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Abstract Subquality argan kernels are 30% cheaper than the regular kernels mandatory used to prepare edible argan oil. The use of these argan kernels for the preparation of argan oil intended to be a cosmetic ingredient, after bleaching and deodorization, is therefore particularly economically appealing. The oxidative stability of Argan oil prepared from subquality kernels is unknown. It was evaluated over a period of storage of 12 weeks at 60 °C, then compared with that of argan oil stored under the same conditions and originating from the same initial batch, but which had subsequently been simply bleached and deodorized (physical refining). Physical refining led to an increase in initial oil quality due the loss of free fatty acids (up to 30% for refined argan oil), primary and secondary oxidation products but also to a dramatic decrease of the oxidative stability of argan oil caused by the loss of tocopherols, witnessed by the up to 94% loss after 12 weeks under accelerated storage conditions. As a conclusion, the oxidative stability of argan oil prepared from subquality argan kernels remains difficult to be adequately and efficiently evaluated since the initial quality of the argan kernels is the subject of great variations.

Background: The collaboration between pharmacists and veterinarians plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal animal healthcare. Understanding the willingness of veterinarians to collaborate with pharmacists and analyzing the prescribing trends by veterinarians are essential factors in improving the quality of veterinary care. By analyzing these aspects, valuable insights can be gained to enhance interprofessional collaboration and optimize medication management in veterinary practice. Objectives: To examine the willingness of veterinarians towards interprofessional collaboration with community pharmacist. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 40 veterinary clinics in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Data was collected via online using Google Forms from registered veterinarians working in private veterinary clinics in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Descriptive statistics and statistical analysis were performed using SPSS version 27. Results: The overall willingness of veterinarians to collaborate with community pharmacists was measured with a median score of 51 out of 75. The results indicated that 55 % of veterinarians demonstrated high willingness to collaborate. Specifically, 52.5 % of veterinarians had a positive attitude towards collaboration, 55 % recognized the roles of pharmacists positively, and 57.5 % identified barriers to collaboration. These findings highlight a generally positive inclination towards interprofessional collaboration among veterinarians. Conclusion: More veterinarians demonstrated a positive willingness to collaborate with pharmacists for optimal patient care. However, several constraints were identified, including a lack of face-to-face communication, concerns about pharmacists' knowledge or skills in veterinary medicine, and financial interests. Addressing these issues could further enhance collaboration between veterinarians and pharmacist.

Identification of the chemical compositions of fatty acids and tocopherols shows the high content of linum usitatissimum oil (LO) by linolenic acid 55.3735% and γ-tocopherol 570.927 mg/kg, while argania spinosa oil (AO) is known by the dominance of oleic acid 47.77% followed by linoleic acid 31.08% as well as tocopherols by γ-tocopherols 687.485 mg/kg and δ-tocopherols 51.035 mg/kg. This difference in compositions enables us to enrich the low-stability oil and monitor its behavior during storage at a specific time and under specific conditions. In this study, pure linum usitatissimum and argania spinosa oils extracted by cold pressing as well as their formulations at proportions of (LO: AO) respectively: (80:20; 60:40, 50:50; 40:60; 20: 80) were oxidized at 60 °C for 28 days of storage, during which time the pure oils and blends were assessed for oxidative stability by studying their different fatty acid and tocopherol profiles and physicochemical characteristics such as acidity, peroxide value and chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments, as well as nutritional indexes such as the atherogenic index (AI), the thrombogenic index (TI), and the hypocholesterolemic: hypercholesterolemic ratio (HH), ω3:ω6 ratio, also the oxidative susceptibility (OS), and oxidazability value (Cox), and total phenolic compounds (TPC).

