Negative Strains Research Articles

Unveiling the interaction, cytotoxicity and antibacterial potential of pyridine derivatives: an experimental and theoretical approach with bovine serum albumin.

The binding interactions between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and three pyridine derivatives, i.e., 2-(5-bromopyridin-3-yl) acetic acid (L1), 3-bromo-5-nitropyridine (L2) and 2-chloro-4-nitropyridine (L3), have been carried out using UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopic methods. Fluorescence intensity quenching is observed by adding L2 and L3 to the BSA solution. The quenched fluorescence emission is due to the static nature. An isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiment shows the binding ability of L1 with BSA. The binding constants are found to be 7.23 ± 0.32 × 105 M-1 for L1. The thermodynamic parameters were calculated from ITC measurements (i.e., ∆H = -2.78 ± 0.08 kcal/mol, ∆G = -5.65 ± 0.25 kcal/mol, and -T∆S = -2.87 ± 0.11 kcal/mol), which indicated that the protein-ligand complex formation between L1 and BSA is mainly due to the hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and structure activity and relationship (SAR) studies have been carried out to establish the relationship between ligands and proteins. Additionally, we conducted an antibacterial assay with gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and negative bacterial strains Acinetobacter baumannii and Escherichia coli against L1, L2, and L3, aiming to address the challenges posed by the co-existence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Finally, drosophila is used to test the cytotoxicity of ligands L1, L2, and L3's in vitro.

Shrinkage behaviour of high-strength concrete plates reinforced with carbon textile reinforcement

Carbon textile reinforcement is a relatively new type of CFRP reinforcement which, when utilized with high-strength concrete, leads to the production of ultra-thin free-form concrete shells. However, such reinforcement usually suffers from weak resistance to compressive stresses, while high-strength concrete is susceptible to high shrinkage rates. This combination may lead to a boor shrinkage behaviour, and thus an excessive shrinkage-related craking. Therefore, this paper aims to study the shrinkage behaviour of high-strength concrete plates reinforced with carbon textile reinforcement. Additionally, the utilization of shrinkage-compensating concrete as a possible shrinkage mitigation method was also investigated. For this aim, twelve concrete plates of dimensions 500 mm × 150 mm x 30 mm were cast. The shrinkage and expansion behaviour of the specimens were monitored for six months using the distributed fibre optic sensor (DFOS) technology, and then all the specimens were tested till failure under a direct tension test. The results have revealed that the existence of textile reinforcement does not provide any significant resistance to the negative strains generated from the shrinkage of concrete, which, for restrained concrete plates, leads to the formulation of wide cracks. On the other hand, the utilization of shrinkage-compensating concrete not only eliminates the formulation of shrinkage-related cracks but also reduces the crack’s width resulting from the loading process by up to 35 % during all stages of loading as illustrated by the fibre optic sensors measurements. Additionally, shrinkage-compensating concrete exhibits a slightly higher compressive strength than normal concrete.

Two Step One-Pot Synthesis of 7-Azaindole Linked 1,2,3-Triazole Hybrids: In-Vitro and In-Silico Antimicrobial Evaluation.

Herein, we report design, synthesis and characterization of a new library of 7-azaindole N-ethyl linked 1,2,3-triazoles containing ethylene as a spacer unit, and evaluation of all the synthesized compounds for their antimicrobial properties. Antibacterial potential was checked against two Gram positive (B. subtilis and S. aureus) and two Gram negative (E. coli and P. aeruginosa) bacterial strains while antifungal potential was assayed against two fungal strains (C. albicans and A. niger). All the tested compounds showed satisfactory antibacterial potency in comparison to reference drug ciprofloxacin with MIC values ranging from 0.0108 to 0.0432 μmol/mL. Interestingly, except two, all the target compounds showed better antifungal property as compared to the reference drug fluconazole with MIC values less than 0.0408 μmol/mL. One of the compounds exhibited two-fold better antifungal potential in comparison to fluconazole. Furthermore, in-silico ADMET and DFT studies reported drug likeness behavior and chemical reactivity parameters, respectively. The cytotoxicity results on substrate azide 3 and most potent 1,2,3-triazoles (5 d and 5 l) were found to be non-toxic.

Chemo-mechanical instabilities in lithium cobalt oxide at higher state-of-charge in Li-Ion batteries

Transition metal oxide cathodes are widely used in commercial Li-ion batteries. However, their practical charge capacity is limited due to severe chemo-mechanical instabilities at higher charge voltage, and state-of-charge condition. Here, in situ stress and strain measurements were synchronized to probe mechanical deformations in the lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) cathode via a multi-beam stress sensor and digital image correlation, respectively. In situ mechanical measurements revealed how Li removal from the electrode structure induces deformations on the LCO composite cathodes during cycling. The structure and morphology of the LCO cathodes were further investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies. Two distinct electrochemical and mechanical behaviors were identified when the LCO was charged up to 4.65 V. The LCO undergoes a compressive stress generation when charged up to 4.2 V and surface fractures on the LCO particles were detected by SEM. LCO cathode experienced significantly large contractions (negative strains) when charged up to 4.65 V, where intergranular crack formation and phase transformation were detected on the LCO particles via SEM and XRD, respectively. Overall, the study bridges complicated structural deformations with in situ analysis of mechanical degradations in LCO cathodes charged at higher voltages. The correlation is vital to understanding instability mechanisms in transition metal oxides at high voltages for alkali metal ion batteries.

