Carbon Micro/Nano Machining toward Miniaturized Device: Structural Engineering, Large-Scale Fabrication, and Performance Optimization.

With the rapid development of micro/nano machining, there is an elevated demand for high-performance microdevices with high reliability and low cost. Due to their outstanding electrochemical, optical, electrical, and mechanical performance, carbon materials are extensively utilized in constructing microdevices for energy storage, sensing, and optoelectronics. Carbon micro/nano machining is fundamental in carbon-based intelligent microelectronics, multifunctional integrated microsystems, high-reliability portable/wearable consumer electronics, and portable medical diagnostic systems. Despite numerous reviews on carbon materials, a comprehensive overview is lacking that systematically encapsulates the development of high-performance microdevices based on carbon micro/nano structures, from structural design to manufacturing strategies and specific applications. This review focuses on the latest progress in carbon micro/nano machining toward miniaturized device, including structural engineering, large-scale fabrication, and performance optimization. Especially, the review targets an in-depth evaluation of carbon-based micro energy storage devices, microsensors, microactuators, miniaturized photoresponsive and electromagnetic interference shielding devices. Moreover, it highlights the challenges and opportunities in the large-scale manufacturing of carbon-based microdevices, aiming to spark further exciting research directions and application prospectives.

The utility of exome sequencing in diagnosing pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders in a highly consanguineous population.

Exome sequencing (ES) has been utilized in diagnosing children with neurodevelopmental manifestations, this study aimed to investigate the utility of ES in children within a highly consanguineous population that presented with neurodevelopmental complaints. A retrospective chart review was performed for 405 children with neurodevelopmental complaints who have had ES and were evaluated in multiple centers in the United Arab Emirates over a four-year period. Within the cohort of 405 children, consanguinity was reported in 35% (144/405). The primary clinical presentations were developmental delay/cognitive impairment, distinctive facial features, hypotonia, seizures, and weakness. The diagnostic yield was 57% (231/405). Novel variants were identified in 54% (125/231) of positive cases. Within the positive cases, specific treatment was available in 6% (13/231) and copy number variants (CNV) were reported in 3% (8/231) of cases. In eight children, variants in genes that have not yet been linked to human disease that could potentially be the cause of the observed phenotype "candidate genes" were identified. ES was utilized effectively within this cohort with a high diagnostic yield and through the identification of novel gene variants, CNVs, candidate genes and secondary findings as well as the alteration of the treatment plan in cases where treatment was available.

A founder variant expands the phenotype of WNT7B-related PDAC syndrome.

Pulmonary hypoplasia, Diaphragmatic anomalies, Anophthalmia/microphthalmia, and Cardiac defects (PDAC) syndrome is a genetically heterogeneous multiple congenital malformation syndrome. Although pathogenic variants in RARB and STRA6 are established causes of PDAC, many PDAC cases remain unsolved at the molecular level. Recently, we proposed biallelic WNT7B variants as a novel etiology based on several families with typical features of PDAC syndrome albeit with variable expressivity. Here, we report three patients from two families that share a novel founder variant in WNT7B (c.739C > T; Arg247Trp). The phenotypic expression of this variant ranges from typical PDAC features to isolated genitourinary anomalies. Similar to previously reported PDAC-associated WNT7B variants, this variant was found to significantly impair WNT7B signaling activity further corroborating its proposed pathogenicity. This report adds further evidence to WNT7B-related PDAC and expands its variable expressivity.