The aims of this study are the phytochemical exploration and food valorization of Schinus molle L. (S. molle) and Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (S. terebinthifolia) from the Rabat, Morocco. Gas chromatography (GC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to analyze the chemical composition of the oils extracted from both species by soxhlet and maceration. Moreover, physicochemical characteristics such as lipid quality indexes such as thrombogenic index (TI), atherogenic index (AI), oxidation susceptibility (OS), and calculated oxidability (Cox) were determined. These characteristics included percentage acidity, peroxide, saponification, iodine, specific extinction values, chlorophyll, and carotenoid pigments. As results, the oil yields varied from 7% (S. molle) to 13% (S. terebinthifolia). In addition, unsaturated fatty acids represented the major fraction for S. terebinthifolia (79%) and S. molle (81%). However, S. terebinthifolia contains more saturated fatty acids (20%) than S. molle (16%) with a predominance of linoleic acid (59.53% and 55%, C18,2), oleic acid (19.29% and 21.69%, C18,1), and palmitic acid (12.56% and 15.48%, C16,0) in S. molle and S. terebinthifolia, respectively. Moreover, the main sterols are β-sitosterol followed by campesterol and then Δ-5-avenasterol, while β-sitosterol varies according to the species and the extraction method. Results revealed also that campesterol is influenced by the extraction results in a content of 179.66 mg/kg (soxhlet) and 63.48 mg/kg (maceration) for S. molle, while S. terebinthifolia yeilds concentrations of 170 mg/kg and 138 mg/kg, then Δ-5-avenasterol, which present with (117 mg/kg and 136 mg/kg), (34 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg) of the total amount of sterols for the oils extracted by soxhlet and maceration, respectively. In addition, there are favorable physicochemical properties for all oils, such as chlorophylls (0.4 to 0.8 mg/kg) and carotenoids (0.7 to 2 mg/kg). However, further investigations are needed to determine other chemical compounds of both extracts as well as to evaluate their biological and health benefits.

In the last decade, there's been a rising emphasis on eco-friendly solvents in industry and academia due to environmental concerns. Vegetable oils are now recognized as a practical, non-toxic option for extracting phytochemicals from herbs. This study presents a novel, green, and user-friendly method for extracting phenolic content from Crocus sativus L. waste using ultrasound. It replaces conventional organic solvents with sustainable sunflower oil, making the process eco-friendly and cost-effective. The effects of temperature (18–52 °C), ultrasonic time (5–55 min), and solid-solvent ratio (5–31 g/100 mL) were assessed by applying response surface methodology (RSM) and Central composite design. The combined impact of solid-solvent ratio, temperature, and ultrasonic time led to heightened phenolic content and antioxidant activity in the enriched oil. However, when these variables were at their maximum levels, there was a decline in these attributes. The specific conditions found to be ideal were a solid-to-liquid ratio of 26 g/100 mL, a temperature of 45 °C, and a duration of 45 min. The optimum extraction condition yielded the expected highest phenolic content (317.15 mg/ Kg), and antioxidant activity (89.34%). The enriched oil with flower saffron enabled the utilization of renewable natural ingredients, ensuring the production of a healthy extract or product. Also, enriched oils find diverse applications in areas such as food, aquaculture, and cosmetics.

Strongly anti-oxidant and medicinal, Nigella sativa L (NS) is utilized in conventional medicine to address a range of illnesses, including gastrointestinal, inflammatory and rheumatic illnesses. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of microwave processing on the physico-chemical properties of Moroccan-grown Nigella sativa seeds and oils, as well as to investigate the antioxidant qualities of black cumin oils under conditions of accelerated oxidation. The study's specific goal was to ascertain the effects of varying microwave power levels (500 and 750 W) and roasting times (5, 10, and 15 min) on the black cumin oils' quality indices, fatty acid and sterol content, carotenoid and chlorophyll levels, mineral profile, tocopherol amount, and overall antioxidant activity. To this end, the seeds of black cumin were roasted at two power levels (500 and 750 W) and for three different periods (5, 10, and 15 min) in a microwave oven. The obtained results show that the duration and the processing power did not significantly influence the amount of sterols and fatty acids. In contrast, the quality indices, physico-chemical properties, carotenoid and chlorophyll contents, mineral profile, and tocopherol amount were influenced by the microwave processing. A significant decline in the antioxidant activity was recorded from 45.01 ± 0.81 % (unroasted cumin seeds) to 4.32 ± 0.91 % (750 W/5 min). Based on these findings, the black cumin oil preparations should be handled carefully and the oil must be protected once extracted. The stability and preservation of antioxidants are crucial steps against pro-oxidant and inflammatory conditions that could favour cellular senescence and accelerate aging processes.

Abstract In drug discovery, virtual screening is crucial for identifying potential hit compounds. This study aims to present a novel pipeline that employs machine learning models that amalgamates various conventional screening methods. A diverse array of protein targets was selected, and their corresponding datasets were subjected to active/decoy distribution analysis prior to scoring using four distinct methods: QSAR, Pharmacophore, docking, and 2D shape similarity, which were ultimately integrated into a single consensus score. The fine-tuned machine learning models were ranked using the novel formula “w_new”, consensus scores were calculated, and an enrichment study was performed for each target. Distinctively, consensus scoring outperformed other methods in specific protein targets such as PPARG and DPP4, achieving AUC values of 0.90 and 0.84, respectively. Remarkably, this approach consistently prioritized compounds with higher experimental PIC50 values compared to all other screening methodologies. Moreover, the models demonstrated a range of moderate to high performance in terms of R2 values during external validation. In conclusion, this novel workflow consistently delivered superior results, emphasizing the significance of a holistic approach in drug discovery, where both quantitative metrics and active enrichment play pivotal roles in identifying the best virtual screening methodology. Scientific contribution We presented a novel consensus scoring workflow in virtual screening, merging diverse methods for enhanced compound selection. We also introduced ‘w_new’, a groundbreaking metric that intricately refines machine learning model rankings by weighing various model-specific parameters, revolutionizing their efficacy in drug discovery in addition to other domains. Graphical Abstract

