Feasibility of replacing fish oil with sunflower oil on the growth, body composition, fatty acid profile, antioxidant activity, stress response, and blood biomarkers of Labeo rohita.

A 90-day study was conducted to investigate the effects of substituting sunflower oil (SFO) for fish oil (FO) on various parameters in Labeo rohita (initial weight 18.21 ± 0.22 g). Five experimental diets with different levels of SFO (up to 7%) substitution for FO (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) were formulated, ensuring equal levels of nitrogen and lipids. The results indicated that even with 100% substitution of SFO with FO, there were no significant differences (P>0.05) were observed in growth performance. The survival rate (SR), hepato-somatic index (HSI), and viscero-somatic index (VSI) as well as whole-body composition were also nonsignificant by SFO substitution. However, the fatty acid profiles in both muscle and liver were influenced (P<0.05) by dietary substitution. Saturated fats (SFA) decreased, while monounsaturated fats (MUFA), and linoleic acid (LA) increased (P<0.05). On the other hand, the contribution of linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) decreased (P<0.05) as the amount of SFO in the diet increased. Hematology parameters, including red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct), were not affected. Globulin (GLO) levels decreased significantly (P<0.05), while alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activity showed nonsignificant increases (P>0.05). Total protein (TP) increased (P<0.05) at 100% SFO inclusion in the diet, and albumin (ALB) levels increased (P<0.05) at 75% and 100% SFO inclusion in the diet. Cholesterol (CHOL), triacylglycerol (TG), and high-density lipids (HDL) were not significantly affected (P>0.05), while low-density lipids (LDL) were significantly increased (P<0.05) compared to the control group. Cortisol (CORT) and glucose (GLU) levels showed nonsignificant (P>0.05) changes. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) activities in the liver and serum were not significantly (P>0.05) affected, while malondialdehyde (MDA) status was significantly (P<0.05) reduced. In conclusion, the fatty acid profile of the muscle and liver of fish was modified by the diets, and FO can be substituted with SFO up to 100% for L. rohita, which is beneficial for growth and immunity while marinating the lipid contents in fish. Our study revealed that fully replacing fish oil with SFO shows promise in fully replacing FO without compromising the growth and overall health status of the fish.

Enhancing farmed striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) robustness through dietary ß-glucan.

ß-glucan is a well-documented feed additive for its potent immunostimulatory properties in many farmed fish species. This study examined how it can also be a promising growth promoter, modulate antioxidant enzyme activities, and act as an anti-stress agent in striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus). A 12-week feeding experiment was untaken to determine the effects of dietary ß-glucan supplementation at graded levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g kg-1). Measured indicators suggest that a dietary inclusion level of 1.5 g kg-1 ß-glucan gave the highest positive responses: weight gain (120.10 g fish-1), survival (98.30%), and lower FCR (1.70) (P<0.05). Whole body proximate analysis had only revealed that crude protein was significantly affected by the dietary inclusion of ß-glucan (P<0.05), with the highest protein content (19.70%) being in fish that were fed with 1.5 g kg-1 ß-glucan. Although other inclusion levels (i.e., 0.5 and 1 g kg-1) of ß-glucan did not enhance body protein content (P>0.05). The assessment of fatty acid composition in muscle, liver, and adipose tissues showed modifications with the inclusion of ß-glucan. Antioxidative-related enzyme activities (inc. catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase) that were measured in the liver had higher levels when fed with ß-glucan inclusion diets (P<0.05). Following the feed trial, fish were subjected to crowding stress treatment. It was subsequently found that catfish fed with ß-glucan-based diet groups had lower levels of blood stress-related indicators compared to the control group with no dietary ß-glucan. The use of 1.5 g kg-1 of dietary ß-glucan resulted in the lowest measured levels of cortisol (43.13 ng mL-1) and glucose (50.16 mg dL-1). This study has demonstrated that the dietary inclusion of ß-glucan can have functional benefits beyond the immunological enhancements in striped catfish. Furthermore, its use can increase production levels and mitigate the stress associated with intensive farming practices.

Performance and antioxidant traits of broiler chickens fed with diets containing rapeseed or flaxseed oil and optimized quercetin.

