Phytochemical analysis and bioactivity assessment of five medicinal plants from Pakistan: Exploring polyphenol contents, antioxidant potential, and antibacterial activities.

Plants have always been the prime focus in medicine industries due to their enormous ethnobotanical uses and multitude of biological and therapeutic properties. In the current study, preliminary phytochemical composition, Total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) with the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of hydroalcoholic extract and n-hexane, chloroform and n-butanol fractions of five selected medicinal plants [Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers., Lavandula stoechas L., Aesculus indica (Wall. ex Cambess.) Hook, Iris ensata Thunb., and Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers.] from Pakistan, have been evaluated. TPC and TFC were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu's and AlCl3 methods respectively. The antioxidant activity was performed by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and CUPRAC while the antibacterial potential of these plants was determined by agar well diffusion assay. K. pinnata (Lam.) Pers. exhibited the highest TPC (695 ± 13.2 mg.GA.Eq.g-1DE ± SD) in n-butanol fraction and the highest TFC in its chloroform faction (615 ± 6.31 mg Q.Eq.g-1 DE ± SD). The n-butanol fraction and hydroalcoholic extract of I. ensata Thunb. exhibited strong antioxidant potential by DPPH and CUPRAC assays respectively, whereas K. pinnata (Lam.) Pers. n-butanol fraction exhibited the strongest reducing potential. The hydroalcoholic extract of all tested plants exhibited significant antibacterial activity against tested bacterial strains with ZI (12-18 mm). Conclusively, K. pinnata (Lam.) Pers. (Family: Crassulaceae) and I. ensataThunb. (Family: Iridaceae) exhibited the highest antioxidant and antibacterial potential. They can be explored for the isolation of phytoconstituents responsible for this potential and serve as a lead for the production of new natural antioxidants and antibacterial agents that can be used to cure various diseases.

Physiological and transcriptomic study reveal SeNPs-mediated AsIII stress detoxification mechanisms involved modulation of antioxidants, metal transporters, and transcription factors in Glycine max L. (Merr.) roots.

Physiological changes and genome-wide alteration in gene expression were performed in soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) roots exposed to AsⅢ (25 µmol/L) alone and supplemented with selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) at the concentration of 10 and 25 µmol/L at the V2 growth stage. Excessive arsenic in the root zone poses a potential threat to soybean yield, particularly to roots, due to the limited translocation of AsIII from root to shoot in the case of soybean. We hypothesized that SeNPs can relieve AsⅢ toxicity to soybean root by reducing the AsⅢ uptake and regulating the internal tolerance mechanism of the plants. Results accomplished that SeNPs had positive impact on soybean dry weight and roots parameters under AsⅢ stress. Then, we further evaluated physiological indexes, whole genome transcriptomic analysis and quantitative real-time PCR to elucidate the underlying mechanism of AsⅢ tolerance under SeNPs supplementation. Under the condition of AsⅢ-stress, SeNPs exposure significantly reduced the electrolyte leakage, O2-•, H2O2 and MDA accumulation while increasing the antioxidants level. The RNA-seq dataset revealed total of 5819 up and 7231 down expressed DEGs across all libraries. The number of exclusively regulated genes were higher under As + SeNP10 (4909) treatment than in the AsⅢ-alone (4830) and As + SeNP25 (3311) treatments. The KEGG and GO analyses revealed that stress responsive DEGs such as glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, ascorbate, glutaredoxin, thioredoxin, and phytochelatins synthase are responsible for AsⅢ tolerance under the SeNPs supplementation. Similarly, sulfate transporter, and ABC transporters (ATP-binding cassettes) expression were induced, and aquaporin channels related DEGs expression were reduced under SeNPs application in AsⅢ exposure condition. Furthermore, the expression of molecular chaperones (HSP) and transcription factors (MYB, bZIP, bHLH, and HSFs) were increased in SeNPs treatment groups. These results provide vital information of AsⅢ tolerance mechanism in response to SeNPs in soybean. We suggest that functional characterization of these genes will help us learn more about the SeNPs responsive arsenic tolerance mechanism in soybean.

