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A one-step biosynthetic pathway for the fabrication of La2O3–LaPO4 nanocomposites (NCs) was developed, employing Charybdis natator. The structure and phase changes of the NCs were confirmed, and their diverse applications were explored. The peaks at 206, 332, and 442 nm in UV-DRS studies confirmed the formation of La2O3–LaPO4 NCs. Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis revealed La–O stretching at 716 cm−1 and the presence of PO43−{\text{PO}}_{4}^{3-} bands at 532, 560, 578, and 618 cm−1. X-ray diffraction patterns showed a hexagonal phase of La2O3 with peaks at 2θ 11.04 and 28.57 and monoclinic LaPO4 phases at 2θ = 18.79 and 41.88. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data showed binding energy peaks at 836.04 and 852.77 eV, corresponding to 3d5/2 and 3d3/2 of the lanthanum. The average particle size from HR-TEM analysis was 28.95 nm after annealing at 800°C and SAED patterns confirmed their crystalline nature. The high affinity of the NCs towards ctDNA was established by a binding constant value of 2.08 (mg·mL−1)−1. Under UV exposure, 96% degradation efficiency for methyl orange within 120 min at pH 4 was displayed, with a rate constant of 2.72 × 10−2 min−1 affirming their photocatalytic potential. Their biocompatibility was assessed through MTT assay and luminescence characteristics were evaluated.

Introduction: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a complex, multisystem autoimmune disorder characterized by extensive inflammation that affects nearly all organ systems in the body. It is primarily mediated by auto-antibodies and immune complexes, and it predominantly affects women more than men. This study employs an in-silico approach to identify key genes potentially involved in the pathogenesis of SLE. Objectives: To identify key genes potentially involved in SLE pathogenesis using in-silico approach. Methods: High-throughput sequencing dataset GSE97264, from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, which contains RNA transcriptome data from CD8+ T-cells of 18 SLE patients and 14 healthy controls was utilized for the analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the Bioconductor DESeq2 package in R platform. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the ToppGene suite. Motif analysis of the genes’ promoter regions was conducted using HOMER software. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) and Reactome functional interaction (FI) networks were created using Cytoscape plugins StringApp and ReactomeFIViz, and analysed to identify hub genes. Results: Our analysis identified 931 DEGs, with 577 upregulated and 354 downregulated. GO and pathway enrichment analyses indicated that upregulated genes were associated with immune responses, including cytokine production and receptor activation. Motif analysis identified key regulatory motifs linked to immune regulation in upregulated genes and T-cell activation in downregulated genes. PPI and FI networks analyses revealed 29 cell cycle-associated hub genes, with 10 genes—CDK1, TPX2, BIRC5, CCNA2, BUB1, BUB1B, AURKA, KIF2C, PLK1, and CDCA8—common to both biological networks, suggesting their crucial role in SLE pathogenesis. Conclusion: This study suggests that dysregulation of the identified 10 genes may impact immune responses and contribute to the autoimmune-like conditions observed in SLE. Several of these genes are also implicated in other autoimmune diseases, highlighting their potential as SLE biomarkers. Despite their known roles in other immune-related diseases involving CD8+ T cells, their direct association with SLE had not been previously established. This novel finding underscores the potential of these genes as therapeutic targets and may contribute to the development of diagnostic tools.

The rationale of this research was to explore the genetic divergence of 54 kantakari accessions (Solanum virginianum L. syn. S. surattense Burm. f.), to identify their significant traits, and unravel their genetic variations. Kantakari is a widely used medicinal plant in traditional medicine worldwide and is also known for its allopathic properties. The morphological descriptors and molecular markers (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) used to characterize these samples revealed significant within-accession heterogeneity, indicating the possibility of future selection. Twenty-three morphological and biochemical features were examined to assess taxonomic traits. Accessions were classified into six clusters based on Mahalanobis D2 statistics of 23 quantitative traits. Clusters V and VI had the largest intercluster distance (1183.81), whereas Cluster IV had the largest intracluster distance (D2 = 275.67) (Cluster V and VI). Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA marker amplification using 10 polymorphic primers revealed 79 alleles with an overall mean of 7.90 alleles per marker, with Polymorphism Information Content values varying from 0.11 to 0.37 (Mean = 0.30). Cluster assessment produced three distinct groups. In conclusion, the investigation underscores that substantial diversity was observed among the surveyed kantakari accessions. Using molecular markers in tandem with morphological characterization, presents a robust approach for elucidating the intricacies of species-specific genetic variation with greater accuracy and depth.