This study evaluated the effect of quercetin (Q) added to feed mixtures, at concentrations directly optimized for the peroxidability of dietary rapeseed (RO) and flaxseed oil (FLO), on performance and selected biomarkers of oxidative stress of broiler chickens. Ninety-six one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicken males were randomly assigned to four groups (six replicates per treatment, four birds per cage, n = 24 per group): Group RO received diets containing rapeseed oil (RO) and group FLO received diets containing flaxseed oil (FLO); Group RO_Q and group FLO_Q received these same diets containing RO or FLO oils, supplemented with optimized quercetin (Q). Blood, pectoral muscles, and liver samples of chickens were collected after 35 days to determine: (1) the global indicators of antioxidant capacity: ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), antiradical activity (DPPH·/ABTS·+), total antioxidant status (TAS), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px); (2) the activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD); and (3) the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA). Data showed that the FLO diet did not affect the final performance parameters in relation to RO, but the optimized Q tended to improve the total body weight gain and the final body weight of broiler chickens (P = 0.10). The antioxidant traces analyzed in the blood (GSH-Px), plasma (FRAP, ABTS·+, DPPH·, TAS), serum (DPPH·), and pectoral muscles (SOD, CAT) of chickens were not altered by either Oil or Q factor. FLO supplementation increased MDA content in the liver of chickens (P < 0.05) and increased liver CAT activity, which was not improved by optimized Q. Meanwhile, the Oil × Q interaction suggests that optimized Q could reduce the liver burden and negative effects of oxidized lipid by-products associated with FLO diets. Our results indicate that optimizing the addition of natural polyphenols to feed may be a valuable alternative to the application of polyphenolic antioxidants in animal nutrition, allowing for an economical use of the antioxidant additives when customized to the peroxidability of fat sources, which is line to the conception of sustainable development covering 'The European Green Deal' and 'Farm to Fork Strategy'.

Administration of vitamin E and C enhances immunological and biochemical responses against toxicity of silver nanoparticles in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella).

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the toxic effect of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) on biochemical biomarkers, immune responses, and the curative potential effects of vitamin C and E on grass carp. Fish (n = 420) with an average initial body weight of 8.045 ± 0.13 g were shifted to glass aquaria (36 x 18 x 18 inches, filled with 160-L tap water) in triplicates. Aquaria were randomly designated as A, B, C, D with alone Ag-NPs (Control (0), 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 mg/L) and E, F, G with Ag-NPs + Vit. C + Vit. E (0.25+0.25+0.25, 0.50+0.50+0.50, 0.75+0.75+0.75 mg/L). NPs particles were administrated viz, oral and intravenous routes for 7 days. The results indicated that both routes had non-significant effect, but levels of Ag-NPs had significant effect. Treatments C, D and G showed significant decrease in levels of RBC, HGB and HCT except for WBC and NEUT levels, which significantly increased. ALT, ALP, AST, urea, and creatinine showed significant increase in activity in the C, D, and G groups. CAT, SOD decreased significantly in all Ag-NPs alone groups, while significantly increased with vitamin E and C. LYZ, TP, ALB, GLB showed significant low activity in the B, C, and D groups while significantly high activity in the E, F, and G groups. Cortisol, glucose and triglycerides showed significant increase in the B, C, and D groups, while E, F, and G groups showed significant low levels of triglycerides, COR, and GLU. Cholesterol level was same across all treatment groups. In conclusion, vitamin E and C as powerful antioxidants protect the fish against Ag-NPs except high dose level of 0.75mg/L, while 0.25mg/L of Ag-NPs was presumably safe for C. idella.

The influence of dietary protein concentration on digestive enzyme activities, growth, and body composition in juvenile bullseye snakehead (Channa marulius).

The bullseye snakehead (Channa marulius) is considered as an affordable and robust freshwater fish for farming in Asia. However, there is limited knowledge on the species' full nutritional requirements to date with extensive gaps in our knowledge and particularly in precision aspects of protein requirements. Therefore, a three-month feeding trial was conducted under semi-intensive farming conditions to determine the protein requirement of bullseye snakehead using test diets containing 40 (P40), 45 (P45), 50 (P50), and 55% (P55) crude protein levels. The growth performance results revealed that the 55% dietary protein group (P55) had the highest final mean weight (14.09 g fish-1), and net weight gain (12.82 g fish-1). When compared to other dietary treatments, the final weight (R2 = 0.921), and weight gain (R2 = 0.913), displayed a linear increasing trend as dietary protein is raised. The lowest FCR was observed in 50% (1.94±0.01) and 55% (1.97±0.01) CP diet groups compared to dietary treatments. Further analysis has shown that the body protein content also significantly increased as dietary protein was raised to 55%. Although, a reverse trend was found in body lipid levels with increasing protein in the diet. The incremental dietary protein also elevated proximal intestinal protease activity but decreased amylase and lipase activity. The overall essential and non-essential amino acids levels of snakehead fillet muscle reflected an increase in dietary protein. Overall, this study has shown that the fish fed a diet with 55% crude protein attained the highest growth performance and nutrient profile of the whole fish when compared to other dietary treatments tested. It would appear we did not obtain the maximum potential for growth under the present experimental conditions due to the upper protein constraint of 55% in the diet. Further quantitative studies are suggested.