Comparison of Phytochemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Various Solvent Extracts Obtained from Millettia speciosa Stem Powder.

Millettia speciosa is a plant extensively used as an important component in Chinese herbal medicine and food-based medicines. The present study was carried out to determine the total flavonoid content (TFC), volatile phytoconstituents, and pharmacological activities, i.e., antityrosinase, sunscreen, and anticancer activity, of different fractions of M. speciosa stem. Different organic solvents of increasing polarity, i.e., petroleum ether (PE), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and methanol (MeOH), were used for extraction. The highest total flavonoid content, i.e., 48.30 ± 0.90%, was reported for PE extract. Various important phytocomponents were revealed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis. Based on abundance, the major compounds were n-hexadecanoic acid (16.654%), n-hexadecanoic acid (14.808%), and beta-sitosterol (6.298%) for PE, EtOAc, and MeOH extract, respectively. The significant antityrosinase activity, i.e., 70.97 ± 0.66%, with an IC50 value of 4.58 mg/mL was noted for PE extract followed by EtOAc extract, i.e., 59.84 ± 0.67%, with IC50 value of 6.10 mg/mL. The maximum sunscreen activity was reported for PE extract exhibiting the maximum absorbance value (0.633 ± 0.06) in the ultraviolet (UV) region, i.e., UVC, while EtOAc extract showed the second highest level of absorbance in the UVB range, i.e., 0.632 ± 0.07. The strongest anticancer activity (49.73 ± 0.49% cell viability) towards MCF-7 breast cancer cell line was reported for PE extract with IC50 197.51 µg/mL. Our results confirmed the presence of potential therapeutic components for each extract with significant biological functions, showing the importance of the M. speciosa stem as a source of biomedicine. To our knowledge, this is the first report on M. speciosa stem extending comprehensive research about its phytochemical profile and various significant pharmacological activities.

Effect of Selenium Nanoparticles and Mannan Oligosaccharide Supplementation on Growth Performance, Stress Indicators, and Intestinal Microarchitecture of Broilers Reared under High Stocking Density.

The current study investigated the potential of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) supplementation in ameliorating high stocking density (HSD) stress in broilers. A total of 392 day-old male chicks were divided into seven groups with eight replicates (n = 7): NSD [basal diet (BD) + normal stocking density: 10 bird/m2], HSD [BD + high stocking density: 16 bird/m2], Se−HSD [BD + Selenium (Se) 0.15 mg/kg], MOS−HSD (BD + MOS 5 gm/kg), Se−MOS−HSD (BD + Se 0.15 mg/kg and MOS 5 gm/kg), SeNPs−HSD (BD + SeNPs 0.15 mg/kg) and SeNPs−MOS−HSD (BD + SeNPs 0.15 mg/kg and MOS-5 gm/kg). HSD stress decreased (p < 0.05) weekly body weight and body weight gain and increased (p < 0.05) FCR compared to the NSD group. Supplementation with SeNPs and the SeNPs−MOS combination improved (p < 0.05) the weekly body weight and FCR in HSD-stressed broilers during the 5th and 6th weeks. On day 21, HSD stress decreased (p < 0.05) duodenal villus height (VH) and villus surface area (VSA) and increased (p < 0.05) serum corticosterone and cholesterol compared to the NSD group. Supplementation with the SeNPs−MOS combination increased (p < 0.05) duodenal VH and VH:CD, and jejunal total goblet cell (TGC) density and decreased (p < 0.05) serum corticosterone and cholesterol and ileal intra-epithelial lymphocyte (IEL) density in HSD-stressed broilers. On day 42, HSD stress decreased (p < 0.05) duodenal and jejunal VH, VSA, VH:CD, PCNA positive cell density and TGC density, Ileal VSA and TGC density, and increased (p < 0.05) serum cholesterol and ileal IEL density compared to the NSD group. Supplementation with the SeNPs−MOS combination increased (p < 0.05) spleen and bursa absolute weights, duodenal VH, VSA, VH:CD, PCNA positive cell density and jejunal VH, VH:CD, and decreased (p < 0.05) serum cholesterol and ileal IEL density in HSD-stressed broilers. Our findings signify that HSD is stressful for broilers particularly during the finishing phase. Supplementation with the SeNPs−MOS combination mitigated HSD stress by partially improving the gut microarchitecture, gut barrier function and performance indicators.