Bi-allelic variants in WNT7B disrupt the development of multiple organs in humans.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypoplasia, Diaphragmatic anomalies, Anophthalmia/microphthalmia and Cardiac defects delineate the PDAC syndrome. We aim to identify the cause of PDAC syndrome in patients who do not carry pathogenic variants in RARB and STRA6, which have been previously associated with this disorder. METHODS: We sequenced the exome of patients with unexplained PDAC syndrome and performed functional validation of candidate variants. RESULTS: We identified bi-allelic variants in WNT7B in fetuses with PDAC syndrome from two unrelated families. In one family, the fetus was homozygous for the c.292C>T (p.(Arg98*)) variant whereas the fetuses from the other family were compound heterozygous for the variants c.225C>G (p.(Tyr75*)) and c.562G>A (p.(Gly188Ser)). Finally, a molecular autopsy by proxy in a consanguineous couple that lost two babies due to lung hypoplasia revealed that both parents carry the p.(Arg98*) variant. Using a WNT signalling canonical luciferase assay, we demonstrated that the identified variants are deleterious. In addition, we found that wnt7bb mutant zebrafish display a defect of the swimbladder, an air-filled organ that is a structural homolog of the mammalian lung, suggesting that the function of WNT7B has been conserved during evolution for the development of these structures. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that defective WNT7B function underlies a form of lung hypoplasia that is associated with the PDAC syndrome, and provide evidence for involvement of the WNT-ß-catenin pathway in human lung, tracheal, ocular, cardiac, and renal development.

The genetic basis of clinically-suspected achromatopsia in the United Arab Emirates.

PURPOSE: Achromatopsia (ACHM) is a genetically heterogenous relatively stationary congenital autosomal recessive cone disorder characterized typically by photophobia, low vision, nystagmus, hyperopia, grossly normal retinal appearance, and absent photopic responses by full-field electroretinography. Incomplete forms occur as well. This study investigates the genetic basis of clinically-suspected ACHM in the United Arab Emirates. METHODS: Retrospective case series (January 2016-December 2023) of patients with (1) clinically-suspected ACHM and (2) mutations in ACHM-associated genes (CNGA3, CNGB3, GNAT2, PDE6C, PDE6H, AT6). RESULTS: Twenty-two clinically-suspected patients (19 probands) were identified. Biallelic disease genes and number of probands were CNGA3 (9), CNGB3 (6), PDE6C (1), GNAT2 (1), RGS9BP (1), and CNNM4 (1). Two probands had their diagnoses revised after genetic testing and phenotypic reassessment to RGS9BP-related bradyopsia and CNNM4-related Jalili syndrome. Three additional cases (making 22 total probands) were identified from ACHM gene mutation review - one each related to PDE6C, to AT6, and to CNGB3 in concert with CNGA3 (triallelic disease). All three presented with macular discoloration, an atypical finding for classic ACHM. CONCLUSION: CNGA3 was the single most frequent implicated gene. Bradyopsia and Jalili syndrome can resemble incomplete ACHM. Macular discoloration on presentation can occur in PDE6C-related disease, AT6-related disease, and triallelic CNGB3/CNGA3-related disease. The possibility for triallelic disease exists and requires genetic counseling beyond that of simple autosomal recessive inheritance.

Non-Invasive Multi-Gas Detection Enabled by Cu-CuO/PEDOT Microneedle Sensor.

Metal-oxide-based gas sensors are extensively utilized across various domains due to their cost-effectiveness, facile fabrication, and compatibility with microelectronic technologies. The copper (Cu)-based multifunctional polymer-enhanced sensor (CuMPES) represents a notably tailored design for non-invasive environmental monitoring, particularly for detecting diverse gases with a low concentration. In this investigation, the Cu-CuO/PEDOT nanocomposite was synthesized via a straightforward chemical oxidation and vapor-phase polymerization. Comprehensive characterizations employing X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and micro Raman elucidated the composition, morphology, and crystal structure of this nanocomposite. Gas-sensing assessments of this CuMPES based on Cu-CuO/PEDOT revealed that the response current of the microneedle-type CuMPES surpassed that of the pure Cu microsensor by nearly threefold. The electrical conductivity and surface reactivity are enhanced by poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) polymerized on the CuO-coated surface, resulting in an enhanced sensor performance with an ultra-fast response/recovery of 0.3/0.5 s.

Phenotypic identification of different ß-Lactamases in intrinsic and acquired colistin resistant uropathogenic gram negative bacteria.

