Harmony in Motion: Unraveling the Nexus of Sports, Plant-Based Nutrition, and Antioxidants for Peak Performance.

The intricate interplay between plant-based nutrition, antioxidants, and their impact on athletic performance forms the cornerstone of this comprehensive review. Emphasizing the pivotal importance of dietary choices in the realm of sports, this paper sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of how stress and physical performance are interconnected through the lens of nutrition. The increasing interest among athletes in plant-based diets presents an opportunity with benefits for health, performance, and recovery. It is essential to investigate the connection between sports, plants, and antioxidants. Highlighting the impact of nutrition on recovery and well-being, this review emphasizes how antioxidants can help mitigate oxidative stress. Furthermore, it discusses the growing popularity of plant-based diets among athletes. It elaborates on the importance of antioxidants in combating radicals addressing stress levels while promoting cellular health. By identifying rich foods, it emphasizes the role of a balanced diet in ensuring sufficient intake of these beneficial compounds. Examining stress within the context of sports activities, this review provides insights into its mechanisms and its impact on athletic performance as well as recovery processes. This study explores the impact of plant-based diets on athletes including their types, potential advantages and challenges. It also addresses the drawbacks of relying on plant-based diets, concerns related to antioxidant supplementation and identifies areas where further research is needed. Furthermore, the review suggests directions for research and potential innovations in sports nutrition. Ultimately it brings together the aspects of sports, plant-based nutrition, and antioxidants to provide a perspective for athletes, researchers and practitioners. By consolidating existing knowledge, it offers insights that can pave the way for advancements in the ever-evolving field of sports nutrition.

Mitigation of cadmium-induced stress in maize via synergistic application of biochar and gibberellic acid to enhance morpho-physiological and biochemical traits.

Cadmium (Cd), being a heavy metal, tends to accumulate in soils primarily through industrial activities, agricultural practices, and atmospheric deposition. Maize, being a staple crop for many regions, is particularly vulnerable to Cd contamination, leading to compromised growth, reduced yields, and potential health risks for consumers. Biochar (BC), a carbon-rich material derived from the pyrolysis of organic matter has been shown to improve soil structure, nutrient retention and microbial activity. The choice of biochar as an ameliorative agent stems from its well-documented capacity to enhance soil quality and mitigate heavy metal stress. The study aims to contribute to the understanding of the efficacy of biochar in combination with GA3, a plant growth regulator known for its role in promoting various physiological processes, in mitigating the adverse effects of Cd stress. The detailed investigation into morpho-physiological attributes and biochemical responses under controlled laboratory conditions provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of these interventions. The experimental design consisted of three replicates in a complete randomized design (CRD), wherein soil, each containing 10 kg was subjected to varying concentrations of cadmium (0, 8 and 16 mg/kg) and biochar (0.75% w/w base). Twelve different treatment combinations were applied, involving the cultivation of 36 maize plants in soil contaminated with Cd (T1: Control (No Cd stress; T2: Mild Cd stress (8 mg Cd/kg soil); T3: Severe Cd stress (16 mg Cd/kg soil); T4: 10 ppm GA3 (No Cd stress); T5: 10 ppm GA3 + Mild Cd stress; T6: 10 ppm GA3 + Severe Cd stress; T7: 0.75% Biochar (No Cd stress); T8: 0.75% Biochar + Mild Cd stress; T9: 0.75% Biochar + Severe Cd stress; T10: 10 ppm GA3 + 0.75% Biochar (No Cd stress); T11: 10 ppm GA3 + 0.75% Biochar + Mild Cd stress; T12: 10 ppm GA3 + 0.75% Biochar + Severe Cd stress). The combined application of GA3 and BC significantly enhanced multiple parameters including germination (27.83%), root length (59.53%), shoot length (20.49%), leaf protein (121.53%), root protein (99.93%), shoot protein (33.65%), leaf phenolics (47.90%), root phenolics (25.82%), shoot phenolics (25.85%), leaf chlorophyll a (57.03%), leaf chlorophyll b (23.19%), total chlorophyll (43.77%), leaf malondialdehyde (125.07%), root malondialdehyde (78.03%) and shoot malondialdehyde (131.16%) across various Cd levels compared to the control group. The synergistic effect of GA3 and BC manifested in optimal leaf protein and malondialdehyde levels indicating induced tolerance and mitigation of Cd detrimental impact on plant growth. The enriched soils showed resistance to heavy metal toxicity emphasizing the potential of BC and GA3 as viable strategy for enhancing maize growth. The application of biochar and gibberellic acid emerges as an effective means to mitigate cadmium-induced stress in maize, presenting a promising avenue for sustainable agricultural practices.

