A novel approach to designing viral precision vaccines applied to SARS-CoV-2.

Efficient precision vaccines against several highly pathogenic zoonotic viruses are currently lacking. Proteolytic activation is instrumental for a number of these viruses to gain host-cell entry and develop infectivity. For SARS-CoV-2, this process is enhanced by the insertion of a furin cleavage site at the junction of the spike protein S1/S2 subunits upstream of the metalloprotease TMPRSS2 common proteolytic site. Here, we describe a new approach based on specific epitopes selection from the region involved in proteolytic activation and infectivity for the engineering of precision candidate vaccinating antigens. This approach was developed through its application to the design of SARS-CoV-2 cross-variant candidates vaccinating antigens. It includes an in silico structural analysis of the viral region involved in infectivity, the identification of conserved immunogenic epitopes and the selection of those eliciting specific immune responses in infected people. The following step consists of engineering vaccinating antigens that carry the selected epitopes and mimic their 3D native structure. Using this approach, we demonstrated through a Covid-19 patient-centered study of a 500 patients' cohort, that the epitopes selected from SARS-CoV-2 protein S1/S2 junction elicited a neutralizing antibody response significantly associated with mild and asymptomatic COVID-19 (p<0.001), which strongly suggests protective immunity. Engineered antigens containing the SARS-CoV-2 selected epitopes and mimicking the native epitopes 3D structure generated neutralizing antibody response in mice. Our data show the potential of this combined computational and experimental approach for designing precision vaccines against viruses whose pathogenicity is contingent upon proteolytic activation.

Antioxidant, antibacterial, and molecular docking of methyl ferulate and oleic acid produced by Aspergillus pseudodeflectus AUMC 15761 utilizing wheat bran.

Secondary metabolites (SMs) are the primary source of therapeutics and lead chemicals in medicine. They have been especially important in the creation of effective cures for conditions such as cancer, malaria, bacterial and fungal infections, neurological and cardiovascular problems, and autoimmune illnesses. In the present study, Aspergillus pseudodeflectus AUMC 15761 was demonstrated to use wheat bran in solid state fermentation (SSF) at optimum conditions (pH 7.0 at 30 °C after 10 days of incubation and using sodium nitrate as a nitrogen source) to produce methyl ferulate and oleic acid with significant antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the crude methanol extract revealed eleven peaks that indicated the most common chemical components. Purification of methyl ferulate and oleic acid was carried out by column chromatography, and both compounds were identified by in-depth spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR and HR-ESI-MS. DPPH activity increased as the sample concentration increased. IC50 values of both compounds obtained were 73.213 ± 11.20 and 104.178 ± 9.53 µM, respectively. Also, the MIC value for methyl ferulate against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus was 0.31 mg/mL, while the corresponding MIC values for oleic acid were 1.25 mg/mL and 0.62 mg/mL for both bacterial strains, respectively. Molecular modeling calculations were carried out to reveal the binding mode of methyl ferulate and oleic acid within the binding site of the crucial proteins of Staphylococcus aureus. The docking results were found to be well correlated with the experimental data.

Coronavirus disease 19 (Covid-19): A comparative study of pattern of liver injury in adult patients in different waves of Covid-19 infection.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Liver dysfunction is a common manifestation of the COVID-19 infection. We aimed to study transaminase abnormalities through different waves of COVID-19 and their relations to disease severity or mortality. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study included 521 Egyptian patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Data was retrieved from the medical records of patients who were admitted from April 2020 to October 2021 in Kasr Al-Ainy Hospitals, Cairo University, with categorization according to disease severity in correspondence to the four waves. RESULTS: The median age was lower in the first wave compared to other waves, with male predominance across all waves. The most commonly encountered comorbidity overall was hypertension, followed by diabetes mellitus. White blood cells, ferritin, and interleukin-6 showed the highest median values in the second wave, with significantly higher median C-reactive protein on day 1 in the first wave. Forty percent of the patients showed elevated hepatic transaminases on admission in four waves, with no statistically significant difference between waves. On day 5, around half of the patients had elevated transaminases, with no significant difference between waves. Most CT findings were of moderate severity. Clinical severity was higher in the second wave. It was observed that the higher the disease severity, the greater the proportion of patients with elevated hepatic transaminases. The mortality rate was markedly high in cases who had elevated ALT or AST on day 5. The association between elevated enzymes on admission and mortality was seen in the first wave only, with a fatality rate of 22.5% in cases with increased baseline ALT and AST versus 5% in those with normal baseline enzymes. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in transaminases between the four waves. Elevated transaminases were positively associated with increased mortality and severity, reflecting their prognostic value.

The effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment on pain and disability in patients with chronic low back pain: a single-blinded randomized controlled trial.

CONTEXT: The evidence for the efficacy of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) in the management of low back pain (LBP) is considered weak by systematic reviews, because it is generally based on low-quality studies. Consequently, there is a need for more randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a low risk of bias. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of an OMT intervention for reducing pain and disability in patients with chronic LBP. METHODS: A single-blinded, crossover, RCT was conducted at a university-based health system. Participants were adults, 21-65 years old, with nonspecific LBP. Eligible participants (n=80) were randomized to two trial arms: an immediate OMT intervention group and a delayed OMT (waiting period) group. The intervention consisted of three to four OMT sessions over 4-6 weeks, after which the participants switched (crossed-over) groups. The primary clinical outcomes were average pain, current pain, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) 29 v1.0 pain interference and physical function, and modified Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Secondary outcomes included the remaining PROMIS health domains and the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ). These measures were taken at baseline (T0), after one OMT session (T1), at the crossover point (T2), and at the end of the trial (T3). Due to the carryover effects of OMT intervention, only the outcomes obtained prior to T2 were evaluated utilizing mixed-effects models and after adjusting for baseline values. RESULTS: Totals of 35 and 36 participants with chronic LBP were available for the analysis at T1 in the immediate OMT and waiting period groups, respectively, whereas 31 and 33 participants were available for the analysis at T2 in the immediate OMT and waiting period groups, respectively. After one session of OMT (T1), the analysis showed a significant reduction in the secondary outcomes of sleep disturbance and anxiety compared to the waiting period group. Following the entire intervention period (T2), the immediate OMT group demonstrated a significantly better average pain outcome. The effect size was a 0.8 standard deviation (SD), rendering the reduction in pain clinically significant. Further, the improvement in anxiety remained statistically significant. No study-related serious adverse events (AEs) were reported. CONCLUSIONS: OMT intervention is safe and effective in reducing pain along with improving sleep and anxiety profiles in patients with chronic LBP.

Functional and structural responses of a halophilic consortium to oily sludge during biodegradation.

Biotreatment of oily sludge and the involved microbial communities, particularly in saline environments, have been rarely investigated. We enriched a halophilic bacterial consortium (OS-100) from petroleum refining oily sludge, which degraded almost 86% of the aliphatic hydrocarbon (C10-C30) fraction of the oily sludge within 7 days in the presence of 100 g/L NaCl. Two halophilic hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria related to the genera Chromohalobacter and Halomonas were isolated from the OS-100 consortium. Hydrocarbon degradation by the OS-100 consortium was relatively higher compared to the isolated bacteria, indicating potential synergistic interactions among the OS-100 community members. Exclusion of FeCl2, MgCl2, CaCl2, trace elements, and vitamins from the culture medium did not significantly affect the hydrocarbon degradation efficiency of the OS-100 consortium. To the contrary, hydrocarbon biodegradation dropped from 94.1 to 54.4% and 5% when the OS-100 consortium was deprived from phosphate and nitrogen sources in the culture medium, respectively. Quantitative PCR revealed that alkB gene expression increased up to the 3rd day of incubation with 11.277-fold, consistent with the observed increments in hydrocarbon degradation. Illumina-MiSeq sequencing of 16 S rRNA gene fragments revealed that the OS-100 consortium was mainly composed of the genera Halomonas, Idiomarina, Alcanivorax and Chromohalobacter. This community structure changed depending on the culturing conditions. However, remarkable changes in the community structure were not always associated with remarkable shifts in the hydrocarbonoclastic activity and vice versa. The results show that probably synergistic interactions between community members and different subpopulations of the OS-100 consortium contributed to salinity tolerance and hydrocarbon degradation.

