Integrative transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveals the toxicity and mechanistic insights of bioformulated chitosan nanoparticles against Magnaporthe oryzae.

Rice blast, an extremely destructive disease caused by the filamentous fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae, poses a global threat to the production of rice (Oryza sativa L.). The emerging trend of reducing dependence on chemical fungicides for crop protection has increased interest in exploring bioformulated nanomaterials as a sustainable alternative antimicrobial strategy for effectively managing plant diseases. Herein, we used physiomorphological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic methods to investigate the toxicity and molecular action mechanisms of moringa-chitosan nanoparticles (M-CNPs) against M. oryzae. Our results demonstrate that M-CNPs exhibit direct antifungal properties by impeding the growth and conidia formation of M. oryzae in a concentration-dependent manner. Propidium iodide staining indicated concentration-dependent significant apoptosis (91.33%) in the fungus. Ultrastructural observations revealed complete structural damage in fungal cells treated with 200 mg/L M-CNPs, including disruption of the cell wall and destruction of internal organelles. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed the intricate mechanism underlying the toxicity of M-CNPs against M. oryzae. The transcriptomics data indicated that exposure to M-CNPs disrupted various processes integral to cell membrane biosynthesis, aflatoxin biosynthesis, transcriptional regulation, and nuclear integrity in M. oryzae., emphasizing the interaction between M-CNPs and fungal cells. Similarly, metabolomic profiling demonstrated that exposure to M-CNPs significantly altered the levels of several key metabolites involved in the integral components of metabolic pathways, microbial metabolism, histidine metabolism, citrate cycle, and lipid and protein metabolism in M. oryzae. Overall, these findings demonstrated the potent antifungal action of M-CNPs, with a remarkable impact at the physiological and molecular level, culminating in substantial apoptotic-like fungal cell death. This research provides a novel perspective on investigating bioformulated nanomaterials as antifungal agents for plant disease control.

Bio-functionalized nickel-silica nanoparticles suppress bacterial leaf blight disease in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Introduction: Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is one of the most devastative diseases that threatens rice plants worldwide. Biosynthesized nanoparticle (NP) composite compounds have attracted attention as environmentally safe materials that possess antibacterial activity that could be used in managing plant diseases. Methods: During this study, a nanocomposite of two important elements, nickel and silicon, was biosynthesized using extraction of saffron stigmas (Crocus sativus L.). Characterization of obtained nickel-silicon dioxide (Ni-SiO2) nanocomposite was investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission/Scanning electron microscopy (TEM/SEM), and energy-dispersive spectrum (EDS). Antibacterial activities of the biosynthesized Ni-SiO2 nanocomposite against Xoo were tested by measuring bacterial growth, biofilm formation, and dead Xoo cells. Results and discussions: The bacterial growth (OD600) and biofilm formation (OD570) of Xoo treated with distilled water (control) was found to be 1.21 and 1.11, respectively. Treatment with Ni-SiO2 NPs composite, respectively, reduced the growth and biofilm formation by 89.07% and 80.40% at 200 µg/ml. The impact of obtained Ni-SiO2 nanocomposite at a concentration of 200 µg/ml was assayed on infected rice plants. Treatment of rice seedlings with Ni-SiO2 NPs composite only had a plant height of 64.8 cm while seedlings treated with distilled water reached a height of 45.20 cm. Notably, Xoo-infected seedlings treated with Ni-SiO2 NPs composite had a plant height of 57.10 cm. Furthermore, Ni-SiO2 NPs composite sprayed on inoculated seedlings had a decrease in disease leaf area from 43.83% in non-treated infected seedlings to 13.06% in treated seedlings. The FTIR spectra of biosynthesized Ni-SiO2 nanocomposite using saffron stigma extract showed different bands at 3,406, 1,643, 1,103, 600, and 470 cm-1. No impurities were found in the synthesized composite. Spherically shaped NPs were observed by using TEM and SEM. EDS revealed that Ni-SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) have 13.26% Ni, 29.62% Si, and 57.11% O. Xoo treated with 200 µg/ml of Ni-SiO2 NPs composite drastically increased the apoptosis of bacterial cells to 99.61% in comparison with 2.23% recorded for the control. Conclusions: The application of Ni-SiO2 NPs significantly improved the vitality of rice plants and reduced the severity of BLB.