Citrus sinensis Peel Oil Extraction and Evaluation as an Antibacterial and Antifungal Agent.

Throughout the tropical and subtropical climates, the genus Citrus can be found. The current study was conducted to extract the Citrus sinensis peel oil and evaluate its antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic potential. Petroleum ether was used to extract the C. sinensis peel oil through a Soxhlet apparatus. The antimicrobial and antifungal potential was determined via agar well diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were calculated (test bacterial strains: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Streptococcus agalactiae; test fungal strains: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Altrnaria alternata). Antiparasitic activity against Leishmaniatropica was determined following standard protocol using amphotericin-B as positive and Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) as a negative control and the percentage inhibition was calculated. The oil extracted was brownish yellow with a tangy smell, water-insoluble, density (0.778 g/cm3) and specific gravity (0.843 g/cm). In antibacterial activity, the diameter of the zone of inhibition was maximum against E. coli (14 mm) and minimum for S. agalactiae (10 mm). While in antifungal activity diameter of the zone of inhibition was maximum against A. flavus (12.5 mm) and minimum for A. alternata (8.6 mm). S. agalactiae exhibited the minimum MIC value (6 mg/mL) and in fungal strains A. alternata exhibited the minimum value (2 mm). Citrus sinensis peel oil displayed antileishmanial efficiency of 60% at 50 µg/mL concentration after 48 h of incubation. C. sinensis peel oil demonstrated antimicrobial capabilities, implying that it could be used as a natural preservative in food or as an effective treatment against a variety of pathogenic organisms. Industries should extract oil from the waste of citrus fruits which will be beneficial from an economic point of view.

Evaluation of potential inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase, pancreatic lipase, and cancer cell lines using raw leaves extracts of three fabaceae species.

The present study examined the biological potential and phytochemicals of Sophora mollis, Mucuna pruriens, and Indigofera atropurpurea methanolic leaf extracts. In vitro anti-acetylcholinesterase and anti-lipase assays were performed using different concentrations of plant extracts, and the IC50 values were determined. The cytotoxic potential of the selected plant extracts was assessed against HeLa, PC3, and 3T3 cell lines using an MTT assay. S. mollis leaf extract displayed the highest inhibition percentage (114.60% ± 19.95 at 1000 µg/mL) for the anti-acetylcholinesterase activity with a prominent IC50 value of 75.9 µg/mL. The anti-lipase potential was highest with the M. pruriens leaf extract (355.5 µg/mL IC50), followed by the S. mollis extract (862.7 µg/mL IC50). Among the cell lines tested, the cytotoxic potential of the I. atropurpurea extract (91.1 ppm IC50) against the PC3 cell line was promising. High-performance liquid chromatography revealed gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, rutin trihydrate, and quercetin dihydrate in varying concentrations in all plant species. The concentration of chlorogenic acid (69.09 ppm) was highest in M. pruriens, and the caffeic acid concentration (45.20 ppm) was higher in S. mollis. This paper reports the presence of bioactive therapeutic compounds in selected species of the Fabaceae family that could be micro-propagated, isolated, and utilized in pharmaceutical industries.

Biosorption of Cadmium and Lead by Dry Biomass of Nostoc sp. MK-11: Kinetic and Isotherm Study.

