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Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a severe condition resulting from the dengue virus, with four serotypes known as DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4. Genetic variations play a crucial role in influencing susceptibility to DHF. Therefore, this investigation conducted a meta-analysis to uncover genetic changes that might have remained undetected in individual studies due to small sample sizes or methodological differences. Among 2212 initially identified studies, 23 were deemed suitable for analysis based on PRISMA guidelines. Toll-like receptors (TLR) and CD209 showed significant association with DHF (odds ratios: TLR=0.56, CD209 =0.55), indicating protective effects. However, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) did not exhibit a statistically significant relationship with DHF. This study emphasizes the relevance of TLR and CD209 in DHF susceptibility and resistance across diverse geographical locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unmet medical need for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DRTB) is a significant concern. Accordingly, identifying new drug targets for tuberculosis (TB) treatment and developing new therapies based on these drug targets is one of the strategies to tackle DRTB. QcrB is an innovative drug target to create treatments for DRTB. This article highlights QcrB inhibitors and their therapeutic compositions for treating TB. The literature for this article was gathered from PubMed and free patent databases utilizing different keywords related to QcrB inhibitor-based inventions. The data was collected from the conceptualization of telacebec (2010) QcrB to December 2022. A little interesting and encouraging research has been performed on QcrB inhibitors. Telacebec and TB47 are established QcrB inhibitors in the clinical trial. The inventive QcrB inhibitor-based drug combinations can potentially handle DRTB and reduce the TB therapy duration. The authors anticipate great opportunities in fostering QcrB inhibitor-based patentable pharmaceutical inventions against TB. Drug repurposing can be a promising strategy to get safe and effective QcrB inhibitors. However, developing drug resistance, drug tolerance, and selectivity of QcrB inhibitors for Mtb will be the main challenges in developing effective QcrB inhibitors. In conclusion, QcrB is a promising drug target for developing effective treatments for active, latent, and drug-resistant TB. Many inventive and patentable combinations and compositions of QcrB inhibitors with other anti-TB drugs are anticipated as future treatments for TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotics help in preventing and treating infections and increasing life expectancy globally. Globally, many people's lives are being threatened by the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The cost of treating and preventing infectious diseases has increased due to AMR. Bacteria can resist the effects of antibiotics by altering drug targets, inactivating drugs, and activating drug efflux pumps. According to estimates, five million individuals died in 2019 from AMR-related causes, wherein 1.3 million deaths were directly linked to bacterial AMR. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) experienced the greatest mortality rate from AMR in 2019. In this article, we discuss AMR's causes and challenges SSA faces in implementing AMR prevention measures and propose recommendations to address the challenges. Antibiotic misuse and overuse, widespread usage in agriculture, and the pharmaceutical industry's absence of new antibiotic development are the factors contributing to AMR. SSA's challenges in preventing AMR include poor AMR surveillance and lack of collaboration, irrational use of antibiotics, weak medicine regulatory systems, lack of infrastructural and institutional capacities, lack of human resources, and inefficient infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. The challenges faced by countries in SSA can be addressed by increasing the public's knowledge of antibiotics and AMR, promoting antibiotic stewardship, improving AMR surveillance, promoting collaboration within and beyond countries, antibiotics regulatory enforcement, and improving the practice of IPC measures at home, food handling establishments, and healthcare facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of various drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis compelled medicinal chemists to expedite the discovery of novel, safer alternatives to present regimens. Decaprenylphosphoryl-β- d -ribose 2′-epimerase (DprE1), an essential component of arabinogalactan biosynthesis, has been considered a novel target for developing new inhibitors against Tuberculosis. We aimed to discover DprE1 inhibitors utilizing the drug repurposing approach. A structure-based virtual screening of FDA and world-approved drugs database was carried out, and initially, 30 molecules were selected based on their binding affinity. These compounds were further analyzed by molecular docking with extra-precision mode, MMGBSA binding free energy estimation, and prediction of ADMET profile. Based on the docking results and MMGBSA energy values- ZINC000006716957, ZINC000011677911, and ZINC000022448696 were identified to be the top three hit molecules with good binding interactions inside the active site of DprE1. These hit molecules were subjected to molecular dynamics (MD) simulation for a period of 100 ns to study the dynamic nature of the binding complex. MD results were in accordance with molecular docking and MMGBSA analysis showing protein-ligand contacts with key amino acid residues of DprE1. Based on their stability throughout the 100 ns simulation, ZINC000011677911 was the best in silico hit with an already known safety profile. This molecule could lead to future optimization and development of new DprE1 inhibitors. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium is an indispensable trace element for all living organisms. It is an essential structural component of several selenium-dependent enzymes, which support the human body's defense mechanism. Recently, the significance of selenium in preventing/treating COVID-19 has been documented in the literature. This review highlights the clinical studies, compositions, and patent literature on selenium to prevent/treat COVID-19. Selenium exerts its anti-COVID-19 action by reducing oxidative stress, declining the expression of the ACE-2 receptor, lowering the discharge of pro-inflammatory substances, and inhibiting the 3CL Pro (main protease) and PL pro enzyme of SARS-CoV-2. The data of clinical studies, inventive compositions, and patent literature revealed that selenium monotherapy and its compositions with other nutritional supplements/drugs (vitamin, iron, zinc, copper, ferulic acid, resveratrol, spirulina, N-acetylcysteine, fish oil, many herbs, doxycycline, azithromycin, curcumin, quercetin, etc.,) might be practical to prevent/treat COVID-19. The studies have also suggested a correlation between COVID-19 and selenium deficiency. This indicates that adequate selenium supplementation may provide promising treatment outcomes in COVID-19 patients. The authors foresee the development and commercialization of Selenium-based compositions and dosage forms (spray, inhalers, control release dosage forms, etc.) to battle COVID-19. We also trust that numerous selenium-based compositions are yet to be explored. Accordingly, there is good scope for scientists to work on developing novel and inventive selenium-based compositions to fight against COVID-19. However, there is also a need to consider the narrow therapeutic window and chemical interaction of selenium before developing selenium-based compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decaprenyl-phosphoryl-ribose 2′-epimerase (DprE1) inhibitors are an innovative and futuristic orally active group of antituberculosis agents. A few DprE1 inhibitors are in the clinical trial for tuberculosis (TB), including macozinone. This review highlights the discovery, developmental status, clinical studies, patents, and prospects of macozinone (MCZ). The patent and non-patent literature search was done by entering keywords such as macozinone; MCZ; PBTZ169; PBTZ-169 in Pubmed, Espacenet, Patentscope, and the USPTO databases. However, data on Sci-Finder was searched using CAS registry number: 1377239–83–2. MCZ clinical trial studies were retrieved from the clinicaltrials.gov database using the exact keywords. The chemical structure of MCZ was disclosed in 2009. Accordingly, patents/patent applications published from 2009 to June 12, 2022, have been discussed herein. MCZ and MCZ hydrochloride salt patents were granted in 2014 and 2019, respectively, in the USA. The patent literature and the clinical trial studies suggest capsule, tablet, and suspension formulations of crystalline MCZ and its hydrochloride salt as the possible and prospective dosage forms to treat TB. Some combinations of MCZ with other drugs (chloroquine, telacebec, tafenoquine, TBI-166, and sanfetrinem) with improved anti-TB efficacy have been documented. Based on the literature covered in this review article on the clinical studies and patents applied/granted to MCZ, it can be inferred that MCZ seems to be a promising DprE1 inhibitor and could help to tackle the emerging dilemma of drug-resistant either as a monotherapy or in combination with additional anti-TB agents. Furthermore, the authors anticipate the development of new combinations, salts, and polymorphs of MCZ as anti-TB agents shortly. This review article might prove beneficial to the scientific community as it summarizes chemistry, pharmacology and provides an update on the clinical studies and patents/patent applications of one of the emerging anti-TB drugs in one place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unprecedented global health crisis has developed due to the emergence of the mysterious coronavirus-2 of the severe acute respiratory syndrome, which has resulted in millions of deaths around the globe, as no therapy could control the 'cytokine storm'. Consequently, many vaccines have been developed and several others are being developed for this infection. Although most of the approved vaccines have been highly effective, many developing, and economically poor countries are still deprived of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 due to the unequal distribution of vaccines worldwide. Furthermore, the uncertainty about the effectiveness of the available vaccines against the emerging mutants and variants also remains a matter of concern. Due to the multistep pathogenesis and unique features, combination