In vitro and split-faced placebo-controlled in vivo study on the skin rejuvenating effects of cream loaded with bioactive extract of Indigofera argentea Burm.f.

The bioactive extracts of traditional medicinal plants are rich in polyphenols and help to rejuvenate skin. The study was designed to assess the skin rejuvenating effects of a stable cream enriched with 4% I. argentea (IaMe) extract. The quantity of polyphenols by spectrophotometric methods was TPC, 101.55 ± 0.03 mg GAE/g and total flavonoid content; 77.14 ± 0.13 mg QE/g, while HPLC-PDA revealed gallic acid; 4.91, chlorogenic acid 48.12, p-coumaric acid 0.43, and rutin 14.23 µg/g. The significant results of biological activities were observed as DPPH; 81.81% ± 0.05%, tyrosinase; 72% ± 0.23% compared to ascorbic acid (92.43% ± 0.03%), and kojic acid (78.80% ± 0.19%) respectively. Moreover, the promising sun protection effects Sun protection factor of extract (20.53) and formulation (10.59) were observed. The active cream formulation (w/o emulsion) was developed with liquid paraffin, beeswax, IaMe extract, and ABIL EM 90, which was stable for 90 days as shown by various stability parameters. The rheological results demonstrated the active formulation's non-Newtonian and pseudo-plastic characteristics and nearly spherical globules by SEM. The IaMe loaded cream was further investigated on human trial subjects for skin rejuvenating effects and visualized in 3D skin images. Herein, the results were significant compared to placebo. IaMe formulation causes a substantial drop in skin melanin from -1.70% (2 weeks) to -10.8% (12 weeks). Furthermore, it showed a significant increase in skin moisture and elasticity index from 7.7% to 39.15% and 2%-30%, respectively. According to the findings, Indigofera argentea extract has promising bioactivities and skin rejuvenating properties, rationalizing the traditional use and encouraging its exploitation for effective and economical cosmeceuticals.

Comprehensive analysis of different solvent extracts of Ferula communis L. fruit reveals phenolic compounds and their biological properties via in vitro and in silico assays.

Although giant fennel is recognized as a "superfood" rich in phytochemicals with antioxidant activity, research into the antibacterial properties of its fruits has been relatively limited, compared to studies involving the root and aerial parts of the plant. In this study, seven solvents-acetone, methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform, water, and hexane-were used to extract the chemical constituents of the fruit of giant fennel (Ferula communis), a species of flowering plant in the carrot family Apiaceae. Specific attributes of these extracts were investigated using in silico simulations and in vitro bioassays. High-performance liquid chromatography equipped with a diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) identified 15 compounds in giant fennel extract, with p-coumaric acid, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, sinapic acid, and syringic acid being dominant. Among the solvents tested, ethanol demonstrated superior antioxidant activity and phenolic and flavonoid contents. F. communis extracts showed advanced inhibition of gram-negative pathogens (Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis) and variable antifungal activity against tested strains. Molecular docking simulations assessed the antioxidative, antibacterial, and antifungal properties of F. communis, facilitating innovative therapeutic development through predicted compound-protein interactions. In conclusion, the results validate the ethnomedicinal use and potential of F. communis. This highlights its significance in natural product research and ethnopharmacology.

Lipid-based Nutritional Supplement Impact on Energy Intake, Appetite, Glucose and Insulin Levels in Under-Weight Pregnant and Lactating Women with Preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the response of nutritional supplement (LNS-PLW) on appetite score, energy intake, insulin and glucose levels in preeclamptic women. DESIGN & PARTICIPANTS: Sixty under-weight preeclamptic primigravida were divided into two groups randomly and provided LNS-PLW/Placebo in the fasted state. Blood samples were collected at fasting state, after 30mins of supplementation, "ad libitum buffet" breakfast and lunch for glucose and insulin levels. RESULTS: Total energy intake was higher significantly in the LNS-PLW group, although during breakfast it was significantly reduced. The insulin and glucose concentration was significantly increased after 30min of supplementation in the LNS-PLW group. CONCLUSION: Intake of the LNS-PLW by pre-eclamptic women had short-term suppression on subsequent meal but improved total energy intake during trial.

Phytosynthesized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Extract of Saccharum arundinaceum (Hardy Sugar Cane), Their Characterizations, Antiglycation, and Cytotoxic Activities.

