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[Display omitted] • SARS-CoV-2 can also affect organs other than the lungs, including the brain, heart, and gastrointestinal system. • Patients with Cancer, HIV, COPD, neurological, and CVDs are more prone to the COVID-19 associated complications, leading to a drastic rise in morbidity and mortality. • Elderly and pre-existing polypharmacy patients have worsened COVID-19 associated complications. When a person with comorbidity is infected with SARS-CoV-2, it becomes more dangerous, and managing these patients with adequate medical care is critical to their survival. • A co-morbid person should adhere to preventive measures to reduce mortality, including regular handwashing with soap or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, minimizing in person contact and practicing social distance, wearing a face mask in public places, and avoiding going to public places unless essential are among the precautional measures. Coronavirus disease is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus first appeared in Wuhan (China) in December 2019 and has spread globally. Till now, it affected 269 million people with 5.3 million deaths in 224 countries and territories. With the emergence of variants like Omicron, the COVID-19 cases grew exponentially, with thousands of deaths. The general symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, sore throat, cough, lung infections, and, in severe cases, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, and death. SARS-CoV-2 predominantly affects the lung, but it can also affect other organs such as the brain, heart, and gastrointestinal system. It is observed that 75 % of hospitalized COVID-19 patients have at least one COVID-19 associated comorbidity. The most common reported comorbidities are hypertension, NDs, diabetes, cancer, endothelial dysfunction, and CVDs. Moreover, older and pre-existing polypharmacy patients have worsened COVID-19 associated complications. SARS-CoV-2 also results in the hypercoagulability issues like gangrene, stroke, pulmonary embolism, and other associated complications. This review aims to provide the latest information on the impact of the COVID-19 on pre-existing comorbidities such as CVDs, NDs, COPD, and other complications. This review will help us to understand the current scenario of COVID-19 and comorbidities; thus, it will play an important role in the management and decision-making efforts to tackle such complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal diseases pose a significant threat to agriculture, human well-being, and the environment. Conventional approaches to fungal disease management, such as chemical fungicides, have limitations including environmental concerns and the development of resistant strains. Recently, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising alternative for controlling fungal infections. This review discusses the innovative use of bionanocomposites as a novel approach for fungal disease management. Nanocomposites are engineered materials consisting of nanoparticles dispersed within a matrix. They offer unique properties, including enhanced surface area and controlled release, making them ideal candidates for delivering antifungal agents effectively. This paper reviews the latest research on nanocomposites tailored for fungal disease management, highlighting their synthesis methods, characterization techniques, and potential applications across various domains. The benefits of using nanocomposites in fungal disease management are manifold. They enable targeted delivery of antifungal agents, reducing environmental contamination and minimizing adverse effects on non-target organisms. Additionally, the controlled release kinetics of nanocomposites can enhance the efficacy of antifungal agents while reducing the risk of resistance development. Furthermore, their versatility allows customization for specific fungal pathogens, making them suitable for a wide range of applications in agriculture, medicine, and environmental protection. This review underscores the growing importance of nanocomposites as a transformative technology in the fight against fungal diseases. As research in this field advances, nanocomposites hold great promise for revolutionizing fungal disease management practices, offering sustainable and effective solutions for the future. • Bionanocomposites combine antifungal nanoparticles and biological agents for improved treatment of fungal infections. • Enhances drug delivery to fungal infections, entering cells for better treatment with fewer side effects. • Counters fungal drug resistance via multi-mechanistic action, offering an effective approach against evolving pathogens. • Bionanocomposites offer eco-friendly fungal disease management, meeting the demand for sustainable healthcare solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments were conducted to investigate the role of silicon (Si, 2 mM potassium silicate - K 2 SiO 3) in ameliorating the salinity (200 mM NaCl) triggered growth retardation, photosynthetic inhibition and the oxidative damage in Talh trees (Acacia gerrardii Benth). Salinity stress reduced length and dry biomass accumulation of root and shoot which were significantly improved by Si supplementation. Application of Si enhanced the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments including chlorophyll a , chlorophyll b , total chlorophylls and carotenoids resulting in greater photosynthetic activity measured in terms of net CO 2 assimilation. Stomatal conductance and transpiration rate were declined due to NaCl treatment and supplementation of Si ameliorated the negative impact of NaCl on these attributes and was significantly improved when applied to normal grown plants. Further, lipid peroxidation was more in NaCl stressed plants without Si as compared to those supplemented with Si. Si protected Talh trees from NaCl induced oxidative damage by improving the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT, APX and GR) and the content of ascorbic acid. Accumulation of compatible osmolytes including proline and glycine betaine was increased due to Si supplementation leading to improved growth under saline conditions in addition Si supplementation mitigated the deleterious effects of NaCl on flavonoid content. More importantly Si supplementation prevented excess uptake of Na and also protected the ill effects of excess Na on the uptake and accumulation of K and Ca resulting in significant decline in Na/K ratio. In conclusion, Si mitigates the negative effects of NaCl in A. gerrardii by modifying nutrient uptake, osmolytes accumulation and up-regulating antioxidant system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Biotransformation of synthetic progestonic hormone dydrogesterone (1) was carried out with Macrophomina phaseolina. • Major structural changes in functional group positions were observed in metabolite 2. • This biotransformation yielded two new, and a known metabolite. • Metabolite 3 showed a potent inhibition of ROS production (IC 50 = 4.2 ± 0.3 μg/mL) in cellular model. Abstract Biotransformation of a synthetic progestonic hormone dydrogesterone (1), C 21 H 28 O 2 , with a plant pathogenic fungus Macrophomina phaseolina yielded two new 2 and 3 , and a known 4 metabolites. These analogues were identified as, 3β,11α-dihydroxy-5β,9β,10α-pregna-7-ene-6,20-dione (2), 15β-hydroxy-9β,10α-pregna-4,6-diene-3,20-dione (3), and 8α-hydroxy-9β,10α-pregna-4,6-diene-3,20-dione (4). Major structural changes were observed in metabolite 2. New metabolite 3 showed anti-inflammatory potential, and was found to be the potent inhibitor of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) from whole blood phagocytes (IC 50 = 4.2 ± 0.3 μg/mL), as compared to standard drug Ibuprofen (IC 50 = 11.2 ± 1.9 μg/mL). The metabolites 2 , 3 , and 4 were found to be non-toxic to NIH-3T3 (CRL-1658) normal cell line. This indicated anti-inflammatory potential of resulting metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial transformation of 6-dehydroprogesterone ( 1 ) with Aspergillus niger yielded three new metabolites, including 6 β -chloro-7 α ,11 α -dihydroxypregna-4-ene-3,20-dione ( 2 ), 7 α -chloro-6 β ,11 α -dihydroxypregna-4-ene-3,20-dione ( 3 ), and 6 α ,7 α -epoxy-11 α -hydroxypregna-4-ene-3,20-dione ( 4 ), and two known metabolites; 6 α ,7 α -epoxypregna-4-ene-3,20-dione ( 5 ), and 11 α -hydroxypregna-4,6-diene-3,20-dione ( 6 ). Compounds 2 , and 3 contain chlorohydrin moiety at C-6, and C-7, respectively. The biotransformation of 1 with Gibberella fujikuroi yielded a known compound, 11 α ,17 β -dihydroxyandrosta-4,6-dien-3-one ( 7 ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artemisinin, a sesquiterpene lactone endoperoxide isolated from aerial parts of Artemisia annua L. plants is a safe and potent therapeutic agent against malaria causing drug-resistant parasite strains of Plasmodium sp. Squalene synthase (SQS) is a membrane-bound enzyme catalyzing the first enzymatic step of sterol biosynthetic pathway in eukaryotes. It competes with ADS, the rate limiting enzyme of artemisinin biosynthesis pathway in A. annua L. for the precursor FPP, the product of mevalonate/alternate pathway. Hence, SQS limits artemisinin biosynthesis in A. annua L. plants. In this study, full length cDNA fragment encoding AaSQS enzyme from the leaves of A. annua L. plants was cloned and analyzed. Computational characterization was performed for basic structural and functional information. The physico-chemical properties were also studied. The putative conserved domains in corresponding sequences were searched. The multiple sequence alignment of AaSQS revealed the important motifs and identified the residue substitution in each motif. The homology modeling of AaSQS enzyme was done for the prediction of 3D-structure. Molecular docking of one substrate and two co-factors with AaSQS was performed and the docked structures showed binding affinity for motif 2 of AaSQS. Our analysis further revealed that 29 residues of motif 2 might be important for catalytic/functional activity of AaSQS enzyme. Relative ontogenetic expression analysis of SqS gene employing quantitative real-time PCR showed that the expression level of AaSqS was higher in Callus (C) followed by leaves (L), stem (S) and hairy roots (HR) that was well correlated with the squalene content in these tissues. This study thus, may provide a platform to understand and use the predicted information of AaSQS in modulating the production of artemisinin in A. annua L. plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is the most significant entity that controls local and global development. The present research involves property integration technique, graphical and mathematical; to first establish accurate targets for maximum direct recycle of process sources, as well as minimum waste discharge and fresh water consumption at an oil refinery. Property-based water allocation network is designed for the process based on previously identified targets. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) and hardness properties are taken as pollutants (contaminants) and treated as single and double contaminant approach to dig out fresh water demand in the process. Both graphical and mathematical programming techniques exhibit the same water reduction of 149.0 m 3 /h (43.8%) and 208.0 m 3 /h (61.18%) for COD and hardness case, respectively, in single contaminant approach. While, a new double contaminant mathematical programming has shown a significant reduction of 39%, based on mixing rules of properties. Among the multiple water networks, one possible water allocation network is developed based on mass exchange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] This is the first report of biotransformation of mesterolone with Cunninghamella blakesleeana and Macrophomina phaseolina. [•] Fermentation of mesterolone (1) with Cunninghamella blakesleeana yielded four new and three known metabolites. [•] Biotransformation of 1 with Macrophomina phaseolina also yielded a new metabolite. . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The relative abundance of isoprenoids and other volatile components in the aerial parts of Artemisia annua Linn. (Asteraceae) after different nutritional treatments was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Hydro-distillation of untreated (control) plants yielded 0.28±0.04% essential oil on fresh weight basis. Monoterpenes were predominant in the essential oil of which cis-limonene-1,2-epoxide (22.1%), artemisia ketone (11.5%), iso-pinocamphone (11.4%), thujyl alcohol (9.9%) and camphor (8.4%) were the major components. The essential oil distilled from A. annua treated with Azospirillum (2ml/plant) amounted to 0.30±0.03% of fresh weight and consisted mainly of neral (31.1%), β-caryophyllene (25.1%), artemisia ketone (10.0%), thujyl alcohol (9.4%), trans-bergamotene (8.5%) and spathulenol (4.8%). The essential oil from plants treated with basal N, P, K and S application (in the form of urea P2O5, K2O and gypsum at a rate of 120, 50, 100 and 50kg/ha, respectively) amounted to 0.32±0.03% of fresh weight and consisted mainly of thujyl alcohol (33.3%), β-caryophyllene (15.5%), cis-undec-5-ene (14.4%), artemisia ketone (6.0%), trans-nerolidol (5.8%) and undec-4-ene (4.6%). The hydrodistillation of A. annua treated with Glomus (Mycorrhizal soil 50g/plant) yielded 0.50±0.02% essential oil on fresh weight basis. The sesquiterpenes were predominant in this essential oil and consisted of β-caryophyllene (51.2%), trans-bergamotene (15.4%), α-gurjunene (14.3%), germacrene D (5.1%) and ledol (4.5%) as major components. The only monoterpenes in the essential oil were neral, nerol and pulegone (each less than 1%). These findings suggest that A. annua treated with Glomus lacks glandular trichomes—the primary sites of synthesis of monoterpenes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Antiscalants are used in desalination and water treatment plants to reduce or prevent scale formation on heat transfer equipments surfaces. For this purpose, an experimental apparatus has been designed to study the effect of various types of antiscalants on the deposition of calcium sulfate on the surface of stainless steel tubes. Three antiscalants are used in this study, sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), Belgard EV2030 and ethylenediamene-tetraacetic acid (EDTA). Two levels of antiscalants used in this work are 1 and 3 ppm, while CaSO4 concentrations are 3000 and 7000 ppm. Collected results revealed that 33% decrease in fouling can be achieved by using SHMP, while 19% fouling reduction with Belgard EV2030 and 40% decrease in fouling when using EDTA. Also, the effect of the antiscalants is decreased by increasing the concentration of calcium sulfate from 3000 to 7000 ppm. This observation was extracted from graphical plots of obtained results. For antiscalant concentration above 1.5 ppm, it was found that the increase in its concentration has almost no effect on fouling resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Phytochemical investigation on the aerial parts of Lyonia ovalifolia (Wall.) Drude led to the isolation of three new iridoids, lyonofolin A (1), lyonofolin B (2), and lyonofolin C (3), and a known iridoid, gelsemiol (4). Structures of compounds 1 – 4 were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses, including EI-MS, HREI-MS, UV, IR, and 1D- and 2D-NMR (HMBC, HSQC, COSY, NOESY) spectroscopic methods. The effect of insulin secretion of compounds 1 , 2 , and 4 were evaluated in mice pancreatic islets cellular model. This insulin secretory assay demonstrated that compound 2 potentiates glucose-induced insulin secretion, and thus can serve as a new insulin secretagogue for the treatment of diabetes. The newly isolated compounds were further evaluated against normal 3 T3 cell lines for cytotoxicity, where they did not show any cytotoxicity. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Three new, and a known iridoids were isolated from lyonia ovalifolia. • Compounds were identified as lyonofolin A (1), lyonofolin B (2), lyonofolin C (3), and gelsemiol (4). • Compounds 1 , 2 , and 4 were evaluated for their insulin secretion in mice pancreatic islets. • Compound 2 potentiated a glucose-induced insulin secretion, and thus identified as a new insulin secretagogue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

miRNAs are emerging as potential regulators of the gene expression. Their proven promising role in regulating biosynthetic pathways related gene networks may hold the key to understand the genetic regulation of these pathways which may assist in selection and manipulation to get high performing plant genotypes with better secondary metabolites yields and increased biomass. miRNAs associated with genes of steviol glycosides biosynthetic pathway, however, have not been identified so far. In this study miRNAs targeting genes of steviol glycosides biosynthetic pathway were identified for the first time whose precursors were potentially generated from ESTs and nucleotide sequences of Stevia rebaudiana. Thereafter, stem-loop coupled real time PCR based expressions of these miRNAs in different tissues of Stevia rebaudiana were investigated and their relationship pattern was analysed with the expression levels of their target mRNAs as well as steviol glycoside contents. All the miRNAs investigated showed differential expressions in all the three tissues studied, viz. leaves, flowers and stems. Out of the eleven miRNAs validated, the expression levels of nine miRNAs (miR319a, miR319b, miR319c, miR319d, miR319e, miR319f, miR319h, miRstv_7, miRstv_9) were found to be inversely related, while expression levels of the two, i.e. miR319g and miRstv_11 on the contrary, showed direct relation with the expression levels of their target mRNAs and steviol glycoside contents in the leaves, flowers and stems. This study provides a platform for better understanding of the steviol glycosides biosynthetic pathway and these miRNAs can further be employed to manipulate the biosynthesis of these metabolites to enhance their contents and yield in S. rebaudiana . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• FISH revealed ETV6/RUNX1 translocation to be high (28.07%) in pediatric ALL cases of Kashmir. • MLL gene rearrangement was found to be present in 3.5% cases of the present study. • A loss of ETV6 allele was observed in 12.5% of ETV6/RUNX1 fusion positive cases of our study. • We report a 44,XX,-7,-18, r(5), i(17q) karyotype for the first time in pediatric ALL. Evidence suggests that ETV6/RUNX1 translocation in pediatric acute lymphocytic leukemia shows geographical variation. Therefore, the present study aimed at unveiling the incidence of ETV6/RUNX1 fusion in pediatric acute lymphocytic leukemia cases of this region using fluorescent in-situ hybridization. Besides, we aimed to determine the incidence of MLL gene rearrangement and the pattern of chromosomal abnormalities in this study group. Samples from 57 acute lymphocytic leukemia cases of pediatric age group were subjected to fluorescent in-situ hybridization and conventional cytogenetic analysis using standard methods. Conventional cytogenetic analysis revealed chromosomal abnormalities in 19.3% cases. The other major chromosomal abnormalities reported were monosomies in 10.5%, hypodiploidy in 7%, marker chromosomes in 3.5% and deletions in 3.5% cases. We found a 44,XX,-7,-18, r(5), i(17q) complex karyotype in one of the cases. Fluorescent in-situ hybridization analysis revealed ETV6/RUNX1 translocation to be present in 28.07% cases and MLL gene rearrangement in 3.5% cases. 12.5% of ETV6/RUNX1 fusion positive cases were found to have a loss of ETV6 allele. Besides, 8.8% cases were found to exhibit a signal pattern suggestive of RUNX1 amplification. ETV6 gene deletion and MLL gene amplification was detected in 3.5% cases each, of our study. Frequency of ETV6/RUNX1 fusion oncogene was found to be higher in pediatric ALL cases of Kashmir region as compared to that reported from other parts of India. Besides, a case was found to have a karyotype viz 44,XX,-7,-18, r(5), i(17q) that has not been reported elsewhere in the childhood ALL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biotransformation of a steroidal contraceptive drug, etonogestrel ( 1 ), (13-ethyl-17 β -hydroxy-11-methylene-18,19-dinor-17 α -pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one) was investigated with Cunninghamella blakesleeana and C. echinulata . Five metabolites 2 – 6 were obtained on incubation of 1 with Cunninghamella blakesleeana , and three metabolites, 2 , 4 , and 6 were isolated from the transformation of 1 with C. echinulata . Among them, metabolites 2–4 were identified as new compounds. Their structures were deduced as 6 β -hydroxy-11,22-epoxy-etonogestrel ( 2 ), 11,22-epoxy-etonogestrel ( 3 ), 10 β -hydroxy-etonogestrel ( 4 ), 6 β -hydroxy-etonogestrel ( 5 ), and 14 α -hydroxy-etonogestrel ( 6 ). Compounds 1–6 were evaluated for various biological activities. Interestingly, compound 5 was found to be active against β -glucuronidase enzyme with IC 50 value of 13.97 ± 0.12 μM, in comparison to standard compound, d -saccharic acid 1,4-lactone (IC 50 = 45.75 ± 2.16 μM). Intestinal bacteria produce β -glucuronidase. Increased activity of β -glucuronidase is responsible for the hydrolyses of glucuronic acid conjugates of estrogen and other toxic substances in the colon, which plays a key role in the etiology of colon cancer. Inhibition of β -glucoronidase enzyme therefore has a therapeutic significance. Compounds 1–6 were also found to be non cytotoxic against 3T3 mouse fibroblast cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biotransformation of danazol ( 1 ) (17 β -hydroxy-17 α -pregna-2,4-dien-20-yno-[2,3-d]-isoxazole) with Cunninghamella blakesleeana yielded three new metabolites 2–4 and a known metabolite 5 . These metabolites were identified as 14 β ,17 β -dihydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-17 α -pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one ( 2 ), 1 α ,17 β -dihydroxy-17 α -pregna-2,4-dien-20-yno-[2,3-d]-isoxazole ( 3 ), 6 β ,17 β -dihydroxy-17 α -pregna-2,4-dien-20-yno-[2,3-d]-isoxazole ( 4 ), and 17 β -hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-17 α -pregn-1,4-dien-20-yn-3-one ( 5 ). Danazol ( 1 ) and its derivatives were evaluated against cervical cancer cell line (HeLa). Compound 1 showed a potent cytotoxicity with IC 50 = 0.283 ± 0.013 μM, as compared to doxorubicin (IC 50 = 0.506 ± 0.015 μM), where compound 3 was also found to be significantly active with IC 50 = 13.427 ± 0.819 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new spirostane steroidal saponin, govanoside A ( 1 ) along with three known compounds borassoside E ( 2 ) pennogenin ( 3 ) and diosgenin ( 4 ) were isolated from rhizomes of Trillium govanianum . Their structures were elucidated through 1D, 2D-NMR spectroscopic data analysis and acid hydrolysis. Compound ( 2 ) in genus Trillium and all compounds ( 1 – 4 ) in T. govanianum are reported herein for the first time. Furthermore, compounds 1 & 2 exhibited good to moderate activities against Aspergillus niger ATCC 16888, Aspergillus flavus ATCC 9643, Candida albicans ATCC 18804, and Candida glabrata ATCC 90030. This is a significant finding keeping in view the limited antifungal drugs for aspergillosis and candidiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial transformation of oxandrolone ( 1 ) was carried out by using Cunninghamella blakesleeana and Macrophomina phaseolina . Biotransformation of 1 with M. phaseolina yielded four new metabolites, 11 β ,17 β -dihydroxy-17 α -(hydroxymethyl)-2-oxa-5 α -androstan-3-one ( 2 ), 5 α ,11 β ,17 β -trihydroxy-17 α -methyl-2-oxa-androstan-3-one ( 3 ), 17 β -hydroxy-17 α -methyl-2-oxa-5 α -androstan-3,11-dione ( 4 ), and 11 β ,17 β -dihydroxy-17 α -methyl-2-oxa-5 α -androstan-3-one ( 5 ). Whereas a new metabolite, 12 β ,17 β -dihydroxy-17 α -methyl-2-oxa-5 α -androstan-3-one ( 6 ), was obtained through the microbial transformation of oxandrolone ( 1 ) with C. blakesleeana . The structures of isolated metabolites were characterized on the basis of MS and NMR spectroscopic data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Therapeutic potential of nandrolone and its derivatives against leishmaniasis has been studied. A number of derivatives of nandrolone (1) were synthesized through biotransformation. Microbial transformation of nandrolone (1) with Cunninghamella echinulata and Cunninghamella blakesleeana yielded three new metabolites, 10β, 12β, 17β-trihydroxy-19-nor-4-androsten-3-one (2), 10β, 16α, 17β-trihydroxy-19-nor-4-androsten-3-one (3), and 6β, 10β, 17β-trihydroxy-19-nor-4-androsten-3-one (4), along with four known metabolites, 10β, 17β-dihydroxy-19-nor-4-androsten-3-one (5), 6β, 17β-dihydroxy-19-nor-4-androsten-3-one (6) 10β-hydroxy-19-nor-4-androsten-3,17-dione (7) and 16β, 17β-dihydroxy-19-nor-4-androsten-3-one (8). Compounds 1-8 were evaluated for their anti-leishmanial activity. Compounds 1 and 8 showed a significant activity in vitro against Leishmania major. The leishmanicidal potential of compounds 1-8 (IC50 = 32.0 ± 0.5, >100, 77.39 ± 5.52, 70.90 ± 1.16, 54.94 ± 1.01, 80.23 ± 3.39, 61.12 ± 1.39 and 29.55 ± 1.14 μM, respectively) can form the basis for the development of effective therapies against the protozoal tropical disease leishmaniasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Peripheral nerve injury is the crucial and complicated health issue affecting the life quality and capability. This situation not only compromises the physical functions but also leads to the demise of the affected individual largely due to a lack of effective interventions. Novel therapeutic strategies must be explored and evaluated to overcome the situation of partial or complete loss of function. Here, we have inspected the role of Calotropis procera, a famous medicinal plant, in accelerating the functional retrieval following the mechanically induced sciatic nerve injury. Methods. The study was performed in BALB/c mice (n = 16, weight = 30–32 g, age = 8–10 weeks) that were divided into two groups: Normal diet (n = 8) and C. procera diet group (n = 8). A compression injury was induced to the sciatic nerve at mid-thigh region and C. procera was orally offered mixed in the diet at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day. Both motor and sensory functions were assessed by muscle grip strength, Sciatic Functional Index (SFI), and hot-plate tests. Biochemical analyses, haematology, and glucose tolerance were performed to observe the effects of C. procera on the systemic indexes. Results. We found a speedy recovery sensory and motor functions (p < 0.05). It restored muscle mass, diminished total oxidant status (TOS), and enhanced total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The activity of the enzymes i.e., arylesterase and paraoxonase also increased in the treated group. Similarly, platelet and granulocyte counts were augmented. In addition, the treated group showed an improved capacity for glucose tolerance. Conclusion. These results demonstrate that C. procera effectively accelerates the functional retrieval following an injury to the peripheral nerve. Our findings provide very important information that can help the pharmaceutical and food industries to figure out plant-based interventions against traumatic peripheral nerve injuries to develop cost-effective therapeutic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical studies on the root of Abrus precatorius Linn. (Fabaceae), leads towards the identification of four undescribed (abruquinones M, N, O, and P), and seven known abruquinones, (abruquinones A, E, B, F, I, D, and G). Spectroscopic analyses (1D, and 2D NMR, HRESI-MS) were used in elucidating structures of the all compounds. Evaluation of anticancer activities of the isolated isoflavanquinones revealed that abruquinones M, and N showed cytotoxicity against oral CAL-27 (IC 50 values 6.48 and 5.26 μM, respectively), and colon (Caco- 2) cell lines (IC 50 values 15.79 and 10.33 μM, respectively). Abruquinone M also inhibited the growth of lung cancer cells (NCI–H460) with IC 50 of 31.33 μM. The isolated isoflavanquiones also showed potent anti-inflammatory potential through phagocyte oxidative burst and pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α inhibition in vitro. These findings suggest isoflavanquinones from A. precatorius roots as candidates for further research in cancer treatment. [Display omitted] • Four unreported isoflavanquinones (1–4) were isolated from the roots of Abrus precatorius. • Compounds 1, 2, 5, and 7 exhibited cytotoxicity against CAL-27, CaCO2, NCI-H460 cancer cells. • The compounds displayed potent TNF- α inhibition and other anti-inflammatory activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sustainable solution for waste disposal. • Production of Nano materials from different types of agriculture waste ashes. • Utilization of Nano agriculture waste ashes in asphalt binder and mixture. Annually, tonnes of agriculture waste ash from crop residues (husks, bagasse, and straws) are generated as a result of energy production activities. The land-fill disposal and open dumping of generated ash have serious environmental and health problems, primarily due to groundwater contamination. Further, non-availability of land for further dumping is another major problem associated with it. Considering the problems associated with agriculture waste ash, three types of nano agriculture waste ash were used in this study to modify asphalt binder and mixture. Rice husk ash, Sugar cane bagasse ash and Wheat straw ash were first reduced to Nanoscale using a ball mill. The size and chemical properties of these samples were studied using particle size analyser, X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction. Then these samples were mixed with asphalt binder at 2%, 4% and 6% by weight of asphalt binder. All modified binder samples were then tested for storage stability, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, penetration, softening point, ductility, performance grading and frequency sweep. All asphalt mixtures prepared using modified binder samples were tested for bitumen-bond strength, rolling bottle, dynamic modulus, cooper wheel tracker and four point beam fatigue. The results confirmed Nano size of each type of agriculture waste ash and amorphous SiO 2 as their major chemical component. Further, asphalt binder and mixture samples modified with 6% nano rice husk ash, 6% nano sugar cane bagasse ash and 4% nano wheat straw ash performed better against moisture damage, rutting with the negligible negative effect on fatigue resistance. From the results it can be concluded that incorporation of each nano agriculture waste ash in asphalt binder and mixture is a sustainable and environmental friendly way of its disposal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]