Self-medication dilemma in dengue fever.

This paper focuses on the trends of self-medication practices in treating symptoms that may lead to fatal complications in dengue. As dengue is a viral infection with increasing incidence, decision regarding its treatment is mostly affected by public health believes and practices to self-treat the condition by different home remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or using outdated prescription drugs that proved beneficial in the past experience. Poverty, lack of education, and poor access to health facilities pave the way for making such decisions. Future complications can be averted by raising awareness, counseling the patients and dispensing of pharmaceuticals with strict monitoring.

Phosphorous Supplementation Alleviates Drought-Induced Physio-Biochemical Damages in Calligonum mongolicum.

Calligonum mongolicum is a phreatophyte playing an important role in sand dune fixation, but little is known about its responses to drought and P fertilization. In the present study, we performed a pot experiment to investigate the effects of P fertilization under drought or well-watered conditions on multiple morpho-physio-biochemical attributes of C. mongolicum seedlings. Drought stress leads to a higher production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA), leading to impaired growth and metabolism. However, C. mongolicum exhibited effective drought tolerance strategies, including a higher accumulation of soluble sugars, starch, soluble protein, proline, and significantly higheractivities of peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes. P fertilization increased the productivity of drought-stressed seedlings by increasing their growth, assimilative shoots relative water content, photosynthetic pigments, osmolytes accumulation, mineral nutrition, N assimilation, and reduced lipid peroxidation. Our findings suggest the presence of soil high P depletion and C. mongolicum high P requirements during the initial growth stage. Thus, P can be utilized as a fertilizer to enhance the growth and productivity of Calligonum vegetation and to reduce the fragility of the hyper-arid desert of Taklamakan in the context of future climate change.

Structure-Based In Silico Investigation of Agonists for Proteins Involved in Breast Cancer.

Cancer is recognized as one of the main causes of mortality worldwide by the World Health Organization. The high cost of currently available cancer therapy and certain limitations of current treatment make it necessary to search for novel, cost-effective, and efficient methods of cancer treatment. Therefore, in the current investigation, sixty-two compounds from five medicinal plants (Tinospora cordifolia, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Podophyllum hexandrum, Andrographis paniculata, and Beta vulgaris) and two proteins that are associated with breast cancer, i.e., HER4/ErbB4 kinase and ERα were selected. Selected compounds were screened using Lipinski's rule, which resulted in eighteen molecules being ruled out. The remaining forty-four compounds were then taken forward for docking studies followed by molecular dynamics studies of the best screened complexes. Results showed that isocolumbin, isopropylideneandrographolide, and 14-acetylandrographolide were potential lead compounds against the selected breast cancer receptors. Furthermore, in vitro studies are required to confirm the efficacy of the lead compounds.

Ophthalmic manifestations of nutritional deficiencies: A mini review.

Balanced nutrition is crucial for a healthy eye and vision. Many nutritional deficiencies can result in vision impairment. This article reviews the ocular manifestations of vitamin deficiencies, including vitamin A, vitamin B1 and B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E, and minerals such as zinc. It discusses different ophthalmic symptoms and signs, including dry eye disease, corneal xerosis, decreased night vision, subconjunctival hemorrhage, and retinal changes similar to retinitis pigmentosa. We strongly recommend using multi-vitamin supplements for treating many diseases such as age-related macular degeneration.

Role of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in irritable bowel syndrome patients.

We conducted this study on patients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome without identifiable stressors and replaced them with vitamin D supplements for 3 months. Almost 97 cases have repeated the vitamin D status that appeared to be sufficient, while 14 patients were missing data for follow-up. The advised option was intramuscular injection replacement but 34 out of 97 were taken oral route for replacement of Vitamin D and incidental finding is noted that serum vitamin D levels rise less in the oral group than in the intramuscular group. Mean age of our subjects was 35.97 ± 9.89 years, comprising 54% males (n = 60) and 46% females (n = 51). In the outcomes of our study, 56.7% of individuals showed complete relief from IBS symptoms after vitamin D replacement, while 36.1% reported considerable improvement. Another 6.2% had exhibited moderate relief with about 14 individuals lost to follow-up.