The goal of the current study is to achieve plant-mediated synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3 NPs). The plant extract of Saccharum arundinaceum was used as a reducing and stabilizing agent for the synthesis of Fe2O3 NPs. Different techniques such as energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) were used to characterize the synthesis of Fe2O3 NPs. UV-visible spectroscopy verified the synthesis of Fe2O3 NPs using a surface plasmon resonance peak at a wavelength of 370 nm. SEM analysis specifies the spherical morphology of the synthesized nanoparticles with a size range between 30 and 70 nm. The reducing and capping materials of Fe2O3 NPs were revealed by FT-IR analysis based on functional group identification. The plant extract contained essential functional groups, such as C-H, C-O, N-H, -CH2, and -OH, that facilitate the green synthesis of Fe2O3 NPs. The EDX analysis detected the atomic percentage with the elemental composition of Fe2O3 NPs, while the XRD pattern demonstrated the crystallinity of Fe2O3 NPs. Furthermore, the synthesized Fe2O3 NPs showed potential antiglycation activity under in vitro conditions, which was confirmed by the efficient zone of inhibition on glycation of bovine serum albumin/glucose (BSA-glucose) in the order <100 < 500 < 1000 µg/mL, which revealed that Fe2O3 NPs showed significant antiglycation activity. Additionally, the cytotoxic activity against brain glioblastoma cells was assessed using the MTT assay, which exhibited diminished cytotoxic activity at concentrations lower than 300 µg/mL. Thus, we assumed that the resulting Fe2O3 NPs are a good option for use in drug delivery and cancer treatments.

Effects of unpredictable chronic mild stress on the cellular redox state and mitochondrial energy homeostasis in rat adipose tissue: A comprehensive metabolic study.

Unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) leads to variable metabolic effects. Oxidative stress (OS) of adipose tissue (AT) and mitochondrial energy homeostasis is little investigated. This work studied the effects of UCMS on OS and the antioxidant/redox status in AT and mitochondrial energy homeostasis in rats. Twenty-four male Wistar rats (180-220 g) were divided into two equal groups; the normal control (NC) group and the UCMS group which were exposed to various stresses for 28 days. An indirect calorimetry machine was used to measure volumes of respiratory gases (VO2 & VCO2 ), total energy expenditure (TEE), and food intake (FI). The AT depots were collected, weighed, and used for measuring activities and gene expression of key antioxidant enzymes (GPx1, SOD, CAT, GR, GCL, and GS), OS marker levels including superoxide anion (SA), peroxynitrite radical (PON), nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), lipid peroxides (LPO), t-protein carbonyl content (PCC), and reduced/oxidized glutathione levels (GSH, GSSG). Additionally, AT mitochondrial fractions were used to determine the activities of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) cycle enzymes (CS, α-KGDH, ICDH, SDH, MDH), respiratory chain complexes I-III, II-III, IV, the nicotinamide coenzymes NAD+ , NADH, and ATP/ADP levels. Compared with the NC group, the UCMS group showed very significantly increased OS marker levels, lowered antioxidant enzyme activities and gene expression, as well as lowered TCA cycle and respiratory chain activity and NAD+ , NADH, and ATP levels (p < .001 for all comparisons). Besides, the UCMS group had lowered TEE and insignificant FI and weight gain. In conclusion, AT of the UCMS-subjected rats showed a state of disturbed redox balance linked to disrupted energy homeostasis producing augmentation of AT.

Evaluation of psychological distress is essential for patients with locally advanced breast cancer prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy: baseline findings from cohort study.

BACKGROUND: patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) are often treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). This study aims to determine the prevalence of psychological distress and their sociodemographic and clinical factors in patients recently diagnosed with LABC and before NACT. METHODS: A total of 209 LABC patients without metastatic localization were recruited between 2021 and 2022 in the oncology hospital at Fez. A structured questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used. A descriptive analysis and linear model were performed. RESULTS: a mean age of participants was 47.43 ± 9.45 years. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and psychological distress among participants was 59.62% (95% CI: 52.61-33.34), 47.85% (95% CI: 40.91-54.85), and 65.07 (95% CI: 58.19-71.52) respectively. Depression was associated to age (< 50 years) (AOR = 2.19; 95% CI = 1.13-4.23) and health insurance (AOR = 3.64; 95% CI: 1.18-11.26). Anxiety was associated to age (< 50) (AOR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.18-4.13) and right breast cancer (AOA = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.11-3.65). Psychological distress was associated to chronic illness (AOR = 2.78; 95% CI: 1.32-5.85) and lymph node status (AOR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.26-4.57). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the high prevalence of depression and anxiety it appears opportune to treat psychological distress among LABC patient candidates for NACT. Each psychological intervention should take into account sociodemographic and clinical factors found associated in our study. Psychological therapeutic interventions are crucial for LABC patients as early as the time of diagnosis and through subsequent steps in NACT to improve their overall mental health.

