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

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

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

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

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

This study adopts a very effective high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique for the quantitative determination of rosmarinic acid (RA) and PCR‐based amplification of biosynthetic key regulators in Isodon rugosus, Daphne mucronata, and Viburnum grandiflorum from the lower Himalayan regions. Rosmarinic acid is engaged in a variety of biological processes and has significant industrial significance. In this study, it was identified from crude methanolic extract using thin‐layer chromatography with a standard, and its content was quantified using HPLC without interrupting spikes using a mixture of methanol and deionized water containing acetonitrile (70:30 v/v) and acetic acid (0.1% v/v) at UV 310 nm absorption. We used RT‐PCR to identify cDNAs encoding PAL, C4H, and RAS, and Image J's semi‐quantitative analysis to quantify the expression levels of genes involved in RA production from chosen plant material. The highest levels of PAL, C4H, and RAS were detected, by band intensity, in the leaves and flowers of I. rugosus, which also exhibited a substantial quantity of RA. However, in V. grandiflorum and D. mucronata the transcript of the given genes was low. The concentration of RA ranged from 187.7 to 21.2 mg g−1 for I. rugosus, 17.42 to 5.42 mg g−1 for V. grandiflorum, and 15.19 mg g−1 for D. mucronata. This study demonstrated that the method for quantifying RA from a crude methanolic extract was effective, indicating that I. rugosus might be used as an indigenous alternative source of RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of 18 biologically active C5‐arylated‐2‐isobutylthiazole derivatives that were synthesized by Pd‐NHC complexes [Pd(μ‐Cl)Cl (NHC)]2, NHC = SIXyl, 2), (LCl2Pd‐NHC, L = PPh3, 3), (LCl2Pd‐NHC, L = Py, 4), (LCl2Pd‐NHC, L = 3‐CHO‐Py, 5) catalyzed C‐H bond activation reactions. The catalytic activity of Pd‐NHC complexes was examined on the C‐H bond activation reaction of 2‐isobutylthiazole. All Pd‐NHC complexes were characterized by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance specroscopy (NMR), 13C NMR, fouirer transform infrared spektroscopy (FTIR), quadrupole‐time of flying‐liquit cromotagraphy/mass spektroscopy (Q‐TOF‐LC/MS), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GCMS), and melting point detection technique. The physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetics, and drug‐likeness were calculated by SwissADME. PkCSM database was used to calculate toxicities profile. All the products (6a–6s) were additionally assessed in vitro for their antidiabetic potential using α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities. The protein kinase activity was performed to evaluate their anticancer activities. All the compounds possess drug‐like characters as they followed Lipinski's rule of five (RO5). Almost all the compounds showed no to fewer toxicities. In addition, other than the compounds, that is, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6m, 6n, 6p, and 6s, the rest of the compounds showed good α‐glucosidase inhibitory potential (IC50 7.17 ± 0.201 to 74.08 ± 0.244 μg/ml) when compared with acarbose standard (IC50 16.59 ± 0.135 μg/ml). All compounds had moderate to good inhibitory potential against the α‐amylase enzyme, with IC50 values ranging from 12.00 ± 0.289 to 76.15 ± 0.477 μg/ml. Eleven analogs (6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6j, 6k, 6l, 6n, 6o, 6p, and 6r) showed good to moderate activity. Seven analogs (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6i, 6m, and 6s) showed no α‐amylase inhibitory activity. The protein kinase inhibition potential was determined for the first time, and the compounds 6d, 6e, 6f, 6h, 6k, 6p, and 6r depicted activity with the zone of inhibition in the range of 9 ± 1.3 to 19 ± 1.5 mm. The ligands and active site binding interactions of α‐glucosidase, α‐amylase, and protein kinase enzymes were also studied using molecular modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative medicinal source is a hot issue within medicine community now a days due to various side effects of allotropic drugs; most importantly the multidrug resistance phenomena. Medicinal plants provide an attractive and effective alternative to modern synthetic drugs as they contain different types of bioactive compounds, having great potential in treatment of various diseases. The present study deals with identification of micromorphological characteristics of 10 ethnomedicinally important plants of Northern Pakistan, that is, Aster himalaicus C. B. Clarke, Artemisia maritima (Berg.) Wellkomm, Isodon rugosus (Wall. ex Benth.), Myricaria squamosal Desv, Pedicularis groenlandica Retz. Polygonum aviculare L, Salvia himmelbauer E. Peter, Swertia kingie Hook. f., Tanacetum dolichophyllum (Kitam) Kitam, Verbascum epixanthinum Boiss. & Heldr. as potential source for pharmaceutical industry. The characters studied were shape and size of pollen, polar diameter and equatorial diameter, epidermal cell shape and size, stomata width and length, trichome shapes, and type. Most of the species had tricolporate pollen type but hexacolporate pollen was also observed in Isodon rugosus, Polygonum aviculare, Salvia himmelbauer. Different types of exine sculpturing observed were foveolate, scabrate, lophate, regular, steriate, and alveolate. Minimum equatorial diameter was noted in Tanacetum dolichophyllum (12.4 μm) and maximum in Myricaria squamosal (20.9 μm). Shape of epidermis cell ranged from rectangular and irregular, polygonal and pentagonal. Different types of stomata like anisocytic, actinocytic, paracytic, and diacytic were noticed. Variations in microscopic characters observed in the current study have great potential to be used as identification tools