Effect of combined Kinesiotaping and resistive exercise on muscle strength and quality of life in breast cancer survivors: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) and its treatment affect women's tissue architecture and physiology, which leads to impaired muscle strength and joint dysfunction, affecting quality of life (QOL). Most evidence has focused on exercises; however, due to the complexity and heterogeneity of patients' rehabilitation needs, further research is required to investigate more adjunctive methods to help optimal rehabilitation according to patients' needs, preferences, and effective interventions. METHODS: This study aimed to determine the effect of Kinesiotaping (KT) combined with resistive exercise on muscle strength and QOL in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Forty premenopausal BCS treated with chemotherapy postmastectomy participated in this study. Their age ranged from 40 to 55 years, and their body mass index (BMI) was 25-29.9 kg/m2. They were randomly distributed into two equal groups. The control group received resistive exercise two times/week for 12 weeks, while the study group received resistive exercise and KT applied to the lower limbs. Hip, knee, and ankle muscle strength were measured using a hand-held dynamometer, and QOL was evaluated using 36-Item Short Form (SF-36) before and after treatment. RESULTS: Both groups showed a significant increase (p = 0.0001) in the strength of hip flexors, knee extensors, flexors, ankle plantar flexors, and dorsiflexors, as well as SF-36 score after treatment. However, the study group showed a more significant increase in strength of hip flexors (p = 0.005), knee extensors (p = 0.01) and flexors (p = 0.02), ankle plantar flexors (p = 0.01), and dorsiflexors (p = 0.01), as well as SF-36 score (p = 0.006) than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: KT plus resistive exercise is more effective than exercise alone for improving muscle strength and QOL in BCS. So, the KT can be recommended as a non-invasive, adjunctive method added to the protocol therapy for BCS to help better outcomes during the rehabilitation period.

An In Vivo Study Using T-scan III Occlusal Analysis System: Does the Extraction Pattern Affect the Final Occlusion in Orthodontics?

BACKGROUND: The assessment of an orthodontic patient's occlusion throughout the treatment and after debonding permits the orthodontist to improve functional occlusion through interventional tooth movements, thus rendering the overall treatment more efficient in terms of stability and masticatory efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of four first premolar extractions during orthodontic treatment on the distribution of bite force using the T-scan III system (Tekscan Inc., Boston, MA). OBJECTIVE: We aim to evaluate the effect of four first premolar extractions during orthodontic treatment on bite force distribution. METHODS: Ten patients (mean age: 16 ± 2.72 years), who would be treated orthodontically with four first premolar extractions to treat their teeth crowding, were selected for this study. The T-scan III system was utilized to measure the occlusal bite force of the patients before and after treatment, and the findings were compared. RESULTS: There was a non-statistically significant decrease in the occlusal bite force's mean in the arch's anterior segment from 24.45% (± 8.50%) to 14.25% (± 12.93%) after the orthodontic treatment. A non-statistically significant increase in the occlusal bite force in the posterior right segment of the arch from 37.64% (± 18.13%) to 41.65% (± 11.52%) was found after the treatment. The occlusal bite force in the posterior left segment of the arch increased insignificantly from 30.53% (± 20.00%) to 43.95% (± 13.22%). There was an even distribution of bite force on both sides of the arch by the end of the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontic treatment helps to achieve a functional occlusal balance by assisting in the uniform distribution of biting force on both sides of the arch. There was no statistically significant change in the distribution of bite force recordings collected before and after orthodontic treatment, indicating that the removal of the four first premolar teeth does not impact the functional aspect of occlusion. The T-scan III system serves as an essential guide during orthodontic treatment to monitor occlusal changes.

Age-related differences in lower limb muscle activation patterns and balance control strategies while walking over a compliant surface.