Nanobiotechnology to advance stress resilience in plants: Current opportunities and challenges.

A sustainable and resilient crop production system is essential to meet the global food demands. Traditional chemical-based farming practices have become ineffective due to increased population pressures and extreme climate variations. Recently, nanobiotechnology is considered to be a promising approach for sustainable crop production by improving the targeted nutrient delivery, pest management efficacy, genome editing efficiency, and smart plant sensor implications. This review provides deeper mechanistic insights into the potential applications of engineered nanomaterials for improved crop stress resilience and productivity. We also have discussed the technology readiness level of nano-based strategies to provide a clear picture of our current perspectives of the field. Current challenges and implications in the way of upscaling nanobiotechnology in the crop production are discussed along with the regulatory requirements to mitigate associated risks and facilitate public acceptability in order to develop research objectives that facilitate a sustainable nano-enabled Agri-tech revolution. Conclusively, this review not only highlights the importance of nano-enabled approaches in improving crop health, but also demonstrated their roles to counter global food security concerns.

The completed genome sequence of Pestalotiopsis versicolor, a pathogenic ascomycete fungus with implications for bayberry production.

The pathogenic fungus Pestalotiopsis versicolor is a major etiological agent of fungal twig blight disease affecting bayberry trees. However, the lack of complete genome sequence information for this crucial pathogenic fungus hinders the molecular and genetic investigation of its pathogenic mechanism. To address this knowledge gap, we have generated the complete genome sequence of P. versicolor strain XJ27, employing a combination of Illumina, PacBio, and Hi-C sequencing technologies. This comprehensive genome sequence, comprising 7 chromosomes with an N50 contig size of 7,275,017 bp, a GC content ratio of 50.16%, and a total size of 50.80 Mb, encompasses 13,971 predicted coding genes. By performing comparative genomic analysis between P. versicolor and the genomes of eleven plant-pathogenic fungi, as well as three closely related fungi within the same group, we have gained initial insights into its evolutionary trajectory, particularly through gene family analysis. These findings shed light on the distinctive characteristics and evolutionary history of P. versicolor. Importantly, the availability of this high-quality genetic resource will serve as a foundational tool for investigating the biology, molecular pathogenesis, and virulence of P. versicolor. Furthermore, it will facilitate the development of more potent antifungal medications by uncovering potential vulnerabilities in its genetic makeup.

Transcriptomic and proteomic profiling reveals toxicity and molecular action mechanisms of bioengineered chitosan­iron nanocomposites against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae.

Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) pathogen, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is the most devastating bacterial pathogen, which jeopardizes the sustainable rice (Oryza sativa L.) production system. The use of antibiotics and conventional pesticides has become ineffective due to increased pathogen resistance and associated ecotoxicological concerns. Thus, the development of effective and sustainable antimicrobial agents for plant disease management is inevitable. Here, we investigated the toxicity and molecular action mechanisms of bioengineered chitosan­iron nanocomposites (BNCs) against Xoo using transcriptomic and proteomic approaches. The transcriptomic and proteomics analyses revealed molecular antibacterial mechanisms of BNCs against Xoo. Transcriptomic data revealed that various processes related to cell membrane biosynthesis, antioxidant stress, DNA damage, flagellar biosynthesis and transcriptional regulator were impaired upon BNCs exposure, which clearly showing the interaction of BNCs to Xoo pathogen. Similarly, proteomic profiling showed that BNCs treatment significantly altered the levels of functional proteins involved in the integral component of the cell membrane, catalase activity, oxidation-reduction process and metabolic process in Xoo, which is consistent with the results of the transcriptomic analysis. Overall, this study suggested that BNCs has great potential to serve as an eco-friendly, sustainable, and non-toxic alternative to traditional agrichemicals to control the BLB disease in rice.

Recent Trends and Advancements in CRISPR-Based Tools for Enhancing Resistance against Plant Pathogens.

Targeted genome editing technologies are becoming the most important and widely used genetic tools in studies of phytopathology. The "clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)" and its accompanying proteins (Cas) have been first identified as a natural system associated with the adaptive immunity of prokaryotes that have been successfully used in various genome-editing techniques because of its flexibility, simplicity, and high efficiency in recent years. In this review, we have provided a general idea about different CRISPR/Cas systems and their uses in phytopathology. This review focuses on the benefits of knock-down technologies for targeting important genes involved in the susceptibility and gaining resistance against viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens by targeting the negative regulators of defense pathways of hosts in crop plants via different CRISPR/Cas systems. Moreover, the possible strategies to employ CRISPR/Cas system for improving pathogen resistance in plants and studying plant-pathogen interactions have been discussed.

Citric acid assisted phytoextraction of nickle from soil helps to tolerate oxidative stress and expression profile of NRAMP genes in sunflower at different growth stages.

Introduction: Soil polluted with Nickel (Ni) adversely affects sunflower growth resulting in reduced yield. Counterbalancing Ni toxicity requires complex molecular, biochemical, and physiological mechanisms at the cellular, tissue, and whole plant levels, which might improve crop productivity. One of the primary adaptations to tolerate Ni toxicity is the enhanced production of antioxidant enzymes and the elevated expression of Ni responsive genes. Methods: In this study, biochemical parameters, production of ROS, antioxidants regulation, and expression of NRAMP metal transporter genes were studied under Ni stress in sunflower. There were four soil Ni treatments (0, 50, 100, and 200 mg kg-1 soil), while citric acid (CA, 5 mM kg-1 soil) was applied on the 28th and 58th days of plant growth. The samples for all analyses were obtained on the 30th and 60th day of plant growth, respectively. Results and discussion: The results indicated that the concentrations of Ni in roots and shoots were increased with increasing concentrations of Ni at both time intervals. Proline contents, ascorbic acid, protein, and total phenolics were reduced under Ni-stress, but with the application of CA, improvement was witnessed in their contents. The levels of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide were enhanced with the increasing concentration of Ni, and after applying CA, they were reduced. The contents of antioxidants, i.e., catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, dehydroascorbate reductase, and glutathione reductase, were increased at 50 ppm Ni concentration and decreased at higher concentrations of Ni. The application of CA significantly improved antioxidants at all concentrations of Ni. The enhanced expression of NRAMP1 (4, 51 and 81 folds) and NRAMP3 (1.05, 4 and 6 folds) was found at 50, 100 and 200ppm Ni-stress, respectively in 30 days old plants and the same pattern of expression was recorded in 60 days old plants. CA further enhanced the expression at both developmental stages. Conclusion: In conclusion, CA enhances Ni phytoextraction efficiency as well as protect plant against oxidative stress caused by Ni in sunflower.

Genome-wide comparison and identification of myosin gene family in Arabidopsis thaliana and Helianthus annuus.

Myosins are essential components of organelle trafficking in all the eukaryotic cells. Myosin driven movement plays a vital role in the development of pollen tubes, root hairs and root tips of flowering plants. The present research characterized the myosin genes in Arabidopsis thaliana and Helianthus annuus by using different computational tools. We discovered a total of 50 myosin genes and their splice variants in both pant species. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that myosin genes were divided into four subclasses. Chromosomal location revealed that myosin genes were located on all five chromosomes in A. thaliana, whereas they were present on nine chromosomes in H. annuus. Conserved motifs showed that conserved regions were closely similar within subgroups. Gene structure analysis showed that Atmyosin2.2 and Atmyosin2.3 had the highest number of introns/exons. Gene ontology analysis indicated that myosin genes were involved in vesicle transport along actin filament and cytoskeleton trafficking. Expression analysis showed that expression of myosin genes was higher during the flowering stage as compared to the seedling and budding stages. Tissue specific expression indicated that HanMYOSIN11.2, HanMYOSIN16.2 were highly expressed in stamen, whereas HanMYOSIN 2.2, HanMYOSIN 12.1 and HanMYOSIN 17.1 showed higher expression in nectary. This study enhance our understanding the function of myosins in plant development, and forms the basis for future research about the comparative genomics of plant myosin in other crop plants.

Molecular Aspects of MicroRNAs and Phytohormonal Signaling in Response to Drought Stress: A Review.