Objective: Identification of MBL, AmpC and ESBLs in colistin intrinsic and acquired resistant uropathogenic gram negative bacteria. Method: Urine samples were collected from Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar during 17 January to 30 June 2019. Collected urine samples were aseptically transported microbiology lab of Health Research Institution (HRI), National Institute of Health (NIH), Khyber Medical College, Peshawar and streaked on different media. Positive growth was identified by API-10s. Antibiotic sensitivity profile was done by Modified Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Detection of metallo ßlactamases (MBL) production by Imipenem EDTA synergy test, Double Disc Synergy Test (DDST) for detection of ESBLs and D-test for the detection of inducible AmpC beta lactamases test was used. Colistin resistance was identified via broth micro dilution according to CLSI manual. Colistin resistant bacteria was divided in two categories; acquired and intrinsic resistant bacteria according to CLSI manual. Results: Out of 2000 urine samples, 281(14%) gram-negative bacteria were isolated. Among positive samples, acquired colistin resistant bacteria were 241 and intrinsic resistant bacteria were 40 isolates. MBL was produce by twenty one (11.7%) E.coli and seventeen (40.5%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa. E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella Pneumoniae, Serratia Oderifora and Proteus Marblis were ESBLs producing bacteria. AmpC production was prevalent in fourteen (7.8%) E. coli and twelve (28.6%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Fifty-five samples showed resistance to colistin out of 241 samples. In colistin resistant bacteria, two E.coli were MBL, ESBLs, while one E.coli was ESBLs, AmpC co-producing bacteria. The most prevalent extended drug resistant bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (28.6%) and Escherichia coli (6.1%), While 155(86.6%) Escherichia coli, 25 (59.5%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 22 (95.7%) Serratia Oderifora was multi drug resistant bacteria. Conclusion: Current study concluded that ESBL, MBL AmpC enzymes and their co-expression was observed with colistin resistance in E.coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Effects of dapagliflozin against streptozotocin and isoproterenol-induced heart failure via investigating NLRP3 and PPAR-γ signaling.

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart's one or both ventricles are unable to either receive an adequate amount of blood or eject an adequate amount of blood. Diabetes is considered one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The current research is designed to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of dapagliflozin in streptozotocin and isoproterenol-induced comorbid rats. The COX-2, TNF-α, NF-КB, NLRP3, PPAR-γ, CKMB, TROP-I, AR, GP and SGLT were docked against dapagliflozin, propranolol and metformin. Dapagliflozin restored adequate blood flow and halted myofibril damage. Moreover, it's evident from this study that dapagliflozin significantly decreased serum concentration of various blood markers, decreased relative growth rate and QT interval prolongation, as compared to the negative control group. However, it improved the ventricular ejection fraction in rats of the treatment group. The GST, GSH and CAT levels were increased, as compared to normal. On the contrary, a decrease in LPO concentrations was observed. Evaluation of the coronal section of heart tissues showed the anti-inflammatory expressions evaluated through H & E staining and immunohistochemical techniques and with ELISA and PCR. In a nutshell, dapagliflozin reverses myocardial necrosis and apoptosis.

PMEL is mutated in oculocutaneous albinism.

Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is a group of Mendelian disorders characterized by hypopigmentation of skin, hair and pigmented ocular structures. While much of the genetic heterogeneity of OCA has been resolved, many patients still lack a molecular diagnosis following exome sequencing. Here, we report a consanguineous family in which the index patient presented with OCA and Hirschsprung disease but tested negative for known genetic causes of OCA. Instead, he was found to have a homozygous presumptive loss of function variant in PMEL. PMEL encodes a scaffolding protein that is essential for the normal maturation of melanosomes and normal deposition of the melanin pigment therein. Numerous PMEL vertebrate ortholog mutants have been reported and all were characterized by conspicuous pigmentary abnormalities. We suggest that the patient we report is the first human equivalent of PMEL loss of function.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel lipophilic 2, 5-disubstituted tetrazole analogues of muramyl dipeptide as NOD2 agonists.