Screening of phytochemical constituents and potential antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancerous activities of Carpesium nepalense seeds oil.

The pharmacological importance and ecofriendly nature of medicinal plants holding a unique edge in the arena of pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, the current research was aimed to evaluate the phytochemical constituents and potential antioxidant, in vitro anticancer and antibacterial activity of Carpesium nepalense seeds essential oil. The analysis performed through Gas chromatography/Mass spectroscopy confirmed the presence of different types of biologically active compounds. At the concentration of 500µg/mL, n-hexane fraction of C. nepalense showed highly significant (P<0.001) antioxidant activity in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid and superoxide assays with the percentage inhibitions of 86.60±1.6%, 82.55±1.0% and 80.50±1.0% respectively. The extract also produced highly significant anticancerous activity against different cell lines at 500µg/mL. The significant antibacterial activity of extract was observed against bacterial strains with the zone of inhibitions of 24.3±0.8, 28.20±0.10, 22.33±0.11 and 33.22±0.10 mm respectively. The significant damage in bacterial cell membranes was also observed in atomic force microscopic analysis. In the light of obtained findings, it is concluded that C. nepalence proved to be a potential candidate as an alternative medicinal agent.

Green Synthesis and Characterization of Carboxymethyl Cellulose Fabricated Silver-Based Nanocomposite for Various Therapeutic Applications.

PURPOSE: The current study proposed the simple, eco-friendly and cost-effective synthesis of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) structured silver-based nanocomposite (CMC-AgNPs) using Syzygium aromaticum buds extract. METHODS: The CMC-AgNPs were characterized by ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transmission infra-red (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. The synthesized nanocomposites were evaluated for their bactericidal kinetics, in-vivo anti-inflammatory, anti-leishmaniasis, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities using different in-vitro and in-vivo models. RESULTS: The spherical shape nanocomposite of CMC-AgNPs was synthesized with the mean size range of 20-30 nm, and the average pore diameter is 18.2 nm while the mean zeta potential of -31.6 ± 3.64 mV. The highly significant (P < 0.005) antibacterial activity was found against six bacterial strains with the ZIs of 24.6 to 27.9 mm. More drop counts were observed in Gram-negative strains after 10 min exposure with CMC-AgNPs. Significant damage in bacterial cell membrane was also observed in atomic force microscopy (AFM) after treated with CMC-AgNPs. Nanocomposite showed highly significant anti-inflammatory activity in cotton pellet induced granuloma model (Phase I) in rats with the mean inhibitions of 43.13% and 48.68% at the doses of 0.025 and 0.05 mg/kg, respectively, when compared to control. Reduction in rat paw edema (Phase II) was also highly significant (0.025 mg/kg; 42.39%; 0.05 mg/kg, 47.82%). At dose of 0.05 mg/kg, CMC-AgNPs caused highly significant decrease in leukocyte counts (922 ± 83), levels of CRP (8.4 ± 0.73 mg/mL), IL-1 (177.4 ± 21.3 pg/mL), IL-2 (83.7 ± 11.5 pg/mL), IL-6 (83.7 ± 11.5 pg/mL) and TNF-α (18.3 ± 5.3 pg/mL) as compared to control group. CMC-AgNPs produced highly effective anti-leishmaniasis activity with the viable Leishmania major counts decreased up to 36.7% within 24 h, and the IC50 was found to be 28.41 µg/mL. The potent DPPH radical scavenging potential was also observed for CMC-AgNPs with the IC50 value of 112 µg/mL. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity was assessed using HeLa cell lines with the LC50 of 108.2 µg/mL. CONCLUSION: The current findings demonstrate positive attributes of CMC fabricated AgNPs as a promising antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-leishmaniasis, and antioxidant agent with low cytotoxic potential.

Phytochemical, acute toxicity and renal protective appraisal of Ajuga parviflora hydromethanolic leaf extract against CCl4 induced renal injury in rats.