therapy using safe immunomodulatory and antiviral drugs should be considered as the most effective and acceptable therapeutic regimen for this infection. Based on a thorough assessment of the literature, it was determined that it would be interesting to study the therapeutic potential of ivermectin and doxycycline, given their roles in several biological pathways involved in SARS CoV-2 pathogenesis. Following that, a comprehensive literature search was undertaken using Scopus, Web of Science, and Pubmed, depending on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The present study provides a mechanism and comprehensive report, highlighting the role of combined therapy with ivermectin and doxycycline in alleviating the 'cytokine storm' of COVID-19 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 (coronavirus disease-2019) is a contagious illness that has been declared a global epidemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). The coronavirus causes diseases ranging in severity from the common cold to severe respiratory diseases and death. Coronavirus primarily affects blood pressure by attaching to the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE 2) receptor. This virus has an impact on multiple organ systems, including the central nervous system, immune system, cardiovascular system, peripheral nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, endocrine system, urinary system, skin, and pregnancy. For the prevention of COVID-19, various vaccines such as viral-like particle vaccines, entire inactivated virus vaccines, viral vector vaccines, live attenuated virus vaccines, subunit vaccines, RNA vaccines, and DNA vaccines are now available. Some of the COVID-19 vaccines are reported to cause a variety of adverse effects that range from mild to severe in nature. SARS-CoV-2 replication is controlled by the RNA-Dependent RNA-Polymerase enzyme (RdRp). The availability of FDA-approved anti-RdRp drugs (Ribavirin, Remdesivir, Sofosbuvir, Galidesivir, and Tenofovir) as potent drugs against SARS-CoV-2 that tightly bind to its RdRp may aid in the treatment of patients and reduce the risk of the mysterious new form of COVID-19 viral infection. RdRp inhibitors, such as remdesivir (an anti-Ebola virus experimental drug) and favipiravir (an anti-influenza drug), inhibit RdRp and thus slow the progression of COVID-19 and associated clinical symptoms, as well as significantly shorten recovery time. Molnupiravir, an orally active RdRp inhibitor and noval broad spectrum antiviral agent, is an isopropyl pro-drug of EIDD-1931 for emergency use. Galidesivir's in vitro and in vivo activities are limited to RNA of human public health concern. Top seeds for antiviral treatments with high potential to combat the SARS-CoV-2 strain include guanosine derivatives (IDX-184), setrobuvir, and YAK. The goal of this review is to compile scattered information on available COVID-19 vaccines and other treatments for protecting the human body from their harmful effects and to provide options for making better choices in a timely manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Garlic and its number of preparations are known to be effective for treatment of dyslipidemia, but the data about the specific active constituents of the garlic on the possible therapeutic value is scarce. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the role of garlic oil (GO) and its active element, diallyl disulphide (DADS) for obviating dyslipidemia in animal model. High fat diet (HFD) was given to animals to induce dyslipidemia. Animals of HFD groups were fed with atherogenic diet for 15 days prior to treatment. Animals in their respective groups received vehicle, GO (50 and 100 mg/kg), and DADS (4.47 and 8.94 mg/kg) for five consecutive days. Lipid profiles were estimated in serum, oxidant/antioxidant and liver profile were measured in liver tissue homogenate (LTH). Animals fed on HFD developed significant increase in the serum levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), lactate dehydrogenase (LDL), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione disulfide (GSSG) that reduced significantly in groups that received GO and DADS treatments. Additionally, significant elevation in serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) level was observed in animals that received GO and DADS. Moreover, hepatic markers such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine transferase (ALT), that were abnormally altered by high fat diet, were significantly restored to almost normal values with GO and DADS treatments. Also, antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and total thiol (SH) levels in LTH were increased significantly in GO and DADS treated groups. When compared to DADS, GO showed better therapeutic effectiveness in terms of antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant properties. In hyperlipidemic rats, garlic and its principal active component, diallyl disulphide, were effective in avoiding dyslipidemia and neutralizing reactive free radicals induced by a high fat diet. It's an intriguing observation that GO has a larger therapeutic influence than its active constituent, DADS. These findings suggest that other constituents, in addition to GO's DADS, are involved in the compound's synergistic antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to