Therapeutic Potential of Methotrexate-Loaded Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Coated with Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and Polyethylene Glycol against Breast Cancer: Development, Characterization, and Comprehensive In Vitro Investigation.

Novel superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) of Methotrexate (MTX) were developed using supercritical liquid technology and optimized with a Box-Behnken design in order to assess its potential as a candidate for the treatment of breast cancer. MTX-SPIONs coated with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-polyethylene glycol 400 had an aggregate size of 500 nm and an encapsulation efficiency of 46.8 ± 3.9%. The Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed a shift in the main bands due to intermolecular hydrogen bonds, whereas the differential scanning calorimetry analysis revealed the absence of the MTX melting endotherm, indicating complete encapsulation with oxide nanoparticles. The zeta potential results indicated a value of 4.98 mV, whereas the in vitro release study revealed an initial burst release followed by a considerable release of 35.1 ± 2.78% after 12 h. Using flow cytometry, control, MTX, and MTX-SPIONs were evaluated for apoptosis, with MTX-SPIONs exhibiting greater apoptosis than the control group and MTX. In addition, MTX-SPIONs inhibited cell division and content organization while substantially increasing the proportion of cells in the G1 and G2 phases relative to the control group. MTX-SPIONs exhibited prolonged anticancer effects against MCF-7 cell lines compared to MTX alone, indicating that SPION-delivered chemotherapeutics may increase cytotoxicity. The medication was stable with low encapsulated drug loss, suggesting that the supercritical liquid technology-based method is a promising way for generating drug-polymer magnetic composite nanoparticles for cancer treatment.

Antiplatelet, cytotoxic activities and characterization of green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Nephrolepis exaltata.

The goal of the current study was to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using ZnCl2.2H2O salt precursor and an aqueous extract of Nephrolepis exaltata (N. exaltata), which act as a capping and reducing agent. N. exaltata plant extract-mediated ZnO-NPs were further characterized by various techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-visible (UV-Vis), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The nanoscale crystalline phase of ZnO-NPs was analyzed by the XRD patterns. The FT-IR analysis revealed different functional groups of biomolecules involved in the reduction and stabilization of the ZnO-NPs. The light absorption and optical properties of ZnO-NPs were examined by UV-Vis spectroscopy at a wavelength of 380 nm. The spherical shape morphology of ZnO-NPs with mean particle size ranges between 60 and 80 nm was confirmed by SEM images. While the EDX analysis was used to identify the elemental composition of ZnO-NPs. Furthermore, the synthesized ZnO-NPs demonstrate potential antiplatelet activity by inhibiting the platelet aggregation induced by platelet activation factor (PAF) and arachidonic acid (AA). The results showed that synthesized ZnO-NPs were more effective in inhibiting platelet aggregation induced by AA with IC50 (56% and 10 µg/mL) and PAF (63% and 10 µg/mL), respectively. However, the biocompatibility of ZnO-NPs was assessed in human lung cancer cell line (A549) under in vitro conditions. The cytotoxicity of synthesized nanoparticles revealed that cell viability decreased and the IC50 was found to be 46.7% at a concentration of 75 µg/mL. The present work concluded the green synthesis of ZnO-NPs that was achieved by N. exaltata plant extract and showed good antiplatelet and cytotoxic activity, which demonstrates the lack of harmful effects making them more effective for use in pharmaceutical and medical fields to treat thrombotic disorders.