BackgroundEnvironmental soil contamination is a serious problem for humans worldwide, as it causes many diseases.MethodsThe present study focuses on utilizing biosurfactants produced by Pseudomonas stutzeri (P. stutzeri) NA3 and Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) EN6, as an electrolyte for removing chromium (Cr) from contaminated soil using the electrokinetic (EK) process.ResultsAs a result, biosurfactants produced by P. stutzeri NA3 and B. cereus EN6, being lipopeptides, increase heavy metal mobility in the EK process. The Cr removal efficiency of a novel electrolyte (biosurfactants) in the EK process was compared with that of NA3 and EN6 biosurfactants. The EK results revealed a maximum Cr removal of 75 and 70% by NA3 and EN6, respectively, at the end of 7 days.DiscussionThe biosurfactant aids in the breaking down of the heavy metals that are present deeper into the soil matrix. From the metagenomics analysis, it was identified that biosurfactant changes the microbial community with an enhanced ability to remove heavy metals. The phytotoxicity assay confirms that NA3 biosurfactant solution showed 95% seed germination and can lower hazardous pollutants in the soil.ConclusionThe application of biosurfactants as a potent electrolyte for the remediation of hazardous pollutants is an integrated process. Overall, the results of this study suggest that biosurfactants can serve as an economic and efficient electrolyte in the EK process to remove Cr from polluted soil.

Cassia auriculata is an important medicinal herb traditionally used for the treatment and management of diabetes. Scientific research has reported some bioactivities related to traditional roles that include antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic, which could inhibit onset of diabetes. Our aim was twofold: To review the presence of phytochemical compounds in plant extracts and to perform an in-papyro evaluation of their antidiabetic potential. A detailed literature survey was carried out for evaluating metabolic syndrome-related medicinal bioactivities and antidiabetic activity from specific compounds of C. auriculata. We uncovered a wide range of medicinal uses of C. auriculata in Ayurveda and Sri Lankan medicinal traditions and cultures. Many of the compounds in C. auriculata extracts have already been reported for their specific antidiabetic, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic activities, which exhibited positive effects on neuro, renal, and liver support. In conclusion, our findings suggested that the phytocomposition of C. auriculata could be attributed to the presence of antidiabetic activity through various mechanisms.

AbstractThe rising interest in bioactive phyto-compounds, known for their antioxidant, phenolic, and flavonoid properties, has focused attention on Moringa oleifera. With its abundant phyto-molecules, Moringa is a promising source for biomolecule extraction. As a significant vegetable crop, Moringa provides ample nutrients that can be efficiently extracted using novel methodologies. This study aims to optimize ultrasound-assisted extraction from Moringa leaves, considering diverse parameter combinations for improved yield and quality. Ultrasound-assisted extraction, a notable advancement, considers parameters like amplitude, temperature, and extraction time. Employing Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with 20 simulated runs, this investigation assessed extraction yield, Total Phenol Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC), and Radical Scavenging Activity (RSA). The optimized technique yielded an extraction yield of 12.78-23.28%, TPC of 100.12-149.22 mg GAE/g, TFC of 14.43-20.19 mg QE/g, and RSA of 58.87-85.08%. Increased amplitude power, higher extraction temperature, and shorter extraction time contributed to enhanced biomolecule extraction. GC-MS profiling identified various bioactive compounds in the Moringa leaf extracts, showcasing potential applications in nutraceutical industries.

BackgroundCooling towers are specialized heat exchanger devices in which air and water interact closely to cool the water's temperature. However, the cooling water contains organic nutrients that can cause microbial corrosion (MC) on the metal surfaces of the tower. This research explores the combined wastewater treatment approach using electrochemical-oxidation (EO), photo-oxidation (PO), and photoelectrochemical oxidation (PEO) to contain pollutants and prevent MC.MethodsThe study employed electro-oxidation, a process involving direct current (DC) power supply, to degrade wastewater. MC studies were conducted using weight loss assessments, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and x-ray diffraction (XRD).ResultsAfter wastewater is subjected to electro-oxidation for 4 h, a notable decrease in pollutants was observed, with degradation efficiencies of 71, 75, and 96%, respectively. In the wastewater treated by PEO, microbial growth is restricted as the chemical oxygen demand decreases.DiscussionA metagenomics study revealed that bacteria present in the cooling tower water consists of 12% of Nitrospira genus and 22% of Fusobacterium genus. Conclusively, PEO serves as an effective method for treating wastewater, inhibiting microbial growth, degrading pollutants, and protecting metal from biocorrosion.