Substantial evidence demonstrates that falls in older adults are leading causes of fatal and non-fatal injuries and lead to negative impacts on the quality of life in the aging population. Most falls in older fallers result from unrecoverable limb collapse during falling momentum control in the single limb support (SLS) phase. To understand why older adults are more likely to fall than younger adults, we investigated age-related differences in knee extensor eccentric control, lower limb muscle activation patterns, and their relation to balance control. Ten older and ten younger healthy adults were compared during balance control while walking on a compliant surface. There was a positive correlation between knee extensor eccentric work in the perturbed leg and the swinging leg's speed and margin of stability. In comparison to younger adults, older adults demonstrated (1) less eccentric work, reduced eccentric electromyography burst duration in the perturbed leg, (2) higher postural sway during SLS, and (3) impaired swinging leg balance control. The group-specific muscle synergy showed that older adults had a prominent ankle muscle activation, while younger adults exhibited a more prominent hip muscle activation. These findings provide insight into targeted balance rehabilitation directions to improve postural stability and reduce falls in older adults.

Withania somnifera mitochondrial atp4 gene editing alters the ATP synthase b subunit, independent of salt stress.

Numerous studies have shown that stress in plant cells and organelles with transport electron chains is related to RNA editing. The ATP synthase complex present in mitochondria plays a crucial role in cellular respiration and consists of several subunits. Among them is the b subunit, which is encoded by the mitochondrial atp4 gene. Computing-based analysis of the effects of RNA editing of the Withania somnifera atp4 gene in mitochondria leading to alterations in the b subunit of ATP synthase. Using the CLC Genomic Workbench 3, RNA editing analysis between the control and salt stress conditions was not significantly different. Depending on RNA editing, the tertiary structure model revealed a change in the states of the b subunit, reflecting differences in the central stalk and F1-catalytic domain. The study found that polar edits in the N-terminus of the b subunit allow for efficient H + ion selectivity and introduce a new coiled-coil alpha-helical structure that may help stabilize the complex. The most noteworthy finding of this study was the strong impact of these editing events on the tertiary structure of the b subunit, which has the potential to affect the ATPase activity and indicate that the editing in this subunit aimed to restore the original active protein and not as a response to salt stress.

Laser-induced porous graphene electrodes from polyketimine membranes for paracetamol sensing.

The development of cost-effective materials for fabricating electrodes is crucial for drug, pharmaceutical and environmental applications. This paper presents the synthesis and characterization of a novel polyketimine (PKI) membrane obtained by condensing partially of different weight percentages of oxidized polyvinyl alcohol and aminated polyether sulfone. Using the PKI membrane as a scaffold, we introduced laser-induced graphene electrodes (LIGEs) for the efficient electrochemical sensing of paracetamol (PCM), which serves as a model drug. Electrochemical measurements were conducted to assess the physico-chemical properties, including laser-induced porous graphene features, such as the heterogeneous electron transfer (HET) rate and electrochemically active surface area (ECSA). The obtained results demonstrate that the LIGEs exhibit excellent performance in PCM sensing, showing a linear detection range of 50-600 µM with a detection limit (LOD) as low as 14.3 µM and a good selectivity toward uric acid. Furthermore, the functionalization of the electrode surface with AuNPs improved the electrode physico-chemical properties (HET and ECSA) and lowered the detection limit down to 1.1 µM. Consequently, these affordable electrodes hold great potential for analysing other drugs and detecting heavy metal cations in various applications.

Tissue Inhibitor Of Metalloproteinase 3 As A Potential Staging Biomarker In Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Objectives: To assessthe potential role of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 as a staging marker of hepatocellular carcinoma. Method: The experimental study was conducted at Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt, from December 2020 to March 2022 after approval from the Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt, and comprised male albino rats. The subjects were divided into 4 groups. The control group was administrated a single intraperitoneal injection of normal saline, while the other groups were generated post-induction of hepatocellular carcinoma. The induction was done by injecting rats intraperitoneally with a single dose of 200mg/kg diethyl nitrosamine, followed by the administration of 0.05% phenobarbital sodium in drinking water daily. Rats were euthanised at 8, 16 and 24 weeks after the injection to obtain three groups related to the 3 stages of hepatocellular carcinoma. Serum was used for measuring the alpha protein level. Liver homogenates were used for the assessment of the hepatic tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 expression, B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein expression, and the hepatic content of matrix metalloproteinase -9 and cyclin D1. Data was analysed using Graph Prism 8. RESULTS: Of the 24 rats with weight range 120-130g, 6(25%) were in each of the 4 groups. The relative protein and messenger ribonucleic acid tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 expressions were significantly decreased in the intervention groups compared to the control group, with more decline as the hepatocellular carcinoma stage increased. The matrix metalloproteinase -9 and cyclin D1 concentrations and the relative hepatic protein Ki67 expression were significantly raised in the intervention groups compared to the control group (p<0.05). The relative expression of hepatic B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein was markedly decreased in the intervention groups compared to the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 might be a promising diagnostic and staging biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Correlation Between Antimicrobial Resistance And Virulence Genes In Klebsiella Pneumoniae Isolates From Egypt.

Objectives: To genotypically assess the relationship between certain resistance and virulence determinants. Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted at Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt, from March 2019 to May 2021, and comprised pathologicalsamples, like blood,sputum, urine, vaginalswabs and wound swabs, that had been taken from patients who had never received treatment. The sample were collected from Kafrelsheikh and Mansoura University hospitals, and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were obtained. Resistance and virulence determinants were tested phenotypically. Uniplex polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the presence of several resistance accompanied genes and virulence genes in the isolates. Disc diffusion method was used to assess the isolates' susceptibility in accordance with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute criteria for identifying diverse resistance patterns. RESULTS: There were 23 isolatesfrom 16 patients. Of the tested isolates, 22(95.65%)showed drug resistance; 19(82.6%) had multidrug resistance, and 3(13.04%) had extensive drug resistance. There was no case of pan drug resistance. CTX-M-15, NDM, CTX-M-1, VIM-1 and qnr B genes were detected in 14(60.86%), 13(56.5%), 6(26.08%), 6(26.08%) and 6(26.08%) isolates, respectively. Moreover, 6(26.08%) isolates exhibited extended-spectrum ß-lactamase producers, and 12(52.17%) ofsuch isolates contained both CTX-M-1 and CTX-M-15 genes, 6 and 33.3% contained CTX-M-1, CTX M-15 and fox genes. Type 3 fimbriae adhesin mrkD and mucoviscosity regulatory gene uge were found in the tested isolates. However, gene of iron uptake system kfu wasfound in 8(34.78%) isolates, and increased serum survival protein is and mucoviscosity accompanied gene magA were detected in 3(13.04%) isolates. A direct correlation was found among 5 from 8 Klebsiella pneumoniae virulence genes and antimicrobial resistance genes. CONCLUSIONS: There was a direct correlation between the existence of virulence factors and resistance to antimicrobials.

Immune Response And Pathophysiological Features Of Klebsiella Pneumoniae In Mice.

Objectives: To assess the bacterial colonisation of mice organs and faeces infected with 3 strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, to measure levels of tumour necrosisfactor-alpha, tumour necrosisfactor-beta and interleukin-6 in mice serum, and to evaluate immune response of mice infected with Klebsiella pneumoniae. Method: The animalstudy was conducted at Kafreslsheikh University, Egypt, in 2021, and comprised mice 5-7 weeks old who were infected with 3 strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae; K80uge+ (uri, kfu+, mrkD+; K68 gyrA+(gyrase A), mrkD+; and K84 uge+, kfu+, mrkD+". They were monitored for 14 days. The bacterial colonisation of mice livers, lungs, spleens and faeces were determined using culture on MacConkey agar. The percentage of neutrophils detected as cluster of differentiation 11b+ and cluster of differentiation 45+ in the mice serum was determined by flow cytometry. Levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and tumour necrosis factor-beta were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: There were 4 sets of female mice [1 control and 3 infected groups for which 3 K. pneumoniae strains (K80 uge+, kfu+, mrkD+; K68 gyrA+, mrkD+; and K84 "uge+, kfu+, mrkD+)] weighing 13-24gm was used. Colonisation of mice organs and faeces was high after 24 hours then declined rapidly after 3 days, 10 days and 14 days in case of infection with capsulated and non-capsulated strains of bacteria. Livers, lungs and spleens showed maximum inflammation after 24 hours, then declined rapidly. Both cytokine production and organ inflammation increased after one day of infection. There was a significant correlation between the produced cytokines and histopathological changesin liver, lung and spleen. The neutrophils increase in case of infection with K84 and K80 was more than non-capsulated K68. CONCLUSIONS: Neutrophils were found to play an important role in the clearance and treatment of Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Deciphering the enigma of RNA editing in the ATP1_alpha subunit of ATP synthase in Triticum aestivum.

