Piperine, an active ingredient of white pepper, suppresses the growth of multidrug-resistant toxigenic Vibrio cholerae and other pathogenic bacteria.

Emergence and rapid spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria including Vibrio cholerae are a global public health issue. Much attention has been paid to natural compounds, such as spices and herbs to find novel antimicrobial compounds as they are considered to be cheaper alternatives to develop as a drug. Here, we show that methanol extract of white pepper could inhibit the growth of V. cholerae O1 El Tor variant, responsible for the recent outbreaks/epidemics. Furthermore, we demonstrate for the first time that piperine, the major component of white pepper, showed a dose-dependent bactericidal effect on V. cholerae growth irrespective of their biotypes and serogroups in the presence of 200 and 300 µg ml-1 of piperine, respectively. Piperine also inhibited the growth of MDR strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli isolated from poultry and enterohemorrhagic/enteroaggregative E. coli O104 in the presence of 200 µg ml-1 . Interestingly, we did not observe any significant inhibitory effect of piperine on E. coli strains isolated from healthy person even up to 200 µg ml-1 . Our data suggest that piperine could be a novel antimicrobial agent in therapeutic and preventive applications against infections caused by pathogenic bacteria including MDR strains.

A cross-sectional analysis of post-acute COVID-19 symptoms.

Objectives: The severe acute respiratory syndrome (COVID-19) due to SARS-CoV-2 was first reported in China in December 2019 and has generated a worldwide pandemic. The objective of the research is to examine and describe (a) the symptoms that persist after the end of the acute stage and (b) their relationship with the severity of the disease. Study Design: This study is a cross-sectional study conducted in the Kingdom of Bahrain on COVID-19 infected patients using an online survey questionnaire with a total number of 52 patient responses (29 females and 23 males). Method: A scale (0 no symptoms to 10 very high symptoms intensity) was assessed in patients after 3 months to detect the relevance of specific symptoms post-COVID-19 such as emotional and physical health, headache, dyspnoea, pain (muscles/joints/chest), anosmia, vertigo, neurologic symptoms, sarcopenia, delirium. Results: The most common COVID-19 symptoms were reported to be fever (69.2%), headache (59.6%), and cough (50.0%). Data analysis showed that BMI was not correlated with any post-acute COVID-19 symptoms. Regarding the post-acute COVID-19 symptoms, this study showed that an increase of intensity of headache was associated with an increase of delirium; an increase of intensity of dyspnoea was associated with an increase of pulmonary dysfunction. The increase of anosmia and dysgeusia was associated with an increase in delirium. In addition, the increase of neurological symptoms and delirium were associated with the increase of sarcopenia. The most common persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms observed in this study were emotional stress, followed by loss of smell and taste, and neurological symptoms. Conclusions: Therefore, follow-up and rehabilitation care for COVID-19 patients must be focused on addressing the needs of these people in the longer term.

COVID-19 Knowledge, Attitudes, and Preventive Measures of University Students in Bahrain.

Background: The severe, acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19 that was first reported in China in December 2019 quickly became a global pandemic that has resulted in over 100 million infections and more than 2 million deaths. Study Design: This study aimed to assess the awareness level of university students regarding the possibility of becoming infected with COVID-19. In order to achieve this objective, we assessed the students' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors using an online survey questionnaire offered to a total of 300 students. Results: A positive response regarding awareness of COVID-19 symptoms was registered by more than 70% of the students, whereas 62% felt that wearing a mask did not give full protection against infection, approximately 30% agreed that antibiotics and antivirals did not treat COVID-19, and 62% agreed that vitamin C was helpful in treating common symptoms of COVID-19. Moreover, around 31% of the students believed that COVID-19 is a man-made virus. Students who had gotten infected with SARS-CoV-2 believed that wearing a mask gives full protection (p=0.018). In response to survey questions related to attitude, 80% of students cancelled and postponed meetings with friends, and 90% agreed that mask-wearing is the most precautionary measure used to prevent the infection. In addition, 82% avoided coughing in public, 82% avoided contact if they felt flu-like symptoms and 80% washed their hands far more often due to the pandemic. Interestingly, 76% carried hand sanitizer, 66.5% avoided shaking hands, and 42.7% were taking vitamin C supplements. Conclusions: This study showed that the participants had a positive awareness of COVID-19 transmission, symptoms, and treatments misconceptions and mistaken beliefs related to treatments and the origin of the virus were also common and should be addressed. This study thus provides a baseline for a population-based surveillance program that could help local authorities to improve pandemic preparation plans, particularly with regard to governmental education and media campaigns.

