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For many years, the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) had involved exfoliating graphite flakes, and the methods applied were expensive and time‐consuming. Thus, an attempt had been made to create an inventive, less expensive method for the synthesis of GO using unrefined, raw carbon‐containing material. Modified Hummer's method was used to prepare GO from banana peel. In addition, the metallic silver nanocomposite was also synthesized along with laoding of drug Rocephin where they interact with each other through electrostatic hydrogen bond interaction. The degree of crystallinity and the crystallite size were through x‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and the crystallite size of AgNPs was found to be 40.40 nm. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis shows that the morphology of the GO gradually changes with the addition of AgNPs and Rocephin. A blue shift was seen in the absorbance maxima of the raw carbon upon the conjugation of Rocephin in UV analysis. The Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy were used to determine the chemical composition of the samples. Furthermore, a broad biological screening of the synthesized samples had been carried out following the total reducing power (TRP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), antibacterial, antifungal, MTT (Cytotoxicity of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles in MDA‐MB‐231 human breast cancer cells) cell viability, brine shrimp lethality, and hemolytic protocols. Significant results were obtained, and the Rocephin‐GO‐AgNPs had depicted promising activity as compared with their counterparts. Research Highlights: The GO was prepared from the raw carbon extracted from banana peels and was used as a substrate for the synthesis Graphene oxide silver nanoparticles (GO‐AgNPs) and Rocephin‐loaded graphene oxide silver nanoparticles (Rocephin‐GO‐AgNPs)The structural and compositional analysis of the nanomaterial was carried out, and they were screened for several biomedical applications.The Rocephin‐GO‐AgNPs exhibit the highest activity as compared with their counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artemisinin, artemether, artesunate, and dihydroartemisinin are renowned for their antimalarial potential. The current study aims to repurpose the above-mentioned artemisinic compounds (ACs) by conducting an intercomparison to evaluate their antiinflammatory potential (AIP). In order to develop potential candidates for the evaluation of AIP of ACs (50 and 100 mg/kg BW), carbon tetrachloride (1ml/kg body weight (BW)) was administered intraperitoneally to BALB/c mice. Alterations in animal behavior were assessed weekly through tail suspension test, force swim test, open field test, Y-maze test, inverted screen analysis, and weight lifting test. Aberrations in hematological, serological, endogenous antioxidants, and oxidative stress marker profiles were assessed in all twelve groups. Histological alterations were read using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Levels of inflammatory markers including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), were determined using immunohistochemical analysis (IHCA). Antioxidant markers i.e., nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor (Nrf-2) and thioredoxin (TRX) were also quantified through IHCA. Comet assay was performed to quantify DNA damage. Oral administration of ACs to mice significantly alleviated the carbon tetrachloride induced inflammation in comparison with silymarin. Reduced levels of several inflammatory markers including nitric oxide, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, interleukin-1 beta, NF-κB, TNF-α, and NLRP3, underscore the substantial AIP of ACs. IHCA depicted the revitalized percent relative expression of Nrf-2 and TRX in groups treated with ACs. Behavioral analysis revealed that ACs-treated groups significantly (p<0.05) attenuated the memory deficit, anxiety, and depressive-like behavior. Moreover, histopathological, hematological, serological, and endogenous antioxidant profiles indicated substantial AIP of ACs. Findings of comet assay further bolstered the compelling evidence as DNA damage was significantly (p<0.05) curbed down after ACs (100 mg/kg) treatment. All these outcomes implied that ACs exhibited AIP in a dose-dependent manner with maximal AIP imparted by artemisinin (100 mg/kg). This pre-clinical investigation avers the tremendous AIP of ACs targeting key molecular pathways. The current study divulges artemisinin as the most potent antiinflammatory agent among the tested compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research aimed to evaluate in vitro biological activities of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles using the Allium sativum clove extract. The stability of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles was evaluated via storage at 4°C, room temperature (37°C), and calcined at 300°C, 500°C, and 700°C. The antibacterial effect was evaluated using agar well, spread plate, biofilm reduction, and cell proliferation inhibition assays. The cytotoxic and antidiabetic effects were determined via brine shrimp lethality, protein kinase inhibition, and α-amylase inhibition assays. DPPH scavenging, iron-chelating, anticoagulant, and hemolytic effects were evaluated. The highest inhibition of Klebsiella pneumoniae was observed when freshly prepared, calcined (300°C), and stored nanoparticles (4°C and 37°C) were applied (9.66, 9.55, 7.33, and 6.65 mm) against freshly prepared and calcined at 700°C which showed the highest inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.55 and 7.66 mm). Cell viability assay, biofilm reduction assay, and spread plate method showed a significant antibacterial effect of freshly prepared silver nanoparticles. Freshly prepared and calcined nanoparticles at 300°C and 500°C possessed strong antioxidant and iron-chelating activity. Among all the synthesized silver nanoparticles, freshly prepared and calcined nanoparticles (300°C and 500°C) increases the prothrombin time. Silver nanoparticles possessed significant anticoagulant properties and less toxic at least concentration toward human RBCs. In brine shrimp lethality assay, freshly prepared nanoparticles showed a stronger toxic effect and caused high mortality of larvae. Protein kinase inhibition assay revealed that freshly prepared nanoparticles had the highest zone of inhibition (18.0 mm) at 50 µg/disc. Green-synthesized nanoparticles would be used as potential therapeutic agents to overcome both infectious and noninfectious diseases.

Mycotoxins are toxic mycological products that when consumed, absorbed or inhaled cause sickness or even the death of humans. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the contamination levels of mycotoxins (aflatoxins, AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, and ochratoxin A, OTA) in selected medicinal herbs and shrubs using thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A total of 15 samples of medicinal herbs and shrubs were selected. Among them, four samples were aflatoxin contaminated while two samples were ochratoxin A contaminated. The highest level of aflatoxin was detected in Justicia adhathoda (4,704.94 ppb) through HPLC (153.4 ppb) and through TLC, while the lowest level of aflatoxin was detected in Pegnum harmala (205.1 ppb) through HPLC. Similarly, the highest level of OTA was detected in Dodonia viscosa (0.53 ppb) through HPLC (0.5 ppb) and through TLC, while the lowest level was detected in J. adhathoda (O.11 ppb) through HPLC (0.4 ppb) and through TLC. The OTA concentration was very low, being negligible and below permissible limits. The present study concludes that there is a potential risk for the consumption of herbal decoctions. Therefore, regular monitoring and proper management of mycotoxins, including aflatoxins and OTA, in herbal medicines are needed to ensure the safety of herbal drugs to protect consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thiamethoxam, a second-generation neonicotinoid insecticide is widely used for controlling sap-sucking insect pests including Rhopalosiphum padi. The current study aimed to investigate the life-history parameters and feeding behavior of R. padi following treatments with sublethal concentrations of thiamethoxam. The lethal concentration 50 (LC50) value of thiamethoxam against adult R. padi was 11.458 mg L−1 after 48 h exposure. The sublethal concentrations of thiamethoxam (LC5 and LC10) significantly decreased the adult longevity, fecundity, and reproductive days in the directly exposed aphids (F0 generation). In the progeny R. padi (F1), the developmental durations and total prereproductive period (TPRP) were decreased while the adult longevity, fecundity, and reproductive days (RPd) were increased at both thiamethoxam concentrations. The demographic parameters including the net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (r), and finite rate of increase (λ) were prolonged only at the LC5 of thiamethoxam. The EPG results indicated that the sublethal concentrations of thiamethoxam increases the total duration of non-probing (Np) while reducing the total duration of E2 in directly exposed aphids (F0). Interestingly, the E2 were significantly increased in the progeny generation (F1) descending from previously exposed parental aphids (F0). Overall, this study showed that thiamethoxam exhibited high toxicity against directly exposed individuals (F0), while inducing intergenerational hormetic effects on the progeny generation (F1) of R. padi. These findings provided crucial details about thiamethoxam-induced hormetic effects that might be useful in managing resurgences of this key pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is an economically important polyphagous, quarantine pest endemic to South and South‐East Asia. The male annihilation technique (MAT) and the sterile insect technique (SIT) are environmentally benign techniques used to suppress fruit fly populations on an area‐wide basis. The MAT and SIT are typically used sequentially to avoid killing released sterile males; however, MAT and SIT potentially could be used simultaneously and thereby increase the overall efficiency of control programmes. Mating competitiveness of sterile males against wild counterparts is critical for the success of the SIT. Feeding on a semiochemical, methyl eugenol (ME) has been reported to enhance the male mating performance of many Bactrocera spp., including B. zonata, but its use in SIT operational programmes is limited owing to the absence of a viable delivery system. RESULTS: In the present study, we demonstrated that ME aromatherapy, a practical method for large‐scale delivery of ME olfactorily, enhances the mating success of treated B. zonata males. ME aromatherapy application to 5‐day‐old immature males for a duration of 5 h resulted in increased mating success of males tested when sexually mature, compared to untreated males. The ME‐aromatized males also exhibited reduced attraction to ME‐lure. CONCLUSION: A practical delivery system for applying ME by aromatherapy to mass‐reared males was developed. ME‐aromatherapy enhanced male mating success and suppressed their subsequent attraction to ME, thus enabling the application of MAT and SIT at the same time. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a pest of economic importance, endemic to South and South‐East Asia. It is highly invasive and due to its quarantine pest status, it interferes with horticultural trade. Males of many Bactrocera species are strongly attracted to methyl eugenol (ME) [1,2‐dimethoxy‐4‐(2‐propenyl) benzene], a phenylpropanoid compound naturally occurring in many plant species. Feeding on ME is also reported to enhance male mating success in several Bactrocera species. Such an effect can increase the effectiveness of the sterile insect technique (SIT). The current study was designed to identify the sexual maturity age of males of B. zonata, the relation between male age and attraction to ME, and the effect of ME on male mating success. The results showed that males initiated their mating at 8 days of age and attained the highest mating success at 16 days of age. The percentage of immature males responding to ME increased with age and the maximum response was observed during the age of sexual maturity. Methyl eugenol treatment at sexual maturity significantly enhanced male mating success over untreated males. The males treated with ME at a sexually immature age (5 days old) achieved significantly higher mating success after reaching sexual maturity. These findings suggested that B. zonata males can be treated with ME at the age of 5 days in sterile‐male 'holding and release' facilities and thereafter released in the field, where they are expected to achieve higher mating success after attaining sexual maturity. The results are discussed as a valid approach for enhancing the effectiveness of SIT application against B. zonata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Berberis lycium is an indigenous plant of Pakistan that is known for its medicinal properties. In the current study, we investigated the anti-Alzheimer's effect of berberine isolated from Berberis lycium. Methods: Root extract of B. lycium was subjected to acetylcholinesterase inhibition assay and column chromatography for bioassays guided isolation of a compound. The neuroprotective and memory improving effects of isolated compound were evaluated by aluminium chloride induced Alzheimer's disease rat model, elevated plus maze (EPM) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests., Levels of dopamine and serotonin in rats brains were determined using HPLC. Moreover, western blot and docking were performed to determine interaction between berberine and β-secretase. Results: During fractionation, ethyl acetate and methanol (3:7) fraction was collected from solvent mixture of ethyl acetate and methanol. This fraction showed the highest anti-acetylcholinesterase activity and was alkaloid positive. The results of TLC and HPLC analysis indicated the presence of the isolated compound as berberine. Additionally, the confirmation of isolated compound as berberine was carried out using FTIR and NMR analysis. In vivo EPM and MWM tests showed improved memory patterns after berberine treatment in Alzheimer's disease model. The levels of dopamine, serotonin and activity of antioxidant enzymes were significantly (p<0.05) enhanced in brain tissue homogenates of berberine treated group. This was supported by decreased expression of β-secretase in berberine treated rat brain homogenates and good binding affinity of berberine with β-secretase in docking studies. Binding energies for interaction of β-secretase with berberine and drug Rivastigmine is -7.0 kcal/mol and -5.8 kcal/mol respectively representing the strong interactions. The results of docked complex of secretase with berberine and Rivastigmine was carried out using Gromacs which showed significant stability of complex in terms of RMSD and radius of gyration. Overall, the study presents berberine as a potential drug against Alzheimer's disease by providing evidence of its effects in improving memory, neurotransmitter levels and reducing β-secretase expression in the Alzheimer's disease model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: A possible solution to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is synergism with plants like Artemisia brevifolia Wall. ex DC. (2) Methods: Phytochemical quantification of extracts (n-hexane (NH), ethyl acetate (EA), methanol (M), and aqueous (Aq)) was performed using RP-HPLC and chromogenic assays. Extracts were screened against resistant clinical isolates via disc diffusion, broth dilution, the checkerboard method, time–kill, and protein quantification assays. (3) Results: M extract had the maximum phenolic (15.98 ± 0.1 μg GAE/mgE) and flavonoid contents (9.93 ± 0.5 μg QE/mgE). RP-HPLC displayed the maximum polyphenols in the M extract. Secondary metabolite determination showed M extract to have the highest glycosides, alkaloids, and tannins. Preliminary resistance profiling indicated that selected isolates were resistant to cefixime (MIC 20–40 µg/mL). Extracts showed moderate antibacterial activity (MIC 60–100 µg/mL). The checkerboard method revealed a total synergy between EA extract and cefixime with 10-fold reductions in cefixime dose against resistant P. aeruginosa and MRSA. Moreover, A. brevifolia extracts potentiated the antibacterial effect of cefixime after 6 and 9 h. The synergistic combination was non- to slightly hemolytic and could inhibit bacterial protein in addition to cefixime disrupting the cell wall, thus making it difficult for bacteria to survive. (4) Conclusion: A. brevifolia in combination with cefixime has the potential to inhibit AMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is one of the most economically important pests of wheat crops worldwide. Thiamethoxam, bifenthrin, and flonicamid are extensively used insecticides for controlling this key pest. However, the indiscriminate use of chemical insecticides has led to the development of resistance in insects. In this study, we assessed the development of selection-induced resistance to bifenthrin, flonicamid, and thiamethoxam under controlled laboratory conditions. Additionally, we employed the age-stage, two-sex life table method to examine the fitness of R. padi. After ten generations of selection, bifenthrin-, flonicamid-, and thiamethoxam-resistant strains of R. padi were developed with resistance levels of 34.46, 31.97, and 26.46-fold, respectively. The life table analysis revealed a significant decrease in adult longevity and fecundity in these resistant strains compared to susceptible strain. Furthermore, the key demographic parameters such as net reproductive rate (R0) and reproductive days exhibited a significant reduction in all resistant strains, while the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) were decreased only in resistant strains to bifenthrin and thiamethoxam. Taken together, these findings provide a comprehensive understanding of laboratory-induced insecticide resistance evolution and the associated fitness costs in R. padi. This knowledge could help to design resistance management strategies against this particular pest of wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exact lung cancer identification is a critical problem that has attracted the researchers' attention. The practice of multiview single image and segmentation has been widely used for the last 2 years to improve the identification of lung cancer disease. The utilization of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques can significantly expedite the process of cancer detection and stage classification, enabling researchers to study a larger number of patients in a shorter time frame and at a reduced cost applying the image segmentation approach herein, the multiresolution rigid registration mechanism is applied to enhance the segmentation further. Techniques like principle component averaging and discrete wavelet transform are verified for the image fusion development. To review the performance of the suggested technique, the image database resource initiative-based lungs image database consortium is tested in this paper which includes 4,682 computed tomography scan images of 61 patients with nodules sizes from 3 to 30 mm. According to the study finding, the outperformed results of our model are obtained in terms of feature mutual information, and peak signal-to-noise ratio, which were recorded at 0.80 and 19.25, respectively. Moreover, the detection and stages of cancer (STG-1, STG-2, STG-3, and STG-4) of lung nodules are also assessed by using the ResNet-18 convolutional neural network classifier. With only 1.8 FP/scan, the achieved accuracy and sensitivity for detection are 98.2% and 96.4%, respectively. The study's findings show that our proposed strategy outperforms existing models significantly. Therefore, the proposed models have the potential to be implemented in clinical settings to provide support to doctors in the early diagnosis of