findings, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have an important function in the onset and growth of various cancers, including rectal cancer (RC). RC offers unique issues in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and results, needing a full understanding of the cellular mechanisms that cause it to develop. This thorough study digs into the various functions that lncRNAs perform in RC, giving views into their multiple roles as well as possible therapeutic consequences. The function of lncRNAs in RC cell proliferation, apoptosis, migratory and infiltrating capacities, epithelial-mesenchymal shift, and therapy tolerance are discussed. Various lncRNA regulatory roles are investigated in depth, yielding information on their effect on essential cell functions such as angiogenesis, death, immunity, and growth. Systemic lncRNAs are currently acknowledged as potential indications for the initial stages of identification of cancer, with the ability to diagnose as well as forecast. Besides adding to their diagnostic utility, lncRNAs offer therapeutic opportunities as actors, contributing to the expanding landscape of cancer research. Moreover, the investigation looks into the assessment and predictive utility of lncRNAs as RC markers. The article also offers insight into lncRNAs as chemoresistance and drug resistance facilitators in the setting of RC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urologic cancers (UCs), which include bladder, kidney, and prostate tumors, account for almost a quarter of all malignancies. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are tissue-specific RNAs that influence cell growth, death, and division. LncRNAs are dysregulated in UCs, and their abnormal expression may allow them to be used in cancer detection, outlook, and therapy. With the identification of several novel lncRNAs and significant exploration of their functions in various illnesses, particularly cancer, the study of lncRNAs has evolved into a new obsession. MALAT1 is a flexible tumor regulator implicated in an array of biological activities and disorders, resulting in an important research issue. MALAT1 appears as a hotspot, having been linked to the dysregulation of cell communication, and is intimately linked to cancer genesis, advancement, and response to treatment. MALAT1 additionally operates as a competitive endogenous RNA, binding to microRNAs and resuming downstream mRNA transcription and operation. This regulatory system influences cell growth, apoptosis, motility, penetration, and cell cycle pausing. MALAT1's evaluation and prognosis significance are highlighted, with a thorough review of its manifestation levels in several UC situations and its association with clinicopathological markers. The investigation highlights MALAT1's adaptability as a possible treatment target, providing fresh ways for therapy in UCs as we integrate existing information The article not only gathers current knowledge on MALAT1's activities but also lays the groundwork for revolutionary advances in the treatment of UCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected millions of individuals all over the world. In addition to the patients' compelling indications, various sociodemographic characteristics were identified to influence infection complications. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the aforementioned parameters on the dissemination of COVID-19 among residents of Saudi Arabia's Riyadh region. In the Saudi Arabian province of Riyadh, a cross-sectional retrospective analysis of COVID-19 incidences, recoveries, and case-fatality ratio (CFR) was undertaken. The study was carried out by gathering daily COVID-19 records from the ministry of health's official websites between October 2020 and September 2021. The influencing factors were obtained from the statistical authority. Using the SPSS IBM 25 software, the data was examined. The association between demographic factors as well as the presence of comorbidity on the COVID-19 outcome was determined using Spearman's correlation and regression tests. P < 0.05 was considered to indicate the significance of the results. The data from the study indicated that the highest number of COVID-19 cases were recorded in June 2021, and peak recovery was observed in July 2021. The CFR declined progressively from October 2020 to just over 1, even when the cases peaked. A significant (p < 0.05) correlation between diabetes and COVID-19 incidences was observed. The recovery rate had a significant (p < 0.05) association with the literacy rate and those aged 14–49 years old. Presences of co-morbidities such as Dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, stroke and heart failure have negatively affected the recovery from COVID-19 in the population. The CFR is significantly (p < 0.05) associated with people over 60, hypertensive patients, and asthma patients. Regression analysis suggested that the risk of complications due to COVID-19 infection is more in males, people above 60 years age and those suffering from co-morbidities. The findings of the study indicate an association between several of the characteristics studied, such as gender, age, and comorbidity, and the spread of infection, recovery, and mortality. To restrict the spread of COVID-19 and prevent its complications, effective measures are required to control the modifiable risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genus Astragalus belongs to the family Fabaceae and is one among the largest genera consisting of around 3000 species. The plants have been used traditionally in treatment of various ailments in folklore. The study was planned to assess the analgesic and inflammatory activity of Astragulus spinosus (Forssk.) Muschl extract of the stem. Course powder of stems of Astragulus spinosus was extracted using chloroform and methanol as solvents. Folin ciocalteu method was employed for determination of the phenolic acid content. Aluminum chloride colorimetric procedure was followed for estimating the flavonoid content. Both chloroform and methanolic extracts at 250 and 500 mg/kg, were tested for the analgesic activity, however, only methanolic extract was selected for anti-inflammatory property based on the results of analgesic activity. The analgesic effect was executed on male rats by the hot plate model. The anti-inflammatory effect was studied in the carrageenan rat paw edema model. The experimental information was interpreted statistically using one-way ANOVA and p < 0.05 was used to express importance of the results. The total phenolics of the methanol extract was 420 µg and that of chloroform extract was 265 µgwhile total flavonoid content in terms of quercetin was found to be 68 µg and 17.5 µg for methanol and chloroform extract respectively. Only methanolic extract exhibited significant (p < 0.001) analgesic activity by elevating the pain threshold starting from 15 min. The methanolic extract inhibited (p < 0.001) the edema in carrageenan induced model. The performance of higher dose (500 mg/kg) was better with reference to lower dose (250 mg/kg). Outcome of the results show that the methanolic stem extracts exhibited significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory-like activity with reference to chloroform extract. Credit of which is given to flavonoids and phenolic content present in the methanolic extract. However, more research is suggested to establish the safety and effectiveness of the herbal drug to manage diseased states including pain and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tectona grandis L.f is a timber plant that is commonly referred to as teak. Its wide use as a medicine in the various indigenous systems makes it a plant of importance. A wide gamut of phytoconstituents like alkaloids, phenolic glycosides, steroids, etc. has been reported. A renewed interest in this plant has resulted in scientific investigations by various researchers towards the isolation and identification of active constituents along with scientific proof of its biological activities. The different parts of the plant have been scientifically evaluated for their antioxidant, antipyretic, analgesic, hypoglycemic, wound healing, cytotoxic, and many more biological activities. Documentation of this scientific knowledge is of importance to have consolidated precise information encompassing the various aspects of this plant, which could provide a base for future studies. This review is a compilation of the salient reports on these investigations concerning phytochemistry, the methods used to identify and quantify the constituents, the evaluation methods of the biological activity, toxicological studies, allergies and the patent/patent applications. This will further help researchers to find an area of the gap for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 125 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported globally with rising cases in all countries since the first case was reported. A vaccine is the best measure for the effective prevention and control of COVID-19. There are more than 292 COVID-19 candidates' vaccines being developed as of July 2021 of which 184 are in human preclinical trials. A patent provides protection and a marketing monopoly to the inventor of an invention for a specified period. Therefore, vaccine developers, including Moderna, BioNTech, Janssen, Inovio, and Gamaleya also filed patent applications for the protection of their vaccines. This review aims to provide an insight into the patent literature of COVID-19 vaccines. The patent search was done using Patentscope and Espacenet databases. The results have revealed that most of the key players have patented their inventive COVID-19 vaccine. Many patent applications related to COVID-19 vaccines developed via different technologies (DNA, RNA, virus, bacteria, and protein subunit) have also been filed. The publication of a normal patent application takes place after 18 months of its filing. Therefore, many patents/patent applications related to the COVID-19 vaccine developed through different technology may come into the public domain in the coming days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although, the anti-depressant like effects of apigenin (APG) are documented in the literature, the underlying mechanism for exerting such an effect is still not clear. In this research, an attempt was made to determine the possible role of APG for antidepressant activity through serotonergic and catecholaminergic systems using standardized animal models. The antidepressant property of APG was determine by involving tail suspension (TST) and modified forced swimming tests (MFST). The effect of APG was evaluated at 25 and 50 mg/kg. In mechanistic models, animals were pretreated with