Management zone delineation and spatial distribution of micronutrients in cold-arid region of India.

The plant health is governed by many factors: soil playing a central role which exhibits huge variability in its characteristics. Micronutrients even though needed in small quantities by plants play an indispensable role in affecting the crop growth and development. The assessment of spatial variability of different soil parameters is incumbent for tackling the loss of crop productivity on account of non-receipt of desirable inputs. The present investigation centered on the spatial distribution of soil parameters and micronutrients was conducted to delineate management zones (MZs) in cold arid region (Kargil) of India for proficient micronutrient management. Overall 454 georeferenced representative soil samples at the depths of 0-15 cm were garnered. The soil samples were processed and analyzed for different soil parameters encompassing pH, EC (electrical conductivity), SOC (soil organic carbon), and available micro-nutrient (iron, manganese, zinc, copper and nickel) concentrations. The distinct variation in the soil properties including micronutrients was identified with coefficient of variation ranging as low as 5.62% to moderate (21.16 to 42.49%) and as high as 159.63%. Semivariogram analysis and ordinary kriging of soil variables under study revealed diverse spatial distribution exhibiting medium to high spatial dependence in the region. PCA (principal component analysis) and K-means clustering were expended for the delineation of MZs. Four principal components (PCs) having eigen values > 1 and accounting for 70% of the total variation were subjected to further analysis. The five potential MZs were demarcated on the basis of K-means cluster performance index, and heterogeneity in parameters was discerned. The results of study corroborate that the spatial variability analysis of different soil parameters for delineation/identification of MZs might be effectually employed for site-specific micronutrient management.

CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBPß) knockdown reduces inflammation, ER stress, and apoptosis, and promotes autophagy in oxLDL-treated RAW264.7 macrophage cells.

Atherosclerosis is associated with deregulated cholesterol metabolism and formation of macrophage foam cells. CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBPß) is a transcription factor, and its inhibition has recently been shown to prevent atherosclerosis development and foam cell formation. However, whether C/EBPß regulates inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and apoptosis, in macrophage foam cells and its underlying molecular mechanism remains unknown. Here, we investigated the effect of C/EBPß knockdown on proteins and genes implicated in inflammation, ER stress, apoptosis, and autophagy in macrophage foam cells. RAW264.7 macrophage cells were transfected with control and C/EBPß-siRNA and then treated with nLDL and oxLDL. Key proteins and genes involved in inflammation, ER stress, apoptosis, and autophagy were analyzed by western blot and qPCR. We found that short interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of C/EBPß attenuated atherogenic lipid-mediated induction of proteins and genes implicated in inflammation (P-NFkB-p65, NFkB-p65, and TNFα), ER stress (ATF4 and ATF6), and apoptosis (CHOP, caspase 1, 3, and 12). Interestingly, C/EBPß knockdown upregulated the expression of autophagy proteins (LC3A/B-II, ATG5) and genes (LC3B, ATG5) but decreased the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) protein phosphorylation and mTORC1 gene expression in oxLDL-loaded RAW264.7 macrophage cells. More importantly, treatment with rapamycin (inhibitor of mTOR) increased expression of proteins implicated in autophagy and cholesterol efflux in oxLDL-loaded RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. The present results suggest that C/EBPß inactivation regulates macrophage foam cell formation in atherogenesis by reducing inflammation, ER stress, and apoptosis and by promoting autophagy and inactivating mTOR.

Overview of microbes based fabricated biogenic nanoparticles for water and wastewater treatment.