A focused library of six new 2, 5-disubstituted tetrazole (2, 5-DST) analogues of N-acetylmuramyl-l-alanyl-d-isoglutamine (MDP) as potential immunomodulators were synthesized by the bioisosteric replacement of α-amide of d-isoglutamine with 5-substituted tetrazole (5-ST). Another parameter 'lipophilicity' was also considered to improve the pharmacological properties of MDP through the alkylation of 5-substituted tetrazole during synthesis. In total, six 2, 5-DST analogues of MDP were synthesized and bio-evaluated for the study of human NOD2 stimulation activity in the innate immune response. Interestingly, among the varied lengths of the alkyl chain in 2, 5-disubstituted tetrazole derivatives, the tetrazole analogues 12b bearing the -Butyl (C4) and 12c having -Octyl (C8) chain showed the best NOD2 stimulation potency equivalent with reference compound MDP. These analogues were evaluated for their adjuvanticity against dengue antigen and analogues 12b and 12c have elicited a potent humoral and cell mediated response.

LEPREL1 -RELATED GIANT RETINAL TEAR DETACHMENTS MIMIC THE PHENOTYPE OF OCULAR STICKLER SYNDROME.

PURPOSE: To describe the features of retinal detachments and high myopia in patients with novel pathogenic variants in LEPREL1 and report a possible association with nephropathy. METHODS: Retrospective study of 10 children with biallelic LEPREL1 pathogenic variants. Data included ophthalmic features, surgical interventions, and genetic and laboratory findings. RESULTS: 10 patients (8 females) from three families with homozygous (2) or compound heterozygous (1) variants in LEPREL1 were included. At presentation, mean age was 9.9 ± 2.6 years. Mean axial length was 28.9 ± 1.9 mm and mean refraction was -13.9 ± 2.8 diopters. Bilateral posterior subcapsular cataracts were present in eight patients (80%), with lens subluxation in five eyes of three patients (30%). Rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRD), associated with giant retinal tears (GRT), developed in seven eyes of five patients (50%) at a mean age of 14.14 ± 5.9 years. Six were successfully reattached with mean Snellen best-corrected visual acuity improving from 20/120 preoperatively to 20/60 at last follow-up. Urinalysis in nine patients revealed microhematuria and/or mild proteinuria in six patients (67%). CONCLUSION: LEPREL1 -related high myopia confers a high risk of early-onset GRT-related RRD. The ocular phenotype may be confused with that of ocular Stickler syndrome if genetic testing is not performed. Further investigations into a potential association with renal dysfunction are warranted.

Effects of Drying Temperature and Solvents on In Vitro Diabetic Wound Healing Potential of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extracts.

The delayed healing of wounds among people with diabetes is a severe problem worldwide. Hyperglycemia and increased levels of free radicals are the major inhibiting factors of wound healing in diabetic patients. Plant extracts are a rich source of polyphenols, allowing them to be an effective agent for wound healing. Drying temperature and extraction solvent highly affect the stability of polyphenols in plant materials. However, there is a need to optimize the extraction protocol to ensure the efficacy of the final product. For this purpose, the effects of drying temperature and solvents on the polyphenolic composition and diabetic wound healing activity of Moringa oleifera leaves were examined in the present research. Fresh leaves were oven dried at different temperatures (10 °C, 30 °C, 50 °C, and 100 °C) and extracted in three solvents (acetone, ethanol, and methanol) to obtain twelve extracts in total. The extracts were assessed for free radical scavenging and antihyperglycemic effects using DPPH (2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl) and α- glucosidase inhibition assays. Alongside this, a scratch assay was performed to evaluate the cell migration activity of M. oleifera on the human retinal pigment epithelial cell line. The cytotoxicity of the plant extracts was assessed on human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) and hepatocellular carcinoma (Huh-7) cell lines. Using high-performance liquid chromatography, phenolic compounds in extracts of M. oleifera were identified. We found that an ethanol-based extract prepared by drying the leaves at 10 °C contained the highest amounts of identified polyphenols. Moringa oleifera extracts showed remarkable antioxidant, antidiabetic, and cell migration properties. The best results were obtained with leaves dried at 10 °C and 30 °C. Decreased activities were observed with drying temperatures of 50 °C and above. Moreover, M. oleifera extracts exhibited no toxicity on RPE cells, and the same extracts were cytotoxic for Huh-7 cells. This study revealed that M. oleifera leaves extracts can enhance wound healing in diabetic conditions due to their antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, and cell migration effects. The leaves of this plant can be an excellent therapeutic option when extracted at optimum conditions.