Phytohormones play an essential role in plant growth and development in response to environmental stresses. However, plant hormones require a complex signaling network combined with other signaling pathways to perform their proper functions. Thus, multiple phytohormonal signaling pathways are a prerequisite for understanding plant defense mechanism against stressful conditions. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are master regulators of eukaryotic gene expression and are also influenced by a wide range of plant development events by suppressing their target genes. In recent decades, the mechanisms of phytohormone biosynthesis, signaling, pathways of miRNA biosynthesis and regulation were profoundly characterized. Recent findings have shown that miRNAs and plant hormones are integrated with the regulation of environmental stress. miRNAs target several components of phytohormone pathways, and plant hormones also regulate the expression of miRNAs or their target genes inversely. In this article, recent developments related to molecular linkages between miRNAs and phytohormones were reviewed, focusing on drought stress.

A Review on Nuclear Imaging as a Promising Modality for Efficient Diagnosis of Tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease, which has been declared as a global health issue by the World Health Organization in 1993. Due to the complex pathophysiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, it remains a global threat. This article reviews the conventional diagnostic modalities for tuberculosis, their limitations to detect latent TB, multiple drug resistant-TB, human immunodeficiency virus co-infected TB lesions, and TB in children. Moreover, this review illustrates the importance of nuclear medicine imaging for early, non-invasive diagnosis of TB, to detect disease stages and to monitor therapy response. Single-photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography with their particular radionuclides are now extensively being used for a thorough assessment of TB.

Therapeutic Effects and Safe Uses of Plant-Derived Polyphenolic Compounds in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Review.

Polyphenols have long been recognized as health-promoting entities, including beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease, but their reputation has been boosted recently following a number of encouraging clinical studies in multiple chronic pathologies, that seem to validate efficacy. Health benefits of polyphenols have been linked to their well-established powerful antioxidant activity. This review aims to provide comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge on the current therapeutic status of polyphenols having sufficient heed towards the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, data about the safety profile of highly efficacious polyphenols has also been investigated to further enhance their role in cardiac abnormalities. Evidence is presented to support the action of phenolic derivatives against cardiovascular pathologies by following receptors and signaling pathways which ultimately cause changes in endogenous antioxidant, antiplatelet, vasodilatory, and anti-inflammatory activities. In addition, in vitro antioxidant and pre-clinical and clinical experiments on anti-inflammatory as well as immunomodulatory attributes of polyphenols have revealed their role as cardioprotective agents. However, an obvious shortage of in vivo studies related to dose selection and toxicity of polyphenols makes these compounds a suitable target for clinical investigations. Further studies are needed for the development of safe and potent herbal products against cardiovascular diseases. The novelty of this review is to provide comprehensive knowledge on polyphenols safety and their health claims. It will help researchers to identify those moieties which likely exert protective and therapeutic effects towards cardiovascular diseases.

Therapeutic Uses of Traditional Chinese Medicines Against COVID-19.

COVID-19 is a pandemic and a serious respiratory disorder that is caused by coronavirus. It has produced an outbreak of acute infectious pneumonia in China and afterward all around the world. There is not a single anti-viral drug, vaccine or any kind of treatment available for this fatal disease. There are only a few options available for symptomatic relief. Thus, in China, 85% of SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals have been treated with traditional Chinese medicines (TCM). Thus, this article focused on the previous kinds of literature regarding COVID-19 and its treatment with TCM along with its applications. SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV showed similarity in genes, pathological processes, and epidemiology, so these can be treated with TCM. The proof regarding treatment of SARS-CoV with TCM explicitly shows the advantages of using TCM therapy for COVID-19. Present literature explains the mode of action and efficacy of TCM and elaborates on the natural compounds introduced to treat COVID-19.

Potential of Nanocarrier-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Brain Targeting: A Current Review of Literature.

The advent of nanotechnologies such as nanocarriers and nanotherapeutics has changed the treatment strategy and developed a more efficacious novel drug delivery system. Various drug delivery systems are focused on drug-targeting of brain cells. However, the manifestation of the brain barrier is the main hurdle for the effective delivery of chemotherapeutics, ultimately causing treatment failure of various drugs. To solve this problem, various nanocarrier-based drug delivery system has been developed for brain targeting. This review outlines nanocarrier-based composites for different brain diseases and highlights nanocarriers for drug targeting towards brain cells. It also summarizes the latest developments in nanocarrier-based delivery systems containing liposomal systems, dendrimers, polymeric micelles, polymeric nanocarriers, quantum dots (QDs), and gold nanoparticles. Besides, the optimal properties of nanocarriers and therapeutic implications for brain targeting have been extensively studied. Finally, the potential applications and research opportunities for nanocarriers in brain targeting are discussed.