catecholaminergic and serotonergic antagonists prior to administration of APG. The results obtained were statistically analyzed to determine the level of significance. The period of immobility in both models (TST and MFST) was significantly reduced by APG (25 and 50 mg/kg). The best therapetuic dose of APG (50 mg/kg) was selected for the mechanistic study. The anti-immobility effect of APG declined to a significant extent upon pretreatment with catecholaminergic antagonists (α-methyl-para-tyrosine methyl ester; SCH 23390; sulpiride; phentolamine) and serotonergic inhibitors (p -clorophenylalanine-methyl-ester; ondansetron) in both TST and MFST models. The antidepressant benefits of apigenin were only modestly reversed when rats were given propranolol. The findings suggest that APG's antidepressant effect is mediated by the α-adrenergic, dopaminergic and 5-HT3 serotonergic receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by 'severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2′ (SARS-CoV-2), first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019, which eventually became a global disaster. Various key mediators have been reported in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. However, no effective pharmacological intervention has been available to combat COVID-19 complications. The present study screens nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) as potential inhibitors of this present generation coronavirus infection using an in-silico approach. The SARS-CoV-2 proteins (nucleocapsid, proteases, post-fusion core, phosphatase, endoriboruclease) and ACE-2 protein were selected. The 2D structure of nicotinamide ribonucleoside and nicotinamide ribonucleotide was drawn using ChemDraw 14.0 and saved in.cdx format. The results were analyzed using two parameters: full fitness energy and binding free energy (ΔG). The full fitness energy and estimated ΔG values from docking of NM, and NMN with selected SARS-CoV-2 target proteins, ADMET prediction and Target prediction indicate the interaction of NR and NMN in the treatment of COVID-19. Based on full fitness energy and estimated ΔG values from docking studies of NM and NAM with selected SARS-CoV-2 target proteins, ADME prediction, target prediction and toxicity prediction, we expect a possible therapeutic efficacy of NR in the treatment of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores reduced graphene oxide-Fe 3 O 4 nanocomposites synthesis, characterization, and it's ability to degrade methylene blue dye using sodium lamp as the visible white light source. The modified co-precipitation method was employed for the synthesis of the photocatalyst. The photocatalyst was further characterized by various characterization techniques. Moreover, photocatalytic activity was performed by varying performance conditions, and analyzed the results. It was found that photocatalyst has highly active performance at the working conditions of pH 12 with 50 mg catalyst for 10 ppm methylene blue dye solutions and produced 98.3% degradation of the dye within 80 min. It was also observed that minor positive performance was observed on varying temperature and catalyst concentration. The photocatalytic activity was found highly dependent on the pH of the solution and increased with an increase in pH. Additional studies were also performed by adding some amount of hydrogen peroxide in the solution without changing its pH. It was also noted that as the amount of hydrogen peroxide was increased in the solution, there was an increment in the degradation of the dye. A maximum of 98.8% degradation was recorded with the 9 ml addition of hydrogen peroxide-containing 25 mg catalyst, pH 8, and at 40 °C reaction temperature within 70 min of irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 is an emerging pandemic that necessitates the implementation of effective infection prevention and control steps. The knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of healthcare professionals toward COVID-19 affect their compliance to prevention and control initiatives. During the evolving pandemic, we examined the KAP among healthcare professionals against COVID-19 in this research. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among Riyadh region health care professionals from the beginning of December 2020 to the end of February 2021 using a validated self-administered questionnaire. The knowledge questionnaire contained questions about COVID-19 clinical characteristics, prevention, and management. The evaluation of attitudes and practices included questions regarding actions and adjustments in COVID-19 response activities. Knowledge scores were measured and compared using demographic characteristics, as well as attitudes and practices toward COVID-19. Using SPSS-IBM 25, bivariate statistics were done to analyze the data. 146 healthcare professionals completed the survey. Physicians were the most prominent party in the survey, accounting for 74 (51 percent), followed by nurses 44 (30 percent) and pharmacists 28 (19 percent). The participants' average age was 39.69 ± 8.48 years. The participant's mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 11.43 ± 1.34, 3.89 ± 0.93, and 3.85 ± 0.81, respectively. With a positive attitude, the mean knowledge score was 11.52, and with proper practice, it was 11.32. With an improvement in knowledge, the attitude