Evaluation of loci to predict ear morphology using two SNaPshot assays.

Human ear morphology prediction with SNP-based genotypes is growing in forensic DNA phenotyping and is scarcely explored in Pakistan as a part of EVCs (externally visible characteristics). The ear morphology prediction assays with 21 SNPs were assessed for their potential utility in forensic identification of population. The SNaPshot™ multiplex chemistries, capillary electrophoresis methods and GeneMapper™ software were used for obtaining genotypic data. A total of 33 ear phenotypes were categorized with digital photographs of 300 volunteers. SHEsis software was applied to make LD plot. Ordinal and multinomial logistic regression was implemented for association testing. Multinomial logistic regression was executed to construct the prediction model in 90% training and 10% testing subjects. Several influential SNPs for ear phenotypic variation were found in association testing. The model based on genetic markers predicted ear phenotypes with moderate to good predictive accuracies demonstrated with the area under curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity of predicted phenotypes. As an additional EVC, the estimated ear phenotypic profiles have the possibility of determining the human ear morphology differences in unknown biological samples found in crimes that do not result in a criminal database hit. Furthermore, this can help in facial reconstruction and act as an investigational lead.

Biallelic variants in the small optic lobe calpain CAPN15 are associated with congenital eye anomalies, deafness and other neurodevelopmental deficits.

Microphthalmia, coloboma and cataract are part of a spectrum of developmental eye disorders in humans affecting ~12 per 100 000 live births. Currently, variants in over 100 genes are known to underlie these conditions. However, at least 40% of affected individuals remain without a clinical genetic diagnosis, suggesting variants in additional genes may be responsible. Calpain 15 (CAPN15) is an intracellular cysteine protease belonging to the non-classical small optic lobe (SOL) family of calpains, an important class of developmental proteins, as yet uncharacterized in vertebrates. We identified five individuals with microphthalmia and/or coloboma from four independent families carrying homozygous or compound heterozygous predicted damaging variants in CAPN15. Several individuals had additional phenotypes including growth deficits, developmental delay and hearing loss. We generated Capn15 knockout mice that exhibited similar severe developmental eye defects, including anophthalmia, microphthalmia and cataract, and diminished growth. We demonstrate widespread Capn15 expression throughout the brain and central nervous system, strongest during early development, and decreasing postnatally. Together, these findings demonstrate a critical role of CAPN15 in vertebrate developmental eye disorders, and may signify a new developmental pathway.

Discovery of stylissatin A analogs exhibiting potent nitric oxide inhibition.

The cyclic peptide stylissatin A(STA) was obtained from the Papua New Guinean marine spongeStylissamassaas a potent nitric oxide (NO) inhibitor.Among its reported analogs,cyclo-{Glu6, Ala2}-STA1potentlyinhibited theinterleukin-2 and proliferation of T-cells indicating position 2 of sequence playing important part in biological activities of this compound.In current studies, second generation analogs of STAwere synthesizedaround its most active analog1by screening position 2 of analog1with different amino acid. All analogs2-6were identified by mass, and NMR techniques.The synthesized analogswere also evaluated against NO generation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine J774.2macrophages, ROS inhibition from whole blood phagocytes, and T-cell proliferation from Jurkat cells.All analogswere found to be inactive towards interleukin-2, T-cells proliferation, and ROS inhibition. The analog2showed a potent suppression of NO (IC50 = 46.0 ± 2.2 µM) that was superior to the activityreported for natural product STA.Further attempts to optimizeanalog2afforded new nitric oxide inhibitors2a-2fwhich were found less active than2.The analog2also downregulated the transcription of pro-inflammatory molecules, tumor necrosis factor-α, interlukin-1ß, caspase-1 and ASC which further highlights its anti-inflammatory and possible therapeutic potential. Analog2was non-toxic to BJ and Vero cell lines of normal mammalian origin.

