Greater Inhibition Research Articles

Green synthesis of anethole-loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles enhances antibacterial strategies against pathogenic bacteria.

The threat of antibiotic resistance is escalating, diminishing the effectiveness of numerous antibiotics due to the rapid development of resistant bacteria. In response, the use of green-synthesized nanoparticle, alone or combined with antimicrobial agents, appears promising. This study explores the effectiveness of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) synthesized using Loranthus cordifolius leaf extracts and subsequently coated with anethole. The fabrication of these nanoparticles was confirmed via UV-Vis, FTIR and TEM analyses, ensuring the nanoparticles were produced as intended. Utilizing a nanoprecipitation process that excludes evaporation and drying, a high drug loading capacity of 16.59% was accomplished. The encapsulation efficiency for anethole was recorded at 88.23 ± 4.98%. Antibacterial efficacy was assessed by com paring the green-synthesized ZnONPs (average size: 14.47nm), anethole-loaded ZnONPs (average size: 14,75nm), and commercially sourced ZnONPs. The ZnONPs with anethole demonstrated superior inhibition against all tested bacterial strains, including Gram-negative species like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, and Gram-positive species like Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, outperforming the commercially available ZnONPs. Additionally, anethole-coated ZnONPs showed the greatest inhibition of Gyr-B activity (IC50 = 0.78 ± 0.2M), better than both green-synthesized and commercially available ZnONPs. These findings emphasize the enhanced antimicrobial properties of ZnONPs, particularly when combined with green synthesis and anethole loading, highlighting their potential in various biomedical applications.

De novo Drug Design and Repurposing to suppress Liver Cancer via VEGF-R1 Mechanism: Comprehensive Molecular Docking, MolecularDynamics Simulations and ADME Estimation

Aims: The aim is to halt the progression of liver cancer [Hepatocellular carcinoma] by suppressing the VEGF-R1 receptor using Myricetin and its de novo-designed analogues. Background: VEGF/VEGFR autocrine signalling promotes the growth, progression, and metastasis of Hepatocellular carcinoma, making the development of molecularly targeted therapies highly feasible. Invasive and metastatic behaviours in various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC], are closely monitored through the use of VEGF signalling pathway inhibitors. Specifically in HCC, VEGFR-1 facilitates the invasive capabilities of cancer cells primarily by triggering the epithelial-mesenchymal transition [EMT] process. VEGFR-1 significantly influences the activity of proteolytic enzymes that are critical for the invasive behaviour of HCC cells. Notably, a novel mechanism has been discovered where VEGFR-1 activation leads to the upregulation of MMP-9, thereby enhancing the invasiveness of HCC cells. The scientists, in their study, have elaborated on the various antiangiogenic agents developed for the treatment of HCC. They have highlighted clinical trials that explore the efficacy of these treatments, which include the application of monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule kinase inhibitors designed to target specific pathways involved in tumour angiogenesis and growth. Objective: Creating a pharmaceutical chemistry table regarding ‘’Structure-Activity Relationship of New Compounds on anticancer’’. To do so, Myricetin and its de novo designed structured variants were used in molecular docking, molecular dynamics, cluster analyses, and 1H NMR estimation to specifically understand and enhance the mechanism of suppressing the VEGF-R1 receptor. Method: Proper ligand [Myricetin and its analogues] and receptor [VEGF-R1] preparations, and optimizations were done using the density functional theory [DFT]/B3LYP function along with the 6-31G[d,p] basis set principle in the latest software programs such as Gaussian 09, Gauss View 6.0 and Avogadro. Then using PyRx and Autodock Vina 1.1.2., many molecular docking trials were achieved with 100 posed simulations in each run. An extensive cluster analysis was performed to identify the most optimal docking poses with the highest accumulation and most favourable binding interactions, ensuring the accuracy of the study. The docking configurations that exhibited the most precise and advantageous binding energies were chosen as initial structured data for subsequent Molecular Dynamics [MD] simulations for each drug candidate. To verify the molecular docking results, MD runs were achieved in our supercomputers and the trajectory analyses were made. The data confirmed what was found in molecular docking results, verifying the high efficiency of the druggable molecules’ inhibition towards VEGF-R1. Result: Amine-derivatized Myricetin has a significantly high docking score [-10.56 kcal/mol] and great inhibition constant compared to pristine Myricetin [-4.77 kcal/mol] itself while Fluorinederivatized Myricetin [-6.45 kcal/mol] has an affinity towards VEGF-R1 between the first two molecules. Thus, the structure-activity relationship concerning pharmaceutical chemistry aspects of all the molecules studied, yielded us a great insight into what Myricetin’s organic structure possesses towards inhibiting the progression of Liver Cancer. Also, ADME studies showed that both Amine and Fluorined-derivatized Myricetin molecules are good drug candidates. Conclusion: This study highlighted the significant potential of Myricetin as an anti-cancer drug when modified with specific functional groups. Through comprehensive in silico computational analyses, our research group enhanced Myricetin's inhibitory capabilities by derivatizing its Hydroxyl group with Amine and Fluorine, resulting in improved docking scores and inhibition constants. The findings from molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations provide a promising foundation for future in vitro and in vivo investigations of this molecule as a potential drug in cancer research.