There is evidence that RNA editing is related to plant cellular stress as well as electron transport organelles, such as mitochondria. The mitochondrial atp1 gene encodes the alpha-subunit of Atp synthase. Control as well as two periods of drought stress treatments were analyzed in the cDNAs generated from the mitochondrial atp1 gene of two cultivars of Triticum aestivum [Giza 168 (G168) and Gemmiza 10 (GM10)]. Following RNA-seq data assembly, atp1 cDNAs from the control (acc. no. OQ129415), 2-hour (acc. no. OQ129416), and 12-hour (acc. no. OQ129417) time points of the T. aestivum cultivar G168 were obtained. Control (acc. no. OQ129419), 2-hour (acc. no. OQ129420), and 12-hour (acc. no. OQ129421) samples all included reconstructed atp1 transcripts from Gemmiza 10. Atp1 transcripts were assembled using the wheat atp1 gene (acc. no. NC_036024). RNA-seq raw data was utilized to identify 11 RNA editing sites in atp1 in the tolerant cultivar Giza168 and 6 in the sensitive cultivar Gemmiza10. The significant difference in RNA editing observed between control and drought stress conditions in sites led to synonymous amino acids. This led to no change in tertiary structure between tolerant and sensitive cultivars. But the change was focused between produced protein and its correspondence sequence on DNA.

Synthesis, Physicochemical Characterization, Biological Assessment, and Molecular Docking Study of Some Metal Complexes of Alloxan and Ninhydrin as Alterdentate Ligands.

A series of transition metal complexes of alloxan monohydrate (H2L1) and ninhydrin (H2L2) have been prepared where metal ions are Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zr(IV), and Mo(VI). Different microanalytical techniques, spectroscopic methods, and magnetic studies were applied to assign the mode of bonding and elucidate the structure of complexes. All solid complexes are of 1:1 (M:L) stoichiometry and octahedral geometry except nickel (II) complexes exist in a tetrahedral geometry. FTIR spectral interpretation reveals that HL1 coordinates to the central metal ion in a bidentate ON pattern, whereas HL2 behaves as an alterdentate ligand through hydroxyl oxygen and carbonyl oxygen either C(1) = O or C(3) = O. The thermal behavior of some complexes was followed up to 700 °C by different techniques (TGA, DTA, and DSC) where decomposition stages progress in complicated mechanisms and are ended by the formation of metal oxide residue. Besides, biological screening involving antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal for ligands and some of their complexes was done. Moreover, four examined metal complexes displayed anticancer activity against hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG-2) but to different degrees. According to the IC50 values, Cu-ninhydrin complex, [Cu(HL2)(H2O)4].Cl has a better potency impact in comparison with cisplatin which was used as a reference control. This is in harmony with the molecular docking simulation outcomes that predicted a good binding propensity of the Cu-ninhydrin complex with hepatocellular carcinoma protein (2jrs). Therefore, the Cu-ninhydrin complex should be deemed as a potential chemotherapeutic agent for hepatocellular cancer. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10904-023-02661-5.

Machine-supported decision-making to improve agricultural training participation and gender inclusivity.