Pharmacological evaluation of newly synthesized benzimidazole derivative for anti-Alzheimer potential.

Backgound: Alzheimer disease (AD) is a disastrous disease characterized by accretion of amyloid-beta plaques, neurofibrillary tangles inducing oxidative stress, loss of neuronal functions and continuous progression of cognitive impairment leading to severe dementia.Material and Methods: The newly synthesized benzimidazole derivative 4-chloro-3-(2-phenyl-1H-benzimidazole-1-sulfonyl) benzoic acid (CB) was evaluated for its anti-Alzheimer activity using in silico, in vivo, in vitro and molecular techniques (ELISA, WB & IHC).Results: In-silico studies revealed that CB has atomic contact energy values of -3.9 to -8.9 kcal/mol against selected targets. In vitro assay showed that CB caused acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl inhibition. In-vivo findings revealed improvement in dementia as observed in the morris water maze test and Ymaze test. Amyloid-beta disaggregation, increased level of anti-oxidants, decreased expressions of inflammatory markers and enhanced cellular architecture were found in the cortex and hippocampus of treated rats in the histopathological examination, immunohistochemistry analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blot analysis.Conclusions: This study revealed that CB possess different binding affinities with the Alzheimer-related targets and it possess anti-Alzheimer activity, mediated via AChE and amyloid-beta inhibition, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways.

In vitro and in vivo activity of thermosensitive liposomes loaded with doxorubicin and cisplatin.

Thermosensitive liposomes loaded with cisplatin and doxorubicin composed of DPPC, DSPC, and DPPE-PEG5000 with different ratios were prepared by thin film hydration method. The Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) curves showed that the liposomes composed of DPPC-DSPC-DPPE-PEG5000 with phospholipid ratio 95:5:0.05 w/w were a suitable formulation as thermosensitive liposomes with a DSC peak at 42.1 °C. The effect of doxorubicin and cisplatin encapsulated non-thermosensitive and thermosensitive liposomes on cellular proliferation and IC50 in SKBR3 & MDA-MB-231 breast cancer and PC-3 & LNcaP prostate cancer cell lines was investigated. The results showed that doxorubicin loaded into thermosensitive liposomes showed 20-fold decrease in the IC50 at 42 °C while comparing it with the same at 37 °C. Also, the results showed a more than 35-fold and 12-fold decrease in the IC50 of cisplatin thermosensitive liposomes at 42 °C, while compared with free cisplatin and cisplatin thermosensitive liposomes at any temperature. The in vivo results showed that the effect of doxorubicin encapsulated thermosensitive liposomes at hyperthermic conditions during the treatment as the tumor growth inhibition was measured 1.5-fold higher than any of the liposomal formulations of doxorubicin. It was also noticed that the tumor volume reduced to 150 mm3 in doxorubicin thermosensitive liposomes (G8) after 3 weeks during the treatment, but increased to 196 mm3 after 4 weeks. The Kaplan-Meir curve showed the 100% survival of the animals from G8 (thermosensitive liposomes containing doxorubicin plus hyperthermia) after 12 weeks. The flow cytometry data revealed more than 25% apoptotic cells and 6.25% necrotic cells in the tumor cells from the tissues of the G8 group of the animals. The results clearly indicate the superior efficacy of doxorubicin and cisplatin containing thermosensitive liposomes treatment during hyperthermia.

Ecofriendly phytosynthesized zirconium oxide nanoparticles as antibiofilm and quorum quenching agents against Acinetobacter baumannii.