Abstract The development of novel antioxidant compounds with high efficacy and low toxicity is of utmost importance in the medicine and food industries. Moreover, with increasing concerns about the safety of synthetic components, scientists are beginning to search for natural sources of antioxidants, especially essential oils (EOs). The combination of EOs may produce a higher scavenging profile than a single oil due to better chemical diversity in the mixture. Therefore, this exploratory study aims to assess the antioxidant activity of three EOs extracted from Cymbopogon flexuosus, Carum carvi, and Acorus calamus in individual and combined forms using the augmented-simplex design methodology. The in vitro antioxidant assays were performed using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging approaches. The results of the Chromatography Gas-Mass spectrometry (CG-MS) characterization showed that citral (29.62%) and niral (27.32%) are the main components for C. flexuosus, while d-carvone (62.09%) and d-limonene (29.58%) are the most dominant substances in C. carvi. By contrast, β-asarone (69.11%) was identified as the principal component of A. calamus (30.2%). The individual EO exhibits variable scavenging activities against ABTS and DPPH radicals. These effects were enhanced through the mixture of the three EOs. The optimal antioxidant formulation consisted of 20% C. flexuosus, 53% C. carvi, and 27% A. calamus for DPPHIC50. Whereas 17% C. flexuosus, 43% C. carvi, and 40% A. calamus is the best combination leading to the highest scavenging activity against ABTS radical. These findings suggest a new research avenue for EOs combinations to be developed as novel natural formulations useful in food and biopharmaceutical products.

Deep learning, specifically the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), has been a significant technology tool for image processing and human health. CNNs, which mimic the working principles of the human brain, can learn robust representations of images. However, CNNs are susceptible to noise interference, which can impact classification performance. Choosing the right activation function can improve CNNs performance and accuracy. This research aims to test the accuracy of CNN with ResNet50, VGG16, and GoogleNet architectures combined with several activation functions such as ReLU, Leaky ReLU, Sigmoid, and Tanh in the classification of images that experience Poisson noise. Poisson noise is applied to each test data to evaluate CNN accuracy. The data used in this study consists of three scenarios of different numbers of classes, namely 3 classes, 5 classes, and 10 classes. The results showed that combining ResNet50 with the ReLU activation function produced the best performance in class recognition in each scenario of the number of classes experiencing Poisson noise interference. The model achieved 97% accuracy for 3-class data, 95% for 5-class data, and 90% for 10-class data. These results show that using ResNet50 with the ReLU activation function can provide excellent resistance to Poisson noise in image processing. It was found that as the number of classes increases, the accuracy of image recognition tends to decrease. This shows that the more complex the image classification task is with a larger number of classes, the more difficult it is for CNNs to distinguish between different classes. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-02-014 Full Text: PDF

Memory loss is becoming an increasingly significant health problem, largely due to Alzheimer's disease (AD), which disrupts the brain in several ways, including causing inflammation and weakening the body's defenses. This study explores the potential of medicinal plants as a source of novel therapeutic agents for AD.First, we tested various plant extracts against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in vitro, following molecular docking simulations with key AD-related protein targets such as MAO-B, P-gp, GSK-3β, and CD14. Rosemary extract was found to be the most inhibitory towards AChE. The compounds found in rosemary (oleanolic acid), sage (pinocembrin), and cinnamon (italicene) showed promise in potentially binding to MAO-B. These chemicals may interact with a key protein in the brain and alter the production and removal of amyloid-β. Luteolin (from rosemary), myricetin (from sage), chamigrene, and italicene (from cinnamon) exhibited potential for inhibiting tau aggregation. Additionally, ursolic acid found in rosemary, sage, and chamigrene from cinnamon could modulate CD14 activity.For the first time, our findings shed light on the intricate interplay between neuroinflammation, neuroprotective mechanisms, and the immune system's role in AD. Further research is needed to validate the in vivo efficacy and safety of these plant-derived compounds, as well as their interactions with key protein targets, which could lead to the development of novel AD therapeutics.

Medicinal plants have been utilized for centuries in traditional medicine systems worldwide, providing a rich source of bioactive compounds with diverse biological activities. Lavandula officinalis, a member of the Lamiaceae family, has been recognized for its multifaceted pharmacological activities. In this current investigation, our primary objective was to scrutinize the in vitro inhibitory potential of L. officinalis essential oil (LOEO) against alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, with the aim of understanding its antidiabetic effects. Additionally, the assay encompassed tyrosinase and lipoxygenase (LOX) to assess its anti-inflammatory attributes. Unraveling the underlying molecular mechanisms of these activities prompted an in-silico study. The purpose was to establish correlations between in-vitro observations and computational insights derived from molecular docking, which forecasts the interaction of LOEO molecules with their respective targets, alongside ADMET prediction. The Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis allow to identify eighteen compounds, with the dominance of L−camphor (43.12 %), 1,8−cineole (34.27 %) and borneol (8.60 %) in LOEO. The antidiabetic evaluation revealed that LOEO exhibited noteworthy inhibitory activity against both α-amylase and α-glucosidase, displaying IC50 values of 3.14 ± 0.05 mg/mL and 2.07 ± 0.03 mg/mL, respectively. The subsequent in-silico study highlighted the particularly strong binding affinity of (E)-Farnesene, with a binding score of −7.4 kcal/mol for alpha-glucosidase, while Germacrene D displayed the highest affinity among the ligands (−7.9 kcal/mol) for the alpha-amylase target. Furthermore, the investigation into in vitro anti-inflammatory activity unveiled LOEO efficacy against tyrosinase (IC50 = 42.74 μg/mL) and LOX (IC50 = 11.58 ± 0.07 μg/mL). The in-silico analysis echoed these findings, indicating α-Cadinene's notable binding affinity of 6 kcal/mol with tyrosinase and α-Cedrene's binding score of −6.5 kcal/mol for LOX. Impressively, for both COX-1 and COX-2, α-Cedrene exhibited significant binding affinities of −7.6 and −7.3 kcal/mol, respectively. The convergence between the in vitro and in silico outcomes underscores the potential of LOEO and its constituent compounds as potent inhibitors targeting both diabetes and the inflammatory processes.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most significant forms of human cancer. It is characterized by its heterogeneity because several molecular factors are involved in contiguity and can link it to others without having a linear correlation. Among the factors influencing tumor transformation in CRC, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) plays a key promoter role. This factor is associated with human colorectal tumors with a very high prognosis: it increases the survival, invasion, and metastasis of CRC cells, thus functioning as an oncogene. The inhibition of this factor can constitute a major therapeutic route for CRC treatment. Various chemical drugs including synthetic molecules and biotherapies have been developed as TGF-β inhibitors. Moreover, the scientific community has recently shown a major interest in screening natural drugs inhibiting TGF-β in CRC. In this context, we carried out this review article using computerized databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer Link, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus, to highlight the molecular mechanism of TGF-β in CRC induction and progression and current advances in the pharmacodynamic effects of natural bioactive substances targeting TGF-β in CRC.

The development of natural substances derived from nature poses a significant challenge as technologies for the extraction and characterization of active principles advance. Hispolon has received a lot of attention in recent years, ascribable to its wide range of biological activities. It is a phenolic molecule that was extracted from several mushroom species such as Phellinus igniarius, Phellinus linteus, Phellinus lonicerinus, Phellinus merrillii, and Inonotus hispidus. To provide a comprehensive overview of the pharmacological activities of hispolon, this review highlights its anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-diabetic activities. Several scientific research databases, including Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, SciFinder, SpringerLink, Science Direct, Scopus, and, Wiley Online were used to gather the data on hispolon until May 2024. The in vitro and in vivo studies have revealed that hispolon exhibited significant anticancer properties through modifying several signaling pathways including cell apoptosis, cycle arrest, autophagy, and inhibition of angiogenesis and metastasis. Hispolon's antimicrobial activity was proven against many bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens, highlighting its potential use as a novel antimicrobial agent. Additionally, hispolon displayed potent anti-inflammatory activity through the suppression of key inflammatory mediators, such as inducible NO synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and cyclooxygenases-2 (COX-2), and the modulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways. The antioxidant potential of hispolon was attributed to its capacity to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and to increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes, indicating a possible involvement in the prevention of oxidative stress-related illnesses. Hispolon's antidiabetic activity was associated with the inhibition of aldose reductase and α-glucosidase. Studies on hispolon emphasized its potential use as a promising scaffold for the development of novel therapeutic agents targeting various diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases, inflammatory disorders, and diabetes.