BACKGROUND: Degenerative kidney diseases are mostly associated with oxidative stress. Natural products are considered as the antioxidants enrich food that can restrict the progress of oxidative stress induced disorders. Therefore, the present study was aimed to evaluate the renal protective effect of Ajuga parviflora leaf extract in carbon tetrachloride intoxicated rats. METHODS: The hydromethanolic extract of A. parviflora leaves was obtained by extracting twice in 60% methanol. The principal bioactive constituents were detected by LC/MS analysis. Toxicity of plant extract was assessed using brine shrimp lethal toxicity test and acute toxicity model on healthy Sprague-Dawley male rats. Nephroprotective effects of plant extract were also evaluated on rats by inducing CCl4 renal toxicity in comparison with positive control and naïve groups. The dose of A. parviflora administered to animal was 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg. All administrations were given orally on an alternate day basis for 30 days. Urine and serum biomarkers were analyzed, along with antioxidant enzymes. Finally, the DNA damages, lipid peroxides, hydrogen peroxides and nitrites were assessed in rat's renal tissue. The histopathology alterations in renal tissues were further studied for kidney damages. RESULTS: The LC/MS analysis confirmed the presence of different important pharmacological compounds in A. parviflora methanolic leaf extract. The key bioactive compounds include pyocyanin, zonisamide, D Saccharic acid, altretamine, carbocyclic thromboxane A2, Sinapyl alcohol, and vitamin C. The important polypeptides identified include Lys-Tyr-Lys, His-His-Lys, Met-Asp-Arg, Phe-Val-Arg, and PyroGlu-Val-Arg. The LD50 of A. parviflora was found to be > 1000 µg/mL. A. parviflora administration significantly subsides CCl4 toxicity in rats, reduced the elevated level of RBCs, pus and epithelial cells. The abnormal elevated level of specific gravity, creatinine, urobilinogen, urea and albumin were also reduced to normal physiological level. The reduced urinary protein and pH were also normalized. The serum urobilinogen, urea and total bilirubin levels were also reversed to normal levels while the diminished albumin and total protein levels also came to normal. The important phase I and II enzyme levels were also reversed in A. parviflora administered rats. The H2O2, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and nitrite levels were significantly decreased. Furthermore, the damaged DNA and histopathological changes in CCl4 exposed rats were also highly significantly reversed after the administration of A. parviflora. All effects were significant (P < 0.05) and highly significant (P < 0.005) at 100 and 300 mg/kg respectively. CONCLUSION: The restored urine and serum profile of various parameters to normal physiological levels suggests that the A. parviflora has potential antioxidant and repairing potential in renal disorders.

A mechanistic study on the inhibition of bacterial growth and inflammation by Nerium oleander extract with comprehensive in vivo safety profile.

BACKGROUND: Nerium oleander (L.) is well known traditionally used medicinal plant with several pharmacological activities. However, the anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory activity and in vivo toxicity potential of floral parts of this plant are not reported. Therefore the present study was designed to investigate these activities of Nerium oleander ethanolic flower extract (NOEE) in different animal models. METHODS: Antimicrobial activity of plant extract was compared with five different antibiotics using the disk diffusion method. The time-killing kinetic assay and bacterial killing mechanism of NOEE were also performed. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using granuloma induced by cotton-pellet, rat paw edema induced by carrageenan and levels of different inflammatory biomarkers on healthy Wistar rats. The protein and mRNA expressions of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) were also measured. Acute (14 days) and sub-acute (28 days) oral toxicity studies were also performed on healthy Sprague Dawley rats. RESULTS: NOEE produced highly significant (P < 0.005) and significant (P < 0.05) zones of inhibition at 30 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL respectively against most of the tested bacterial strains. NOEE produced a more drop in viable counts of Gram-negative isolates within 20 min. After 12 h exposure with NOEE, the SEM images of MRSA showed the destruction of cell membrane. NOEE showed highly significant (P < 0.005) anti-inflammatory activity in cotton-pellet and carrageenan inflammatory models. In addition, treatment with NOEE also decreased the production of NO, PGE2, TNF-α and IL-1ß in the rat paw after treated with carrageenan. Similarly, NOEE also suppressed the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), TNF-α, IL-1ß, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA expressions. It is also showed highly significant reduction in total leukocyte count (73.09%) and C-reactive protein levels (54.60%). NOEE also inhibited COX-1, COX-2, 5-LO and 12-LO in a highly significant manner. Moreover, acute and sub-acute toxicity studies of NOEE in rats confirm the toxicity with hepatotoxicity at higher doses (2000 mg/kg) i.e. four times greater than the therapeutic dose. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that crude flower extract of N. oleander is a potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent with no toxicity potential at therapeutic doses.