Effects of Tooth Desensitizers on Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Formation Using a Modified Robbins Device Flow Cell System.

This study aimed to assess the antibiofilm effects of dentin desensitizers using a modified Robbins device flow cell system. The test desensitizers were Saforide, Caredyne Shield, and Clinpro White Varnish. Standardized dentin specimens were prepared from human single-rooted premolars, treated with one of the materials, and mounted on the modified Robbins device flow cell system. Streptococcus mutans biofilms were developed for 24 h at 37 °C under anaerobic conditions. Scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence confocal laser scanning microscopy, viable and total cell counts, acid production, and gene expression analyses were performed. A wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy electron probe microanalyzer was used to analyze the ion incorporations. Clinpro White Varnish showed the greatest inhibition, suggesting its suppression of bacterial adherence and transcription of genes related to biofilm formation. Saforide reduced only the number of viable bacteria, but other results showed no significant difference. The antibiofilm effects of Caredyne Shield were limited. The uptake of ions released from a material into dentin varies depending on the element. Clinpro White Varnish is effective for the short-term treatment of tooth sensitivity due to dentin demineralization. It prioritizes remineralization by supplying calcium and fluoride ions while resisting biofilm formation.

Empirical evidence of the role of executive functions in tolerance of emotional distress

ABSTRACT Executive functions are domain general and therefore coordinate other processes, such as emotion regulation. One emotion regulation skill that has gained interest in the last decade is distress tolerance (DT), but its relationship with executive functions has been poorly explored. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between executive functions and self-perceived and behavioural DT. A total of 196 university students (age: M = 22.63 years; SD = 3.26) completed a Reading Span Task, the Five Digits Test, the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task, and the Distress Tolerance Scale. Better executive functioning was related to higher self-perceived DT. Regarding behavioural DT, students with high DT showed greater cognitive flexibility and greater inhibition than students with low behavioural DT (no differences were found for working memory). The study contribute to the knowledge of the relationships between cognitive and emotional self-regulatory processes and provides a starting point for future research.

Modulation of motor cortex inhibition during manual dexterity tasks: an adaptive threshold hunting study.

Background: The ability to perform intricate movements is crucial for human motor function. The neural mechanisms underlying precision and power grips are incompletely understood. Corticospinal output from M1 is thought to be modulated by GABAA-ergic intracortical networks within M1. Objectives: To investigate the contribution of M1 intracortical inhibition to fine motor control using adaptive threshold hunting with paired-pulse TMS during pinching and grasping tasks. We hypothesised that SICI could be assessed during voluntary activation, and that corticomotor excitability and SICI modulation would be greater during pinch than grasp reflecting corticospinal control. Methods: Seventeen healthy participants performed gradual pinch and grasp tasks. Using an adaptive threshold-hunting method, paired-pulse TMS was applied in the anterior-posterior current direction to assess cortical excitability and SICI in the dominant FDI muscle. SICI and corticomotor excitability were analysed using an LMM. MEP latencies were obtained in LM, PA and AP current directions and compared using paired t-tests. Results: MEP latencies were prolonged with PA and AP coil orientations compared to LM, with AP showing the largest latency. During single-pulse TMS, there was no difference in the TMS intensity required to reach the MEP target during pinching and grasping. Greater inhibition was found during pinching compared to grasping. Conclusion: ATH with paired-pulse TMS permits investigation of intracortical inhibitory networks and their modulation during the performance of dexterous motor tasks revealing a greater modulation of GABAA-ergic inhibition contributing to SICI during pinching compared to grasping.

Gossypol derivate as a green anti-corrosion agent in the aqueous phase of crude oil.

Keeping recruitment of green and cost-effective solutions for environmental challenges in view, the current work was designed to solve the problems related to metal corrosion in the aqueous phases of crude oil in chemical industries. Green materials can play an important role in protecting metals from this corrosion. Hence, the green anti-corrosion material based upon gossypol derivate is suggested to solve the above problems. The electrochemical characteristics were appraised by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical noise methods. The thermodynamics were studied by gravimetric analyses. The surface morphology was scrutinized using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Density functional theory and molecular dynamic simulations were exploited in theoretical analyses. The gossypol derivate is green, non-toxic, more efficient, non-volatile, and chemically stable anti-corrosion material for gas and oil industries. Carbon steel corrosion simulated in aqueous phases of crude oil (NaCl solutions (1.0M) saturated with H2S and CO2) was maximally prohibited by forming a protective layer of binaphthalene. Its protection degree is 96.71% (at 100.0mg/L/0.107mM). The gossypol ring is a suitable core for preparing the next modification materials to protect against corrosion. The rigid adsorption progressed mainly via hydroxyl functional moieties. Compared to the inhibition behavior of the neutral form of gossypol, the optimized protonated form causes a greater inhibition.

Allelopathic potential of invasive alien plant species, Xanthium strumarium L., water and methanol extracts on germination and seedling growth of Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass., and Linum usitatissimum L.

The objective of this study was to investigate the allelopathic impact of Xanthium strumarium on the seedling growth and germination of Guizotia abyssinica and Linum usitatissimum. Plant specimens and samples of Xanthium strumarium were collected from the Minjar-Shenkora district in Ethiopia. In the laboratory, a series of dilutions of extracts from the leaves and roots of Xanthium strumarium were prepared using distilled water and methanol (99.85%) as solvents. Twenty-five grams of root and leaf samples were soaked separately in 250 mL of the specified solvent to create the stock solution. The experiment was carried out using Petri dishes in a completely random manner, with three replications repeated twice. Various concentrations of the extracts (25, 50, 75, and 100%) were applied as treatments, while distilled water served as the control. Each petri dish contained 25 seeds of each test crop and 5 mL of the corresponding extract. The number of Linum usitatissimum and Guizotia abyssinica seeds germinating was recorded every 24 hours until 12 and 14 days, respectively. Both descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted. When Guizotia abyssinica and Linum usitatissimum seeds were treated with 100% concentrations of water extract from leaf samples, germination percentages were inhibited by 72 and 77.4%, respectively. In methanol extracts, the entire inhibition of germination was observed in both test plant species at ≥ 50% and ≥ 75% concentrations of leaf and root samples, respectively. Therefore, the inhibitory effect of water and methanol extracts showed a concentration-dependent pattern, with increasing concentrations resulting in greater inhibition. The inhibitory effect of leaf extracts was more pronounced compared to root extracts, suggesting the presence of herbicidal activities. Further phytochemical and molecular studies are recommended to identify the active compounds in Xanthium strumarium. Additionally, utilizing isolated allelopathic substances as a means of controlling invasive alien species is suggested.

Effects of Over-Sintering on Cyclic Calcination and Carbonization of Natural Limestone for CO2 Capture

To know the sustainable performance of calcium-based adsorbents is one of the important aspects to realize efficient and economical carbon capture, and to systematically study the properties of natural adsorbents is conducive to their industrialization. The cyclic calcination and carbonation characteristics of a typical natural limestone were investigated using a thermal gravimetric analyzer. Two kinds of over-sintering conditions were selected to emphatically study the cyclic separation of CO2 from limestones through prolonging the calcination time and increasing the calcination temperature. The results showed that the untimely end of the chemical reaction control stage caused by excessive sintering is the direct reason for the reduction in cyclic carbonation conversion, and the changes in surface morphology of calcined products due to pore collapse and fusion are the fundamental reasons for the reduction in cyclic carbonation conversion. The excessive sintering caused by extending the calcining time or increasing the calcining temperature has great inhibition on this cycle only; the inhibition decreases rapidly in subsequent cycles. In addition, SEM and BET–BJH tests further confirm the influence of the over-sintering phenomenon. With the further increase in cycle number, the early excessive sintering has certain stimulative effects on the subsequent carbonation reaction. It is expected to provide a reference for the subsequent research and development of natural calcium-based adsorbents.

An in-depth analysis of microbial response to exposure to high concentrations of microplastics in anaerobic wastewater fermentation

The impact of microplastics (MPs) in anaerobic wastewater treatment on microbial metabolism is significant. Anaerobic granular sludge (AS) and biofilm (BF) are two common ways, and their responses to microplastics will have a direct impact on their application potential. This study investigated the microbial reactions of AS and BF to three types of MPs: polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and a mixture of both (MIX). Results exhibited that MPs reduced methane output by 44.65 %, 55.89 %, and 53.18 %, elevated short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels by 95.93 %, 124.49 %, and 110.78 %, and lowered chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal by 28.77 %, 36.78 %, and 33.99 % for PE-MP, PVC-MP, and MIX-MP, respectively, with PVC-MP showing the greatest inhibition. Meanwhile, microplastics also facilitated the relative production of reactive oxygen species (ROS, 40.29 %–96.99 %), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH, 20.01 %–75.02 %), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP, 26.64 %–43.80 %), while reducing cytochrome c (cyt c, 23.60 %–49.02 %) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS, 17.44 %–26.58 %). AS and BF displayed distinct enzymatic activities under MPs exposure. Correspondingly, 16S-rRNA sequencing indicated that AS was mainly involved in acetate generation by Firmicutes, while BF performed polysaccharide degradation by Bacteroidota. Metatranscriptomic analysis showed AS to be rich in acetogens (Bacillus, Syntrophobacter) and methanogens (Methanothrix, Methanobacterium), while BF contained more fermentation bacteria (Mesotoga, Lentimicrobium) and electroactive microorganisms (Clostridium, Desulfuromonas) under MIX-MP. Moreover, BF exhibited higher glycolysis gene expression, whereas AS was more active in methane metabolism, primarily through the acetoclastic methanogenic pathway's direct acetate conversion. This study provides new insights into understanding the microbial response produced by microplastics during anaerobic wastewater digestion.

Total Phenolics, Flavonoids, and ɑ-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity of Red Betel (Piper crocatum) Extract in Various Solvents

Alpha-glucosidase enzyme activity needs to be inhibited to avoid increasing blood sugar levels in diabetics. Red betel leaf extract is reported to have active compounds such as phenolics and flavonoids that have alpha-glucosidase enzyme inhibition activity. Previous research showed that 70% betel leaf extract has an ɑ-glucosidase enzyme inhibition activity of 69.84%, but it is not yet known how the effect of extracts with different levels of polarity on the inhibition activity of alpha-glucosidase enzyme. This study aimed to determine extracts that have optimal levels of phenolic and flavonoid content and the highest suppression of α-glucosidase activity. The multistage maceration method was used to extract red betel leaf simplicia using solvents with different levels of polarity (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol). Tests were conducted on overall phenolic concentration, flavonoids, and ɑ-glucosidase inhibition ability. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA test with Tukey's further test (p<0.05). The results of the assessment of phenolic concentration, flavonoids, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity as a whole showed statistically significant differences (p<0.05) in all extracts with the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content found in the n-hexane extract of 25.68 ± 0.29 mg GAE/g and 65.84 ± 0.96 mg QE/g respectively. Meanwhile, methanol extract of red betel leaf became the best extract in this study with the greatest inhibition among all extracts with a percent α-glucosidase inhibition value of 43.87 ± 1.83%.

Effects of Sucrose and Farnesol on Biofilm Formation by Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans.

Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) are frequently detected in the plaque biofilms of children with early childhood caries. This study investigated the effects of sucrose and farnesol on biofilm formation by the oral pathogens S. mutans and C. albicans, including their synergistic interactions. Biofilm formation dynamics were monitored using the Cell Index (CI). The CI for S. mutans increased in the brain-heart infusion medium, peaking at 10 h; however, the addition of sucrose reduced the CI. For C. albicans yeast cells, the CI increased at sucrose concentrations > 0.5%, peaking at 2 h. Mixed cultures of S. mutans and C. albicans yeast cells showed significantly higher CI values in the presence of sucrose, suggesting a synergistic effect on biofilm formation. Farnesol consistently suppressed biofilm formation by C. albicans yeast cells, even in the presence of sucrose, and higher farnesol concentrations resulted in greater inhibition. Regarding C. albicans hyphal cells, sucrose did not enhance biofilm formation, whereas farnesol significantly reduced biofilm formation at all concentrations tested. These findings elucidate the complex roles of sucrose and farnesol in biofilm formation by S. mutans and C. albicans and emphasize the potential of farnesol as an effective oral biofilm inhibitor.