There has been a consistent interest in the aquaculture industry in the use of plant elements as a substitute for fish meal (FM). The present study aimed to examine the impact of substituting FM with varying proportions of fermented spent coffee grounds (FCG) on the growth performance, feed stability, blood biochemistry, liver, and intestinal histology of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus. Five isonitrogenous diets were formulated with a crude protein content of 32 %. These diets were created with different percentages of FM replacement, specifically 0 % (T1), 10 % (T2), 20 % (T3), 40 % (T4), and 80 % (T5). The fish were then fed these diets for a duration of 70 days. The results showed that fish provided with 10 % FCG (T2) gave the highest improvement (p < 0.05) in growth conditions compared with other treatments. The feed’s physical properties were varying, but floatability and water stability were highest in T2 diets. Total bacteria (TB) in feed and intestine were more elevated in fish fed with 10 % FCG compared to other treatments. The histopathological damage in the intestine and liver morphology was observed when the level of inclusion of FCG was increased in all treatments. In addition, T2 gave the highest value (p < 0.05) in villus length, width, and crypt depth. Some parameters were improved in both blood haematology and blood biochemical parameters, and T2 gave the highest value (p < 0.05) in white blood cells, lymphocytosis, monocytes, red blood cells, haemoglobin, albumin, globulin, total protein, and creatine. In summary, the substitution of 10 % FCG with FM holds potential for application within the aquafeed sector, as it has been observed to contribute to enhanced growth and improved health conditions in African catfish and other freshwater species.

Mentha pulegium L., a plant widely embraced for its therapeutic properties by populations worldwide, including Morocco, has long been recognized for its potential in treating various ailments. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and dermatoprotective properties of essential oil derived from M. pulegium, and thyme honey as well as their combined effects. To unravel the chemical composition, a rigorous GC-MS analysis was conducted. Subsequently, we examined their antioxidant potential through three distinct assays: DPPH●, hydrogen peroxide assay, and xanthine oxidase assay. The anti-inflammatory properties were scrutinized through both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Simultaneously, the dermatoprotective efficacy was investigated in vitro by evaluating tyrosinase inhibition. Our findings revealed that pulegone constitutes the predominant compound in M. pulegium essential oil (MPEO), constituting a remarkable 74.82 % of the composition. Significantly, when the essential oil was combined with thym honey, it exhibited superior anti-inflammatory and dermatoprotective effects across all in vivo and in vitro tests. Moreover, our in silico molecular docking analysis hinted at the potential role of cyclohexanone, 3-methyl, an element found in the MPEO, in contributing to the observed outcomes. While this study has unveiled promising results regarding the combined in vitro, in vivo and in silico biological activities of the essential oil and honey, it is imperative to delve further into the underlying mechanisms through additional experimentation and alternative experimental methods. Understanding these mechanisms in greater detail will not only enhance our comprehension of the therapeutic potential but also pave the way for the development of innovative treatments and applications rooted in the synergy of these natural compounds. Furthermore, it would be advantageous to test different possible combinations using experimental design model. Moreover, it would be better to test the effect of single compounds of MPEO to clearly elucidate their efficiency. MPEO alone or combined with thyme honey may be a useful for the development of novel biopharmaceuticals.

This study aimed to explore the possibility of enriching cold-pressed Virginia (VIO) and Valencia (VAO) peanut oils with omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) from walnut oil (WO) to produce blended oils with improved nutritional value. The oxidative stability of pure and blended oils was examined under accelerated conditions (60 °C) for 28 days. The FA and tocopherol profiles, as well as nutritional quality indices, were determined. As the proportion of WO increased in the blends, the levels of linoleic and α-linolenic essential FAs increased, while oleic acid content decreased. Furthermore, γ- and δ-tocopherol levels rose, whereas α-tocopherol declined. Among the studied blends, VIO:WO blends, especially at a (70:30) ratio, were nutritionally favorable with a balanced FA profile. During storage, notable changes were observed in tocopherol levels, along with subtle alterations in the FA profile of the blended oils. Hence, the oxidative stability of pure VIO and VAO decreased with WO incorporation.