Dual RNA and 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing reveal arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi-mediated mitigation of selenate stress in Zea mays L. and reshaping of soil microbiota.

Excessively high concentrations of selenium (Se) in soil are toxic to crop plants, and inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can reverse Se stress in maize (Zea mays L.). To investigate the underlying mechanisms, maize seedlings were treated with sodium selenate (5 mg Se[VI] kg-1) and/or AMF (Funneliformis mosseae and Claroideoglomus etunicatum). Dual RNA sequencing in mycorrhiza and 16 S ribosomal DNA sequencing in soil were performed. The results showed that Se(VI) application alone decreased plant dry weight, but increased plant Se concentration, total Se content (mainly selenocysteine), and root superoxide content. Inoculation with either F. mosseae or C. etunicatum increased plant dry weight, decreased Se accumulation and selenocysteine proportion, enhanced root peroxidase activity, and alleviated oxidative stress in Se(VI)-treated plants. Inoculation also downregulated the expression of genes encoding Se transporters, assimilation enzymes, and cysteine-rich receptor-like kinases in Se(VI)-stressed plants, similar to plant-pathogen interaction and glutathione metabolism related genes. Conversely, genes encoding selenium-binding proteins and those related to phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were upregulated in inoculated plants under Se(VI) stress. Compared with Se(VI)-free plants, Se tolerance index, symbiotic feedback percentage on plant dry weight, and root colonization rate were all increased in inoculated plants under Se(VI) stress, corresponding to upregulated expression of 'key genes' in symbiosis. AMF inoculation increased bacterial diversity, decreased the relative abundances of selenobacteria related to plant Se absorption (e.g., Proteobacteria and Firmicutes), and improved bacterial network complexity in Se(VI)-stressed soils. We suggest that stress-mediated enhancement of mycorrhizal symbiosis contributed to plant Se(VI) tolerance, whereas AMF-mediated reshaping of soil bacterial community structure prevented excessive Se accumulation in maize.

The role of oxidative stress and haematological parameters in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in Kurdish population.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS), as a neurodegenerative disorder, exhibits inflammation and oxidative stress hallmarks. OBJECTIVE: The research aims to know any disturbances in haematological parameters and antioxidant system of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients in the Kurdish population. METHODS: A case-control research meeting following the McDonald criterion was conducted on 100 RRMS patients and 100 controls. RESULTS: Lipid peroxidation products of malondialdehyde (MDA), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and total leucocyte counts (TLCs) were increased significantly, but copper (Cu+2) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were decreased significantly while nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) and lymphocyte were not changed significantly if compared with that of controls. CONCLUSION: Findings from our study revealed that some defects were detected in haematological profiles in the Kurdish population and disturbance of immunological parameters. In addition, the utilization of Cu+2 supplement as an effective modality for RRMS patients may be beneficial.