by the taxonomists for further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intention of the current study is to provide an account on the palynological features of Brassicaceae from Central Punjab‐Pakistan as a basis for future studies. Different morpho‐palynological characteristics both qualitative and quantitative were analyzed during this research which includes shape of pollen, diameter of pollen, P/E ratio, exine sculpturing, thickness of exine, type of pollen, shape and size of lumens, and thickness of murus. Taxonomic keys were also constructed based on pollen morphological characters for correct identification of species. This study aims to provide detailed information of pollen diversity and their exine structure based on both qualitative and quantitative characters by using Light microscopy and Scanning electron microscopy. Shape of pollen is mostly prolate, but some species also have sub‐prolate to spheroidal prolate types. Exine ornamentation in most species was reticulate, whereas micro reticulate (one species) and coarsely reticulate (one species) exine also observed in some pollen. All the pollen mentioned in this study have tricolpate apertures. Variation found in thickness of exine and other characters proved to be helpful at generic and specific level. The results reinforced the significance of pollen morphological features of family Brassicaceae and aid for valuable taxonomic tool in plant systematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theranostic approach provides us a platform where diagnosis and treatment can be carried out simultaneously. Biosynthesis of theranostic‐capable nanoparticles (NPs) can be carried out by phytoconstituents present inside the plants that can act as capping as well as stabilising agents by offering several advantages over chemical and physical methods. This article highlights the theranostic role of NPs with emphasis on potential of plants to produce these NPs through ecofriendly approach that is called 'Green synthesis'. Biosynthesis, advantages, and disadvantages of plant‐based theronostics have been discussed for better understanding. Moreover, this article has highlighted the approaches required to optimise the plant‐mediated synthesis of NPs and to avoid the toxicity of these agents. Anticipating all of the challenges, the authors expect biogenic NPs can appear as potential diagnostic and therapeutic agents in near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incorporation of nanoparticles into a number of manufacturing products raised the concern of environmental release via deliberate or accidental routes. Here, experiments were performed to examine the effect of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs), and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) impregnated CuO NPs on seed germination and growth of Trigonella foenum‐graecum L. as well as on callus induction through tissue culture technique. Seed germination frequency, length, and weight parameters did not inhibit at higher extent by application of NPs; however, copper acetate, PVP, and PEG significantly decreased the values of all parameters. In all the cases, negative effects were observed concentration‐dependent. PVP and PEG impregnated CuO were found less toxic for calli fresh and dry weight induced from leaf and stem explants. The 2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl reagent‐free radical scavenging activity, total antioxidative potential, and total reducing power potential along with total flavonoid and phenolic contents are found elevated in root when compared with shoot. Furthermore, impregnation of PVP and PEG on CuO NPs increases the oxidative response. The results conclude that impregnation of organic molecules on nanoparticles does not reduce the toxicity though can be exploited for enhanced production of secondary metabolites for medicinal purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Seed micromorphology of 12 species of tribe Vicieae (Papilionoidae) representing five genera were examined using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The different seed types were described, illustrated, compared, and their taxonomic importance is discussed. Seeds exhibit great diversity in ultrastructure and a variety of novel morphological features have been determined among and within genera of the tribe. Seeds were characterized by oval to round shape, ovate to oblong outline and striate to papillate ornamentation. Radiate and wavy cell pattern has been observed as a characteristic exomorphological feature. In Vicia sativa, testa cells superficially seem to form peltate hairs. As a result, seed micromorphology with few exceptions showed variation and its taxonomic value was significant in distinguishing taxa at species level. The disparity in shape and density of papillae or protuberances and alignment of testa cells, may possibly give further insight at intraspecific level within tribe. The findings also illustrated that the use of SEM in seed morphology can reveal hidden morphological affinities among species and showed potential in delimitation of Vicieae members generally at tribe, genus, and particularly at species level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose is the natural biopolymer normally used as supporting agent with enhanced applicability and properties. In present study, cellulose isolated from citrus waste is used for silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) impregnation by a simple and reproducible method. The Ag-NPs fabricated cellulose (Ag-Cel) was characterised by powder X-rays diffraction, Fortier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The thermal stability was studied by thermo-gravimetric analysis. The antibacterial activity performed by disc diffusion assay reveals good zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by Ag-Cel as compared Ag-NPs. The discs also displayed more than 90% reduction of S. aureus culture in broth within 150 min. The Ag-Cel discs also demonstrated