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Background The ongoing global outbreak of new corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) has been recognized as global public health concern since it causes high morbidity and mortality every day. Due to the rapid spreading and re-emerging, we need to find a potent drug against SARS-CoV-2. Synthetic drugs, such as hydroxychloroquine, remdisivir have paid more attention and the effects of these drugs are still under investigation, due to their severe side effects. Therefore, the aim of the present study was performed to identify the potential inhibitor against main protease SARS-CoV-2 6LU7. Objective In this study, RO5, ADME properties, molecular dynamic simulations and free binding energy prediction were mainly investigated. Results The molecular docking study findings revealed that andrographolide had higher binding affinity among the selected natural diterpenoids compared to co-crystal native ligand inhibitor N3. The persistent inhibition of Ki for diterpenoids was analogous. Furthermore, the simulations of molecular dynamics and free binding energy findings have shown that andrographolide possesses a large amount of dynamic properties such as stability, flexibility and binding energy. Conclusion In conclusion, findings of the current study suggest that selected diterpenoids were predicted to be the significant phytonutrient-based inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2 6LU7 (Mpro). However, preclinical and clinical trials are needed for the further scientific validation before use.

In this study, a well-organized, simplistic, and biological route of AgNPs (AgNPs) was synthesized using shrimp shell extracted chitin as reducing, capping and stabilizing factor under the optimized conditions. Also, the anticancer potential of synthesized biogenic AgNPs was evaluated against human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cells. Ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis spec) study indicated that the development of AgNPs present in the colloidal solution was single peak at 446 nm. FTIR results showed a strong chemical interaction between the chitin and biogenic AgNPs; whereas, XRD studies confirmed AgNPs presence in the composites. The SEM TEM analytical studies confirmed the synthesized AgNPs had a spherical shape crystalline structure with size ranges from 17 to 49 nm; EDX study also confirmed the percentage of weight and atomic elements available in the colloidal mixture. Furthermore, the synthesized AgNPs showed significant cytotoxic effect on the HepG2 cells with an IC50 value shown at 57 ± 1.5 μg/ml. The apoptotic and necrotic cell death effects of AgNPs were also confirmed by flow cytometry. The upregulated apoptotic related proteins Bax, cytochrome-c, caspase-3, caspase-9, PARP and downregulated anti-apoptotic related proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl in cancer cells, confirmed the anticancer potential of AgNPs. These findings suggest that the AgNPs possess significant anticancer activity against HepG2 cells which could play major role in the therapeutic drug development to treat cancer in future.

The objective of the present study was to determine the best model to describe and quantify the changes in live body weight, height at withers, height at rump, body length and chest girth of Holstein cows raised under Korean feeding conditions for 50 months. The five standard growth models namely polynomial linear regression models, regression of growth variables on the first and second-order of ages in days (model 1) and regression of growth variables on age covariates from first to the third-order (model 2) as well as non-linear models were fitted and evaluated for representing growth pattern of Holstein cows raised in Korean feeding circumstances. Nonlinear models fitted were three exponential growth curve models; Brody, Gompertz, and von Bertalanffy functional models. For this purpose, a total of 22 Holstein cows raised in Korea used in the period from April 2016 to May 2020. Each model fitted to monthly growth curve records of dairy cows by using PROC NLIN procedure in SAS program. On the basis of the results, nonlinear models showed the lower root mean square of error (RMSE) for live body weight, height at withers, height at rump, body length and chest girth (12.22, 1.95, 1.55, 4.04, 2.06) with higher correlation coefficiency (R2) values for live body weight, height at withers, height at rump, body length and chest girth (0.99, 0.99, 0.99, 1.00, 1.00). Overall, the evaluation of the different growth models indicated that the Gompertz model used in the study seemed to be the most appropriate one for standard growth of Holstein cows raised under Korean feeding system.

Hypertension is a growing public health concern due to its high prevalence all around the globe. Spices and herbs are known to possess antihypertensive activities. Hence, we evaluated the therapeut...

The biopolymer chitosan is currently in widespread use because of its nontoxicity, biocompatibility and biodegradability. Therefore, in this study, chitosan extracted from shrimp shells was used to synthesise biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). UV–visible spectrophotometry of reduced silver nanoparticles in the colloidal solution showed a single peak at 400 nm, confirming the formation of AgNPs. The presence of biomolecules responsible for reducing and capping the biogenic AgNPs was confirmed by FTIR. Surface morphology of the biosynthesised AgNPs was characterised using SEM, and TEM analysis showed the formation of spherical shapes 17–50 nm. The presence of elemental silver in the synthesised biogenic AgNPs was confirmed using EDX and the crystalline structure characterised by XRD. Cytotoxicity of biogenic AgNPs was determined using MTT and the trypan blue exclusion assay. Morphological changes in HepG2 cells were detected by analysis of the DNA ladder pattern via gel electrophoresis, and the IC50 of HepG2 cell inhibition by AgNPs was 48 μg/ml. The upregulated caspase 3 and 9 protein expression results confirmed cell death via apoptosis. In conclusion, chitosan has the ability to synthesise AgNPs with in vitro apoptotic activities.

The present study was designed to determine the effect of barn or cycle of grazing on changes of biochemical metabolites in prepartum and changes of milk composition in postpartum of dairy cows. For this purpose, a total of sixteen 25 months old Holstein primiparous dairy cows were allocated in two groups (n=8) with an average body weight of 571.61 ± 35.30 kg (Barn) and 578.10 ± 39.20 kg (Grazing). The study was conducted from June 2018 to October 2018. Results revealed that barn raised dairy cows had a higher increase in their serum albumin and calcium level on day 14 prepartum. However, the level of palmitic acid, saturated fatty acid increased significantly, and the level of fat, oleic acid, γ-linoleic acid, arachidonic acid and unsaturated fatty acids decreased significantly in barn raised dairy cow’s milk on day 14 postpartum. There were no significant differences observed with respect to all other biochemical metabolites, fatty acids and minerals between barn raised and cycle grazing dairy cows during prepartum and postpartum. Our study results could serve to a better understanding of barn raised cow with respect to changes of biochemical metabolites in prepartum and changes of milk composition, fatty acids and minerals content in grazing dairy cows in postpartum for estimating their physiological status.

Background: Sedentary lifestyle is one of the important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases which is the leading cause of death globally. Workplace initiatives like promotion of staircase use are one among many simple measures to overcome the harmful effect of a sedentary workplace. Hence this study was conducted to assess effectiveness of ‘using staircase’ as a lifestyle modification among sedentary workers of a municipal corporation in improving fitness level.Methods: An interventional study was conducted over a period of 8 weeks among workers of a municipal corporation office. A semi structured questionnaire including socio demographic and morbidity details was administered. sitting-rising test (SRT) was administered before and after 8 weeks staircase use intervention to assess fitness levels among study participants.Results: The mean SRT score of 172 study population at baseline was 8.79 and 115 (67%) recorded above it. 3.5-5. Younger age was associated with higher SRT score and those with history of smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and higher BMI had lower SRT scores than their counterparts. Mean value of SRT significantly improved to 9.015 following intervention.Conclusions: Fitness level assessed using SRT score among office staff showed that people with higher age and higher BMI have low SRT score than their counterparts. This study has shown that staircase usage can be prescribed as effective method to improve fitness level at sedentary workplace.

An experiment was carried out to determine the homofermentative activity of Lactobacillus plantarum KCC-10 and KCC-19 on the ensiling of whole crop barley (WCB). The crude protein in the silages was slightly higher in the KCC-10 and KCC-19 treatments compared to the control, but there was no significant difference between the two inoculant-treated silages. Nutrient parameters such as acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber and in vitro dry matter digestibility in L. plantarum KCC-10 and KCC-19 treated silages did not differ from those in the control silage. The lactic acid content increased in KCC-10 and KCC-19 treated silage when compared with the control silage but the contents of acetic acid and butyric acid produced in KCC-10 and KCC-19 treated silages were similar with the control silage. Further, the number of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in KCC-10 treated silage demonstrated a significant increase when compared to the control. Especially, KCC-19 treated silage showed greater lactic acid bacterial growth potential. Other microbes such as yeast and fungi were not detected in KCC-10 and KCC-19 treated WCB silages. Hence, this study suggests that the addition of L. Plantarum KCC-10 and KCC-19 to the WCB silage can improve fermentation quality for the production of high-quality silage.

An investigation was carried out to evaluate the potential role of Lactobacillus Plantarum KCC-10 and KCC-19 on the quality and fermentation characterization of Italian ryegrass (IRG) silages. The physiochemical properties of IRG silage such as crude protein content, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, total digestible nutrient and in vitro dry matter digestibility were not affected by KCC-10 and KCC-19. The pH of IRG silage in KCC-10 and KCC-19 treatments decreased compared to the control (p

The aim of the present study was to determine the probiotic potential of the lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus plantarum KCC-24 (L. plantarum KCC-24), that was isolated and characterized from Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) forage. The following experiments were performed to assess the probiotic characteristics such as antifungal activity, antibiotic susceptibility, resistance to low pH, stimulated gastric juice and bile salts, proteolytic activity, auto-aggregation, cell surface hydrophobicity, and in vitro antioxidant property. The isolated L. plantarum KCC-24 exhibited significant antifungal activity against the various fungal strains of Aspergillus fumigatus (73.43%), Penicillium chrysogenum (59.04%), Penicillium roqueforti (56.67%), Botrytis elliptica (40.23%), Fusarium oxysporum (52.47%) and it was susceptible to numerous antibiotics, survived in low pH, was resistant to stimulated gastric juices and bile salts (0.3% w/v). Moreover, L. plantarum KCC-24 exhibited good proteolytic activity. In addition L. plantarum KCC-24 showed potent antioxidant and hydrogen peroxide resistant property. In conclusion, the isolated L. plantarum KCC-24 exhibited several characteristics to prove it's excellent as a potential probiotic candidate for developing quality food for ruminant animals and human.

BACKGROUND Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are important for the processing of various food products. Although genetically modified organisms have contributed to improvements in various food products, there are some limitations. Thus, the discovery of wild strains from natural sources must be considered as the most suitable approach for identifying new LAB. Therefore, we planned to isolate and characterise the LAB from Italian ryegrass forage and evaluate their biological potential. RESULTS A total of 28 strains were isolated and screened for their anti-fungal and probiotic properties. A single strain was selected due to its antifungal and probiotic efficiency. The strain was identified as Pediococcus pentosaceus KCC-23. The strain KCC-23 showed effective inhibition against Aspergillus fumigatus, Pencillium chrysogenum, Pencillium roqueforti, Botrytis elliptica and Fusarium oxysporum. Further, it survived low pH, and the presence of bile salts and gastric juice. It exhibited significant aggregation and hydrophobicity properties. The KCC-23 effectively assimilated cholesterol and had the ability to utilise pre-biotics such as raffinose and inulin. Finally, KCC-23 exhibited significant free radical scavenging activity. CONCLUSION P. pentosaceus KCC-23 showed effective anti-fungal, probiotic and anti-oxidant properties and would be a promising isolate for exploitation in the formulation of food for ruminants and humans. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry

Additional file 4: Figure S4. Effect of KNO3 of the culture medium on the extracellular chitinase activity.

The present study was planned to analyze the nutritional quality, microbial counts and fermentative acids in Italian ryegrass (IRG) 80% and alfalfa 20% (IRG-HV) mediated silage inoculated with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as a probiotic strain for 3 months. Crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), total digestible nutrient (TDN) and In- vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), lactic acid bacteria (LAB), yeast and fungi counts and fermentation metabolites such as lactic acid, acetic acid and butyric acids were analyzed. The result shows that the nutritional quality and metabolite profiles of silage were significantly improved with LAB. For microbial counts, LAB showed dominant followed by yeast as compared with control silage. The pH of the silage also reduced significantly when silage inoculated with LAB. The result confirmed that silage preparation using different crops with L. plantarum inoculation is most beneficial for the farmers.(

The aim of present study was to improve the quality of silage using lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and chlorella as a supplement. Italian ryegrass (IRG) mediated silage was prepared with lactic acid bacteria (L. plantarum) and different concentration of chlorella. We analyzed the nutritional profiles such as crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF) neutral detergent fiber (NDF), total digestible nutrient (TDN) and in-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), microbial counts and fermentative acids such as lactic acid, acetic acid and butyric acid in the control and experimental silage after three months. It shows increased crude protein content and also maintains the rest of nutritional values as compared with control silage. LAB inoculation with chlorella as supplementation slightly reduced the pH of the silage. In addition, it increased the fermentative acids production as compared with control silage and inhibits the undesired microbial growth especially fungi in the silage. Therefore, we suggest that LAB inoculation and chlorella supplementation to the IRG mediated silage could be improved the nutritional quality of the silage which is an intrinsic feature for the application in the preparation of animal feeds and functional foods.

Objective To evaluate the anticancer activity of the methanolic extract of Cyathula prostrata in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing mice with methotrexate as positive control in the advanced stage of tumorigenesis. Methods EAC was induced in swiss albino mice by injecting 106 cell/mL of tumor cell suspension intraperitoneal. The methanolic extract of Cyathula prostrata effect on the tumor cell viability, DNA fragmentation and MTT assay were carried out. Results Methanolic extract attenuated percentage increased in the cell survival time when compared to control group. However, the effect was less than that of methotrexat. Methotrexat and the extracts reversed the tumor-induced alterations in DNA fragmentation and MTT assay. Conclusions The present study suggests that the methanol extract of Cyathula prostrata has significant anticancer activity and that is comparable to that of methotrexate.

a b s t r a c t Currently, there is an increasing commercial demand for nanoparticles due to their wide applicability in various markets, such as medicine, catalysis, electronics, chemistry and energy. In this report, a simple and eco-friendly chemical reaction for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Artemisia nilagirica (Asteraceae) has been developed. Silver nitrate was used as the metal precursor and hydrazine hydrate as a reducing agent. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) were used to characterise the nanoparticles obtained from A. nilagirica. The morphology of the AgNPs was determined by SEM and the average diameter of the particles was determined as 70-90 nm. The EDX analysis of the nanoparticles dispersion, using a range of 2-4 keV, confirmed the presence of elemental silver, with no other impurity peaks detected. In addition, the characterised AgNPs has the potential for various medical and industrial applications. The results showed that microbial susceptibility to AgNPs is different for each microorganism.

Background: From ancient times, marine algae have emerged as alternative medicine and foods, contains the rich source of natural products like proteins, vitamins, and secondary metabolites, especially Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) contains numerous anti-inflammatory, antioxidants and wound healing substances. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is closely associated with adipogenesis and their factors. Hence, we aimed to investigate the chemical constituents and adipogenic modulatory properties of C. vulgaris in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes. Results: We analysed chemical constituents in ethanolic extract of C. vulgaris (EECV) by LC-MS. Results revealed that the EECV contains few triterpenoids and saponin compounds. Further, the effect of EECV on lipid accumulation along with genes and proteins expressions which are associated with adipogenesis and lipogenesis were evaluated using oil red O staining, qPCR and western blot techniques. The data indicated that that EECV treatment increased differentiation and lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells, which indicates positive regulation of adipogenic and lipogenic activity. These increases were associated with up-regulation of PPAR-gamma 2, C/EBP-alpha, adiponectin, FAS, and leptin mRNA and protein expressions. Also, EECV treatments increased the concentration of glycerol releases as compared with control cells. Troglitazone is a PPAR-gamma agonist that stimulates the PPAR-gamma 2, adiponectin, and GLUT-4 expressions. Similarly, EECV treatments significantly upregulated PPAR-gamma 2, adiponectin, GLUT-4 expressions and glucose utilization. Further, EECV treatment decreased AMPK-alpha expression as compared with control and metformin treated cells. Conclusion: The present research findings confirmed that the EECV effectively modulates the lipid accumulation and differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells through AMPK-alpha mediated signalling pathway.

This study was aimed at evaluating the preventive role of the ethanolic extract of Lagenaria siceraria (Mol) fruit on membrane-bound enzymes, such as sodium potassium-dependent adenosine triphosphatase (Na(+)/K(+) ATPase), calcium-dependent adenosine triphosphatase (Ca(2+) ATPase) and magnesium-dependent adenosine triphosphatase (Mg(2+) ATPase) on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. Male albino Wistar rats were pretreated with the ethanolic extract of L. siceraria (Mol) fruit (125, 250 and 500 mg kg(-1) body weight) for a period of 30 days. After the treatment period, ISO (85mg kg(-1) body weight) was subcutaneously injected into rats at 24-h intervals for 2 days. ISO-induced rats showed a significant (p 0.05) decrease in the activity of Na(+)/K(+) ATPase and an increase in the activities of Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) ATPases in the heart tissues. Pre-treatment with the ethanolic extract of L. siceraria (Mol) fruit for a period of 30 days exhibited a significant (p 0.05) effect in ISO-induced rats. Thus, our study shows that the ethanolic extract of L. siceraria (Mol) fruit has membrane-stabilising role in ISO-induced MI in rats.

The present study was designed to evaluate the cardioprotective potential of Lagenaria siceraria (Mol) fruit on isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rat model. Treatment with ISO 85 mg kg−1 body weight subcutaneously for 2 days significantly decreased the activities of cardiac mitochondrial enzymes isocitrate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, and malate dehydrogenase. The activities of lysosomal enzymes including acid phosphatase, cathepsin D, and β-D-N-acetyl glucosaminidase were increased significantly in heart and serum. Pretreatment with L. siceraria (Mol) fruits for 30 days significantly elevated activities of cardiac mitochondrial enzymes and significantly lowered the activities of lysosomal enzymes in heart tissues of ISO-induced rats, which demonstrates that L. siceraria (Mol) fruits inhibits the actions of ISO on rat cardiac tissue. Oral administration of EELSF ethanolic extract of L. siceraria (Mol) (125, 250, or 500 mg kg−1 body weight) to normal rats did not show any...

The aim of the study was to isolate and characterize the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from animal manure. Among the thirty LAB strains, four strains, namely, KCC-25, KCC-26, KCC-27, and KCC-28, showed good cell growth and antifungal activity and were selected for further characterization. Biochemical and physiology properties of strains confirmed that the strains are related to theLactobacillussp.; further, the 16S rRNA sequencing confirmed 99.99% sequence similarity towardsLactobacillus plantarum. The strains exhibited susceptibility against commonly used antibiotics with negative hemolytic property. Strains KCC-25, KCC-26, KCC-27, and KCC-28 showed strong antifungal activity againstAspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium roqueforti, Botrytis elliptica, andFusarium oxysporum, respectively. Fermentation studies noted that the strains were able to produce significant amount of lactic, acetic, and succinic acids. Further, the production of extracellular proteolytic and glycolytic enzymes, survival under low pH, bile salts, and gastric juice together with positive bile salt hydrolase (Bsh) activity, cholesterol lowering, cell surface hydrophobicity, and aggregation properties were the strains advantages. Thus, KCC-25, KCC-26, KCC-27, and KCC-28 could have the survival ability in the harsh condition of the digestive system in the gastrointestinal tract. In conclusion, novelL. plantarumKCC-25, KCC-26, KCC-27, and KCC-28 could be considered as potential antimicrobial probiotic strains.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are important for the processing of various food products. Although genetically modified organisms have contributed to improvements in various food products, there are some limitations. Thus, the discovery of wild strains from natural sources must be considered as the most suitable approach for identifying new LAB. Therefore, we planned to isolate and characterise the LAB from Italian ryegrass forage and evaluate their biological potential.A total of 28 strains were isolated and screened for their anti-fungal and probiotic properties. A single strain was selected due to its antifungal and probiotic efficiency. The strain was identified as Pediococcus pentosaceus KCC-23. The strain KCC-23 showed effective inhibition against Aspergillus fumigatus, Pencillium chrysogenum, Pencillium roqueforti, Botrytis elliptica and Fusarium oxysporum. Further, it survived low pH, and the presence of bile salts and gastric juice. It exhibited significant aggregation and hydrophobicity properties. The KCC-23 effectively assimilated cholesterol and had the ability to utilise pre-biotics such as raffinose and inulin. Finally, KCC-23 exhibited significant free radical scavenging activity.P. pentosaceus KCC-23 showed effective anti-fungal, probiotic and anti-oxidant properties and would be a promising isolate for exploitation in the formulation of food for ruminants and humans.