Correlation of refractory hypoxemia with biochemical markers and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients in a developing country: A retrospective observational study: Running head: Predictors of hypoxemia in COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 is mainly a respiratory illness, causing hypoxemia in the majority of those been infected. In our study, we aimed to correlate the biochemical markers with hypoxemia and predicting the prognosis of COVID-19 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, observational study was conducted to include all the admitted COVID-19 patients (n = 183) diagnosed by a real-time Polymerase chain reaction and evaluated those for hypoxemia and disease outcomes by utilizing the biochemical markers. RESULTS: Out of the 183 patients, 117 were in the ward, 66 were in ICU, 148 of them recovered, while 35 deaths were reported, 89 patients were having persisting hypoxemia (despite oxygen therapy) during the hospital stay, and the remaining 94 were non-hypoxemic with or without supplemental oxygen therapy. There were significant differences in mean hemoglobin (p = 0.028), total leukocyte count (p = 0.005), Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.001), serum urea and creatinine (p = 0.002), serum potassium (p = 0.009), C-reactive protein (p = 0.001), Lactate dehydrogenase (p = 0.005), and Ferritin (p = 0.042) of the hypoxemic patients versus non-hypoxemic group. Amongst the deceased patients, there was significant leukocytosis (p = 0.008), increased Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.001), elevated C-reactive protein (p = 0.001), and Lactate dehydrogenase (p = 0.009). Receiver operating characteristic curves showed Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte ratio (p < 0.001), C-reactive protein (p < 0.001), and Lactate dehydrogenase (p < 0.001) most significantly associated with hypoxemia and death. CONCLUSION: The inflammatory markers are a good guide for predicting the hypoxemia and disease outcome. The results concluded Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein, and Lactate dehydrogenase were effective biomarkers in predicting a severe course of COVID-19, but could not establish significant associations of serum Ferritin, Procalcitonin, and D-Dimer.

Not so Element-ary: A Copper Conundrum.

Copper is an essential micronutrient required for a number of enzymatic activities. Deficiency is relatively rare as only trace amounts are needed to maintain homeostasis. Deficiencies however do occur and are most commonly seen in malabsorptive states such as after bariatric surgeries. Herein, we present an interesting case of copper deficiency diagnosed in a 70-year-old male patient post duodenal switch procedure which persisted despite aggressive oral and intravenous copper supplementation. This lack of response to supplementation prompted further evaluation, leading to a diagnosis of underlying heterozygous Wilson's disease.

Facile, one-pot biosynthesis and characterization of iron, copper and silver nanoparticles using Syzygium cumini leaf extract: As an effective antimicrobial and aflatoxin B1 adsorption agents.

In this study, a facile, ecological and economical green method is described for the fabrication of iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) from the extract of Syzygium cumini leaves. The obtained metal NPs were categorized using UV/Vis, SEM, TEM, FTIR and EDX-ray spectroscopy techniques. The Fe-, Cu- and Ag-NPs were crystalline, spherical and size ranged from 40-52, 28-35 and 11-19 nm, respectively. The Ag-NPs showed excellent antimicrobial activities against methicillin- and vancomycin-resistance Staphylococcus aureus bacterial strains and Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus fungal species. Furthermore, the aflatoxins (AFs) production was also significantly inhibited when compared with the Fe- and Cu-NPs. In contrast, the adsorption results of NPs with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) were observed as following order Fe->Cu->Ag-NPs. The Langmuir isotherm model well described the equilibrium data by the sorption capacity of Fe-NPs (105.3 ng mg-1), Cu-NPs (88.5 ng mg-1) and Ag-NPs (81.7 ng mg-1). The adsorption was found feasible, endothermic and follow the pseudo-second order kinetic model as revealed by the thermodynamic and kinetic studies. The present findings suggests that the green synthesis of metal NPs is a simple, sustainable, non-toxic, economical and energy-effective as compared to the others conventional approaches. In addition, synthesized metal NPs might be a promising AFs adsorbent for the detoxification of AFB1 in human and animal food/feed.