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are global environmental pollutants. In this study, Nostoc sp. MK-11 was used as an environmentally safe, economical, and efficient biosorbent for the removal of Cd and Pb ions from synthetic aqueous solutions. Nostoc sp. MK-11 was identified on a morphological and molecular basis using light microscopic, 16S rRNA sequences and phylogenetic analysis. Batch experiments were performed to determine the most significant factors for the removal of Cd and Pb ions from the synthetic aqueous solutions using dry Nostoc sp. MK1 biomass. The results indicated that the maximum biosorption of Pb and Cd ions was found under the conditions of 1 g of dry Nostoc sp. MK-11 biomass, 100 mg/L of initial metal concentrations, and 60 min contact time at pH 4 and 5 for Pb and Cd, respectively. Dry Nostoc sp. MK-11 biomass samples before and after biosorption were characterized using FTIR and SEM. A kinetic study showed that a pseudo second order kinetic model was well fitted rather than the pseudo first order. Three isotherm models Freundlich, Langmuir, and Temkin were used to explain the biosorption isotherms of metal ions by Nostoc sp. MK-11 dry biomass. Langmuir isotherm, which explains the existence of monolayer adsorption, fitted well to the biosorption process. Considering the Langmuir isotherm model, the maximum biosorption capacity (qmax) of Nostoc sp. MK-11 dry biomass was calculated as 75.757 and 83.963 mg g-1 for Cd and Pb, respectively, which showed agreement with the obtained experimental values. Desorption investigations were carried out to evaluate the reusability of the biomass and the recovery of the metal ions. It was found that the desorption of Cd and Pb was above 90%. The dry biomass of Nostoc sp. MK-11 was proven to be efficient and cost-effective for removing Cd and especially Pb metal ions from the aqueous solutions, and the process is eco-friendly, feasible, and reliable.

Biodiesel Production Using Wild Apricot (Prunus aitchisonii) Seed Oil via Heterogeneous Catalysts.

We confined the formation and characterization of heterogenous nano-catalysts and then used them to produce biodiesel from the novel non-edible seed oil of Prunus aitchisonii. P. aitchisonii seeds' oil content was extracted at about 52.4 ± 3% with 0.77% FFA. Three different heterogenous nano-catalysts-calcined (CPC), KPC, and KOH-activated P. aitchisonii cake Titanium Dioxide (TiO2)-were synthesized using calcination and precipitation methods. The mentioned catalysts were characterized through XRD, SEM, and EDX to inspect their crystallin dimension, shape, and arrangement. Titanium dioxide has morphological dimensions so that the average particle size ranges from 49-60 nm. The result shows that the crystal structure of TiO2 is tetragonal (Anatase). The surface morphology of CPC illustrated that the roughness of the surface was increased after calcination, many macropores and hollow cavities appeared, and the external structure became very porous. These changes in morphology may increase the catalytic efficiency of CPC than non-calcined Prunus aitchisonii oil cake. The fuel belonging to PAOB stood according to the series suggested by ASTM criteria. All the characterization reports that P. aitchisonii is a novel and efficient potential source of biodiesel as a green energy source.

Multiple mechanisms underlie reduced potassium conductance in the p.T1019PfsX38 variant of hERG.

Long QT syndrome type II (LQT2) is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the hERG K+ channel, leading to increased incidence of cardiac arrest and sudden death. Many genetic variants have been reported in the hERG gene with various consequences on channel expression, permeation, and gating. Only a small number of LQT2 causing variants has been characterized to define the underlying pathophysiological causes of the disease. We sought to determine the characteristics of the frameshift variant p.Thr1019ProfsX38 (T1019PfsX38) which affects the C-terminus of the protein. This mutation was identified in an extended Omani family of LQT2. It replaces the last 140 amino acids of hERG with 37 unique amino acids. T1019 is positioned at a distinguished region of the C-terminal tail of hERG, as predicted from the deep learning system AlphaFold v2.0. We employed the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique to study wild-type and mutant channels that were transiently expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells. Depolarizing voltages elicited slowly deactivating tail currents that appeared upon repolarization of cells that express either wild-type- or T1019PfsX38-hERG. There were no differences in the voltage and time dependencies of activation between the two variants. However, the rates of hERG channel deactivation at hyperpolarizing potentials were accelerated by T1019PfsX38. In addition, the voltage dependence of inactivation of T1019PfsX38-hERG was shifted by 20 mV in the negative direction when compared with wild-type hERG. The rates of channel inactivation were increased in the mutant channel variant. Next, we employed a step-ramp protocol to mimic membrane repolarization by the cardiac action potential. The amplitudes of outward currents and their integrals were reduced in the mutant variant when compared with the wild-type variant during repolarization. Thus, changes in the gating dynamics of hERG by the T1019PfsX38 variant contribute to the pathology seen in affected LQT2 patients.

Review-Insights into Off-Label therapeutic strategies against mild and severe COVID-19 infection.