Background: Marine bacteria, a relatively untapped resource, have shown potential for synthesizing nanoparticles with distinct properties. Methods: The AgNPs were synthesized by using the marine bacteria Planococcus maritimus MBP-2 as a reducing and capping agent. The nanoparticles produced were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, TEM and FTIR. The Planococcus maritimus MBP-2 synthesized AgNPs adhered antibacterial activity against selected both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, and antifungal such Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium commune and Penicillium digitatum. and the cytotoxic effect of Dalton’s Lymphoma Ascites (DLA) cell lines. Results: The formation of AgNPs by bacteria was confirmed visually by a shift in color of the solution and the presence of UV-absorption maxima at 440 nm. The TEM images revealed spherical and cubic structures, with an average size of 24.9 nm. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of some functional groups by showing peaks at 3330 and 1636 cm−1. The AgNPs exhibited minimal antibacterial activity except P. aeruginosa. (11 mm). Whereas, inhibiting the growth of the fungi belonging to genus Aspergillus than to Penicillium. Also, in vitro cytotoxicity of AgNPs was evaluated using Dalton’s Lymphoma Ascites (DLA) cell lines. The percentage of cell death was maximum (95.4 ± 2.16) at 20 µg/mL, indicating an excellent cytotoxic efficiency of AgNPs against DLA cells from the peritoneal cavity of the tumor-bearing mouse. Conclusion: This study suggests that Planococcus maritimus MBP-2 bacteria-mediated AgNPs can effectively be used as a potential biomedical agent.

Background: In the intensified search to derive biologically active compounds from natural products for various health care issues, attention is focused on non-edible plant sources. Among the wild plants, Calotropis [milk weeds] of the family Apocynaceae, are the repository of pharmaceutically active phytoconstituents. The flowers of C. gigantea are expected to be rich in bioactive compounds. Methods: The bioactive compounds and in vitro anticancer activity of C. gigantea flower extract were investigated. The compounds in the extract were separated using GC–MS and confirmed their structures with NIST (National Institute of Standard and Technology) database. The cytotoxicity of flower extracts against A-549 lung cancer cell lines was evaluated by MTT assay. Among the six identified compounds, three biologically active compounds with short retention time and abundance were chosen for molecular docking for anticancer activities. Molecular docking using the software GLIDE version 6.5 was used to trace their interactions with the anti-lung cancer protein, IT69. Results: The phytochemical screening indicated the rich presence of anticancer flavonoid and phenolic compounds in the flower extract. Inhibition of cell viability and growth and morphological alterations in cells were observed when A-549 cells were exposed to different concentrations of flower extract. The highest percentage of cell death (70 %) was observed in cells exposed to 100 µg/ml concentration. Molecular docking of three identified compounds with lung anticancer protein complex, IT69 proved that Butanoic acid, 3-[(phenyl methoxy) imino] trimethylsilyl ester is a good anti-lung cancer agent. Hence for pulmonary cancer, the identified compound can intensively be tested further.

Biofilms play a decisive role in the infectious process and the development of antibiotic resistance. The establishment of bacterial biofilms is regulated by a signal-mediated cell–cell communication process called “quorum sensing” (QS). The identification of quorum sensing inhibitors (QSI) to mitigate the QS process may facilitate the development of novel treatment strategies for biofilm-based infections. In this study, the traditional medicinal plant Ocimum sanctum was screened for QS inhibitory potential. Sub-MICs of the extract significantly affected the secretion of EPS in Gram-negative human pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, Proteus mirabilis, and Serratia marcescens, as well as aquaculture pathogens Vibrio harveyi, V. parahaemolyticus, and V. vulnificus, which render the bacteria more sensitive, leading to a loss of bacterial biomass from the substratum. The observed inhibitory activity of the O. sanctum extract might be attributed to the presence of eugenol, as evidenced through ultraviolet (UV)-visible, gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC–MS), Fourier transformer infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analyses, and computational studies. Additionally, the QSI potential of eugenol was corroborated through in vitro studies using the marker strain Chromobacterium violaceum.

The present study reports on the preparation of a cellulose fiber (CF) composite from D. lutescens, combined with copper oxide nanoparticles (DL@CF/CuO), to prolong the shelf life of tomatoes after harvest. The isolated cellulose fiber material was comprehensively characterized using XRD, FTIR, and FE-SEM analyses. The DLCF and DL@CF/CuO nanoparticles exhibited crystalline cellulose, as indicated by the XRD investigation. Both DLCF and DL@CF/CuO showed O-H and C-H FTIR spectra with identifiable vibrational peaks. The FE-SEM images depicted the dispersion of DL@CF/CuO-based fibers in a cellulose fiber matrix containing CuO nanoparticles. A 0.3% (wt/wt), a solution of DL@CF/CuO was coated onto the surface of early ripening tomato fruits. After a 25-day storage period at 25–29 °C and 85% RH, the results showed a significant extension in the shelf life of the tomato fruits, in line with changes in physiological properties and fruit quality. The extension of shelf life in tomato fruit epidermis treated with DL@CF/CuO was confirmed through FE-SEM analysis. L929 fibroblast cells were treated with the developed DL@CF/CuO nanocomposite, and no signs of toxicity were detected up to 75 µg/mL. Additionally, the DL@CF/CuO nanocomposite exhibited significant antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus. In conclusion, this study provides novel insights for sustainable food security and waste control in the agricultural and food industries.

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are among obstetrics' most intriguing and yet unsolved problems. It is one of the major causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. This study estimates the prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, their associated risk factors and pregnancy complications in primiparous women. Methods: All primigravida who gave birth in our hospital from December 2020 to December 2021 were included in the study. The prevalence, risk factors, mode of delivery, and maternal and fetal outcomes of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in primigravidae were collected from the patient's medical records. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS 18.0 software package. The Chi-square test was used to analyse the association between the risk factors and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in primigravida. Results: A total of 807 women were included in the study, and the mean age was 26.34 ​± ​3.84 years. The prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in primigravidae was found to be 18.6%. Among the prevalent population, 79.3% of women had gestational hypertension. The findings indicate that hypertension in pregnancy has a significant relationship with risk factors such as increased maternal age (p ​30 ​kg/m2(p ​

CeO2-CePO4 and Ag@CeO2-CePO4 nanocomposites (NCs) were prepared using Penaeus semisulcatus and characterized by various analytical techniques. The NCs exhibited spherical morphology, with average particle sizes measuring 2.36 nm, 3.30 nm and 29.64 nm for the samples air dried, annealed at 550 °C and 800 °C respectively, and the Selected Area Electron Diffraction patterns from HR-TEM revealed their crystalline nature. In 3d X-ray Photoelectron Spectra (XPS) of NCs, the highest binding energies were observed at 916.46 eV (3d3/2) and 898.16 eV (3d5/2) with spin–orbit splitting of 18.3 eV. The X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns of the NCs showed peaks typical of both CeO2 and CePO4 phases. The Fourier Transform-Infra Red (FT-IR) spectrum contained bands due to Ce-O stretching at 560 cm−1 and PO43- groups at 1008 and 711 cm−1, which was further substantiated by Raman spectrum, which had an intense peak at 468 cm−1 corresponding to F2g band of CeO2 and another peak at 976 cm−1 due to PO43- tetrahedron. In the Ultraviolet-Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectra (UV-Vis DRS), the broad absorption peak at 352 nm and minor peaks around 300 nm confirmed the formation of CeO2-CePO4 NCs. The green synthesized NCs were excellent fluorescence sensors for Pb2+, Cd2+ and Hg2+ in a wide range of concentrations, from 5.0x10-9 M to 4.0x10-5 M. The concentration Vs. emission fitting plot had three distinctive linear ranges. At a low concentration range (5x10-9 to 3.5x10-7 M), the limit of detection for Pb2+, Cd2+ and Hg2+ was found to be 2.41x10-8, 2.56x10-8 and 3.11x10-8 M. The sensitive detection of a mixture of heavy metal ions in ppb levels by biocompatible NCs gained insight in treating aqueous industrial wastes. Further, NCs showed cytotoxicity and UV shielding properties.