Effect of increasing pre-pubertal concentrate levels on reproductive and lactation performance of Nili-Ravi Buffalo heifers.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of increasing total nutrient supply by increasing level of concentrate supplementation in forage-based diet of growing Nili-Ravi buffalo replacement heifers on pre-pubertal growth rate and its impact on age at puberty and post-pubertal productive and reproductive performance. Twenty-eight Nili-Ravi buffalo heifers of 7 ± 1 month age were divided into 3 groups. The treatments were 3 levels of concentrate (crude protein (CP) = 17.9%, metabolisable energy (ME) = 2.66 Mcal/kg), i.e. 0.5, 1, and 1.5% of the body weight referred as low, medium, and high treatments, respectively. Irrespective of pre-pubertal treatment, all the heifers received similar feed after puberty up to completion of their first lactation. The results of the study showed a similar response across the treatments in age, weight, and condition at puberty, weight at calving, lactation length, and yield. The medium and high treatments resulted in poor reproductive performance because of higher services per conception and less number of heifers confirmed conceived compared with low treatment. The low treatment resulted in less mortality compared with medium and high treatments. The feeding cost per animal at puberty, conception, and calving was lowest for treatment low as compared with medium and high. In conclusion, the results of the study showed that Nili-Ravi buffalo heifers achieved puberty at 23 months with feeding of concentrate (CP = 17.9%, ME = 2.66 Mcal/kg) during pre-pubertal stage at the rate of 0.5% of the body weight with better reproductive performance.

The biocompatibility and anti-biofouling properties of magnetic core-multishell Fe@C NWs-AAO nanocomposites.

Soft-magnetic core-multishell Fe@C NWs-AAO nanocomposites were synthesized using anodization, electrodeposition and low-pressure chemical vapour deposition (CVD) at 900 °C. High chemical and mechanical stability is achieved by the conversion from amorphous to θ- and δ-Al2O3 phases above 600 °C. Moreover, the surface properties of the material evolve from bioactive, for porous AAO, to bioinert, for Fe@C NW filled AAO nanocomposite. Although the latter is not cytotoxic, cells do not adhere onto the surface of the magnetic nanocomposite, thus proving its anti-biofouling character.

Incidence of adverse events in an integrated US healthcare system: a retrospective observational study of 82,784 surgical hospitalizations.

BACKGROUND: Many health care facilities have developed electronic reporting systems for identifying and reporting adverse events (AEs), so that measures can be taken to improve patient safety. Although several studies have examined AEs in surgical settings, there has not previously been a systematic assessment of the variations in adverse event rates among different types of surgery, nor an identification of the particular types of AEs that are most common within each surgical category. Additionally, this study will identify the AE severity level associated with each of the AE category types. METHODS: This retrospective observational study was conducted at three Midwestern hospitals that are part of a large integrated healthcare system. Data from 2006 through 2009 were analyzed to determine the rates of reported adverse events (per 1,000 hospitalizations involving a surgical procedure) for 96 categories of surgery as classified according to the ICD-9-CM procedural coding system. Univariate and bivariate summary statistics were compiled for AEs by type, severity, and patient age. RESULTS: During the four-year study period, there was a total of 82,784 distinct hospitalizations involving at least one surgical procedure at these three hospitals. At least one adverse event was reported at 5,368 (6.5%) of those hospitalizations. The mean rate of AEs among all surgical procedure groups was 82.8 AEs per 1,000 hospitalizations. Adverse event rates varied widely among surgical categories with a high of 556.7 AEs per 1,000 hospitalizations for operations on the heart and pericardium. The most common type of adverse event involved care management, followed by medication events and events related to invasive procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Detecting variations in AEs among surgical categories can be useful for surgeons and for hospital quality assurance personnel. Documenting the specific AE incidence rates among the most common types of surgical categories, and determining AE severity and age distributions within surgical categories will enable officials to better identify specific patient safety needs and develop appropriately targeted interventions for improvement.

Norditerpenoid alkaloids from Delphinium nordhagenii.

Three new norditerpenoid alkaloids, nordhagenine A (1), nordhagenine B (2), and nordhagenine C (3), along with a known alkaloid, lycoctonine, were isolated from the aerial parts of Delphinium nordhagenii. The structures of the new compounds 1 and 2 were also deduced on the basis of single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies.