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Two groups of cotton growers participated in this study; the first, referred as “conventional cotton producers” (CCPs), continues to use traditional techniques. The second group, known as sustainable cotton producers (SCPs), adheres to practices that are socially acceptable, economically feasible, and environment friendly. This study was designed to undertake a thorough socio-economic analysis of CCP and SCP in terms of cost of production, yield, and adaptations for climate change. The data were collected from a total of 275 farming households (138 SCPs and 137 CCPs) from two districts, namely, Bahawalpur and Rajanpur, Punjab, Pakistan. The data were analyzed using the benefit–cost ratio (BCR), paired sampled t-test, and log–log regression model in SPSS. The results of the study revealed that the cost of production for SCP was significantly less than CCP and the value of BCR for SCP is higher than CCP. The results of the study also revealed that the land preparation costs, irrigation costs, and fertilizer and pesticide costs decrease the cotton yield of CCP, while land area owned and picking costs showed no significant influence on the yield of CCP. On the other hand, all cost items except fertilizer cost have a positive impact on CCP’s cotton yield. The results also indicated that SCP farmers adopted more of adaptation practices for climate change than CCP. This study concluded that SCP has significant advantages over CCP. Therefore, it is recommended that the government should prioritize incentives for SCP adoption to enhance yield and environmental sustainability in cotton farming.

Physical and psychological stress has an inverse relation with male libido and sperm quality. The present study investigates the potential fertility-enhancing properties of Desmodium gangeticum (DG) root extracts in male Wister rats subjected to immobilization-induced stress (SIMB). DG roots were extracted using n-hexane (HEDG), chloroform (CEDG), and water (AEDG). In the pilot study, aphrodisiac protentional was investigated at two doses (125 and 250 mg kg−1) of each extract. In the main study, the HEDG and AEDG at 125 and 250 mg kg−1 were challenged for the stress by immobilization (SIMB), for 6 h daily over 28 days. Parameters assessed included aphrodisiac effects, gonadosomatic index (GSI), semen quality, sperm quantity, fructose content, serum hormonal levels, testicular oxidative stress, and testicular histopathology. Additional in silico studies, including the lipid solubility index, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and SymMap studies were conducted for validation. HEDG demonstrated significant aphrodisiac activity, improved – GSI, sperm quality and quantity, and fructose content, serum testosterone levels, histological changes induced by SIMB in the testes. Swiss ADME studies indicated Gangetin (a pterocarpan) had a high brain permeation index (4.81), a superior docking score (-8.22), and higher glide energy (-42.60), compared with tadalafil (-7.17). The 'Lig fit Prot' plot in molecular dynamics simulations revealed a strong alignment between Gangetin and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). HEDG exerts aphrodisiac effects by increasing blood testosterone levels and affecting PDE5 activity. The protective effects on spermatozoa-related parameters and testicular histological changes are attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, of pterocarpan (gangetin).

Pistacia chinensis is locally practiced for treating diabetes, pain, inflammation, and erectile dysfunction. Therefore, the current studies subjected the crude extract/fractions and the isolated compound (2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-7,8-dihydroxy-3-methoxy-4H-chromen-4-one) to α‐glucosidase inhibitor and anti-glycation activities. The development of long-term complications associated with diabetes is primarily caused by chronic hyperglycemia. Regarding α‐glucosidase, the most significant inhibitory effect was observed with compound 1 (93.09%), followed by the methanolic extract (80.87%) with IC50 values of 45.86 and 86.32 μM. The maximum anti-glycation potential was shown by an isolated compound 1 followed by methanolic extract with effect inhibition of 90.12 and 72.09, respectively. Compound 1 is expected to have the highest gastrointestinal absorption rate, with a predicted absorption rate of 86.156%. This indicates oral suitability. The compound 1 is expected to have no harmful effects on the liver. In addition, our docking results suggest that alpha-glucosidase and isolated compounds showed strong interaction with ILE821, GLN900, and ALA901 residues, along with a −11.95 docking score.

In this work, we investigated Diospyros kaki extract and an isolated compound for their potential as xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitors, a target enzyme involved in inflammatory disorders. The prepared extract was subjected to column chromatography, and dinaphthodiospyrol S was isolated. Then XO inhibitory properties were assessed using a spectrophotometry microplate reader. DMSO was taken as a negative control, and allopurinol was used as a standard drug. The molecular docking study of the isolated compound to the XO active site was performed, followed by visualization and protein–ligand interaction. The defatted chloroform extract showed the highest inhibitory effect, followed by the chloroform extract and the isolated compound. The isolated compound exhibited significant inhibitory activity against XO with an IC50 value of 1.09 µM. Molecular docking studies showed that the compound strongly interacts with XO, forming hydrogen bond interactions with Arg149 and Cys113 and H-pi interactions with Cys116 and Leu147. The binding score of −7.678 kcal/mol further supported the potential of the isolated compound as an XO inhibitor. The quantum chemical procedures were used to study the electronic behavior of dinaphthodiospyrol S isolated from D. kaki. Frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analysis was performed to understand the distribution of electronic density, highest occupied molecular orbital HOMO, lowest unoccupied molecular orbital LUMO, and energy gaps. The values of HOMO, LUMO, and energy gap were found to be −6.39, −3.51 and 2.88 eV respectively. The FMO results indicated the intramolecular charge transfer. Moreover, reactivity descriptors were also determined to confirm the stability of the compound. The molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) investigation was done to analyze the electrophilic and nucleophilic sites within a molecule. The oxygen atoms in the compound exhibited negative potential, indicating that they are favorable sites for electrophilic attacks. The results indicate its potential as a therapeutic agent for related disorders. Further studies are needed to investigate this compound's in vivo efficacy and safety as a potential drug candidate.

The current study examined the information preferences of social media users and its perceived impact on their crop production skills in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using an online survey with the help of a structured questionnaire and a convenient sampling methodology. Both descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis were run for analyzing the data. The findings revealed that a majority (81%) of the respondents preferred agricultural information in the form of videos, followed by photos (75%). Moreover, a moderate to high impact was reported by the respondents on their various agricultural skills. The Pearson correlation analysis showed that trust in social media had a significant negative correlation with respondents’ perceived impact on their crop production skills. The correlation analysis further revealed that respondents’ preferences for a particular type of information had a significant positive correlation with the perceived impact of social media on their crop production skills. We conclude that subscribers’ trust in social media and their preference for agricultural information in the form of videos are the critical factors that may shape their behavior positively. The potential agricultural service providers should consider them for serving their clients amid changing needs and preferences.

Background and aims – Ochna holstii and its allies represent an ecologically important group in a variety of lowland to montane habitats in tropical eastern and southern Africa. Identifying and delimiting species within this group has proved challenging due to a lack of variation in morphological characters. We combine genomic-scale data of multiple accessions per species with morphological data to generate a taxonomic revision for the Ochna holstii complex using a multi-evidence approach. Material and methods – A total of 50 samples representing eight species were analysed using target enrichment and a custom bait kit. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using the multi-species coalescent model and a concatenation maximum likelihood method, and gene tree discordance was investigated. Herbarium specimens of the O. holstii complex were studied in detail for informative morphological characters, supplemented where possible from field collections, and a full taxonomic revision is provided. Key results – Within Ochna sect. Schizanthera Clade I, our study confirms that all species are monophyletic and supported by morphological data with the exception of O. holstii, which is paraphyletic. A new species, O. mchanga, previously confused with O. polyneura, is described, and the placement of another recently described species, O. maguirei, is confirmed for the first time using molecular data. Conclusion – The widespread montane tree Ochna holstii is non-monophyletic in its current circumscription and likely gave rise to the more range-restricted O. oxyphylla and O. stolzii. We suggest that an integrated taxonomy approach, using both molecular and morphological data, is essential for deciphering difficult species relationships in Ochna.