Background: Numerous types of carotenoids with other structures are produced by organisms like bacteria, fungi, algae, yeast, higher plants, etc. In the present study, carotenoid pigment-producing, orange or red-pigmented organisms were isolated from scraping from the ship hull. Material and Methods: According to Bergey's manual of systematic bacteriology, the isolated bright orange pigmented organism was identified based on morphology, biochemical and physiological characters, strain myelin basic protein MBP-2 and identified as Planococcus maritimus. Results: Orange pigment was extracted by solvent extraction method and characterized by using UV–Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, Transmission electron microscope, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The Maximum absorbance was obtained at 447 nm, justify the presence carotenoid pigment in MBP-2 and FTIR results reveals the same. The antibacterial activities were performed against gram positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) was 6 ± 0.12 mm, Bacillus cereus (ATCC 14579) was 12.3 ± 1.02 mm and gram negative Escherichia coli was 5.8 ± 0.91 mm, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 39315) was 5.6 ± 1.12 mm and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 13313) was 11.6 ± 1.01. Furthermore antifungal activities were tested against Aspergillus niger (5 ± 2.15 mm), Aspergillus flavus (25 ± 0.85 mm), Pencillium commune( 14.8 ± 1.15 mm), Pencillium digitatum (12.0 ± 1.8) mmand showed sensitive to some of the bacterial and fungal pathogens. The in-vitro cytotoxic activity of pigment showed 19.46 ± 1.46% of cell death against DLA cells at 20 μl/ml of the drug concentration. Conclusion: The isolated orange carotenoid is a good source to treat antimicrobial, antifungal and anticancer activates and further study to be implemented.

The current work primarily deals with the synthesis of nitrogen rich carbon dots from Delonix regia along with characterisation using several analytical techniques for fluorescent sensing of Fe(III) and cysteine, electrochemical sensing of hydrogen peroxide and DNA binding. The average particle size of the spherical N-CDs is calculated to be 2.23 nm with a quantum yield of 33.5%. The SAED pattern from HR-TEM confirms the slight graphitisation of the N-CDs along with the amorphous carbon core. The synthesised N-CDs served as an efficient turn off sensor for Fe(III) with a detection limit of 5.76 × 10-7 M and turn on sensor for L-Cysteine with a detection limit of 3.76 × 10-4 M. The nature and extent of binding of the N-CDs with ctDNA was evaluated and the binding constant from the Benesi Hildebrand plot is calculated to be 6.49 (mg/mL)-1. The limit of detection was found to be 71 µM for electrochemical sensing of hydrogen peroxide. The less cytotoxic and excellent biocompatible nature of the N-CDs have been taken advantage to image L6 cells and SKMEL cells.

IntroductionOintments are generally used as a therapeutic agent for topical medication or transdermal drug delivery, such as wound healing and skin lesions.MethodsIn this study, Tridax procumbens plant extract (0.7 g/mL) was used to prepare herbal-infused oil as the oil phase and gelatin-stabilized silver nanoparticle (G-AgNPs) (0.3 g/mL) as the aqueous phase. To blend the oil and aqueous phases, rhamnolipid biosurfactant with a critical micelle concentration of 55 mg/L from strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa PP4 has been used for herb ointment preparation. The average size of the synthesized G-AgNPs was observed between 10–30 nm and confirmed as spherical-shaped particles by TEM analysis. Subsequently, GC–MS and FTIR characterization are used to confirm herb ointment’s chemical and functional characteristics.ResultsBased on the antibacterial studies, the highest microbial growth inhibition was observed for herb ointment, about 19.5 mm for the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus at the concentration of 100 μg/mL, whereas 15.5 mm was obtained for Escherichia coli, respectively. In addition, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay showed negligible bacterial growth at 100 μg/mL for S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. Moreover, the cell viability assay for herb ointment exhibited low cytotoxic activity at higher concentrations (100 μg/mL) in Vero cell lines. In this study, wound scratch assay showed a significant cell migration rate (90 ± 2%) in 3 days of incubation than the control (62 ± 2%).DiscussionAs a result, the biosurfactant-based nano-topical herb ointment revealed a low cytotoxic and higher cell migration capacity. Altogether, these findings highlighted the utility of this herb ointment in therapeutic applications such as wound healing.