Treatment of toxic and emerging pollutants (T&EPs) is increasing the threats to the survival of conventional wastewater treatment (WWTs) technologies. The high installation and operational costs of advanced treatment technologies have shifted the research interest to the development of economical and reliable technology for management of T&EPs. Thus, recently biogenic nanoparticles (BNPs) fabricated using microbes/microorganisms are getting tremendous research interest due to their unique properties (i.e. high specific surface area, desired morphology, catalytic reactivity) for the biodegradation and biosorption of T&EPs. In addition, BNPs can be manufactured using metal contaminated water which indicates a hidden potential for resource recovery and utilization. Therefore, the present study discusses the adsorptive and catalytic performance of BNPs in the removal of T&EPs from water (W) and wastewater (WW). In addition, inspired by the superior performance of BNPs in advance WWT, a model of BNPs based WWT resource recovery and utilization process is also proposed. Finally, main issues i.e. mass production, leaching, poisoning/toxicity, regeneration, reusability and fabrication costs and process optimization are discussed which are main hinders in the transfer of BNPs based WWT technologies from laboratory to commercial scale.

Encapsulated green magnetic nanoparticles for the removal of toxic Pb2+ and Cd2+ from water: Development, characterization and application.

Current research is based on an innovative approach of the fabrication of encapsulated sustainable, green, phytogenic magnetic nanoparticles (PMNPs), to inhibit the generation of secondary pollutants (Iron/Feo) during water treatment applications. These novel bio-magnetic membrane capsules (BMMCs) were prepared using two-step titration gel crosslink method, with polyvinyl alcohol and sodium alginate matrix as the model encapsulating materials to eliminate potentially toxic metals (Pb2+ and Cd2+) from water. The development of BMMCs was characterized by FTIR, XRD, XPS, SEM, VSM, TGA and EDX techniques. The effects of various operating parameters, adsorbent dose, contact time, solution pH, temperature, initial concentration of metals cations and co-existing ions were studied. The hysteresis loops have illustrated an excellent super-paramagnetic nature, demonstrating the smooth encapsulation of PMNPs without losing their magnetic properties. The maximum monolayer adsorptive capacities estimated at pH 6.5 by the Langmuir isotherm model were 548 and 610.67 mg/g for Pb2+ and Cd2+, respectively. The novel BMMCs did not only control oxidation of PMNPs but also sustained the adsorptive removal over a wide range of pH (3-8), and the electrostatic interaction and ion-exchange were the core adsorption mechanisms. The BMMCs could easily be regenerated using 25% HNO3 as an eluent for successful usage in seven repeated cycles. Therefore, the BMMCs as a material can be used as an excellent sorbent or composite material to remove toxic metals Pb2+ and Cd2+, showing strong potential for improving water and wastewater treatment technologies.

A hybrid hydrazine redox flow battery with a reversible electron acceptor.

Hydrazine is a pollutant with high hydrogen content, offering tremendous possibilities in a direct hydrazine fuel cell (DHFC) as it can be converted into electricity via benign end products. Due to the inner sphere nature of half-cell chemistries, hydrazine cross over triggers parasitic chemistry at the Pt-based air cathode of a state-of-the-art DHFC, overly complicating the already sluggish electrode kinetics at the positive electrode. Here, we illustrate that by altering the interfacial chemistry of the catholyte from inner sphere to outer sphere, the parasitic chemistry can be dissociated from the redox chemistry of the electron acceptor and the hybrid fuel cell can be driven by simple carbon-based cathodes. The reversible nature of an outer sphere catholyte leads to a hybrid fuel cell redox flow battery with performance metrics ∼4 times higher than a Pt-based DHFC-air configuration.

Yield cultivation of magnetotactic bacteria and magnetosomes: A review.