An Update on Tamoxifen and the Chemo-Preventive Potential of Vitamin E in Breast Cancer Management.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common female cancer in terms of incidence and mortality worldwide. Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) is a widely prescribed, oral anti-estrogen drug for the hormonal treatment of estrogen-receptor-positive BC, which represents 70% of all BC subtypes. This review assesses the current knowledge on the molecular pharmacology of tamoxifen in terms of its anticancer and chemo-preventive actions. Due to the importance of vitamin E compounds, which are widely taken as a supplementary dietary component, the review focuses only on the potential importance of vitamin E in BC chemo-prevention. The chemo-preventive and onco-protective effects of tamoxifen combined with the potential effects of vitamin E can alter the anticancer actions of tamoxifen. Therefore, methods involving an individually designed, nutritional intervention for patients with BC warrant further consideration. These data are of great importance for tamoxifen chemo-prevention strategies in future epidemiological studies.

Biofabrication of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Catalyzed by Solanum surattense: Characterization and Evaluation of their Antiepileptic and Cytotoxic Activities.

The green synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extract is a new method that can be used in various biomedical applications. Therefore, the green approach was an aspect of ongoing research for the synthesis titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NP) using the Solanum surattense aqueous plant extract, which acts as a stabilizing and reducing agent. The synthesis of TiO2 NPs was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) analyses. The excitation energy to synthesize TiO2 NPs was identified through the UV-vis spectrophotometric analysis at a wavelength of 244 nm. Further, the FT-IR spectroscopy visualized different biomolecules like OH, C=O, C-H, and C-O that were present in an aqueous extract of the plant and were responsible for the stabilization of TiO2 NPs. The crystallinity and phase purity of TiO2 NPs were illustrated by the sharp peaks of the XRD pattern. The spherical morphology with sizes ranging from 10 to 80 nm was examined using SEM images. The elemental composition of TiO2 NPs was revealed by the intensity and narrow widths of titanium and oxygen using EDX analysis. This report also explains the antiepileptic activity of TiO2 NPs in a maximal electroshock-induced epileptic (MESE) and pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) model. The synthesized TiO2 NPs showed maximum antiepileptic activity in the PTZ model, significantly decreasing the convulsions (65.0 ± 5.50 s) at 180 mg/kg in contrast to standard drug phenytoin, whereas the MESE model was characterized by the appearance of extensor, clonus, and flexion. The results showed that synthesized TiO2 NPs significantly reduced the time spent in each stage (15.3 ± 0.20, 16.8 ± 0.25, and 20.5 ± 0.14 s) at 180 mg/kg as compared to control groups. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of synthesized produced TiO2 NPs demonstrated that concentrations ≤80 µg/mL were biologically compatible.

Transient downregulation of NR4A1 leads to impaired osteoblast differentiation through the TGF-ß pathway, and Elesclomol (STA-4783) rescues this phenotype.

Bone formation is regulated by numerous factors, such as transcription factors, cytokines, and extracellular matrix molecules. Human hormone nuclear receptors (hHNR) are a family of ligand-regulated transcription factors that are activated by steroid hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, and various lipid-soluble signals, including retinoic acid, oxysterols, and thyroid hormone. We found that an hHNR called NR4A1 was the most highly expressed after human MSC differentiation into osteoblasts by whole-genome microarray. NR4A1 knockout decreased the osteoblastic differentiation of hMSCs in terms of ALPL expression and key marker gene expression. Whole-genome microarray analysis further confirmed the decrease in key pathways when we knocked down NR4A1. Further studies with small molecule activators identified a novel molecule called Elesclomol (STA-4783), which could activate and enhance osteoblast differentiation. Elesclomol activation of hMSCs also induced the gene expression of NR4A1 and rescued the phenotype of NR4A1 KD. In addition, Elesclomol activated the TGF-ß pathway by regulating key marker genes. In conclusion, we first identified the role of NR4A1 in osteoblast differentiation and that Elesclomol is a positive regulator of NR4A1 through activation of the TGF-ß signalling pathway.

Volatile Constituents in Essential Oil from Leaves of Withania adpressa Coss. Ex Exhibit Potent Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties against Clinically-Relevant Pathogens.