Background: Literature indicates that L-carnosine may be deficient in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children. The aim of the present study was to estimate the level of L-carnosine in plasma and correlate it with the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) and Childhood Autism Rating Scale 2nd Edition, Standard Version (CARS2-ST) scores. To measure L-carnosine level, a bio-analytical method was developed using reverse phase high- liquid chromatography and validated as per International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. Method: Children were supplemented with L-carnosine (10–15 mg/kg) along with standard care therapies for 2 months. Before and after supplementation, scores on the ATEC, CARS2-ST, BEARS sleep screening tool, 6-item Gastrointestinal Severity Index, and Parental Stress Scale were evaluated, and L-carnosine was measured at the end of the trial. Results: The calibration curve was linear in the range of 100–600 ng/mL (R2 = 0.998). The level of L-carnosine quantified was 33.7 ± 0.2 ng/mL. There was no significant difference found in any of the outcome measures (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Despite the fact that L-carnosine is detectable in the blood, it was found to be ineffective in the management of ASD in children. Clinical Trial Registration: The study was registered in the Clinical Trial Registry-India, registration number: CTRI/2019/07/020102.

Diabetes is a complex disease that affects a large percentage of the world's population, and it is associated with several risk factors. Self-management poses a significant challenge, but natural sources have shown great potential in providing effective glucose reducing solutions. Flavonoids, a class of bioactive substances found in different natural sources including medicinal plants, have emerged as promising candidates in this regard. Indeed, several flavonoids, including apigenin, arbutin, catechins, and cyanidin, have demonstrated remarkable anti-diabetic properties. The clinical effectiveness of these flavonoids is linked to their potential to decrease blood glucose concentration and increase insulin concentration. Thus, the regulation of certain metabolic pathways such as glycolysis and neoglycogenesis has also been demonstrated. In vitro and in vivo investigations revealed different mechanisms of action related to flavonoid compounds at subcellular, cellular, and molecular levels. The main actions reside in the activation of glycolytic signaling pathways and the inhibition of signaling that promotes glucose synthesis and storage. In this review, we highlight the clinical efficiency of natural flavonoids as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying this effectiveness.

Diversity and homeostasis of gut bacterial composition is highly associated with the pathogenesis of insulin dysfunction and type 1 diabetes melittus (T1D), hence emerged in parallel with the activation of autoimmunity. We aimed to study the bioactive potential of essential oil from Zanthoxylum myriacanthum var. pubescens Huang (Maqian) through computational approaches. Twelve chemical constituents derived from Maqian essential oil were docked with selected proteins (i.e., 3pig, 1kho, 7dmq, 4m4d, 2z65, 4glp, and 3fxi) in which are involved in gut microbiota modulation in T1D. Subsequently, the prediction of bioavailability properties of the small molecules were evaluated. Among all chemical constituents, the post-docking interaction analysis demonstrated that α-phellandrene exhibits the strongest binding affinity and induces gut microbiota modulation with β-fructofuranosidase from Bifidobacterium longum. The current result revealed the potential of 3-Carene and α-Pinene in inducing specific changes in gut microbiota downregulating Clostridium perfringens and quenching Leptotrichia shahii respectively. β-Pinene possess exceptionally strong binding affinity that effectively disrupt the interaction between lipopolysaccharide and its cognate receptors, while α-Phellandrene was exhibited the uppermost binding affinity with TLR4/MD2 and could likely target TLR4 stimulating lipopolysaccharide. Our results are the first to report on the gut microbiota modulation effects of α-Phellandrene and β-Phellandrene via actions on LPS binding to CD14 and the TLR4 co-receptor signaling. In conclusion, our findings based on computational approaches, small molecules from Maqian present as promising agents which could regulate inflammatory response and modulate gut microbiota in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Boza, a cereal-based beverage popular in southeast Europe, is fortified with probiotics and is believed to positively impact the composition of the gut microflora. This investigation focused on fermented cereal-based beverage boza to identify strains of probiotic Lactobacillus spp. capable of inhibiting carbohydrate-hydrolysing enzymes α-glucosidase (AG) and α-amylase (AA). The isolated bacterial strains underwent a comprehensive assessment, including biochemical, molecular, and probiotic trait analyses such as tolerance survivability, adhesion, safety, and health-promoting attributes. We evaluated the inhibitory potential of the supernatant, cell lysate, and intact cells of Lactobacillus spp. Molecular analysis has revealed that isolates RAMULAB30 and RAMULAB29 exhibit a significant genetic similarity (>97%) to Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and Limosilactobacillus fermentum, respectively. These findings are documented in the NCBI database. They exhibited significant resistance to gastrointestinal and intestinal fluids, also indicating their potential for adhesion. Additionally, the isolates showed a significant antibacterial activity, particularly against Micrococcus luteus. They showed resistance to vancomycin and methicillin antibiotics but were more susceptible to streptomycin and ampicillin. Furthermore, the strains demonstrated antioxidant properties. To ensure their safety, a haemolytic assay was conducted despite their general recognition as safe (GRAS) status. The study primarily aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effects of the extract on enzymes AG and AA. Bacterial isolates demonstrated a significant inhibitory activity against both enzyme AG (32%–67% inhibition) and enzyme AA (18%–46% inhibition) in different forms, including supernatant (CS), lysed extract (CE), and intact cell (IC). These findings underscore the potential of bacterial isolates to inhibit the enzyme activity effectively. Furthermore, the L. fermentum RAMULAB29 and L. paracasei RAMULAB30 strains exhibit remarkable antidiabetic potential. Food products incorporating these strains have promising prospects as nutraceuticals, providing improved health benefits.