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) have started to be employed for the biosynthesis of magnetic nanoparticles, due to the rapidly increasing demand for nanoparticles in biomedical, biotechnology and environmental protection. MBT are the group of prokaryotes that have the ability to produce bio-magnetic minerals or bio-magnetic crystals of either magnetite (Fe3 O4 ) or greigite (Fe3 S4 ) in numerous shapes and size ranges, known as magnetosomes (MS). MS compel MTB to respond to the applied external magnetic field. However, it is extremely difficult to grow MTB and produce high yield of MS under artificial environmental conditions, thus creating a major hurdle to relocate MTB technology from laboratory scale to industrial or commercial level. Therefore, to best of our knowledge this review is the first attempt to highlight existing research developments about the laboratory scale and mass production of MS by MTB. Moreover, the optimum culture media and environmental conditions used for the cultivation of MTB were also considered. Finally, future research is encouraged for the improvement of MS yield which will result in the development of advanced nanotechnology/magnetotechnology.

Outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation in displaced intra-articular scapular fractures : a case series.

Scapular fractures are rare injuries and usually occur due to high energy trauma. Displaced Intra articular fractures usually require operative treatment and yields better outcomes as compared to conservative management. To assess the functional and radiological outcomes of displaced intra-articular scapular fractures managed with open reduction and internal fixation. 12 patients were retrospectively reviewed and included in the study. Post-operative functional outcomes were assessed using mean quick DASH (Disability of arm, hand and shoulder) score while radiological outcomes were analyzed as percentage of implant cut-through, mal-union, non-union or infection.  The mean follow up was 14 months. Mean age was 40 years. The mean quick DASH score was 7.19 +/- 4.86. All of the patients had successful clinical and radiological healing and pain-free movements. Open reduction and internal fixation in displaced intra-articular scapular-fractures yields excellent and promising outcomes.

Neonatal uterine prolapse - a case report.

Uterine prolapse is commonly seen in the geriatric age group. Congenital vaginouterine prolapse is a rare condition occurring in neonates and is usually associated with spinal cord malformations in about 85% of cases. Several modalities of treatment have been described for neonatal uterine prolapse. Conservative treatment in the form of simple digital reposition, use of pessary or other self-retaining device is usually sufficient to treat this condition, which is self-limiting and regressive. Here we report our first case of neonatal uterine prolapse, managed successfully with simple digital reposition.

Antibacterial activity of crude extracts of Camponotus compressus (Fabricius, 1787) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

The current study evaluates the antibacterial activity of Camponotus compressus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) body crude extracts. The increasing antibiotic resistance of bacteria has prompted the world to turn its attention towards insects in the search for new sources of antibacterial compounds. The body crude extract obtained with different solvents were tested against both Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) and Gram negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae). Standard disc diffusion method was used to perform the activity. The extracts of C. compressus were investigated for their effectiveness against all resistant pathogenic bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus was found to be the most susceptible, exhibiting a high average growth inhibition, while Bacillus subtilis showed a lower average growth inhibition zone. Our findings regarding the inhibitory effect of C. compressus extracts show the presence of a broad-spectrum antibacterial compound. This will be helpful in the search for novel natural antibiotics against robust pathogenic bacterial strains.

Exploring the dynamics of human scent in forensic canine analysis: Factors shaping identification accuracy.

Using specially trained canines in forensic analysis to identify individual human scents is a well-established method, capitalizing on dogs' exceptional olfactory abilities. This study investigates the survival of human scent under extreme weather conditions in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Five experienced German Shepherd police dogs, trained for human scent tracking, participated in the experiments. The study was conducted during Bahrain's hot summer season, characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, and occasional strong winds. Three common surfaces-sand, grass, and asphalt-were selected to represent scenarios where human scent might be detected. The findings revealed that human scent persisted for approximately 8-11 hours on sand and grass but only 1-3 hours on asphalt, highlighting the impact of surface type on scent survival. The research also examined the effect of temperature on scent survival, testing at three different temperatures: 30°C, 40°C, and 50°C. The results demonstrated that scent durability varied across types of articles and temperature conditions. For instance, at 30°C, human scent remained detectable for up to 93 days on leather but only 27-28 days on silk cloth. At 40°C, leather allowed the scent to last 64-65 days, while wood surfaces had the shortest duration. The scent lasted 37-39 days on jeans cloth at a temperature of 50°C but only 3-4 days on wood. The data gathered can be beneficial for forensic investigations in semi-desert areas involving canine olfaction, offering guidance on the timing and likelihood of scent detection.