score increased significantly (r = 0.172, P = 0.001). Besides, there was a greater association between attitudes and practices (r = 0.170, P = 0.029). A significant enhancement in the practice score of the professionals was noted with an increase in knowledge score (r = 0.095, P = 0.010), an indicator for a positive correlation between practice and knowledge scores. Healthcare practitioners have a good understanding of COVID-19. Improved knowledge and a positive attitude toward COVID-19 infection are linked to appropriate practice. There is a need for more manpower, better COVID-19 management training, and strategies to reduce anxiety among healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of remdesivir has been a breakthrough for COVID-19 treatment. It has been approved in about 50 countries, including Saudi Arabia, since 2020. The generic structure of remdesivir was first disclosed in 2009. This patent review summarizes the remdesivir based inventions to treat/prevent COVID-19 and other disorders from 2009 to May 16, 2021, emphasizing the patents related to medical and pharmaceutical sciences. The primary patents/patent applications of remdesivir are related to its compositions, new combinations with other therapeutic agents, delivery systems, and new indications. The inventive combinations have displayed synergistic effects against COVID-19, whereas the delivery systems/compositions have improved patient compliance. The inventions related to new indications of remdesivir to treat Ebola, hepatitis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, diabetic nephropathy, and cardiovascular complications enhance its therapeutic area. Many new innovative combinations and delivery systems of remdesivir are anticipated to provide better treatment for COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rosuvastatin calcium (RC) is a potent and competitive synthetic inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase used for the treatment of dyslipidemia. Guggulipid obtained from Commiphora mukul is used in the treatment of a wide variety of diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, rheumatism, and obesity. The present study evaluates the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between RC and the standardized guggulipid extract in rats. The guggulipid extract was standardized for the presence of guggulsterones. The pharmacokinetic interaction was determined after a single dose administration of RC alone or in combination with the guggulipid extract or after multiple-dose administration of RC alone or RC along with the guggulipid extract for 14 days. To determine the pharmacodynamic interaction, RC and guggulipid extract were administered to hyperlipidemic rats for 14 days. The level of significance was determined using unpaired student's t -test, one way ANOVA, the post-ANOVA Tukey test. Standardization of guggulipid extract showed it contains 7.5%w/w of guggulsterones. Guggulipid extract increased the bioavailability of RC in both single-dose and multiple-dose studies. Guggulipid extract reduced the rate of absorption (Ka) of RC but showed an increase in maximum serum concentration (Cmax). An in-vitro study using isolated rat intestine revealed that guggulipid extract decreased the rate of absorption of RC in the intestinal lumen. The hypolipidemic activity of RC was augmented by the guggulipid extract in hyperlipidemic rats. Therefore it is concluded that guggulipid extract increases the bioavailability of RC by delaying its Ka and augments its hypolipidemic action. However, it is recommended that a combination of RC with guggulipid extract should be used only after an adverse effect(s) of this combination are determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An eight-element multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna system is presented for two distinct 5G allocated bands, i.e., 3.5 and 5.2 GHz. The MIMO radiating elements are printed on each side of the mobile phone chassis, having dimensions of 150 × 7 mm 2 , while the microstrip feeding lines fed through a coaxial connector are printed on the main board, having dimensions of 150 × 75 mm 2. The single element of the MIMO antenna system consists of a modified slotted rectangular patch radiator. One slot is composed of a hybrid shape (which consists of both T- and L-shaped patterns), and the second one is a typical inverted L-shaped slot. The placement of slots generated two different current paths, which led to dual-band response at 3.5 and 5.2 GHz. In the MIMO configuration, the arrangement of radiating elements ensures pattern diversity characteristics, which are useful for MIMO systems. Furthermore, the MIMO antenna system offers a minimum isolation of 13.5 and 21.5 dB at 3.5 and 5.2 GHz, respectively. From the results, it is also observed that the radiating elements offer a radiation efficiency of ≥ 70% at 3.5 GHz, while at 5.2 GHz, the radiation efficiency is noted to be > 55% with acceptable gain. A comprehensive analysis of key performance parameters, e.g., envelope correlation coefficient (ECC), mean effective gain (MEG), and channel capacity (CC), was conducted, and it is noted that the proposed MIMO antenna system exhibits an ECC of less than 0.015, MEG of < −3 dB, and CC of 39.5 bps/Hz. In addition, the specific absorption rate (SAR) analysis of the proposed MIMO antenna was conducted and