Tetraclinis articulata is a known traditional medicinal plant used to manage various ailments, such as diabetes, rheumatism and infectious diseases. This study aims to determine the chemical constituents of T. articulata essential oil (EO) and to evaluate its in vitro antibacterial, anti-candidal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and dermatoprotective properties. In addition, a computational docking approach was used to predict the potential antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties of the identified compounds. The volatile oil obtained by hydrodistillation was characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant activity of T. articulata EO was investigated using three complementary assays: DPPH, ABTS and FRAP. Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and tyrosinase enzymes were used to assess the anti-inflammatory and dermatoprotective effects of this oil. Moreover, disc-diffusion technique, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays were employed for the antimicrobial screening. The GC-MS analysis revealed that bornyl acetate (41.80 %), α-pinene (17.97 %) and camphor (15.97 %) are the major components of the studied EO. Moreover, T. articulata EO has exhibited promising antioxidant effect on FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS experiments. It also significantly inhibited 5-LOX (IC50 = 67.82 ± 0.03 μg/mL) and tyrosinase (IC50 = 211.93 ± 0.02 μg/mL). The results of MIC and MBC assays indicated that T. articulata EO is able to inhibit the growth of all tested bacteria (Gram + and Gram -) and Candida species. The ratio of tolerance level indicated that the tested oil was bactericidal against the Gram + bacteria and Candida species, whereas it has a bacteriostatic behavior against the Gram− bacteria. In light of these findings, T. articulata EO may be suggested as a potential pharmaceutical agent to prevent inflammation and skin problems and may serve as a natural antimicrobial and antioxidant alternative for sustainable application in food products.

BackgroundArtificial Intelligence (AI) plays an important role in many fields, including medical education, practice, and research. Many medical educators started using ChatGPT at the end of 2022 for many purposes. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore the potential uses, benefits, and risks of using ChatGPT in education modules on integrated pharmacotherapy of infectious disease. MethodsA content analysis was conducted to investigate the applications of ChatGPT in education modules on integrated pharmacotherapy of infectious disease. Questions pertaining to curriculum development, syllabus design, lecture note preparation, and examination construction were posed during data collection. Three experienced professors rated the appropriateness and precision of the answers provided by ChatGPT. The consensus rating was considered. The professors also discussed the prospective applications, benefits, and risks of ChatGPT in this educational setting. ResultsChatGPT demonstrated the ability to contribute to various aspects of curriculum design, with ratings ranging from 50% to 92% for appropriateness and accuracy. However, there were limitations and risks associated with its use, including incomplete syllabi, the absence of essential learning objectives, and the inability to design valid questionnaires and qualitative studies. It was suggested that educators use ChatGPT as a resource rather than relying primarily on its output. There are recommendations for effectively incorporating ChatGPT into the curriculum of the education modules on integrated pharmacotherapy of infectious disease. ConclusionsMedical and health sciences educators can use ChatGPT as a guide in many aspects related to the development of the curriculum of the education modules on integrated pharmacotherapy of infectious disease, syllabus design, lecture notes preparation, and examination preparation with caution.

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have garnered enormous attention seemingly due to their unusual architecture and properties. Graphene and graphene oxide based 2D nanomaterials remained the most sought after for several years but the quest to design superior 2D nanomaterials which can find wider application gave rise to development of non-graphene 2D materials as well. Consequently, in addition to graphene based 2D nanomaterials, 2D nanostructures designed using macromolecules (such as DNAs, proteins, peptides and peptoids), transition metal dichalcogenides, transition-metal carbides and/or nitrides (MXene), black phosphorous, chitosan, hexagonal boron nitrides, and graphitic carbon nitride, and covalent organic frameworks have been developed. Interestingly, these 2D nanomaterials have found applications in diagnosis and treatment of various diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although AD is one of the most debilitating neurodegenerative conditions across the globe; unfortunately, there remains a paucity of effective diagnostic and/or therapeutic intervention for it till date. In this scenario, nanomaterial-based biosensors, or therapeutics especially 2D nanostructures are emerging to be promising in this regard. This review summarizes the diagnostic and therapeutic platforms developed for AD using 2D nanostructures. Collectively, it is worth mentioning that these 2D nanomaterials would seemingly provide an alternative and intriguing platform for biomedical interventions.