cancer, while minimizing the occurrence of false positives in scans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study was to develop a highly sensitive, accurate, and reproducible analytical method for the simultaneous detection of LEF and FA in polymeric nanocarriers. Leflunomide (LEF), is widely employed in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, long-term delivery of the drug is associated with systemic side effects. Therefore, folate (FA) conjugated LEF nanocarriers were fabricated for targeting the nanocarriers toward activated macrophages. HPLC is considered one of the most sensitive and precise analytical techniques for the simultaneous detection and estimation of different components in a particular sample. Analysis was performed on HPLC (Shimadzu 10 A), having a reversed-phase C-18 column (Beckmen, 250 X 4.6 mm, 5 µm) equipped with a photodiode detector set at a wavelength of 260 nm (LEF) and 285 nm (Folic acid). The isocratic mobile phase was composed of acetonitrile, water, and trimethylamine in a ratio of 65:35:0.5 at pH 4. Rapid analysis of both agents was performed, with a total run time of 10 min (FA = 2.1 ± 0.1 min, LEF = 5.9 ± 1 min) at a 1 mL/min flow rate. The assay demonstrated good linearity of 0.9989 of 0.9997 for LEF and FA respectively with a recovery in the range of 95–100%. The method also depicted good specificity, and intra and inter-day precision based on relative standard deviation (RSD) values. The study concludes, that the developed method was helpful in the detection and quantitation of lower values of both agents from polymeric nanocarriers. Optimization and validation of the RP-HPLC method were performed for the simultaneous detection of LEF and FA. Validation was performed on the basis of linearity, accuracy, precision, LOD, LOQ, and robustness in accordance with ICH criteria. Validated analytical procedure was employed for the simultaneous detection of LEF and FA from polymeric nanocarriers. The proposed analytical method is reliable, fast, robust, and can be successfully applied for quantification of % EE, and % DL in polymeric nanocarriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating neurodegenerative autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS). The current study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective properties of Ajugarin‐I (Aju‐I) against the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS and explored the underlying mechanism involved. The protective potential of Aju‐I was first confirmed against glutamate‐induced HT22 cells and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐induced BV2 cells. Next, an EAE model has been established to investigate the mechanisms of MS and identify potential candidates for MS treatment. The behavioral results demonstrated that Aju‐I post‐immunization treatment markedly reduced the EAE‐associated clinical score, motor impairment, and neuropathic pain. Evans blue and fluorescein isothiocyanate extravasation in the brain were markedly reduced by Aju‐I. It effectively restored the EAE‐associated histopathological changes in the brain and spinal cord. It markedly attenuated EAE‐induced inflammation in the CNS by reducing the expression levels of p‐38/JNK/NF‐κB but increased the expression of IkB‐α. It suppressed oxidative stress by increasing the expression of Nrf2 but decreasing the expression of keap‐1. It suppressed EAE‐induced apoptosis in the CNS by regulating Bax/Bcl‐2 and Caspase‐3 expression. Taken together, this study suggests that Aju‐I treatment exhibits neuroprotective properties in the EAE model of MS via regulation of MAPK/NF‐κB, Nrf2/Keap‐1, and Bcl2/Bax signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bidentate Schiff bases (I1–I9) are synthesized by condensation between substituted anilines, benzothiazoles, and 2-hydroxy aromatic aldehydes. The Zn(II) derivatives (1–9) are prepared by reacting the respective ligand and zinc acetate dihydrate in a 2:1 mole ratio in dry methanol using triethylamine as a base. They are characterized by FTIR, NMR, and single-crystal XRD techniques. The XRD data confirmed distorted tetrahedral molecular geometry for 6; the intermolecular interactions are investigated comprehensively by 3-D Hirschfeld surface analysis and 2-D fingerprint plots. The DFT studies for the compounds are conducted for geometrical and energy optimization by applying 3-21 G* and 6-311++G (d, p)/B3LYP basis sets. Molecular docking data show that ligands possess GOLD scores in the range 51.5–46.7, whereas 2 and 3 have shown good fitness score of 57.7 and 53.3, respectively, with a maximum score of 60.2 for 7. The antibacterial data for 7 shows zone of inhibition as 17.3 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and 16.3 mm against Staphylococcus epidermidis, whereas 2 exhibits maximum value of 15.6 mm against gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli. The maximum and comparable alpha amylase inhibition potential of 12.6 and 12.3% are found for 8 and 3, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]