observed a value of 1.35 and 1.05 W/Kg at 3.5 and 5.2 GHz, respectively. To verify the computed results, a prototype of the proposed MIMO antenna was fabricated and subjected to thorough measurements. It was observed that the measured results satisfied the simulated data and aligned excellently with the measured data. Based on the performance of the proposed MIMO antenna, it became evident that the MIMO antenna structure can be used as a potential candidate for future fifth-generation (5G)-enabled smart phones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • We present an ANN model for the prediction of pyrocatechol and hydroquinone in an aqueous solution. • A nanocomposite PEDOT-GONs-Laccase biosensor is employed, which exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity and electrochemical performance. • Further, an electropolymerization process was developed involving 3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene (EDOT) with GONs and Lac as dopants, ensuring successful entrapment of the enzymes within the biosensor. • The biosensor achieves a detection limit for linear responses of 0.041 μM within the concentration ranges of 0.040–0.41 μM and 0.41–3.0 μM. This study presents a novel method using an artificial neural network (ANN) to detect Pyrocatechol and hydroquinone in an aqueous solution. The technique utilizes a nanocomposite Poly 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene-Graphene Oxide Nanosheets (PEDOT-GONs) Laccase biosensor, which demonstrates excellent electrocatalytic activity and electrochemical performance for the redox reactions of the target compounds. The study successfully develops a radical cation electropolymerization process involving poly EDOT with GONs and Lac as dopants to ensure the effective entrapment of the enzymes. Experimental techniques such as electrochemical characterization and SEM confirm the successful entrapment of the enzymes. Further, the ANN was trained using the backpropagation algorithm by applying the experimental results, with current and Pyrocatechol as inputs and hydroquinone concentrations as output. The application of ANN modeling to biosensor technology is validated, demonstrating its utility. The biosensor's linear response detection limit is 0.041 μM within the 0.040–0.41 μM and 0.41–3.0 μM ranges. Finally, the model's performances were evaluated by testing it within the test samples. The performances were measured using precision, recall, accuracy, F1-score, sensitivity, etc., and validated with existing mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan derivatives are reported as anticoagulants in the literature. This work was undertaken to develop novel chitosan derivatives as anticoagulants. The sulfonated derivatives of chitosan were formed by the reaction of chitosan derivatives with chlorosulfonic acid in N,N-dimethylformamide. The structures of these derivatives were established by FTIR and 1H NMR spectra. The prepared derivatives were evaluated for their in vivo anticoagulant effects by the tail bleeding method in Wistar rats utilizing nicoumalone as a standard drug. The results revealed that the sulfonation of the chitosan increases its anticoagulant activity. The developed compounds exhibited faster onset of action and potency than nicoumalone after one hour of the drug administration. The sulphated N-alkyl derivatives of chitosan were more potent anticoagulants than sulfated quaternary derivatives/sulfated chitosan. It is also suggested to develop analogs of Ethyl chitosan sulfate (4b) and Benzyl chitosan sulfate (4c), which may provide some more fruitful anticoagulants having faster onset of action as well as longer duration of action and possessing a balanced hydrophilic/lipophilic character. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea is one of the top beverages used around the world every day, which contains a high amount of polyphenols and antioxidants. The main aim of this research is to quantify some marketed black tea (Rabea, Lipton, Alkbous, Green gold and Haritham) for phenolic contents and antioxidant potential evaluation by ultrasound solvent extraction and was compared with conventional extraction. Ultrasonic extraction was optimized by considering frequencies (26 kHz, 40 kHz), temperature (30, 40 and 50 °C), and power (30, 40 and 50%) at a fixed time of 30 min. In both the ultrasonic frequencies, 40 °C temperature and 40% power combination exhibited highest cumulative yield (mg/100 g DW), total phenolic content (mg gallic acid/g DW), flavonoids (mg/g DW) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (%) in all branded tea. Within each brand of tea, at any temperature-power combination at particular frequency results were not significantly different. But, at a similar condition of temperature power results were found significantly different between two frequencies. Furthermore, ultrasonic extraction process was analyzed thermodynamically by selecting some basic parameters. Thermodynamics results showed the extraction process was feasible, spontaneous and irreversible. Also, 26 kHz ultrasonic probe is more appropriate for the extraction purpose and thermodynamically more acceptable as compared to 40 kHz ultrasonic bath. Moreover, Haritham was selected as the best tea brand due to its high polyphenol contents and antioxidant potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]