Cyanobacteria and microalgae contain various phytochemicals, including bioactive components in the form of secondary metabolites, namely flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, and tannins, with remarkable anticancer effects. This review highlights the recent advances in bioactive compounds, with potential anticancer activity, produced by cyanobacteria and microalgae. Previous in vitro investigations showed that many of these bioactive compounds exhibit potent effects against different human cancer types, such as leukemia and breast cancers. Multiple mechanisms implicated in the antitumor effect of these compounds were elucidated, including their ability to target cellular, subcellular, and molecular checkpoints linked to cancer development and promotion. Recent findings have highlighted various mechanisms of action of bioactive compounds produced by cyanobacteria and microalgae, including induction of autophagy and apoptosis, inhibition of telomerase and protein kinases, as well as modulation of epigenetic modifications. In vivo investigations have demonstrated a potent anti-angiogenesis effect on solid tumors, as well as a reduction in tumor volume. Some of these compounds were examined in clinical investigations for certain types of cancers, making them potent candidates/scaffolds for antitumor drug development.

As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to revolutionize value-added services, its conventional architecture exhibits persistent scalability and security vulnerabilities, jeopardizing the trustworthiness of IoT-based services. These architectural limitations hinder the IoT’s Sensor-as-a-Service (SEaaS) model, which enables the commercial transmission of sensed data through cloud platforms. This study proposes an innovative computational framework that integrates decentralized blockchain technology into the IoT architectural design, specifically enhancing SEaaS efficiency. This research contributes to an optimized IoT architecture with decentralized blockchain operations and simplified public key encryption. Furthermore, this study introduces an advanced SEaaS model featuring innovative trading operations for sensed data among diverse stakeholders. At its core, this model presents a unique blockchain-based data-sharing mechanism that manages multiple aspects, from enrollment to validation. Evaluations conducted in a standard Python environment indicate that the proposed SEaaS model outperforms existing blockchain-based data-sharing models, demonstrating approximately 40% less energy consumption, 18% increased throughput, 16% reduced latency, and a 25% reduction in algorithm processing time. Ultimately, integrating a lightweight authentication mechanism using simplified public key cryptography within the blockchain establishes the model’s potential for efficient and secure data-sharing in IoT.

This study aims to explore the relationship between 4-Hydroxycinnamic Acid, a compound found in broccoli fruit (Brassica oleracea var. italica), and Estrogen Receptor Beta Protein through in silico analysis. The research was conducted using Pymol, MOE 2015, Discovery Studio 2016, and Lepinski Rule software. These tools were employed to model the structure of both the compound and protein, as well as to evaluate their interaction. The results revealed a significant interaction with a Binding Affinity of -6.4182. Moreover, the Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) measurements yielded a value of 3.8907, indicating the degree of agreement between the compound and protein structures. Analysis using the Lepinski Rule disclosed the characteristics of the compound 4-Hydroxycinnamic Acid, including a mass of 164, two hydrogen bond donors, three hydrogen bond acceptors, a log P value of 1.490, and a molar reactivity of 44.776. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential of 4-Hydroxycinnamic Acid in interacting with Estrogen Receptor Beta Protein, which could serve as a foundation for further research on the health benefits and therapeutic applications of this compound, contributing to the goal of good health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are a myriad of potential medicinal plants worldwide. Researchers have found some, while others are still unexplored. Orthosiphon stamineus Benth. (family: Lamiaceae), commonly known as the cat's whiskers plant, is a well-known herbal plant with many medicinal uses. All the parts of O. stamineus, such as the leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds, have their uses. More than 140 pure compounds were identified and isolated from different extracts of O. stamineus, particularly leaf extracts and stem oils. Flavonoids are the most abundant phytoconstituents found in O. stamineus leaf extract. Several pharmacological activities have been studied and validated using extracts as well as pure compounds. Multiple phytoconstituents attributed to these pharmacological activities such as diuretics, antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antiepileptic, etc., have been discovered. Considering the purported benefits of O. stamineus, the present review critically evaluates and discusses the pharmacognosy, taxonomy, ethnobotany, pharmacological activities, and phytochemistry of O. stamineus and provides updated information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]