Withania adpressa Coss. ex is a plant used in traditional medications. Antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties of the essential oil from leaves of Withania adpressa Coss ex. (EOW) were investigated. EOW was extracted using a Clevenger apparatus, and its volatile compounds were characterized by GC-MS. Antioxidant potency was determined using DPPH, FRAP, and TAC assays. Antibacterial effects were determined vs. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumonia; while its antifungal efficacy was determined vs. Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Fusarium oxysporum using the disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration bioassays. A chromatographic analysis showed that EOW contained eight phytochemical compounds constituting 99.14% of the total mass of oil. Caryophyllene (24.74%), Longifolene (21.37%), δ-Cadinene (19.08%), and Carene (14.86%) were predominant compounds in EOW. The concentrations required to inhibit 50% of free radical (IC50) values of antioxidant activities of EOW were 0.031 ± 0.006 mg/mL (DPPH), 0.011 ± 0.003 mg/mL (FRAP), and 846.25 ± 1.07 mg AAE/g (TAC). Inhibition zone diameters of EOW vs. bacteria were 18.11 ± 0.5 mm (E. coli), 17.10 ± 0.42 mm (S. aureus), 12.13 ± 0.31 mm (K. pneumoniae), and 11.09 ± 0.47 mm (S. pneumoniae), while MIC values were 51 ± 3, 47 ± 5, 46 ± 3 and 31 ± 1 µg/mL, respectively. Inhibition zone diameters of EOW vs. fungi were 31.32 ± 1.32, 29.00 ± 1.5, 27.63 ± 2.10, and 24.51 ± s1.07 mm for A. flavus, C. albicans, F. oxysporum, and A. niger, respectively. MIC values were 8.41 ± 0.40, 28.04 ± 0.26, 9.05 ± 0.76, and 22.26 ± 0.55 µg/mL, respectively. Importantly, the highest dose of EOW (1 mg/mL) showed negligible (~5%) cytotoxicity against MCF-12, a normal human epithelial cell line derived from the mammary gland, thus underscoring its wide safety and selectivity against tested microbes. To sum it up, EOW has exhibited promising antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which suggests potential to abrogate antibiotic resistance.

Extracts of Brocchia cinerea (Delile) Vis Exhibit In Vivo Wound Healing, Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activities, and Other In Vitro Therapeutic Effects.

The plant Brocchia cinerea (Delile) (B. cinerea) has many uses in traditional pharmacology. Aqueous (BCAE) and ethanolic extracts (BCEE) obtained from the aerial parts can be used as an alternative to some synthetic drugs. In vitro, DPPH, FRAP and TAC are three tests used to measure antioxidant efficacy. Antibacterial activities were determined against one Gram positive and two Gram negative strains of bacteria. The analgesic power was evaluated in vivo using the abdominal contortion model in mice, while carrageenan-induced edema in rats was the model chosen for the anti-inflammatory test; wound healing was evaluated in an experimental second degree burn model. The results of the phytochemical analysis showed that BCEE had the greatest content of polyphenols (21.06 mg AGE/g extract), flavonoids (10.43 mg QE/g extract) and tannins (24.05 mg TAE/g extract). HPLC-DAD reveals the high content of gallic acid, quercetin and caffeic acid in extracts. BCEE has a strong antiradical potency against DPPH (IC50 = 0.14 mg/mL) and a medium iron reducing activity (EC50 = 0.24 mg/mL), while BCAE inhibited the growth of the antibiotic resistant bacterium, P. aeruginosa (MIC = 10 mg/mL). BCAE also exhibited significant pharmacological effects and analgesic efficacy (55.81% inhibition 55.64% for the standard used) and the re-epithelialization of wounds, with 96.91% against 98.60% for the standard. These results confirm the validity of the traditional applications of this plant and its potential as a model to develop analogous drugs.

In Vitro and In Silico Studies of Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Activities of Chemically Characterized Essential Oil of Artemisia flahaultii L. (Asteraceae).