This current study investigates the biological efficiency of essential oils extracted from Bistorta affinis and Malcolmia cabulica on human and foodborne pathogens as well as against insects and termites. The oils were obtained by steam distillation using a Clevenger-type system and analyzed for their constituents using GC-MS. Twenty compounds were identified, wherein carvacrol and thymol were the main constituents in both plants. Essential oils exhibited significant activity against all tested foodborne bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens. In addition, essential oils from both plants have shown promising activity against all tested insects, which is a positive sign of being used as an insect repellent. In contrast, no activity was observed against termites. The bioactivities are mainly due to carvacrol and thymol’s levels in the essential oils that known for their effectiveness against foodborne pathogens and pests. The present study constitutes a basis for further investigation and development of bioactive compounds in Bistorta affinis and Malcolmia cabulica.

Congress grass (Parthenium hysterophorus L., family Asteraceae) is found generally in agricultural and vacant lands across the globe. This study investigated the fatty acids and elemental profiles of different parts including roots, stem and leaves of P. hysterophorus in the response to seasonal variation. The elemental analysis and fatty acid were determined in both the winter and summer seasons. The root, stem, and leaves powder were subjected to extraction with acetone, water, chloroform, diethyl ether, ethanol, methanol, and n-hexane to measure the extractive values. Among all the plant parts, leaves recorded the highest extractive value of 29%, and 28% with acetone and diethyl ether, respectively, while the root recorded the lowest (10.3%) extractive value with chloroform. Higher concentrations of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were detected in all the plant parts in the winter collection than in the summer season. Parthenium hysterophorus is multi medicinal applications such as used for rheumatic pain, urinary tract infections, inflammation, diarrhea, neuralgia, and malaria. The study highlights the importance of collection time (seasons) of different parts of P. hysterophorus for the maximum extraction of both elements and fatty acids either saturated or unsaturated from the pharmacogenetic point of view.

The main objective of this research was to perform Gymnema sylvestre (Asclepiadaceae) extract’s phytochemical screening and identify its therapeutic potential. Using a Soxhlet apparatus, the powdered plant material was extracted using ethyl acetate. The preliminary phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, glycosides, and steroids. Gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy analysis of the extract was performed and confirmed the presence of 11 compounds. As per the quantitative analysis, the extract exhibited a phenolic content of 948 µg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight, a total flavonoid content of 398 µg quercetin equivalent/g dry weight, and an alkaloid content of 487 µg atropine equivalent/g dry weight. As per the in vitro cytotoxicity test using A549 cells, the IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) value for the extract was found to be 76.06 ± 1.26 µg/mL, indicating its cytotoxic effect on the cells. The ethyl acetate extract showed significant antibacterial efficacy, as evidenced by a zone of clearance measuring 3 mm against Escherichia coli and 6 mm against Bacillus subtilis. For anthelmintic activity, the earthworm paralysis time induced by G. sylvestre extract (10 mg/mL) was 28.13 ± 0.8 min, and the time of death was 68.21 ± 1.72 min. In comparison, the reference drug, piperazine citrate (10 mg/mL), caused paralysis in 22.18 ± 1.02 min and resulted in death at 66.22 ± 2.35 min. Similarly, the coagulation time was notably prolonged, with blood clot formation observed at 1 min and 40 s, at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, which underscores the potential anticoagulant or hemostatic modulation properties of G. sylvestre extract. The test extract showed good inhibition of alpha-amylase activity and exhibited an IC50 value of 15.59 µg/mL. The IC50 value for DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl)-scavenging activity for the extract was 19.19 µg/mL. Based on the GCMS results, the compound 2,7-dimethyl-undecane was selected for its anticancer potential. Docking studies were conducted with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein, specifically the 5WB7 variant associated with lung cancer. The docking score was −4.5, indicating a potential interaction. Key interaction residues such as ASN328, VAL350, and THR358 were identified. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the phytochemical composition and diverse biological activities of G. sylvestre extract, offering a foundation for further exploration of its medicinal and pharmacological potential.

Therapeutic and/or preventive interventions using phytochemical constituents for ischemic heart disease have gained considerable attention worldwide, mainly due to their antioxidant activity. This study investigated the cardioprotective effect and possible mechanism of juglone, a major constituent of the walnut tree, using an isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI) model in rats. Rats were pretreated for five (5) days with juglone (1, 3 mg/kg, i.p) and atenolol (1 mg/kg, i.p) in separate experiments before inducing myocardial injury by administration of ISO (80 mg/kg, s.c) at an interval of 24 h for 2 consecutive days (4th and 5th day). The cardioprotective effect of juglone was confirmed through a lead II electrocardiograph (ECG), cardiac biomarkers (cTnI, CPK, CK-MB, LDH, ALT and AST) and histopathological study. The results of our present study suggest that prior administration of juglone (1 and 3 mg/kg) proved to be effective as a cardioprotective therapeutic agent in reducing the extent of myocardial damage (induced by ISO) by fortifying the myocardial cell membrane, preventing elevated T-waves, deep Q-waves in the ECG, heart to body weight ratio, infarction and also by normalizing cardiac marker enzymes (cTnI, CPK, CK-MB, LDH, ALT and AST) and histopathological changes, such as inflammation, edema and necrosis. In conclusion, this study has identified phytochemical constituents, in particular juglone, as a potential cardioprotective agent.

Abstract Aim The study was planned to investigate the phytochemicals, antidiabetic and antioxidant studies of A. consanguineum. Methods The preliminary studies were performed on crude extract and different solvent fractions. Based on the potency, the chloroform fraction was semi-purified to phyto-fractions CHF-1 – 5. Furthermore, CHF-3 was subjected to isolation of pure compounds using column chromatography. The α-glucosidase, α-amylase and antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, H2O2) were performed on all samples. The in-vivo experiments on compounds 1 and 2 were also performed using oral glucose tolerance test. Docking studies were performed on α-glucosidase and α-amylase targets. Results Among all fractions, the chloroform fraction exhibited excellent activities profile giving IC50 values of 824, 55, 117, 58 and 85 μg/ml against α-glucosidase, α-amylase, DPPH, ABTS and H2O2 targets respectively. Among the five semi-purified chloroform phyto-fractions (CHF-1-5), CHF-3 was the leading fraction in activities giving IC50 values of 85.54, 61.19 and 26.58 μg/ml against α-glucosidase, α-amylase and DPPH respectively. Based on the overall potency and physical amount of CHF-3, it was subjected to purification to get compounds 1 and 2. The two compounds were also found potent in in-vitro activities. The observed IC50 values for compound 1 were 7.93, 28.01 and 6.19 μg/ml against α-glucosidase, α-amylase and DPPH respectively. Similarly, the compound 2 exhibited IC50 of 14.63, 24.82 and 7.654 μg/ml against α-glucosidase, α-amylase and DPPH respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 were potent in decreasing the blood glucose levels in experimental animals. Compounds 1 and 2 also showed interactions with the respective enzymes with molecular docking. Conclusions We can conclude that A. Consanguineum is a rich source of natural antidiabetic agents. Bioguided isolation of compound 1 and 2 showed potential inhibitions in all tested in-vitro antidiabetic targets. Further, both the compounds were also able to decrease the blood glucose levels in experimental animals.

Abstract Background Natural phenolic compounds and Phenolics-rich medicinal plants are also of great interest in the management of diabetes. The current study was aimed to analyze phenolics in P. hydropiepr L extracts via HPLC-DAD analysis and assess their anti-diabetic potentials using in-vitro and in-silico approaches. Methods Plant crude methanolic extract (Ph.Cme) was evaluated for the presence of phenolic compounds using HPLC-DAD analysis. Subsequently, samples including crude (Ph.Cr), hexane (Ph.Hex), chloroform (Ph.Chf), ethyl acetate (Ph.EtAc), butanol (Ph.Bt), aqueous (Ph.Aq) and saponins (Ph.Sp) were tested for α-glucsidase and α-amylase inhibitory potentials and identified compounds were docked against these target enzymes using Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) software. Fractions were also analyzed for the nutritional contents and acute toxicity was performed in animals. Results In HPLC-DAD analysis of Ph.Cme, 24 compounds were indentfied and quantified. Among these, Kaemferol-3-(p-coumaroyl-diglucoside)-7-glucoside (275.4 mg g− 1), p-Coumaroylhexose-4-hexoside (96.5 mg g− 1), Quercetin-3-glucoronide (76.0 mg g− 1), 4-Caffeoylquinic acid (58.1 mg g− 1), Quercetin (57.9 mg g− 1), 5,7,3′-Trihydroxy-3,6,4′,5′-tetramethoxyflavone (55.5 mg g− 1), 5-Feruloylquinic acid (45.8 mg g− 1), Cyanidin-3-glucoside (26.8 mg g− 1), Delphinidin-3-glucoside (24 mg g− 1), Quercetin-3-hexoside (20.7 mg g− 1) were highly abundant compounds. In α-glucosidase inhibition assay, Ph.Sp were most effective with IC50 value of 100 μg mL-1. Likewise in α-amylase inhibition assay, Ph.Chf, Ph.Sp and Ph.Cme were most potent fractions displayed IC50 values of 90, 100 and 200 μg mL-1 respectively. Docking with the α-glucosidase enzyme revealed top ranked conformations for majority of the compounds with Kaemferol-3-(p-coumaroyl-diglucoside)-7-glucoside as the most active compound with docking score of − 19.80899, forming 14 hydrogen bonds, two pi-H and two pi-pi linkages with the Tyr 71, Phe 158, Phe 177, Gln 181, Arg 212, Asp 214, Glu 276, Phe 300, Val 303, Tyr 344, Asp 349, Gln 350, Arg 439, and Asp 408 residues of the enzyme. Likewise, docking with α-amylase revealed that most of the compounds are well accommodated in the active site residues (Trp 59, Tyr 62, Thr 163, Leu 165, Arg 195, Asp 197, Glu 240, Asp 300, His 305, Asp 356) of the enzyme and Cyanidin-3-rutinoside displayed most active compound with docking score of − 15.03757. Conclusions Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of highly valuable phenolic compounds, which might be responsible for the anti-diabetic potentials of the plant samples.

Introduction: The genus Euphorbia is known to contain diterpenoids, and several isolated compounds which exhibited biological activities including significant multidrug resistance reversal effects. This work is focused on the isolation, in vitro and in silico studies of two natural bio-active flavonoids (1 & 2) isolated from Euphorbia pulcherrima bark for the very first time. Methods: The phytochemical investigation resulted in the identification of two flavonoids: 3,5,7-trihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-6-methoxy-4H-chromen-4-one (1) and 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3,5,7-trihydroxy-6-methoxy-4H-chromen-4-one (2), which were isolated for the first time from Euphorbia pulcherrima. Results: The chemical structures of the two isolated compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and ESI-HRMS spectral data. The Bioactivity activity of these compounds was evaluated; results revealed that compounds 1 & 2 exhibit promising urease inhibitory potential with IC50 values of 15.3 ± 2.13 μM and 19.0 ± 2.43 μM, respectively, whereas the positive control thiourea had an IC50 of 21.0 ± 0.23 μM. Similarly, these compounds were also evaluated against the tyrosinase enzyme; results showed that compound 1 displays significant inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 48.7 ± 2.19 μM, whereas compound 2 exhibited a moderate effect with an IC50 value of 74.8 ± 1.79 μM, when compared with the standard (alpha-kojic acid, IC50 = 47.6 ± 0.67 μM). Additionally, compounds 1 and 2 also exhibited anti-glycation and phosphodiesterase inhibitory activities. Conclusion: Studies dealing with the drug like properties such as in silico screening (docking study) was also carried out to discover the structural features of both compounds 1 and 2. Results indicated that the docking scores of compounds 1 and 2 are in agreement with their IC50 values. Key messages Isolation and characterization of two bioactive flavonoids (1 and 2) from Euphorbia pulcherrima. In silico and in vitro enzyme inhibition studies were conducted to identify the therapeutic potential of flavonoids 1 and 2. Drug-like properties were calculated to discover important pharmacophoric features.

A sensitive and simple microextraction approach was developed and validated to simultaneously determine three antiarrhythmic drugs, propranolol, diltiazem, and verapamil, in human urine and plasma samples, by combining solvent bar microextraction (SBME) with high-performance-liquid- chromatography diode-array detection. The optimization of SBME was initially investigated following a full factorial design (FFD) and subsequently by central composite design (CCD). With only 27 extraction tests using CCD, the optimum extraction conditions for selected drugs by SBME methodology were determined. The CCD allowed examining the linear, interaction, and quadratic influence of factors on drugs’ extraction efficiencies% (EE%), resulting in reduced size of SBME experiments. Under the optimal conditions, the calibration curves were linear in the ranges of 1.73–103 / 2.56–103 μg L−1 for propranolol, 2.32–103/ 2.83–103 μg L−1 for diltiazem, and 4.54–103/ 5.97–103 μg L−1 for verapamil at the respective urine/ plasma samples with reasonable linearity R2 > 0.978 in both matrixes. The ranged value of intra precision (RSD%, n = 5) for the selected drugs were from 1.30 to 5.66 and from 3.00 to 7.80 in urine and plasma samples, respectively. The limits of detection in urine/ plasma were 0.52/ 0.77 μg L−1, 0.69/ 0.84 μg L−1, 1.36/ 1.79 μg L−1 for propranolol, diltiazem, and verapamil, respectively. In comparison with referenced methods and based on the satisfactory results of applications, the proposed method can be considered a potential method for biopharmaceutical analysis of selected antiarrhythmic drugs in biological samples.

Abstract Background Edible oils have proven health benefits in the prevention and treatment of various disorders since the establishment of human era. This study was aimed to appraise neuropharmacological studies on the commonly used edible oils including Cinnamomum verum (CV), Zingiber officinale (ZO) and Cuminum cyminum (CC). Methods The oils were analyzed via GC-MS for identifications of bioactive compounds. Anti-radicals capacity of the oils were evaluated via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radicals scavenging assays. The samples were also tested against two important acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) which are among the important drug targets in Alzheimer’s disease. Lineweaver-Burk plots were constructed for enzyme inhibition studies which correspond to velocity of enzymes (Vmax) against the reciprocal of substrate concentration (K m ) in the presence of test samples and control drugs following Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Docking studies on AChE target were also carried out using Molecular Operating Environment (MOE 2016.0802) software. Results (Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry GC-MS) analysis revealed the presence of thirty-four compounds in Cinnamon oil (Cv.Eo), fourteen in ginger oil (Zo.Eo) and fifty-six in cumin oil (Cc.Eo). In the antioxidant assays, Cv.Eo, Zo.Eo and Cc.Eo exhibited IC50 values of 85, 121, 280 μg/ml sequentially against DPPH radicals. Whereas, in ABTS assay, Cv.Eo, Zo.Eo and Cc.Eo showed considerable anti-radicals potentials with IC50 values of 93, 77 and 271 μg/ml respectively. Furthermore, Cv.Eo was highly active against AChE enzyme with IC50 of 21 μg/ml. Zo.Eo and Cc.Eo exhibited considerable inhibitory activities against AChE with IC50 values of 88 and 198 μg/ml respectively. In BChE assay, Cv.Eo, Zo.Eo and Cc.Eo exhibited IC50 values of 106, 101 and 37 μg/ml respectively. Our results revealed that these oils possess considerable antioxidant and cholinesterase inhibitory potentials. As functional foods these oils can be effective remedy for the prevention and management of neurological disorders including AD. Synergistic effect of all the identified compounds was determined via binding energy values computed through docking simulations. Binding orientations showed that all the compounds interact with amino acid residues present in the peripheral anionic site (PAS) and catalytic anionic site (CAS) amino acid residues, oxyanion hole and acyl pocket via π-π stacking interactions and hydrogen bond interactions.

Abstract Background Diabetes mellitus is a common disease effecting the lifestyles of majority world population. In this research work, we have embarked the potential role of crude extracts and isolated compounds of Notholirion thomsonianum for the management diabetes mellitus. Methods The crude extracts of N. thomsonianum were initially evaluated for α-glucosidase, α-amylase and antioxidant activities. The compounds were isolated from the activity based potent solvent fraction. The structures of isolated compounds were confirmed with NMR and MS analyses. The isolated compounds were tested for α-glucosidase, α-amylase, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and DPPH activities. The molecular docking studies were carried out to find the binding interactions of isolated compounds for α-glucosidase, α-amylase and PTP1B. Results Initially, we screened out crude extracts and subfractions of N. thomsonianum against different in-vitro targets. Among all, Nt.EtAc was observed a potent fraction among all giving IC50 values of 67, 70,

Abstract Background According to the recent global cancer statistics, breast cancer is the leading cause of deaths among women with 2.3 million new cases globally. Likewise, cervical cancer is also among the leading causes of mortality among women. Polygonum hydropiper is traditionally known for its cytotoxic effects and several bioactive cytotoxic compounds were isolated from it. This study was aimed to isolate potential anticancer compounds from its most potent fractions and evaluate their anticancer potentials. Methods Based on our earlier studies, active fractions including chloroform and ethyl acetate were subjected to column chromatography for isolation of compounds. Chemical structures of isolated compounds were confirmed via 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectrometry. Purified compounds were tested for cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells (MCF-7), cervical cancer cells (HeLA) and NIH/3T3 fibroblasts cells cultures using MTT assy. Anti-angiogenic potentials of isolated compounds were evaluated via chorioallantoic membrane assay. Anti-tumor studies were done using Agrobacterium tumefaciens induced potato tumor assay. Furthermore, to understand the binding modes of Isolated compounds, molecular docking was performed against EGFR, HER2 and VEGFR using MOE as docking software. Results Two bioactive compounds PH-1 (4-methyl-5-oxo-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl acetate) and PH-2 (methyl 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoate) were purified from the active fractions. In cytotoxicity studies, PH-1 exhibited highest cytotoxicity against HeLA cells with 87.50% lethality at 1 mgmL−1 concentration and LD50 of 60 µgmL−1. Likewise, PH-2 showed 82.33% cytotoxicity against HeLA cells with LD50 of 160 µgmL−1. Similarly, PH-1 and PH-2 exhibited LD50 of 170 and 380 µgmL−1 respectively. Moreover, PH-1 and PH-2 were also very potent cytotoxic compounds against NIH/3T3 cells with 81.45 and 85.55% cytotoxicity at 1 mgL−1 concentration and LD50 of 140 and 58 µgL−1 respectively. Isolated compounds exhibited considerable anti-angiogenic potentials with IC50 of 340 and 500 µgL−1 respectively for PH-1 and PH-2. In anti-tumor assay, PH-1 and PH-2 exhibited 81.15 and 76.09% inhibitions with LD50 of 340 and 550 µgL−1 respectively. Both compounds selectively binds with EGFR and HER2 receptors with low binding energies. Both compounds exhibited stronger interactions with VEGFR through binding pocket residues Lys868, Val916 and Asp1046. Conclusions Both compounds cause considerable cytotoxicity against cancer cells. The anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor results suggests additional tumor suppressive properties. Docking analysis suggests that these compound not only has the ability to bind to EGFR and HER2 but also equally binds to VEGFR and may act as potential anti-angiogenic agents.

Abstract Pandrug-resistant (PDR) K. pneumoniae refractory to conventional treatment has been reported worldwide, causing a huge burden on the healthcare system, patient safety and the economy. K. pneumoniae is a prominent opportunistic pathogen causing hospital-acquired and community-acquired infections, but is rarely associated with infective endocarditis. Currently, there are sparse data guiding the optimal regimen when commonly used antibiotics fail, notably for the treatment of endocarditis infections. Here we report our experience in treating a 40-year-old female with PDR K. pneumoniae infection of cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) and right-sided infective endocarditis. Initial susceptibility testing of the incriminated pathogen showed an apparent susceptibility to colistin but the prolonged course of colistin, gentamicin and meropenem did not resolve the infection. However, the synergistic combinations of aztreonam with ceftazidime-avibactam was able to overcome resistance and clear the infection rapidly. Genome sequencing showed that the PDR K. pneumoniae isolate belongs to the international high-risk clone ST14. The isolate harbored genes encoding NDM-1, OXA-48, CTX-M-14b, SHV-28 and OXA-1, explaining resistance to all β-lactams, including carbapenems. It carried the armA gene conferring resistance to all clinically important aminoglycosides and had alterations in GyrA, ParC and MgrB, explaining resistance to ciprofloxacin and colistin.

There have been some reports demonstrating the biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Calotropis procera (CP) plant extract; however, detailed in-depth debriefing of the vital synthesis parameter for rapid, facile, efficacious synthesis at varied temperatures with effectual characterization of nanoparticles and biomimetic attribute is lacking. This study presents a comprehensive demarcation of the sustainable fabrication of biogenic C. procera flower extract capped and stabilized silver nanoparticles (CP-AgNPs) synthesis with thorough phytochemical characterization and potential biological application. The results revealed that the successful synthesis of CP-AgNPs was instantaneous with the maximum intensity of the plasmonic peak ~400 nm, while morphological results revealed the cubic shape of nanoparticles. CP-AgNPs were found to present stable, well-dispersed, uniform, high anionic zeta potential, and crystalline nanoparticles with a crystallite size of ~23.8 nm. The FTIR spectra indicated that CP-AgNPs were properly capped by the bioactive of C. procera. Moreover, the synthesized CP-AgNPs exhibited hydrogen peroxide scavenging efficacy. In addition, CP-AgNPs showed antibacterial and antifungal activity against pathogenic bacteria. CP-AgNPs displayed significant in vitro antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activity. An efficient and convenient approach for synthesizing AgNPs using C. procera flower has been developed with enhanced biomimetic attributes that may be further utilized for water treatment, biosensors, biomedicine, and in allied science.

Liquid fresh water is scarce in arid and semi-arid regions. Some organisms in these stressful habitats are well adapted to the environmental conditions and obtain fresh water directly from the atmosphere. This ability of “moisture harvesting” relies on specific microstructural features organisms exhibit at their external surfaces. In this respect, the dew harvesting ability of the arid plant species Opuntia stricta (Cactaceae) has been investigated. Its tiny stem spines, known as glochids, have a unique microstructure, ordered in hierarchical manner with an anisotropic surface. The glochids are covered with cone-shaped barbs and have dense mats of hygroscopic trichomes at the base. Dew harvesting ability in O. stricta seems to be controlled by three driving forces, namely: Laplace pressure difference, Wenzel relation and differences in wettability. The formation of special external microstructural features supporting this ability represents an adaptive trait in O. stricta to dry arid environments. Studying such structures in detail will give insights on how biomimetic inspired devices may contribute to optimize moisture harvesting in dry regions.

Multivariate calibration are gaining popularity in assaying food matrices. Partial least squares is a powerful multivariate calibration method that used to build a quantitative relationship between measured variables and a property of interest (i.e., concentration) of the system under study. Partial least squares PLS calibration along with UV/vis spectral data was efficient to account for indirect food matrix and direct interference effects resulted from overlapping food dyes. PLS was able to quantify tartrazine TAT, allura red AR, sunset yellow SY and brilliant black BB that added to wide selection sugar-based candies. The results indicated that 70% of samples containing single dye while 8% containing TAT-SY mix and certain samples containing TAT + SY + AR + BB. Lollypops were found to contain high levels of AR (77–120 mg/kg) and TAT (56–166 mg/kg). The maximum adulteration was 50% observed in lollypops. PLS calibration was workable to predict colorants with prediction errors of 7%. Using PLS, dyes were detected down to 0.1 mg/L with acceptable accuracy and precision. PLS showed comparable performance with liquid chromatography for dyes quantification and can substitute laborious chromatography for quick detection of coloring agents in candies. Keywords: Food colorants, PLS calibration, Direct/indirect interferences, Food monitoring

Background. In our clinical practice, conventional radial access has been employed routinely for coronary procedures. The distal radial artery (DRA) access site has recently emerged as a novel technique in cardiac procedures. Objectives. This study compares distal radial access to standard forearm radial access (FRA) in terms of feasibility, outcomes, and complications. Method. This prospective, randomized trial was conducted at a single center. The patients were chosen from An-Najah National University Hospital’s catheterization laboratory between December 2019 and November 2020. A total of 209 patients were randomized into two groups: DRA group (n = 104) and FRA group (n = 105). Results. Access was successful in 98% of patients in both the groups. The DRA group had a longer puncture duration and a higher number of attempts (duration: 56.6 ± 61.1 s DRA vs. 20.0 ± 18.4 s FRA, p

Pistacia integerrima Stew ex Brandis is a valued medicinal plant used for curing various diseases such as diarrhea, fever, liver disorder, pain, asthma, and inflammation. The aim of this study was the isolation of bioactive leishmanicidal agents from the methanolic extract. The methanolic extract led to the isolation of flavonoids 3,5,7,4/-tetrahydroxy-flavanone (1). The extract and isolated compound 1 were tested for antileishmanial effect. The extract showed a percent effect of 63.09 with an IC50 value (49.32 µM). The isolated compound 1 was more leishmanicidal than the extract with a percent growth inhibition of 68.09. We have performed docking studies on two antileishmanial targets; homology modeled dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and pteridine reductase (PTR1) from Leishmania major (L. major). Interaction with important residues of the studied enzymes revealed the possible mechanism of in-vitro activity against promastigotes of L. major.

The application of QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) extraction procedure has recently received significant attention, particularly for quantifying food additives in complex food matrices. A reliable analytical method based on QuEChERS extraction, UV spectroscopic measurement at 200–320 nm and partial least square regression PLS1 was outlined to determine two classes of preservatives in different processed food products. Examined additives were sodium benzoate SB, potassium sorbate PS, propylparaben PP, and methylparaben MP which showed highly overlapping UV spectra. The method indicated high detection of preservatives down to 1.1–2.4 mg/kg, recoveries between 97 and 102%, and RSD ≤ 7.0%. The efficient extraction of preservatives by QuEChERS from real matrices has improved the snentivity of spectral measurement and the detection of the analytical procedure. Methylparaben, MP, was detected in most samples with levels of 24.5, 74.3 and 393.7 mg/kg in liquid drinks, corn flakes, and soya sauce, respectively. The levels of preservatives were found to be within the regulated limits in all tested items. The outlined QuEChERS along with PLS1 calibration of spectroscopic data is proved to be a suitable alternative for liquid chromatography to monitor different types of preservatives in complex food matrices. The validity of the proposed method was checked against standard liquid chromatography.

Inflammation, being a well-known and complex pathological condition, is always a challenge to the human health. This research work was designed for a rationale-based anti-inflammatory study on β-ketoester derivatives of N-ary succinimides. The compounds (A–D) were synthesized by organocatalytic Michael addition. The compounds were initially screened for in vitro 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and cyclooxygenase (COX-2) assays. For the in vivo activity, carrageenan-induced paw edema and arachidonic acid-induced ear edema tests were used. Furthermore, different in vivo pathways such as prostaglandins E2, histamine, leukotriene, and bradykinin were studied. The results were supported with molecular docking studies. Among the compounds, D (ethyl 1-(1-benzyl-2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-3-yl)-2-oxocyclohexane-1-carboxylate) at a concentration of 1000 μg/ml showed significant inhibitory effects of 83.67% and 78.12% against COX-2 and 5-LOX in comparison to celecoxib and zileuton, respectively. Similarly, compound D also showed excellent in vivo anti-inflammatory potential. Amongst all the compounds, D demonstrated excellent (55.92 ± 2.95%) anti-inflammatory potential at maximum tested dose (100 mg/kg) which accomplished the highest significance at 4 h following the carrageenan insertion and stayed considerable (∗∗∗P

الملخص: أهداف البحث: بحثت هذه الدراسة العلاقة بين تناول القات وانتشار وأنماط اختلال دهون الدم بين الشباب اليمني. طرق البحث: في هذه الدراسة المستعرضة، استخدمنا طريقة أخذ العينات العنقودية العشوائية متعددة المراحل. تم الحصول على البيانات باستخدام استبانة، والقياسات البشرية وعينات الدم في حالة الصيام. كما تم استخدام معايير البرنامج الوطني الأمريكي التعليمي للكوليسترول-برنامج معالجة البالغين ٣. كما تم تحليل عينات الدم لقياس مستويات الدهون بما في ذلك مستويات الكوليسترول الكلي، والدهون الثلاثية وكوليسترول البروتينات الدهنية منخفضة الكثافة، وكوليسترول البروتينات الدهنية عالية الكثافة. النتائج: تم تسجيل ٣٦٠ من طلاب الجامعات اليمنية الذكور في الدراسة بمتوسط عمر ٢١.٤ ± ٣.٦ سنة. تم تقسيم الطلاب إلى مجموعتين؛ متناولي القات (ن = ٢٨٣) والمجموعة الضابطة (ن = ٧٧). كان معدل انتشار اختلال دهون الدم بشكل عام أعلى بشكل ملحوظ في فئة متناولي القات مقارنة مع غير متناولي القات (٨٩.٨ ٪ مقابل ٨٠.٥٪). كانت نسبة فرط كوليسترول الدم، وفرط الدهون الثلاثية في الدم، وفرط كوليسترول البروتينات الدهنية منخفضة الكثافة، وفرط الدهون المختلطة في الدم أقل عند متناولي القات مقارنة بغيرهم (١٦.٦٪، و٥٨.٣٪، و١٦.٣٪، و١٠.٦٪، على التوالي، مقابل ٢٠.٨ ٪، و٦٤.٩٪، و١٨.٢٪، و٢٠.٨٪، على التوالي). كما لوحظ ارتفاع شحوم الدم المنفرد بشكل طفيف عند متناولي القات منه في غيرهم (٤٧.٧٪ مقابل ٤٤.٢ ٪). من ناحية أخرى لوحظ زيادة انتشار انخفاض كولسترول البروتينات الدهنية عالية الكثافة وانخفاض كولسترول البروتينات الدهنية عالية الكثافة المنفرد وفرط كولسترول الدم المنفرد عند فئة متناولي القات مقارنة مع فئة غير متناولي القات (٨٣ ٪، و٢٥.١٪، و٦ ٪، على التوالي، مقابل ٧٥.٣٪، و١٥.٦ ٪، وصفر ٪، على التوالي). الاستنتاجات: أظهرت هذه الدراسة ارتفاع معدل انتشار اختلال دهون الدم بين متناولي القات من الشباب اليمنيين. وكذلك انخفاض كولسترول البروتينات الدهنية عالية الكثافة، ثم فرط دهون الدم الثلاثية كانا أكثر أنواع الاضطرابات الدهنية عند متناولي القات. قد يكون للعوامل الوراثية، ولظروف الحرب، وقلة الحركة، ولنوع الغذاء اليمني التقليدي قليل الدهون من العوامل المحددة لهذه النتيجة. Abstract: Objectives: This study investigated the association between qat chewing and prevalence and patterns of dyslipidaemia among young Yemeni males. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we used a multistage random cluster sampling method. Data were obtained using a questionnaire. Additionally, anthropometric measurements and fasting blood samples were collected. We used Program-Adult Treatment Panel III. The blood samples were analysed for lipid profile measurements including levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Results: A total of 440 Yemeni male with mean age of 21.4 ± 3.6 years were enrolled. The students were divided into the following two groups—qat chewers (n = 283) and non-qat chewers (n = 77). The overall occurrence of dyslipidaemia was significantly higher in qat chewers than that in non-qat chewers (89.8% versus 80.5%) (P < 0.05). Hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, high LDL-C level, and mixed hyperlipidaemia were lower in qat chewers than in non-qat chewers (16.6%, 58.3%, 16.3%, and 10.6%, respectively, versus 20.8%, 64.9%, 18.2%, and 20.8%, respectively). Isolated hypertriglyceridaemia was slightly higher in qat chewers than in non-qat chewers (47.7% versus 44.2%). However, the incidence of low HDL-C level, isolated low HDL-C level, and isolated hypercholesterolaemia were generally higher in qat chewers than in non-qat chewers (83%, 25.1%, and 6%, respectively, versus 75.3%, 15.6%, and 0%, respectively). Conclusion: This study showed high prevalence of dyslipidaemia among Yemeni male qat chewers. Low HDL-C level was the main lipid variable, followed by hypertriglyceridaemia. Genetic factors, war conditions, physical inactivity, and low-fat traditional Yemeni diet were considered the determinants of the study findings. الكلمات المفتاحية: اختلال دهون الدم, المنظور الدهني, انتشار, تناول القات, اليمن, Key words: Dyslipidaemia, Lipid profile, Prevalence, Qat chewing, Yemen

An estimated 35% of the world’s population depends on wheat as their primary crop. One fifth of the world’s wheat is utilized as animal feed, while more than two thirds are used for human consumption. Each year, 17–18% of the world’s wheat is consumed by China and India. In wheat, spot blotch caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana is one of the major diseases which affects the wheat crop growth and yield in warmer and humid regions of the world. The present work was conducted to evaluate the effect of green synthesized silver nanoparticles on the biochemical constituents of wheat crops infected with spot blotch disease. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using Mangifera indica leaf extract and their characterization was performed using UV-visible spectroscopy, SEM, XRD, and PSA. Characterization techniques confirm the presence of crystalline, spherical silver nanoparticles with an average size of 52 nm. The effect of green synthesized nanoparticles on antioxidative enzymes, e.g., Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione Reductase (GR), Peroxidase (POX), and phytochemical precursor enzyme Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase (PAL), and on primary and secondary metabolites, e.g., reducing sugar and total phenol, in Bipolaris sorokiniana infected wheat crop were studied. Inoculation of fungal spores was conducted after 40 days of sowing. Subsequently, diseased plants were treated with silver nanoparticles at different concentrations. Elevation in all biochemical constituents was recorded under silver nanoparticle application. The treatment with a concentration of nanoparticles at 50 pp min diseased plants showed the highest resistance towards the pathogen. The efficacy of the green synthesized AgNPs as antibacterial agents was evaluated against multi drug resistant (MDR) bacteria comprising Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (n = 6) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 7) and Gram-positive bacteria Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (n = 2). The results show promising antibacterial activity with significant inhibition zones observed with the disc diffusion method, thus indicating green synthesized M. indica AgNPs as an active antibacterial agent against MDR pathogens.

Traditionally, Diospyros lotus Linn is used for insomnia and other associated disorders. Insomnia is a worldwide disorder with different etiology which is treated with different synthetic medicine associated with addiction. Natural products are generally devoid of such addition with good efficacy. Current research was conducted to evaluate the sedative and hypnotic effects of dimeric naphthoquinones such as dinaphthodiospyrol A (1), dinaphthodiospyrol B (2), dinaphthodiospyrol C (3), dinaphthodiospyrol D (4), dinaphthodiospyrol E (5) and dinaphthodiospyrol F (6) isolated from the chloroform fractions of D. lotus. The sedative and hypnotic effects at the dose of 5 and 10 mg/kg (each compound) were assessed through open field and phenobarbital induced sleep test, respectively. In the case of open field test the administration of tested compounds significantly hindered the movement of animals, while in case of hypnotic effect the tested samples significantly improved the onset and duration of sleep as compared to control. The overall effects were in a dose dependent manner. The compounds were also assessed for acute toxicity, but no toxicity was observed. In this regard, our research triumphantly announced the strong chemical base for the folkloric values of the plant with their fringe benefits and implemented a platform for further aspects of mechanistic and clinical studies. A possible mechanism of in vivo inhibition was studied by using docking simulations on GABA receptors. Binding orientations and types of interactions revealed that a possible mechanism behind these pharmacological actions might be interaction with GABA receptors.

Objective: There is a growing demand for colourants of natural origin in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and textile sectors. Previously, our group has screened a fungal species from forest soil, identified as Penicillium europium. The isolated fungus transformed the longifolene into various metabolites, of which 12 were isolated in pure form, with potential to be utilized in the perfumery industry. This study aimed to isolate and identify novel fungal pigments from Penicillium europium. Methods: The current study showcases the extraction and identification of fungal pigment from Penicillium europium using different spectral studies. The strain was isolated from forest soil, Western Ghats, India, and was found to be capable of using longifolene as the sole carbon source. The yellowish pink coloured pigment-producing fungal strain was identified as Penicillium europium. Further, the pinkish pigment was extracted, purified, and using spectral studies like UV, IR, NMR and Mass, the structure of the pure pigment was identified. Results: The pure pigment structure was analyzed and tentatively confirmed as 2-(1,5, dimethyl hexyl)-3,5-dimethyl-6-hydro-1,4-benzoquinone having the molecular formula C16H24O3. Toxicity study using LD50 on Albino rats revealed that the pigment had no toxic effect on rats. Conclusion: Penicillium europium synthesized pigments could contribute to biotechnology and add value to the food, feed, and pharmaceutical industries. They can be used for various industrial applications, for example, as dyes for textile and non-textile substrates such as paper, leather, coatings and paints, in cosmetics, and food additives. Negative cytotoxicity result inferred that the pigment could be a potential replacement for hazardous synthetic dyes.

The past decades have witnessed a growing interest in the knowledge acquisition of smart materials and their applications in different fields, especially in the field of architecture and building technology. Smart materials may not be relatively new, but researchers work to develop smart materials and compose a system that controls and guides the materials to create a living environment with more adaptive qualities and less negative impacts.The research aims to explore the qualities and advantages of smart material systems in the field of architecture, to better understand the impact smart material systems have on the design and construction processes, and to explore the way to create architecture with better adaptive characteristics, to ultimately reach the state of “adaptiveness”, providing the optimal environment for the users, reflected on the structural, climatic, and architectural performances. Keywords: Smart material, Smart system, Adaptive architecture, Adaptiveness, Passive system, Active system

الملخص: أهداف البحث: تقييم مدى انتشار اختلال الدهون في الدم وأنماط مستوى الدهون والعوامل المرتبطة بذلك بين طلاب الجامعة اليمنيين. طرق البحث: أجريت هذه الدراسة -المقطعية على مجموعة من ٢٤٠ طالبا يمنيا (١١٦ ذكورا ١٢٤ إناثا) في جامعة إب. تم اختيار الطلاب بطريقة عشوائية من الكليات المختلفة للجامعة. كما تم الحصول على المعلومات الديمغرافية والسريرية من جميع المشاركين. تم جمع عينات الدم من جميع الطلاب وهم صائمون لقياس مستويات المصل لكل من الكولسترول الكلي، والدهون الثلاثية، وكوليسترول البروتينات الدهنية منخفضة الكثافة، وكوليسترول البروتينات الدهنية عالية الكثافة. تم استخدام معايير البرنامج الوطني الأمريكي التعليمي للكوليسترول – برنامج معالجة البالغين الثالث (NCEP-ATP III). النتائج: كان متوسط العمر للمشاركين ١٩.٨± ١.٨ عاما؛ من بينهم ٤٨.٣٪ من الذكور و٥١.٧٪ من الإناث. كان ٥٦.٧٪ من المشاركين ينتمون إلى المناطق الريفية. وكان ماضغي القات والمدخنين ٦٣.٣٪ و٦.٧٪ على التوالي. لم يوجد طلاب يعانون من السمنة في هذه الدراسة، ولكن كان هناك ١١.٧٪ من الطلاب يعانون من زيادة الوزن. كان معدل الانتشار العام لاختلال الدهون في الدم بين الطلاب المشاركين ٨٦.٧٪، وارتفاع الكوليسترول في الدم ٢١.٧٪، وزيادة الدهون الثلاثية في الدم ٢٣.٨٪ وزيادة كوليسترول البروتينات الدهنية منخفضة الكثافة ٣١.٧٪ وانخفاض كوليسترول البروتينات الدهنية عالية الكثافة ٨١.٧٪. وكانت الدهون المختلطة منتشرة عند ٨.٨٪ من الطلاب. بلغ معدل الانتشار المنعزل لكلا من ارتفاع الكوليسترول، وزيادة الدهون الثلاثية، وانخفاض كوليسترول البروتينات الدهنية عالية الكثافة ١٢.٩٪، ١٥٪، و٧٠٪، على التوالي. كان اختلال الدهون في الدم مرتبطا بشكل كبير مع الجنس من الذكور، وتقدم العمر، والإقامة الحضرية، والكليات الطبية والعلوم الطبيعية. من ناحية أخرى، كان التدخين، ومضغ القات، والنشاط البدني، واستهلاك الوجبات السريعة، والفواكه والخضروات، وتناول الأسماك من العوامل غير المرتبطة باختلال الدهون في الدم. الاستنتاجات: هذه هي أول دراسة بشرية أجريت في جامعة إب خلال الحرب في اليمن. وكان اختلال الدهون في الدم منتشرا كثيرا بين الطلاب الجامعيين اليمنيين الأصحاء في مدينة إب. وكان انخفاض كوليسترول البروتينات الدهنية عالية الكثافة أكثر أنواع الاختلالات الدهنية في الدم انتشارا، يليه زيادة مستويات كوليسترول البروتينات الدهنية منخفضة الكثافة. وارتبط الجنس، والعمر، ومكان الإقامة ونوع الكلية ارتباطا وثيقا باختلال الدهون في الدم. تشير هذه النتائج إلى الحاجة إلى برامج متخصصة لتحديد مستويات الدهون في الدم، لبدء برامج التدخل للحد من انتشار اختلال الدهون في الدم ومنع مضاعفاتها بين طلاب الجامعة اليمنيين. Abstract: Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of dyslipidemia and patterns of lipid profile and associated factors among Yemeni university students. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 240 Yemeni students (116 males and 124 females) at Ibb University. The students were randomly selected from various faculties of the university. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from all participants. Fasting blood specimens were collected from all students for measurement of serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) were used. Results: The mean age of the studied cohort was 19.8 ± 1.8 years; 48.3% were men and 51.7% were women. About 56.7% of the participants were from rural areas. Qat chewers and cigarette smokers comprised 63.3% and 6.7% of the cohort, respectively. No obese students were found in this study; however, 11.7% were overweight. The overall prevalence of dyslipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, high LDL-C, and low HDL-C among the participating students were 86.7%, 21.7%, 23.8%, 31.7%, and 81.7%, respectively. Mixed hyperlipidemia was present in 8.8% of the students. The prevalence of isolated hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and low HDL-C was 12.9%, 15%, and 70%, respectively. Dyslipidemia was significantly associated with male sex, increasing age, urban residence, and medical and natural science faculties. In contrast, smoking, qat chewing, physical activity, and the consumption of fast food, fruits and vegetables, and fish were not significantly associated with dyslipidemia. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first human study conducted at Ibb University during wartime in Yemen. Dyslipidemia was highly prevalent among healthy Yemeni university students in Ibb city. Low HDL-C was the most prevalent type of dyslipidemia, followed by increased levels of LDL-C. Gender, age, residence, and type of faculty were also closely related to dyslipidemia. These results indicate the need for specialized programs to determine blood lipid levels and initiate intervention programs to reduce the prevalence and prevent the complications of dyslipidemia among Yemeni university students. الكلمات المفتاحية: اختلال الدهون في الدم, إب, الطلاب, ارتفاع الكوليسترول, زيادة الدهون الثلاثية في الدم, Keywords: Dyslipidemia, Hypercholesterolemia, Hypertriglyceridemia, Ibb, Students

Lettuce is one of the most famous leafy vegetables worldwide with lots of applications from food to other specific uses. There are different types in the lettuce group for consumers to choose from. Additionally, lettuce is an excellent source of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids, and chlorophyll with related health benefits. At the same time, nutrient composition and antioxidant compounds are different between lettuce varieties, especially for green and red lettuce types. The benefit of lettuce consumption depends on its composition, particularly antioxidants, which can function as nutrients. The health benefits rely on their biochemical effect when reaching the bloodstream. Some components can be released from the food matrix and altered in the digestive system. Indeed, the bioaccessibility of lettuce is measuring the quantity of these compounds released from the food matrix during digestion, which is important for health-promoting features. Extraction of bioactive compounds is one of the new trends observed in lettuce and is necessarily used for several application fields. Therefore, this review aims to demonstrate the nutritional value of lettuce and its pharmacological properties. Due to their bioaccessibility and bioavailability, the consumer will be able to comprehensively understand choosing a healthier lettuce diet. The common utilization pattern of lettuce extracted nutrients will also be summarized for further direction.

Enzymes that degrade pectin are called pectinases. Pectinases of microbial origin are used in juice clarification as the process is cost-effective. This study screened a pectinase-producing bacterium isolated from soil and identified as Bacillus subtilis 15A B-92 based on the 16S rRNA molecular technique. The purified pectinase from the isolate showed 99.6 U/mg specific activity and 11.6-fold purity. The molecular weight of the purified bacterial pectinase was 14.41 ± 1 kD. Optimum pectinase activity was found at pH 4.5 and 50 °C, and the enzyme was 100% stable for 3.5 h in these conditions. No enzymatic inhibition or activation effect was seen with Fe2+, Ca2+, or Mg2+. However, a slight inhibition was seen with Cu2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+. Tween 20 and 80 slightly inhibited the pectinase, whereas iodoacetic acid (IAA), ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), urea, and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) showed potent inhibition. The bacterial pectinase degraded citrus pectin (100%); however, it was inactive in the presence of galactose. With citrus pectin as the substrate, the Km and Vmax were calculated as 1.72 mg/mL and 1609 U/g, respectively. The high affinity of pectinase for its substrate makes the process cost-effective when utilized in food industries. The obtained pectinase was able to clarify orange and apple juices, justifying its application in the food industry.

The present study evaluated the possible synergistic impacts of sodium butyrate and Spirulina platensis as a feed additive on growth performance, carcass composition, blood health, and intestinal histomorphology of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). A control and three treated diets were supplemented with sodium butyrate (SB) 350 mg, Spirulina platensis (SP) 1g and a mixture of 350 mg SB and 1g SP/kg diet (SB/SP) respectively, were fed for monosex Nile tilapia (12.5± 0.50 g, n=120) for two months. The results revealed higher growth performance (final weight, weight gain, weight gain rate, SGR and PER) compared to control group (CG) (P

Background. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels that occurs either due to insufficient insulin production or mounting resistance to its action. The purpose of this study was to investigate if methanolic extracts of Lepidium sativum seeds, Ficus carica, and Punica granatum leaves had any effect on blood sugar levels in normal and streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats, as well as to explore the most effective extract. Method. Healthy male albino rats weighing 185-266 g were divided into nine groups of eight rats each: normal control, diabetic control, diabetic rats with dietary supplements of L. sativum, F. carica, and P. granatum methanolic extracts, and diabetics treated with insulin. All of the rats were fed on ordinary diet with nutritional pellets and were given water ad libitum. To induce diabetes, all animals were administered with STZ intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 60 mg/kg body weight. For five weeks, the crude plant extracts were given orally to various groups of rats at doses of one hundred and two hundred mg/kg body weight. After that, animal groups were sacrificed and blood samples were taken. Results. Phytochemical analysis revealed that the highest amounts of polyphenolic compounds were present in L. sativum seeds and P. granatum leaves, while leaves of F. carica showed the highest amounts of alkaloid and flavonoid content compared to other extracts. Oral administration of F. carica and L. sativum extracts at the dosage of 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly reduced glucose, lipid profile, kidney, and liver enzyme levels. A significant increase in HbAlc levels was also observed with L. sativum extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg compared to diabetic controls. Mellitus rats supplemented with 100 and 200 mg/kg methanolic extracts of P. granatum had higher serum triglycerides and lower serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) than normal control rats. F. carica extract is more effective than L. sativum and P. granatum extracts in the prevention and control of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its consequences.

The binding of fluoroquinolones, the most commonly prescribed antibiotics, with melanin is well explored. However, their binding patterns and exact mechanism of interaction with tyrosinase, a key enzyme in melanogenesis, are not explored yet. Thus, in the present study, seven fluoroquinolone drugs were selected to characterize their interactions with the tyrosinase enzyme: ciprofloxacin, enoxacin sesquihydrate, ofloxacin, levofloxacin, sparfloxacin, moxifloxacin and gemifloxacin. The results confirmed that all the drugs execute excellent enzyme activity, with an inhibition range from IC50 = 28 ± 4 to 50 ± 1.9 μM, outperforming the standard hydroquinone (IC50 = 170 μM). Later, kinetic studies revealed that all the drugs showed irreversible, but mixed-type, tyrosinase inhibition, with a preferentially competitive mode of action. Further, 2D and 3D docked complexes and binding analyses confirmed their significant interactions in the active region of the target enzyme, sufficient for the downstream signaling responsible for the observed tyrosinase inhibition. Thus, this is the first report demonstrating their mechanism of tyrosinase inhibition, critical for melanin-dependent responses, including toxicity.

Nowadays perovskite emerges as a promising photosensitive material for next-generation solution-processed devices. Perovskite-based solar cells degrade in ambient conditions up to some extent, after which they are discarded. In our work, we are using reusing the degraded cells as a high-performance stable perovskite-based photodetector. The symmetry of the detector is FTO/PEDOT:PSS/Perovskite/PC61BM/CdS/Ag showing sensitivity to light with respect to (w.r.t) impedance and capacitance. To enhance the excitons generation and absorption of light, the electron transport layer of cadmium sulfide along with PC61BM is selected and PEDOT:PSS layer is used for hole transportation. Atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and UV-absorption spectrum were obtained to study the surface morphology, composition, and absorption of the perovskite layer. The electric parameters within the frequency range 100 Hz to 200 kHz of samples under the effect of light were investigated. Experimental results showed that with the change in light intensity from dark to 325 W/m2, the highest impedance and capacitance were observed at 100 Hz. The impedance sensitivity is −126.154 kΩ m2/W and the uppermost capacitance sensitivity w.r.t light intensity is 6.77 pF m2/W. Frequency-impedance and capacitance relationships and sensitivities were also measured. The results showed that in the range from 100 Hz to 200 kHz the maximum impedance sensitivity is −343.37 Ω/Hz in dark condition. While the capacitance sensitivity was highest when light intensity was 325 W/m2 (−37.27 pF/kHz), respectively. We attribute these observations due to the generation of electron-hole pairs under light and by the increase of their concentration, by the presence of the built-in capacitance and possible frequency dependence of the mobility of the charges. Keywords: Perovskite, Photodetector, Frequency, Hybrid organic-inorganic, Impedance mode, Capacitance mode

Clinical guidelines for the prevention of stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) are available from several international cardiology associations. Patients with NVAF in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region present unique challenges and opportunities related to differences in geography, practice patterns, and patient demographics that are as yet unaddressed in practice guidelines. This review aims to offer a practical perspective on the management of NVAF in patients in MENA and draws on evidence-based guidelines as well as real-world evidence and expert opinion. The literature was searched for relevant original research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and guideline recommendations addressing the prevention of stroke in patients with NVAF with a focus on issues relevant to the MENA region. Guideline recommendations, best practices, and expert opinion were discussed and agreed on by a working group consisting of cardiologists from across the MENA region. The incidence of stroke secondary to atrial fibrillation in patients across the MENA region is higher than rates reported globally, and this might be attributed to a higher incidence of vascular risk factors and underuse of anticoagulants in patients in the MENA. The available evidence supports the established role of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in the prevention of stroke in patients with NVAF. There is a consistent body of clinical trial and real-world evidence supporting their efficacy for stroke prevention in NVAF, with more favorable bleeding risk profiles relative to vitamin K antagonists, such that guidelines now recommend the use of NOACs in preference over vitamin K antagonists. There are important opportunities to improve the management of NVAF outcomes for patients with NVAF by applying evidence-based guidelines for stroke prevention. Growing experience with NOACs in the MENA region will help guide patient selection and elucidate optimal dosing strategies to maximize the clinical benefits of the NOACs. Keywords: Non-valvular atrial fibrillation, NOACs, Stroke prevention, Middle East and North Africa

Vaccines afford protection against infectious diseases. However, a sizeable part of the population refuse vaccinations and continue to dispute the evidence supporting vaccinations. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccination uptake and its determinants among the Saudi population in the southern region of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional survey studied COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in adults in Saudi Arabia, targeting the general population in the southwestern region. Data were collected through an online survey questionnaire tool. All data were analysed using SPSS version 23.0. The majority (57.29%) of the participants were willing to receive the new COVID-19 vaccine, whereas almost 64% believed it is necessary to take the COVID-19 vaccine to protect oneself and that the vaccine is safe, efficient and effective. The data showed that perceived risk of COVID-19 (p = 0.015), history of previous vaccination against seasonal influenza (p = 0.000), and trust in the healthcare system (p = 0.025) were significant predictors for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. We conclude that participants’ trust in the healthcare system, perceived risk of contracting COVID-19, and history of previous vaccination against seasonal influenza were significant predictors for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Knowing the acceptance rates for the COVID-19 vaccination can aid state agencies, medical practitioners, and other entities in reducing the impact of vaccine avoidance.

Nonthermal plasma processing is a dry, environment-friendly and chemical-free method of improving the wettability, adhesion, self-cleaning and dying quality of fabrics without affecting their bulk properties. This study presents a green synthesis and coating method for the immobilization of nanoparticles of ZnO on the nonthermal plasma functionalized cotton fabric. The self-cleaning activity of ZnO-coated cotton was then optimized statistically. The ultraviolet protection and antimicrobial activity of the optimized and a control sample were also elaborated in this study. Psidium guajava Linn (guava) plant extract and zinc chloride were used in the ultrasonic biosynthesis of ZnO nanoparticles and concurrent immobilization over plasma functionalized cotton. Sodium hydroxide was used as a reaction accelerator. Statistical complete composite design (CCD) based on the amount of ZnCl2, NaOH and plasma exposure time was used to optimize the role of input parameters on the self-cleaning ability of the coated cotton. Methylene blue in water was used as a sample pollutant in the self-cleaning study. The ZnO-coated cotton showed notably high self-cleaning activity of 94% and a UV protection factor of 69.87. The antimicrobial activity against E. Coli and S. Aureus bacteria was also appreciably high compared to the control.

In this study, nickel oxide (NiO) thin films were deposited on soda lime glass using radio-frequency magnetron sputtering at different growth (substrate) temperatures ranging from room temperature (RT) to 400 °C. The effects of substrate temperature on the structural, morphological, electrical, and optical properties were investigated. The XRD pattern unveiled a dominant peak with (2 0 0) preferential orientations for the film grown at 100 °C. However, for samples grown at high temperatures, a gradual decrease of (2 0 0) peak intensity was observed, which may be the result of the decomposition of NiO as confirmed via EDX. Surface morphology from FESEM revealed that grains were randomly orientated on the surface with maximum grain size of 19.43 nm. Upon increasing the growth temperature, the crystal quality and grain size substantially deteriorated, which is consistent with the XRD results. Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) finds rough surface with the highest surface roughness obtained at RT with a value of 1.232 nm. Electrical resistivity was found to be highly dependent on the growth temperature that decreases from 2150 Ω cm to 72 Ω cm as the substrate temperature increases. For optical properties, the optical bandgap of the NiO films decreases from 3.8 eV to 3.2 eV as a function of substrate temperature as derived from the optical transmittance data. Results show the potential application of the NiO films in photovoltaic devices. Keywords: Magnetron sputtering, Material properties NiO thin film, Substrate temperature, Transparent conducting oxide