was also found to be biocompatible in nature in hemolytic testing, indicating their potential in Biomedical applications. After confirmation of PtNPs based nanocaompsite synthesis, they were examined for anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Pt-BSA-RSV NPs showed higher concentration-dependent DPPH scavenging activity, which measured antioxidant capability. Enzyme inhibition tests demonstrated considerable anti-inflammatory activity against COX-2 and 15-LOX enzymes. In in vitro anticancer studies, Pt-BSA-RSV NPs effectively killed human ovarian cancer cells. This phenomenon was demonstrated to be facilitated by the acidic environment of cancer, as the drug release assay confirmed the release of RSV from the NP formulation in the acidic environment. Finally, Molecular docking also demonstrated that RSV has strong potential as an anti-oxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer agent. Overall, in silico and in vitro investigations in the current study showed good medicinal applications for designed nanocomposites, however, further in-vivo experiments must be conducted to validate our findings.