The present study investigated the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities as well as characterized the chemical composition of the essential oils (EO) isolated from Artemisia flahaultii (EOF). EOF was extracted using hydro-distillation, and the chemical composition of EOF was ascertained by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). To assess antioxidant capacity, three tests were used: the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH), the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) test. The antimicrobial activity of EOF was investigated using the diffusion assay and minimal inhibitory concentration assays (MICs). By use of in silico structure-activity simulations, the inhibitory potency against nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), physicochemical characters, pharmaco-centric properties and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME) characteristics of EOF were determined. GC/MS analysis reveals 25 components majorly composed of D-Limonene (22.09%) followed by ß-pinene (15.22%), O-cymene (11.72%), ß-vinylnaphthalene (10.47%) and benzene 2,4-pentadiynyl (9.04%). The capacity of DPPH scavenging by EOF scored an IC50 of 16.00 ± 0.20 µg/mL. TAC revealed that the examined oils contained considerable amounts of antioxidants, which were determined to be 1094.190 ± 31.515 mg ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/g EO. Results of the FRAP method showed that EOF exhibited activity with EC50 = 6.20 ± 0.60 µg/mL. Values for minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against certain clinically important pathogenic bacteria demonstrate EOF's potent antibacterial activity. MIC values of 1.34, 1.79, and 4.47 µg/mL against E. coli, B. subtilis and S. aureus were observed respectively. EOF exhibited significant antifungal activities against two stains of fungi: F. oxysporum and C. albicans, with values of 10.70 and 2.23 µg/mL, respectively. Of the total, 25 essential oils were identified. 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol and capillin were the most active molecules against NADPH. The ADME prediction revealed that EOF was characterized by useful physicochemical characteristics and pharmaco-centric properties. The findings of this study show that the EOF can be used as an alternative to treat microbial resistance. Based on the in silico studies, EOF can be used as an "eco-friendly" NADPH inhibitor.

Whole Exome Sequence Analysis for Inborn Errors of IL-12/IFN-γ Axis in Patient with Recurrent Typhoid Fever.

Background: The IL-12/IFN-γ axis pathways play a vital role in the control of intracellular pathogens such as Salmonella typhi. Objective: The study is aimed at using whole exome sequencing (WES) to screen out genetic defects in IL-12/IFN-γ axis in patients with recurrent typhoid fever. Methods: WES using next-generation sequencing was performed on a single patient diagnosed with recurrent typhoid fever. Following alignment and variant calling, exomes were screened for mutations in 25 genes that are involved in the IL-12/IFN-γ axis pathway. Each variant was assessed by using various bioinformatics mutational analysis tools such as SIFT, Polyphen2, LRT, MutationTaster, and MutationAssessor. Results: Out of 25 possible variations in the IL-12/IFN-γ axis genes, only 2 probable disease-causing mutations were identified. These variations were rare and include mutations in IL23R and ZNFX I. Other pathogenic mutations were found, but they were not considered likely to cause disease based on various mutation predictors. Conclusion: Applying WES to the patient with recurrent typhoid fever detects variants that are not much important as other genes in the IL-12/IFN-γ axis. Results of the current study suggest that a large population sizes would be needed to examine the functional relevance of IL-12/IFN-γ axis genes with recurrent typhoid fever.

Discovery of the human homolog of sex-determining region (SRY) gene in dioecious plants.

Sex determination in the early developmental stages of dioecious crops is economically-beneficial. During this study, a human homology of SRY gene was successfully identified in dioecious crops. SRY gene sequences of date palm and jojoba were submitted to GenBank under the accession numbers KC577225 and MK991776, respectively. This is the first report regarding the novel sex-determination methodology of four dioecious plants (jojoba, date palm, papaya, and pistachios). SRY sex gene was found in all the tested dioecious plant and human samples. This novel approach is simple and of significant importance for breeders. It facilitates the unambiguous selection of jojoba and date palm female plants at an early age and reduces the plantation cost of cultivating non-productive male plants. This is a rapid sex-determination technique for dioecious plants and mammals at an early stage. This technique specifically targets the SRY sequence that has been comprehensively investigated in humans. The kit development for the SRY-based sex determination of various crops is in progress.

Synergistic Antibacterial Potential of Greenly Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles with Fosfomycin Against Some Nosocomial Bacterial Pathogens.