The worldwide increase of multi-drug resistance has directed the researchers to focus on ecofriendly ways of nanoparticles synthesis with effective antivirulence properties. Here, we report the antibiofilm and quorum quenching (QQ) potential of zirconium oxide nanoparticles (ZrO2 NPs) synthesized from aqueous ginger extract against multi-drug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii. The results indicated that ZrO2 NPs were of tetragonal shape with average diameter of 16 nm. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values for A. baumannii were 15.6 and 62.5 µg/ml, respectively, as revealed by broth microdilution assay. Exposure of bacterial cells to ZrO2 NPs resulted in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation which in turn led to cellular membrane disruption as observed by an increase in leakage of cellular contents, such as proteins, sugars, and DNA. The antibiofilm activity was evaluated by microtiter plate assay and the results revealed that the percentage inhibition of biofilm was found to be 14.3-80.6%. ZrO2 NPs also obstructed the chemical composition of biofilms matrix by reducing the proteins and carbohydrate contents. Molecular docking studies of ZrO2 NPs with four proteins (2NAZ, 4HKG, 5D6H, and 5HM6) involved in biofilm formation of A. baumannii revealed the interaction of zirconium with target proteins. These findings suggested the in vitro efficacy of phytosynthesized ZrO2 NPs as antibiofilm and QQ agents that can be exploited in the development of alternative therapeutic options against MDR A. baumannii.

Liposome-Mediated Delivery of MERS Antigen Induces Potent Humoral and Cell-Mediated Immune Response in Mice.

The advancements in the field of nanotechnology have provided a great platform for the development of effective antiviral vaccines. Liposome-mediated delivery of antigens has been shown to induce the antigen-specific stimulation of the humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Here, we prepared dried, reconstituted vesicles (DRVs) from DPPC liposomes and used them as the vaccine carrier system for the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus papain-like protease (DRVs-MERS-CoV PLpro). MERS-CoV PLpro emulsified in the Incomplete Freund's Adjuvant (IFA-MERS-CoV PLpro) was used as a control. Immunization of mice with DRVs-MERS-CoV PLpro did not induce any notable toxicity, as revealed by the levels of the serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the blood of immunized mice. Immunization with DRVs-MERS-CoV PLpro induced greater antigen-specific antibody titer and switching of IgG1 isotyping to IgG2a as compared to immunization with IFA-MERS-CoV PLpro. Moreover, splenocytes from mice immunized with DRVs-MERS-CoV PLpro exhibited greater proliferation in response to antigen stimulation. Moreover, splenocytes from DRVs-MERS-CoV PLpro-immunized mice secreted significantly higher IFN-γ as compared to splenocytes from IFA-MERS-CoV PLpro mice. In summary, DRVs-MERS-CoV PLpro may prove to be an effective prophylactic formulation to prevent MERS-CoV infection.

Neuroprotective Effect of Natural Compounds in Paclitaxel-Induced Chronic Inflammatory Pain.

The current study explored the effects of natural compounds, berbamine, bergapten, and carveol on paclitaxel-associated neuroinflammatory pain. Berbamine, an alkaloid obtained from BerberisamurensisRuprhas been previously researched for anticancer and anti-inflammatory potential. Bergapten is 5-methoxsalenpsoralen previously investigated in cancer, vitiligo, and psoriasis. Carveol obtained from caraway is a component of essential oil. The neuropathic pain model was induced by administering 2 mg/kg of paclitaxel (PTX) every other day for a week. After the final PTX injection, a behavioral analysis was conducted, and subsequently, tissue was collected for molecular analysis. Berbamine, bergapten, and carveol treatment attenuated thermal hypersensitivity, improved latency of falling, normalized the changes in body weight, and increased the threshold for pain sensation. The drugs increased the protective glutathione (GSH) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) levels in the sciatic nerve and spinal cord while lowering inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and lipid peroxidase (LPO). Hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) examinations confirmed that the medication reversed the abnormal alterations. The aforementioned natural substances inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κb) overexpression, as evidenced by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) and Western blot and hence provide neuroprotection in chronic constriction damage.