Current trends and future prospective in nanoremediation of heavy metals contaminated soils: A way forward towards sustainable agriculture.

Heavy metals (HMs) contamination in agricultural soils is a major concern for global food safety and human health. Although, various in-situ and ex-situ remediation methods have been used for the treatment of HMs contaminated soils, however, they also have many drawbacks viz., capital investment, toxicity, and environmental health hazards. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop a novel method to ameliorate the toxicity of HMs in agricultural soils. In recent years, nanoparticles (NPs) have gained significant attention due to their potential applications in the environment and agriculture fields. Nanoremediation employs NPs that effectively reduce the contents of toxic HMs in the soil-plant system. Several studies have reported that the application of NPs in HMs-polluted soils, which reduced plant-available HMs concentration soils. However, the long-term efficiency of NPs immobilization is still unclear. Here, we provide details about the toxicity of HMs to environmental systems and potential applications NPs to alleviate the accumulation of HMs in agricultural soils. Finally, we present the mechanistic route of HMs-toxicity alleviation in plants by NPs application as well as their long-term efficiency and future prospects.

Recent strategies driving oral biologic administration.

INTRODUCTION: High patient compliance, noninvasiveness, and self-administration are the leading features of vaccine delivery through the oral route. The implementation of swift mass vaccination campaigns in pandemic outbreaks fascinates the use of oral vaccination. This approach can elicit both mucosal and systemic immune responses to protect against infection at the surface of the mucosa. AREA COVERED: As pathogen entry and spread mainly occurs through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) mucosal surfaces, oral vaccination may protect and limit disease spread. Oral vaccines target various potential mucosal inductive sites in the GIT, such as the oral cavity, gastric area, and small intestine. Orally delivered vaccines having subunit and nucleic acid pass through various GIT-associated risks, such as the biodegradation of biologics and their reduced absorption. This article presents a summarized review of the existing technologies and prospects for oral vaccination. EXPERT OPINION: The intestinal mucosa focuses on current approaches, while future strategies target new mucosal sites, i.e. oral cavity and stomach. Recent developments in biologic delivery through the oral route and their potential use in future oral vaccination are mainly considered.

Comparative genomic analysis of MYB transcription factors for cuticular wax biosynthesis and drought stress tolerance in Helianthus annuus L.

Sunflower is an important oil-seed crop in Pakistan, it is mainly cultivated in the spring season. It is severely affected by drought stress resulting in lower yield. Cuticular wax acts as the first defense line to protect plants from drought stress condition. It seals the aerial parts of plants and reduce the water loss from leaf surfaces. Various myeloblastosis (MYB) transcription factors (TFs) are involved in biosynthesis of epicuticular waxes under drought-stress. However, less information is available for MYB, TFs in drought stress and wax biosynthesis in sunflower. We used different computational tools to compare the Arabidopsis MYB, TFs involved in cuticular wax biosynthesis and drought stress tolerance with sunflower genome. We identified three putative MYB genes (MYB16, MYB94 and MYB96) in sunflower along with their seven homologs in Arabidopsis. Phylogenetic association of MYB TFs in Arabidopsis and sunflower indicated strong conservation of TFs in plant species. From gene structure analysis, it was observed that intron and exon organization was family-specific. MYB TFs were unevenly distributed on sunflower chromosomes. Evolutionary analysis indicated the segmental duplication of the MYB gene family in sunflower. Quantitative Real-Time PCR revealed the up-regulation of three MYB genes under drought stress. The gene expression of MYB16, MYB94 and MYB96 were found many folds higher in experimental plants than control. The present study provided the first insight into MYB TFs family's characterization in sunflower under drought stress conditions and wax biosynthesis TFs.

Network Pharmacological Study of Achyranthis bidentatae Radix Effect on Bone Trauma.