The antimicrobial efficacy of Ascorbic acid against several strains of Escherichia coli

Objective Ascorbic acid's acknowledged antioxidant and immune-stimulating qualities led to an increase in interest in its antibacterial qualities. Nonetheless, comprehending the impact of ascorbic acid on distinct Escherichia coli strains continues to be challenging. Methods In this work, four strains of Escherichia coli—enterotoxigenic, enteroinvasive, enteropathogenic, and enteroaggregative—were treated with three different doses of ascorbic acid: 5, 10, and 20 mg/ml. Escherichia coli strain vitality and proliferation were assessed using spectrophotometer absorbance readings after treatment. Results On the treated strains, there was a discernible dose-dependent inhibitory effect. The absorption dropped off significantly from 0.310 ± 0.082 when compared to the positive control (0 mg/ml) to 0.102 ± 0.017 (p<0.001) following the administration of 20 mg/ml of vitamin C. Ascorbic acid at a 5 mg/ml concentration demonstrated the greatest inhibition from 0.310 ± 0.082 to 0.125 ± 0.025 (p<0.001), despite the little incremental changes. Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli exhibited the most amount of inhibition, according to our findings. Conclusion In the end, the experiment showed that ascorbic acid inhibits Escherichia coli growth. According to the studies, at lower doses, ascorbic acid may be able to limit the growth of certain strains of Escherichia coli. To find out how much ascorbic acid is best consumed in human situations or to comprehend the underlying mechanisms that contribute to its beneficial benefits, more research is needed.

Inhibitory activity and antioomycete mechanism of citral against Phytophthora capsici

The natural terpenoid citral has antifungal activity against multiple fungi, but its bioactivity against oomycetes is unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the antioomycete activity and mechanism of citral against Phytophthora capsici, a highly destructive invasive oomycete. Results showed that citral not only had a great inhibition on the mycelial growth of P. capsici (EC50 = 94.15 mg/L), but also had a significant inhibition on multiple spores, such as sporangia formation, zoospore discharge and zoospore germination. Citral at 4000 mg/L exhibited favorable protective (73.33%) and curative efficacy (55.11%) against pepper Phytophthora blight. Citral significantly damaged the hyphal morphology, disrupted the cell membrane integrity, increased the permeability of cell membrane, and increased the glycerol content in P. capsici. A total of 250 upregulated and 288 downregulated proteins were identified in iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic analysis. Downregulated proteins were mostly enriched in pathways of ABC transporters, cyanoamino acid metabolism and starch and sucrose metabolism, suggesting an inhibition of citral on transmembrane transporter (e.g., ABC transporters) and pathogenicity (e.g., β-glucosidases) proteins. Upregulated proteins were enriched in biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, pyruvate metabolism and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, suggesting an activation of citral on energy generation proteins, including acyl-CoA oxidase, D-lactate dehydrogenase, pyruvate kinase, acetyl-CoA synthetase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. Biochemical and iTRAQ analysis suggested that cell membrane may be the target of citral in P. capsici.

Ru(II)-arene azole complexes as anti-amyloid-β agents.

With the recent clinical success of anti-amyloid-β (Aβ) monoclonal antibodies, there is a renewed interest in agents which target the Aβ peptide of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Metal complexes are particularly well-suited for this development, given their structural versatility and ability to form stabile interactions with soluble Aβ. In this report, a small series of ruthenium-arene complexes were evaluated for their respective ability to modulate both the aggregation and cytotoxicity of Aβ. First, the stability of the complexes was evaluated in a variety of aqueous media where the complexes demonstrated exceptional stability. Next, the ability to coordinate and modulate the Aβ peptide was evaluated using several spectroscopic methods, including thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Overall, the complex RuBO consistently gave the greatest inhibitory action towards Aβ aggregation, which correlated with its ability to coordinate to Aβ in solution. Furthermore, RuBO also had the lowest affinity for serum albumin, which is a key consideration for a neurotherapeutic, as this protein does not cross the blood brain barrier. Lastly, RuBO also displayed promising neuroprotective properties, as it had the greatest inhibition of Aβ-inducted cytotoxicity.