Currently, prevention and control of the coronavirus disease pneumonia epidemic situation are grim globally. To cope with total sheer carriers and patients of COVID-19 requires intensive medical support and adjunctive therapies to overcome the disease. The epidemic can be controlled with the help of both, disease suppression via community health measures and adjunctive therapies for patients suffering from infection. Till date, we do not have any proper anti-COVID-19 therapy. In order to achieve the overall realization of this pandemic, there is a need to identify treatments depending upon their direct or indirect targets; like inhibition of polyprotein synthesis, transmembrane serine protease, inhibition of viral entry and endocytosis. This could be possible by turning the focus in the direction towards the development of numerous tentative drugs, particularly in the severe to badly ill. Though, majority of these off-label adjunctive medicines are being inspected in a lot of clinical trials at different stages, scientific organizations have endeavored to elucidate the situation where these adjunctive drugs might be practiced as off-label, open- label or compassionate. Our review compiles the adjunctive therapies adopted in COVID-19 infected patients according to clinical severity in conjugation with practicing recommendations from existing guidance rules issued by global professional bodies in healthcare.

Isoflavanquinones from Abrus precatorius roots with their antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects.

Phytochemical studies on the root of Abrus precatorius Linn. (Fabaceae), leads towards the identification of four undescribed (abruquinones M, N, O, and P), and seven known abruquinones, (abruquinones A, E, B, F, I, D, and G). Spectroscopic analyses (1D, and 2D NMR, HRESI-MS) were used in elucidating structures of the all compounds. Evaluation of anticancer activities of the isolated isoflavanquinones revealed that abruquinones M, and N showed cytotoxicity against oral CAL-27 (IC50 values 6.48 and 5.26 µM, respectively), and colon (Caco-2) cell lines (IC50 values 15.79 and 10.33 µM, respectively). Abruquinone M also inhibited the growth of lung cancer cells (NCI-H460) with IC50 of 31.33 µM. The isolated isoflavanquiones also showed potent anti-inflammatory potential through phagocyte oxidative burst and pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α inhibition in vitro. These findings suggest isoflavanquinones from A. precatorius roots as candidates for further research in cancer treatment.

Synthesis and characterization of microbial mediated cadmium oxide nanoparticles.

Microbial mediated synthesis of metallic nanoparticles constitutes as effective and promising approach for the development of antibacterial materials in the field of bioengineering and biomedicine. We prepared Cadmium oxide nanoaprticles (CdO NPs) utilizing Penicillium oxalicum, and cadmium acetate solution via coprecipitate method. The elemental composition and morphology of these synthesized CdO NPs were examined through X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Furthermore, we evaluated the bactericidal potential of prepared CdO NPs using Escherichia coli (E.coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus), Bacillus cereus (B.cereus), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). Dimethyl sulfoxide was used as negative control while erythromycin was used as positive control. The XRD spectrum revealed cubic crystalline nanoparticles with 22.94 nm size and UV showed absorbance peak at 297 nm with 2.5 eV band gap energy. FTIR depicted O─H and carboxylic groups along with CdO stretching vibration. EDS showed the presence of organic compounds on Cd and O over NPs surface. SEM results revealed the spherical shape of the CdO NPs. The synthesized NPs exhibited highly potent bactericidal activity against selected strains and demonstrated less optical density of 0.086 after 24 hr. Owing to the significant antibacterial activity of CdO NPs, the broad application prospects of these nanoparticles CdO NPs in extensive biomedical applications is indicated.

Microbial synthesized cadmium oxide nanoparticles induce oxidative stress and protein leakage in bacterial cells.

The bactericidal activity of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) offers extensive opportunities in bioengineering and biomedicines. Bioengineered transition metals used in various forms against lethal microbes. In this study, Cadmium Oxide nanoparticles (CdO-NPs) were prepared through the co-precipitation method using fungal strain Penicillium oxalicum and cadmium acetate solution. The structure and elemental composition of the prepared NPs were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Antibacterial activity was assessed through well diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Shigella dysenteriae (S. dysenteriae), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS), reducing sugars and protein leakage contribution was examined against selected strains. The XRD analysis proved that the synthesized CdO-NPs possess a crystalline structure with an average crystalline size of 40-80 nm. FTIR confirmed the presence of organic compounds on the particle surface, while UV showed stability of the particles. SEM and EDS confirmed that CdO-NPs were successfully prepared and spherical. The maximum zone of inhibition against S. dysenteriae and P. aeruginosa was found and showed a less optical density of 0.086 after 18 h. ROS, reducing sugar, and protein leakage assay showed a significant difference as compared to control. Based on the present study, it is recommended that microbial mediated synthesized nanoparticles can be used as biomedicines for the treatment of different types of bacterial infections.