PURPOSE: Bone trauma is a clinical condition that afflicts the majority of the world's population. For the management of bone trauma, the underlying mechanisms of the drugs effective for bone healing are deemed necessary. Achyranthis bidentatae Radix (ABR) is a popular alternative medicine recommended in the treatment of bone trauma and injury, yet its mechanism of action persists to be vague. This study was conducted for the evaluation of the mode of action of ABR through network pharmacology in treating bone trauma. METHODS: An extensive survey of published works led to the development of a drug-target database, after which multiple protein targets for bone trauma were discerned. The protein-protein interaction network was developed by utilizing the STITCH database and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis using Cytoscape and ClueGO. Moreover, docking studies were performed for revealing the affinity of various ingredients with IL6. RESULTS: The extensive literature survey yielded the presence of 176 components in ABR, and 151 potential targets were acquired. Scrutinization of these targets revealed that 21 potential targets were found to be associated with bone trauma. Out of which, some remarkable targets such as IL6, MAPK14, MAPK8, SRC, PTGS2, and MMP2 were observed to be associated in the functional interaction of ABR. According to docking results, several ingredients of ABR such as Baicalien, Copistine, Epiberberine, Kaempferol, and Palmatine have the lowest docking scores (range between -6 and -7). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study elucidated that ABR can positively be utilized for the management of bone trauma, which can be mediated by multiple molecular mechanisms such as ERBB2 signaling pathway, positive regulation of oxidoreductase activity, JNK cascade pathway, multicellular organism metabolic process, T cell costimulation, and the positive regulation of MAPK activity. The findings also suggest that several ingredients of ABR such as Baicalien, Copistine, Epiberberine, Kaempferol, and Palmatine have good affinity with IL6, suggesting the promising potential of ABR in treating bone trauma, likely through IL6.

SARS-CoV-2: An Update on Genomics, Risk Assessment, Potential Therapeutics and Vaccine Development.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a great threat to public health, being a causative pathogen of a deadly coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It has spread to more than 200 countries and infected millions of individuals globally. Although SARS-CoV-2 has structural/genomic similarities with the previously reported SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, the specific mutations in its genome make it a novel virus. Available therapeutic strategies failed to control this virus. Despite strict standard operating procedures (SOPs), SARS-CoV-2 has spread globally and it is mutating gradually as well. Diligent efforts, special care, and awareness are needed to reduce transmission among susceptible masses particularly elder people, children, and health care workers. In this review, we highlighted the basic genome organization and structure of SARS-CoV-2. Its transmission dynamics, symptoms, and associated risk factors are discussed. This review also presents the latest mutations identified in its genome, the potential therapeutic options being used, and a brief explanation of vaccine development efforts against COVID-19. The effort will not only help readers to understand the deadly SARS-CoV-2 virus but also provide updated information to researchers for their research work.

Nanocarriers-Mediated Drug Delivery Systems for Anticancer Agents: An Overview and Perspectives.

Nanotechnology has been actively integrated as drug carriers over the last few years to treat various cancers. The main hurdle in the clinical management of cancer is the development of multidrug resistance against chemotherapeutic agents. To overcome the limitations of chemotherapy, the researchers have been developing technological advances for significant progress in the oncotherapy by enabling the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents at increased drug content levels to the targeted spots. Several nano-drug delivery systems designed for tumor-targeting are evaluated in preclinical and clinical trials and showed promising outcomes in cancerous tumors' clinical management. This review describes nanocarrier's importance in managing different types of cancers and emphasizing nanocarriers for drug delivery and cancer nanotherapeutics. It also highlights the recent advances in nanocarriers-based delivery systems, including polymeric nanocarriers, micelles, nanotubes, dendrimers, magnetic nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, and quantum dots (QDs). The nanocarrier-based composites are discussed in terms of their structure, characteristics, and therapeutic applications in oncology. To conclude, the challenges and future exploration opportunities of nanocarriers in chemotherapeutics are also presented.

Potential strategies for combating COVID-19.

Coronavirus disease 2019, also known as COVID-19, is caused by a novel coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2. The infection has now catapulted into a full-blown pandemic across the world, which has affected more than 2 million people and has led to approximately 150,000 fatalities all over the world (WHO). In this review, we elaborate all currently available data that shed light on possible methods for treatment of COVID-19, such as antiviral drugs, corticosteroids, convalescent plasma, and potentially effective vaccines. Additionally, ongoing and discontinued clinical trials that have been carried out for validating probable treatments for COVID-19 are discussed. The review also elaborates the prospective approach and the possible advantages of using convalescent plasma and stem cells for the improvement of clinical symptoms and meeting the demand for an instantaneous cure.