Effect of genetically engineered drugs in aseptic necrosis of the femoral head in rats

Bone tissue is a dynamic structure with a metabolic function. The maintenance of bone homeostasis is carried out due to the continuous process of its renewal, remodeling. At the same time, a number of pathological processes, such as ischemic catastrophe, can lead to a violation of the balance of maintaining the constancy of the bone structure. One of these diseases is aseptic necrosis of the femoral head. The presented study analyzes the dynamics of expression of genes involved in maintaining bone tissue homeostasis, changes in the histological picture during the development of aseptic necrosis of the femoral head in laboratory rats that did not receive genetically engineered drugs and against the background of the use of inhibitors of biological action IL-6, TNF-α. After induction of aseptic necrosis in the proximal epiphysis of the femur, the histological picture in animals of different groups was not the same. More preserved bone architectonics and a larger volume of bone plates were recorded in rats receiving genetically engineered drugs compared to animals without the introduction of biological agents. The latter also had the most vivid picture of osteodestruction with increased expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes. In animals, against the background of the use of drugs of inhibitors of the biological action of IL-6, TNF-α, from the second week after induction of aseptic necrosis of the mRNA, the profile of the spongiose bone of the proximal epiphysis of the femur tended to increase the expression of osteoreparation genes. At the same time, the greatest inhibition of osteoclastogenesis gene expression was obtained in rats after injection of a monoclonal antibody to the IL-6 receptor.

Ferula latisecta gels for synthesis of zinc/silver binary nanoparticles: antibacterial effects against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and physicochemical characteristics

This study explores the potential antibacterial applications of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) enhanced with silver (Ag) using plant gel (ZnO-AgO NPs). The problem addressed is the increasing prevalence of pathogenic bacteria and the need for new, effective antimicrobial agents. ZnO NPs possess distinctive physicochemical properties that enable them to selectively target bacterial cells. Their small size and high surface area-to-volume ratio allow efficient cellular uptake and interaction with bacterial cells. In this study, the average size of the synthesized ZnO-Ag nanoparticles was 77.1 nm, with a significant standard deviation of 33.7 nm, indicating a wide size distribution. The nanoparticles demonstrated remarkable antibacterial efficacy against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, with inhibition zones of 14.33 mm for E. coli and 15.66 mm for B. subtilis at a concentration of 300 µg/ml. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined to be 100 µg/ml for E. coli and 75 µg/ml for S. saprophyticus. Additionally, ZnO-Ag NPs exhibited excellent biocompatibility, making them appropriate for various pharmacological uses. This study utilizes Ferula latisecta gels, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to nanoparticle synthesis. Incorporating of Ag into ZnO NPs significantly enhances their antimicrobial properties, with the combined results showing great inhibition effects on pathogenic microbes. The findings suggest that ZnO-Ag NPs could be a promising candidate for addressing the challenges posed by drug-resistant bacterial infections and enhancing antimicrobial treatments.

Evaluation of the Combination Effects of Extracts of Jatropha tanjorensis and Adansonia digitata on Clinical Fungal Isolates

Introduction: The proliferation of fake drugs and the multiple resistance seen in conventional fungicidal drugs has led to the use of medicinal plants to treat fungal infections. There are claims that Jatropha tanjorensis and Adansonia digitata have fungicidal potentials, hence this study. Aim: To evaluate the combination effects of the extracts of Jatropha tanjorensis and Adansonia digitata on clinical fungal isolates. Study Design: Randomized sampling of the plants was done by harvesting the plants from different farm in Nsukka Enugu State. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Enugu State, South East of Nigeria, from November 2023 to March 2024. Methodology: Phytochemical screening was done on the two plants. The methanolic and aqueous (cold and hot) extracts of these plants bark and stem were assessed for their antifungal activities against six fungal isolates using agar diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were done according to standard methods. Results: The plants contain alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, tannin, glycoside and phenol. The hot water extracts of J. tanjorensis stem gave higher zones of inhibition diameter (IZD) than the methanolic extracts and the methanolic extracts of A. digitata bark gave higher IZD than the aqueous extracts. The combination of these two potent extracts showed greatest inhibition on Aspergillus niger, Candida albican and then least inhibition on Trichophyton shoenleinii, this was found to be statistically significant at (P<.05), the P value was (P=0.001). The lowest (MIC) and (MFC) were recorded in A. niger and Candida albican at (1.5625mg/ml) while the highest (MIC) and (MFC) were recorded in T. shoenleinii, at (25mg/ml). Conclusion: This study revealed that the combined plant extracts were more effective against opportunistic fungi than the dermatophytes.