minor 2,2-diphenyl 1-picryl-hydrazyl radical scavenging activity and total reducing power ability while moderate total antioxidant potential was observed. Ag-Cel effectively degrades methylene-blue dye up to 63.16% under sunlight irradiation in limited exposure time of 60 min. The Ag-NPs impregnated cellulose can be effectively used in wound dressing to prevent bacterial attack and scavenger of free radicals at wound site, and also as filters for bioremediation and wastewater purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is substantial for its application in lots of fields. Tomato and grape fruit juices were used as a reducing and capping agents for the biosynthesis of AgNPs. Ultraviolet spectroscopic analysis offered peaks in the range of 396‒420 nm that indicate the production of AgNPs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed attachment of different functional groups with Ag ion in both tomato and grape fruit extracts NPs. The X‒ray diffraction analysis confirmed that the synthesised AgNPs have a face centred cubic confirmation. Scanning electron microscopy confirms the size of NPs that varies from 10 to 30 nm. The DPPH free radical scavenging assay, total antioxidant capacity, reducing power assay, total flavonoid contents and total phenolic contents determination confirmed that synthesised AgNPs are potent antioxidant agents; can be used as an effective scavenger of free radicals. Biosynthesised AgNPs also showed good antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas septica, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Bacillus subtilis and Salmonella typhi. Protein kinase inhibition activity showed a clear zone which indicates anticancerous potential of biosynthesised AgNPs. The efficacious bioactivities indicate that the tomato and grape derived AgNPs can be used efficiently in pharmaceutical and medical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional medicinal plants are often used for both the prevention and the treatment of local diseases. Taking into consideration the medicinal importance of Hedera nepalensis within local Pakistani traditions, the present study was undertaken to analyze the in vitro cancer chemopreventive and cytotoxic properties of the plant. The in vitro cancer chemopreventive testing was performed using nitrite assay, NFκB assay, aromatase assay, and quinone reductase 1 (QR1) assay. The cytotoxic potential was evaluated on three cancer-cell lines: MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and HeLa using sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. The results of cancer chemopreventive assays show that n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions of tested plant have promising cancer chemopreventive potential. Lupeol isolated from n-hexane as well as ethyl acetate fraction showed lowest IC50 (0.20 ± 1.9 μM) in NFκB assay. Crude extract and its fractions inhibited the growth of three cancer cell lines by more than 60%, IC50 value of lupeol varied from 2.32 to 10.2 μM. HPLC-DAD-based quantification of lupeol in different plant tissues demonstrated that leaves of H. nepalensis are a rich source of lupeol (0.196 mg/100 mg dry weight). Our data have shown that H. nepalensis harbors cancer chemopreventive and cytotoxic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methyl-eugenol (ME) (1,2-dimethoxy-4-(2-propenyl)benzene), a natural phytochemical, did enhance male Bactrocera carambolae Drew & Hancock (Diptera: Tephritidae) mating competitiveness 3 d after ingestion. Enhanced male mating competitiveness can significantly increase the effectiveness of the sterile insect technique (SIT). ME application to mass reared sterile flies by feeding is infeasible. ME application by aromatherapy however, would be a very practical way of ME application in fly emergence and release facilities. This approach was shown to enhance mating competitiveness of B. carambolae 3 d posttreatment (DPT). Despite this added benefit, every additional day of delaying release will reduce sterile fly quality and will add cost to SIT application. The present study was planned to assess the effects of ME-aromatherapy on male B. carambolae mating competitiveness 1DPT and 2DPT. ME aromatherapy 1DPT or 2DPT did enhance mating competitiveness of B. carambolae males whereas ME feeding 1DPT and 2DPT did not. Male mating competitiveness was enhanced by the ME aromatherapy irrespective if they received 1DPT, 2DPT or 3DPT. ME aromatherapy, being a viable approach for its application, did enhance mating competitiveness of male B. carambolae 1 d posttreatment as ME feeding did 3 d after ingestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heteroleptic triorganobismuth (V) complexes of general formula, R3Bi(OOCR')2 (1–7), where R = C6H5 (1–3), p‐CH3C6H4 (4–7) and R' = 3,5‐Cl2C6H3 (1, 5); 3,4,5‐(OCH3)3C6H2 (2, 6); 3‐CH3C6H4 (3,7); 2‐OH‐3‐OCH3C6H3 (4) have been synthesized and fully characterized by FT‐IR, 1H &13C NMR spectroscopy, single crystal X‐ray crystallography and elemental analysis. The molecular geometry observed for the compounds is predominantly distorted trigonal bipyramidal, the fact which was subsequently authenticated through X‐ray analyses for (1–4). All the synthesized compounds have been bio‐assayed for antileishmanial (Leishmania tropica KWH23) and Jack beans urease inhibitory activity, and human Lymphocytes were used to measure the general toxicity. Of these, (4) proved to be highly effective against the target species (Leishmania tropica KWH23), while being non‐toxic towards the mammalian cells at levels below 0.74 μgmL−1, making it highly promising drug candidate. The high activities for (2, 4, and 6) against Jack beans Urease as compared to the reference standard demonstrate their significance in searching of therapeutic agents in future programs. The significant binding score of (2&4) against H. pylori in molecular docking studies further revealed their importance in future drug discovery processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]