Flexor Hallucis Longus Transfer And V-Y Plasty: An Effective Treatment Modality for Chronic Achilles Rupture - A Case Series.

Introduction: To assess outcomes of FHL transfer and V-Y plasty for chronic Achilles rupture due to insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Materials and methods: A case series of 12 patients was conducted between 1st January 2017 and 31st December 2018. The patients had short flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer with gastrocnemius lengthening by V-Y plasty for Achilles tendon rupture. Patients were allowed full weight bearing at six weeks post-operatively, and were followed up at three months and six months post-operatively, when the range of motion of the ankle was examined, and the outcome was assessed using the EFAS score. Results: Of the 12 patients in the study, the majority were males; the mean age was 50.6±8.96 years. A significant improvement in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion was noted at the six-month follow-up compared to the three-month follow-up (P=<0.001 for both). When compared to the normal side, dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the affected ankle were significantly less at three months but were comparable at six months post-operatively. A significant improvement was noted in the mean EFAS score at the six-month follow-up (25.5±5.71) compared to three months (18.6±0.90) post-surgery (P=0.001). Males were also noted to have significantly higher EFAS scores at their six-month follow-up than females (P=0.022). In contrast, a negative correlation was noted between the European Foot and Ankle Society (EFAS) score at the final follow-up and age (P=0.011). Conclusion: FHL tendon transfer with V-Y plasty in chronic Achilles rupture due to insertional Achilles tendinopathy is an effective procedure resulting in the restoration of the ankle range of motion and improvement in functional scores.

Understanding the Mode and Factors Influencing Cut-Throat Injuries in a Tribal-Dominated Population in Eastern India.

Introduction Traditionally, injuries have often been perceived as random and inevitable 'accidents'. However, in the current context, both intentional and unintentional injuries are preventable. Among these, neck injuries can be particularly complex, encompassing homicidal, suicidal, or accidental causes. Despite extensive research on the different modes and patterns of cut-throat injuries in the general population, this study aims to look deeper into this phenomenon within a unique context. Our investigation is centered in the Eastern part of India, among a tribal-dominated population who live with their traditional culture. Method In this prospective observational study, 50 cut-throat patients were included, who reported to the emergency department and then were referred to the ENT department. Parameters such as age, sex, anatomical location, mode of cut-throat injury, prior substance abuse, psychiatric issues, socioeconomic level, and length of hospital stay were considered for analysis. Results The majority (n=40, 80%) of patients belonged to tribal communities and most were young adults. Cut-throat injuries were predominantly caused by suicide (n=36, 72%) and homicide (n=12, 24%). Among tribals, 85% (n=34) of the cases were suicidal. Among suicidal cases, 86.11% (n=31) had a history of substance abuse while 22.22% (n=8) had a history of psychiatric illnesses. Conclusion In Eastern India, among the tribal-dominated population, suicide emerges as the predominant mode of cut-throat injuries, which is notably distinct from patterns observed in the general population of developing countries. These were often associated with substance abuse. Future interventions and public health efforts in these regions should consider these factors in the development of targeted strategies aimed at prevention and support for at-risk individuals.

Cytotoxic effect of menadione and sodium orthovanadate in combination on human glioma cells.

Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumor, and their treatment is still a challenge. Here, we evaluated the antiproliferative effect of a novel combination of two potent oxidative stress enhancers: menadione (M) and sodium orthovanadate (SO). We observed both short-term and prolonged growth inhibitory effects of M or SO alone as well as in combination (M:SO) on DBTRG.05MG human glioma cells. A stronger antiproliferative effect was observed in the short-term proliferation assay with the M:SO combination compared to either investigated agent alone. In the long-term proliferation assay, a 10-day exposure to M:SO at concentrations of 10 µM:17.5 µM or 17.5 µM:10 µM was enough to kill 100% of the cells; no cell regrowth was observed after re-incubation in drug-free media. When used in combination, the single concentration of M and SO could be decreased by 2.5- to 5-fold of those used for each experimental drug alone and still obtain a similar antiproliferative effect. The underlying molecular mechanism was investigated by co-incubating M:SO with dithiothreitol (DTT) and genistein. Both substances partially neutralized the effects of the M:SO combination, showing additive effects. This observation suggests a role of oxidative stress and tyrosine kinase stimulation in the M:SO cytotoxic effect. Our results indicate that M:SO combination is an attractive alternative for glioma treatment that encourages further study. The neutralizing effects of genistein and DTT reveal a possibility for their use in the minimization of potential M:SO systemic toxicity.

Comparison of post operative pain relief between paracetamol and wound infiltration with levobupivacaine in inguinal hernia repair.

The present study has been designed to compare the intensity of postoperative pain in children by wound infiltration with levobupivacaine with that provided by paracetamol administration per rectaly. This intervention study was carried out at the department of paediatric surgery, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh and Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, during the period of January 2009 to September 2010. A total of 120 patients were included in this study. Among them 60 patients in Group A (study group) where post incisional wound infiltration with levobupivacain after inguinal herniotomy before skin closure was done and 60 patients in Group B (control group) where paracetamol was given per rectally after induction of anaesthesia. Both groups were followed up post operatively for 23 hours. The intensity of post operative pain relief following inguinal hernia repair in children by wound infiltration with levobupivacaine is significantly higher than rectal administration of paracetamol.

New data on family Araneidae from district Swat with updated checklist of the family from Pakistan.

The aims of the present research was to find out the diversity of family Araneidae in district Swat Pakistan and to provide updated checklist of the family Araneidae from Pakistan. Also their occurrence throughout the year was given from District Swat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Data was collected from January 2018 to December-2018 from seven different Tehsils of District Swat by using different methods like pitfall trap, ground hand collection, air hand collection and were then preserved in plastic vials and appendorf tubes by using 70% ethanol. Camera mounted on microscope was used for photography. By using literature from World Spider Catalog, 2022, spiders were identified to species level. In a ttal of 1243 specimens of family Araneidae 4 genera and 7 species were identified. Dominant species with great number of specimen collected was Cyrtophora citricolla with 229 (18.4%) samples, followed by Bojaranius mitificus (15.7%), Neoscona Scylla (15.4%), Argiope lobata (14.8), Neoscona theisi (14.6%) and Neoscona polyspinippes (13.8%) respectively. While lowest collection was done of Argiope versicolor with 90 (7.3%) samples. High occurrence of spiders was studied during July 187 samples. Fluctuation in temperature can affect the diversity of spiders observed and recorded in present study with lowest collection done in low temperature. Moreover, the humidity also play a great role in spiders' population and occurrence.

Exploring species diversity and abundance of scorpions (Arachnida: Scorpiones) in certain regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Despite scorpion diversity has long been acknowledged, the mystery of how it develops remains unresolved. The geographical distribution, species abundance and biodiversity of scorpions fauna in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is poorly explored with many aspects like morphological, geographical, ecological and phylogenetically. As a result of faunaistic study on scorpions a total of 171 specimens from various regimes, Charsadda, Mardan, Peshawar and Kohat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan from March 2018 to October 2018 were collected. GarminTM GPS V Plus device. The software Arc GIS 10.2 was used to create maps of the study areas. Pitfall traps were used to gather samples from sandy habitats and pastureland. Five species Hottentotta tamulus Fabricius, 1798, with (35%), Scorpiops pseudomontanus Kovarik and Ahmed, 2009, (26%), Orthochirus fuscipes Pocock, 1900, (15%), Hottentotta buchariensis Birula, 1897, (13%) and Deccanometrus latimanus Pocock, 1894, (11%) were detected in our proposed study. The research indicates that abundance and temperature have a favorable connection, while abundance and humidity get a negative correlation. The value of evenness shows the strong equilibrium between the effectiveness of sampling species, and the Shannon's index suggests that the Pakistani region has a high level of scorpion variety.