Rapid determination of the antimicrobial properties of surfaces using an enzymatic activity surrogate

AbstractTypical approaches for assessing the antimicrobial activity of metals‐based surfaces involve the contact of a bacterial culture with the surface for a period of time, followed by culturing on agar plates to assess the decrease in microbial viability versus controls. This is a time‐consuming methodology requiring at least 24 h to produce a set of results, which can be a bottleneck for productivity in novel materials development. An enzyme‐based method was shown to be a satisfactory and much more rapid surrogate test for this application. A β‐galactosidase solution was applied to copper, silver, and zinc‐based antimicrobial surfaces for up to 1 h, and then the rate of colour development at 578 nm was monitored for a few minutes after addition of the chromogenic enzyme substrate chlorophenol red‐β‐d‐galactopyranoside (CPRG). Highly active antimicrobial surfaces were detected by a lack of colour development, due to enzyme inhibition by the metals. The enzymatic reaction rates were quantified and compared, demonstrating that the copper sample showed the greatest inhibition effect followed by the silver and zinc samples. The antimicrobial activity was quantified using bacteria and the plate count method, and the results correlated well with this enzyme assay, demonstrating that the metals‐based antimicrobial activities of both hard and soft (textile) surfaces could be quickly assessed with this enzyme‐based methodology.

Optimising butyric and lactic acid yield from xylose by adjusting pH

This work studies the pH effect in xylose mixed culture fermentation, focusing on lactic and butyric acid production. Batch tests showed a complete substrate consumption at slightly acidic (pH 6) and alkaline conditions (pH 8), but a great inhibition of xylose conversion was observed at pH 4. Acetic acid was the only product at pH 8, while at pH 6, butyric and propionic acids were quantified as well with a large proportion of unidentified compounds. Continuous reactor operation showed that changes within the acidic pH range (pH 4.5 to pH 6) affect the acidification degree but not the product distribution, reaching the maximum butyric acid yield (0.38 Cmol/Cmol-s) at pH 5, while lactic acid was only detected when xylose conversion or butyric acid concentration dropped. Batch tests demonstrated that butyric acid was not inhibitory for xylose or lactic acid conversion and that the main product of lactic acid fermentation was butyric acid. Although pH is an essential variable steering the fermentation yield and selectivity, this study demonstrates that it must be combined with other operational conditions in order to obtain a stable production of lactic and butyric acids.

Integrated analysis reveals the immunotoxicity mechanism of BPs on human lymphocytes

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-documented endocrine-disrupting chemical widely used in plastic products. In addition to its endocrine-disrupting effects, BPA exhibits immunotoxicity. Many countries have banned BPA because of its adverse effects on human health. In recent years, many chemicals such as bisphenol B (BPB), bisphenol E (BPE), bisphenol S (BPS), and bisphenol fluorene (BHPF) have been used to replace BPA. Because these replacement chemicals have chemical structures similar to that of BPA, they may also harm human health. However, their immunotoxicity and the molecular mechanisms underlying their toxicity remain largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunotoxicity of BPA and its replacement chemicals, as well as the underlying mechanisms by exposing primary human lymphocytes to BPA and its replacement chemicals. Our results showed that exposure to BPA and its replacement chemicals altered the interleukin (IL) and cytokine production, such as IL-1b, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, interferon alfa-2b (IFN-a2B), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), in the lymphocytes. Among these, BPA and BHPF caused a greater inhibition. Using comparative transcriptomic analysis, we further investigated the biological processes and signaling pathways altered by BHPF exposure. Our data highlighted alterations in the immune response, T cell function, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions in human lymphocytes through the deregulation of gene clusters. In addition, the results of ingenuity pathway analysis demonstrated the inhibition of T lymphocyte function, including differentiation, movement, and infiltration. Our results, for the first time, delineate the mechanisms underlying the immunotoxicity of BHPF in human lymphocytes.