Chemical profile and therapeutic potentials of Xylocarpus moluccensis (Lam.) M. Roem.: A literature-based review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Historically, mangrove plants are among the potential sources of foods and remedies for humans living in the forests and nearby communities. Xylocarpus moluccensis (Lam.) M. Roem., an important mangrove medicinal plant, has been traditionally used for many purposes such as treatment of fever, dysentery, diarrhea, swelling, and abdominal disorders. The aim of the present work was to summarize the chemical reports and biological activities of the mangrove medicinal plant X. moluccensis based on information collected from different databases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An up-to-date search (till Aug 2019) was carried out in databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and various patient offices (e.g., WIPO, CIPO, USPTO) using the keywords: 'Xylocarpus moluccensis', and/or paired with 'ethnobotanical use', and 'phytochemical'. In vitro, ex vivo, or in vivo studies were included. RESULTS: Findings suggest that X. moluccensis contains various important minerals and phytochemicals, where flavonoids, terpenes and terpenoids are the most prominent isolated phyto-constituents of X. moluccensis. Extracts/fractions or isolated compounds from this plant possess diverse biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antineoplastic, anti-diarrheal, insecticidal, anti-feedant, neuropharmacological (e.g., central nervous system depressant), anti-atherosclerotic, and lipid-lowering activity. Only one report suggests that the methanol and aqueous extracts of this plant did not exert cytotoxic effects on normal mouse fibroblast cells. However, no clinical studies were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Taken all together, X. moluccensis may be one of the best sources of pharmacologically active lead compounds. More research, however, is necessary to establish the safety and efficacy, and its toxicogenetic effects in animal models.

Green synthesized and characterized copper nanoparticles using various new plants extracts aggravate microbial cell membrane damage after interaction with lipopolysaccharide.

In the present study, commercially available six plants leave extracts such as Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Azadirachta indica, Murraya koenigii, Avicennia marina, Rosa rubiginosa and Datura stramonium were utilized for the production of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs). The characterization of particles was performed by UV/Vis, TEM, SEM, EDX and FTIR spectroscopy. TEM images showed the creation of CuNPs having mean size ranged from 48 to 29 nm corresponding to different plant extracts. SEM analysis showed the formation of spherical form of NPs. FTIR spectroscopy verified the availability of phytochemical components as they serves the reducing, covering and stabilizing assistant of the CuNPs. Antimicrobial ability of NPs was performed against various clinical pathogenic strains by Oxford cup method. The synthesized NPs indicated potent antibacterial activity, with relatively low values of MIC between 15 and 60 µg/mL. The antibacterial effect of each CuNPs was observed in the resulting order A. indica > D. stramonium > M. koenigii > R. rubiginosa > A. marina > E. camaldulensis. After 12 h exposure with A. indica synthesized CuNPs, the SEM images of S. typhi showed destruction of cell membrane and cell lysis was clearly observed after interaction with lipopolysaccharide. In conclusion, these obtained CuNPs could be precisely applied in treatment protocols without any covering or core-shell procedures.

Antibacterial, anticoagulant and cytotoxic evaluation of biocompatible nanocomposite of chitosan loaded green synthesized bioinspired silver nanoparticles.

Present work reports the green synthesis of chitosan functionalized silver nanoparticles (CS-AgNPs) using ethanolic buds extract of Sygyzium aromaticum. CS-AgNPs were characterized physically, evaluated for antibacterial, anticoagulant and antiplatelet activities, and toxicity profile. The physical characterization of CS-AgNPs was done by UV/vis, SEM, TEM, FTIR and EDX. The sphericity was found uniform. FTIR and EXD showed noninterfering few impurities. The antibacterial activity against VRSA (ZI, 23.2 ± 0.51 mm) and MRSA (ZI, 25.8 ± 0.32 mm) were determined. The rise in bleeding and thromboplastin was observed highly significant while increased in prothrombin and activated partial prothrombin time in significant manner at both the doses of CS-AgNPs (0.025 mg/kg and 0.05 mg/kg). Reduction in the levels of fibrinogen was also highly significant. Platelet aggregation decreased at high dose of CS-AgNPs i.e. 55.14 ± 8.25% (arachidonic acid) and 13.06 ± 2.17% (collagen). Thrombin antithrombin (TAT) complex activity was found highest for CS-AgNPs. Cytotoxicity was assessed using HeLa cell lines (LC50; 125 µg/ml) and brine shrimp lethality tests (LC50; 518 µg/ml). The work suggests that green synthesized chitosan functionalized silver nanoparticles may be utilized as an effective antibacterial agent and anticoagulant with low toxicity. The current findings will open a new window for nanomedicine development and future clinical application.