Women comprise a significant portion of the agricultural workforce in developing countries but are often less likely to attend government sponsored training events. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of using machine-supported decision-making to increase overall training turnout while enhancing gender inclusivity. Using data obtained from 1,067 agricultural extension training events in Bangladesh (130,690 farmers), models were created to assess gender-based training patterns (e.g., preferences and availability for training). Using these models, simulations were performed to predict the top (most attended) training events for increasing total attendance (male and female combined) and female attendance, based on gender of the trainer, and when and where training took place. By selecting a mixture of the top training events for total attendance and female attendance, simulations indicate that total and female attendance can be concurrently increased. However, strongly emphasizing female participation can have negative consequences by reducing overall turnout, thus creating an ethical dilemma for policy makers. In addition to balancing the need for increasing overall training turnout with increased female representation, a balance between model performance and machine learning is needed. Model performance can be enhanced by reducing training variety to a few of the top training events. But given that models are early in development, more training variety is recommended to provide a larger solution space to find more optimal solutions that will lead to better future performance. Simulations show that selecting the top 25 training events for total attendance and the top 25 training events for female attendance can increase female participation by over 82% while at the same time increasing total turnout by 14%. In conclusion, this study supports the use of machine-supported decision-making when developing gender inclusivity policies in agriculture extension services and lays the foundation for future applications of machine learning in this area.

Exploitation of Sugarcane Bagasse and Environmentally Sustainable Production, Purification, Characterization, and Application of Lovastatin by Aspergillus terreus AUMC 15760 under Solid-State Conditions.

Using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region for identification, three strains of Aspergillus terreus were identified and designated AUMC 15760, AUMC 15762, and AUMC 15763 for the Assiut University Mycological Centre culture collection. The ability of the three strains to manufacture lovastatin in solid-state fermentation (SSF) using wheat bran was assessed using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The most potent strain was strain AUMC 15760, which was chosen to ferment nine types of lignocellulosic waste (barley bran, bean hay, date palm leaves, flax seeds, orange peels, rice straw, soy bean, sugarcane bagasse, and wheat bran), with sugarcane bagasse turning out to be the best substrate. After 10 days at pH 6.0 at 25 °C using sodium nitrate as the nitrogen source and a moisture content of 70%, the lovastatin output reached its maximum quantity (18.2 mg/g substrate). The medication was produced in lactone form as a white powder in its purest form using column chromatography. In-depth spectroscopy examination, including 1H, 13C-NMR, HR-ESI-MS, optical density, and LC-MS/MS analysis, as well as a comparison of the physical and spectroscopic data with published data, were used to identify the medication. At an IC50 of 69.536 ± 5.73 µM, the purified lovastatin displayed DPPH activity. Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis had MICs of 1.25 mg/mL, whereas Candida albicans and Candida glabrata had MICs of 2.5 mg/mL and 5.0 mg/mL, respectively, against pure lovastatin. As a component of sustainable development, this study offers a green (environmentally friendly) method for using sugarcane bagasse waste to produce valuable chemicals and value-added commodities.

Calotropis procera accumulates Uzarigenin and Calotropagenin in response to environmental lighting and drought.

Calotropis procera (C. procera) was evaluated as a pharmaceutically useful plant and for its therapeutic effects in the most significant studies. Uzarigenin and Calotropagenin are significant components of this plant that have pharmacological effects on certain systems, including the digestive, immunological, and focal, and peripheral sensory systems. In this study, pathway genes are extracted from high throughput data acc.no. SRR1554320. Seven critical enzymes are involved in studying the effects of sunlight on the formation of Uzaragenin and Calotropagenin in C. procera before and after irrigation. Molecular identification and NCBI submission of six enzyme genes were successful; HSD (acc.no. OQ091761) for 3ß-hydroxystroid dehydrogenase, OR (acc.no. OQ091762) for 5beta-pregnan oxidoreductase, MO (acc.no. OQ091763) for Pregnan monooxygenase, HOX (acc.no. OQ091764) for Steroid hydroxylase, MAT (acc.no. OQ091765) for Melonyletransferase, UHOX (acc.no. OQ091766) for Uzarigenin hydroxylase. During dawn after irrigation, the Uzargenin pathway showed the highest activity, however midday after irrigation was the lowest. The most period that showed high activity for the Uzargenin pathway was dawn after irrigation, however, midday after irrigation was the lowest. This data is confirmed by chromatography analysis (UPLC) to calculate the accumulation of Uzarigenin and Calotropagenin in different periods.