Synthesis, characterization and use of iron oxide nano particles for antibacterial activity.

In this decade, the use of nano particles (NPs) against bacterial growth is increasing day by day due to remarkable alternative properties compared to molecular antibiotics. Thus, the use of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) has proven one of the most important transition metals oxide-based remedy in nanotechnological advances and biological applications due to enriched biocompatibility of iron. In this study synthesis of IONPs was carried out via co-precipitation method. The crystallographic morphology of the synthesized particles was studied via X-ray diffraction which revealed cubic structure of the particles, whereas, the spinal shaped morphology of the prepared NPs was confirmed from scanning electron microscopy. Likewise, the presence of the major elements in the sample was determined through energy dispersive X-ray analysis characterization. Bactericidal effect of the NPs was assessed at pre-defined concentrations (50 and 100 µg/ml) against Gram +ve bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Gram -ve bacteria Shigella dysentry and Escherichia coli. Bacterial strains, which demonstrate the potential of NPs. The purpose of this study was assessing the structure of the synthesized NPs for protective effect against harmful bacterial activity.

Systematic approach to the correct identification of Asplenium dalhousiae (Aspleniaceae) with their medicinal uses.

In present study, multiple microscope techniques were used for the systematics identification of the species Asplenium dalhousiae. The plant was collected from different phytogeographical and its natural habitat of Pakistan, where it shows higher diversity. Morphology, foliar epidermal anatomy, and spore morphological characters of the species were studied in detailed using multiple microscopic techniques through light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). LM and SEM were used for the systematics identification of the species. Traditionally, the species is used in the ailment of many diseases, so the spore morphology, anatomical features, and morphological characters are relevant to describe the species taxonomy. The importance of multiple methods of taxonomic study (e.g., documentation and morphological characteristics) for characterizing herbs are important step in systematic certification to maintain the efficacy of herbal medicines. The aim of the present study is to examine the morphological, anatomical, and spore morphology of the species A. dalhousiae in more detailed for the correct taxonomic identification and their medicinal validation from Pakistan.

A light and scanning electron microscopic diagnosis of leaf epidermal morphology and its systematic implications in Dryopteridaceae: Investigating 12 Pakistani taxa.

Dryopteris and Polystichum are the 2 complex taxonomic genera of Dryopteridaceae. The comparative foliar epidermal anatomy of 12 species of both genera from Pakistan were studied using standard protocols of light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The objective of which was systematic comparison and investigation to elucidate the taxonomic importance of foliar micromorphology, which may be useful to taxonomists for identifying complex Dryopteridaceae taxa. Principal component analysis and UPGMA clustering analysis were performed to test the validity of leaf anatomical features as method of separating species and genera. The foliar epidermal anatomy described here is a good source of taxonomic characters in both groups that can help genera and species delimitation. This is the first report on leaf micromorphology in most of these species. Observation of foliar anatomy showed that stomata are only present on the abaxial surface; i.e., leaves of all species are hypostomatic. The shapes of epidermal cells in all studied species are irregular. The anticlinal walls are strongly lobed, irregular wavy and elongated wavy. However, substantial variation in epidermal cell size and other stomatal features were observed on both upper and lower surfaces in all investigated species. Two types of stomata were observed in all studied species. The presence of polocytic stomata in Dryopteris and staurocytic stomata in Polystichum are the important characters for the segregation of these genera. Elongate elliptic stomatal shape, narrow kidney shaped guard cells and broad elliptic shaped stomatal pores are diagnostic for all five species of Dryopteris selected. On the other hand, size and number of epidermal cells, lobes per cell, stomatal size, subsidiary cell size, stomatal pore size and stomatal index are the key features for species differentiation in Polystichum. An identification key was developed in order to apply the foliar anatomical characters in the discrimination of the species studied.