Introduction: A considerable number of morbidities and fatalities occur worldwide as a result of the multidrug resistant microorganisms that cause a high prevalence of nosocomial bacterial infections. Hence, the current investigation was conducted to evaluate the antibacterial potency of green fabricated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against four different nosocomial pathogens. Methods: The flower extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa mediated green fabrication of AgNPs and their physicochemical features were scrutinized using different techniques. Antimicrobial activity of the biogenic AgNPs and their synergistic patterns with fosfomycin antibiotic were evaluated using disk diffusion assay. Results and Discussion: UV spectral analysis affirmed the successful formation of AgNPs through the detection of broad absorption band at 395 and 524 nm, indicating the surface plasmon resonance of the biofabricated AgNPs. In this setting, the biofabricated AgNPs demonstrated average particle size of 58.682 nm according to transmission electron microscope (TEM) micrographs. The detected hydrodynamic diameter was higher than that noticed by TEM analysis, recording 72.30 nm in diameter and this could be attributed to the action of capping agents, which was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) analysis. Disk diffusion assay indicated the antibacterial potency of biogenic AgNPs (50 µg/disk) against Enterobacter cloacae, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli strains with relative inhibition zone diameters of 12.82 ± 0.36 mm, 14.54 ± 0.15 mm, 18.35 ± 0.24 mm and 21.69 ± 0.12 mm, respectively. In addition, E. coli was found to be the most susceptible strain to the biogenic AgNPs. However, the highest synergistic pattern of AgNPs-fosfomycin combination was detected against K. pneumonia strain recording relative synergistic percentage of 64.22%. In conclusion, the detected synergistic efficiency of AgNPs and the antibiotic fosfomycin highlight the potential for utilizing this combination in the biofabrication of effective antibacterial agents against nosocomial pathogens.

Assessment of impacts of industrial effluents on physico-chemical and microbiological qualities of irrigation water of the Fez Rriver, Morocco.

Global water consumption has grown twice as fast as the population. Wastewater is therefore a valuable and renewable source and provides additional water for priority uses. Wastewater can also be a source of pollution; thus, its physico-chemical and biological compositions can present major risks to the environment and human health. The objective of this study was to assess the status of irrigation waters in terms of salinization, accumulation of metallic elements, and microbiological contamination by parasites and pathogenic bacteria. The study focused on the surface water of Oued Fès used for irrigation located downstream of the industrial zone of Doukkarat and upstream of the industrial zone of Ain Noukbi (wastewater) before the confluence with the Oued Sebou, as well as on the treated wastewater of the wastewater treatment plant. The physico-chemical and microbiological analyses were carried out in two periods: summer and winter. Metals were analyzed by ICP-AES. The chemical and bacteriological quality of the wastewater and treated wastewater was found to be poor. These were characterized by organic pollution, including biodegradable pollutants, while upstream the organic residues were not biodegradables. COD, BOD5, Kjeldahl nitrogen, as well as chloride ion (Cl-) are above the standard values. The highest concentrations of Cd, at 850 µg/l, Cu, at 690 µg/l and Mn, at 470 µg/l, largely exceed the international standards and requirements. In addition to fecal contamination, characterized by total coliforms and thermo-tolerant coliforms, other pathogens were present, including helminth eggs, both in the wastewater and in the treated wastewater. Other pathogens, such as Vibrio cholera, were found at all three sites whether in winter or summer, with the exception of the downstream of Oued Fez in winter. As for Salmonella, it was present in treated wastewater during the winter only. The water used for irrigation upstream of Oued Fez and the treated wastewater have poor to very poor quality. Therefore, for a better use of these waters, it is necessary to ensure their regular treatment in order to minimize the impacts on the environment and human health.

Hepatoprotective effects of a chemically-characterized extract from artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) against AFB1-induced toxicity in rats.

This study was conducted to investigate the protective potential of a pharmaceutically formulated capsule of artichoke leaf powder (ArLP) against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats. In the 42-day experiment, rats were divided into five equal groups: (i) control, treated with sterile water, (ii) treated with 4% DMSO as AFB1 vehicle, (iii) ArLP of 100 mg kg-1 bw, (iv) AFB1 of 72 µg kg-1 bw, and (v) AFB1 plus ArLP. Exposure of rats to AFB1 resulted in hepatotoxicity as manifested by the intensification of oxidative stress, production of free radicals and significant increase in the activity levels of liver function enzymes relative to the control. Significant reductions in both the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant markers as well as histopathological abnormalities in liver tissues were also observed. Notably, the combined administration of ArLP with AFB1 clearly reduced AFB1-mediated adverse effects leading to the normalization of most of these parameters back to control levels. These findings clearly highlight the potential benefits of artichoke dietary supplements as a safe and natural solution in counteracting the adverse hepatotoxic effects conferred by AFB1 exposure. Further research is warranted to fully dissect the biochemical and molecular mechanism of action of the observed artichoke-mediated hepatoprotection.