The Distribution of Acme Gene and MRSA Related Virulence Genes in Staphylococcus Aureus Strains from Nigeria

Background: Arginine Catabolic Mobile Element (acme) is a Staphylococcal genomic island that enhances fitness and ability of bacteria cells to colonize on mucous membrane and skin. It is stongly associated with the epidemic and virulent S. aureus USA 300. This study determined the distribution of acme and Methicillin Resistant Staphyllococus Aureus (MRSA)-related genes in S. aureus isolated from patients in five tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. Methods: A total of 51 S. aureus isolates from the clinical specimens submitted to laboratories in five tertiary hospitals in Nigeria were used in this study. Phenotypic and genotypic identifications of the S. aureus were performed. Antibiotic Susceptibility Test (AST) was carried out to determine the susceptibility pattern of the isolates using various antibiotics discs. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was used to determine the degree of resistance of the isolates to methicillin and vancomycin. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to screen for the presence of mecA, acme sae, sarA, PVL, α-psm and norB genes using specific primers. The SCCmec type was determined for all the MRSA isolates using polymerase chain reaction. Results: The MIC for mecA negative strains was ≤4 µg/ml, while the MIC for mecA positive was 8 µg/ml. mecA gene was detected in 35 (68.6%) of 51 strains of S. aureus. The prevalence of sae, sarA, mecA, acme, PVL, α-psm and norB gene were estimated to be 70.6%, 68.6%, 68.6%, 29.4%, 5.1%, 39.2% and 33.3% respectively. There was an association between the distribution of mecA+ and norB+ strains (P = 0.034) and the hospitals (P =0.008) where the isolates were obtained from, whereas there was no association between acme positive strains and the hospitals (P = 0.669) from which the isolates were obtained from. Also, there was no association between mecA, norB, acme with the sex, age and hospital admission status (P>0.05). Furthermore, there was an association between PVL gene and the two geographical regions (South-Western and North-Western, Nigeria) (χ2 = 7.77; p < 0.05). The SCCmec typing showed that 21 (60.0%) out of the 35 MRSA used in this study carried the SCCmec type elements such as type I, II, III and VIII which were all the characteristic of HA-MRSA while the remaining 14 (40%) carried the SCCmec type elements such as type IV, V, VI and VII which were all characteristic of CA-MRSA. Thus the overall prevalence of HA-MRSA and CA-MRSA in this study was 60.0% and 40.0%, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of acme and α-psm genes in S. aureus are high and this is a novel discovery in Nigeria which has opened a new era in the transmission and fitness of circulating MRSA in causing infection in the community at large. The study concluded that there is high prevalence of HA-MRSA in South-Western, Nigeria and high prevalence of CA-MRSA in the North-Western, Nigeria.

The Relationship Between Epidemic Perception and Cyberbullying Behaviors of Chinese Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Study.

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the government initiated measures for social distancing, leading to a gradual transition of adolescents' social interactions toward web-based platforms. Consequently, web-based behaviors, particularly cyberbullying, have become a prominent concern. Considering that adolescents experience more intense feelings, the widely increased negative emotions and strains perceived from the COVID-19 pandemic may end up engaging in cyberbullying behaviors. In addition, during the COVID-19 pandemic, adolescents experiencing insomnia and negative affect are more prone to diminished self-control, which is associated with cyberbullying behaviors. This study aims to investigate the relationship between epidemic perception and cyberbullying behaviors, while also examining the serial mediating roles of insomnia and negative affect on the relationship between epidemic perception and cyberbullying behaviors. This study presents a large-scale web-based survey conducted during the period of concentrated COVID-19 outbreaks, encompassing 20,000 Chinese adolescents. A total of 274 submitted questionnaires were discarded because of high levels of missing data or their answers were clearly fictitious or inconsistent. The final count of valid participants amounted to 19,726 (10,371 boys, age range: 12-18 years; mean 14.80, SD 1.63 years). The Perceptions of COVID-19 Scale, Negative Affect Scale, Insomnia Scale, and Cyberbullying Behavior Scale were used to assess participants' responses on the Questionnaire Star platform. The results show that epidemic perception is positively correlated with cyberbullying behaviors (r=0.13; P<.001), insomnia (r=0.19; P<.001), and negative affect (r=0.25; P<.001). Insomnia is positively correlated with negative affect (r=0.44; P<.001) and cyberbullying behaviors (r=0.30; P<.001). Negative affect is positively correlated with cyberbullying behaviors (r=0.25; P<.001). And insomnia and negative affect play independent mediating and serial mediating roles in epidemic perception and cyberbullying behaviors. This study provides additional empirical evidence on the relationship between the perception of COVID-19 pandemic and cyberbullying in adolescents. In addition, the study offers recommendations for implementing interventions targeted at mitigating cyberbullying in adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Development and Validation of an SNP Marker for Identifying Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae Thai Isolates That Break xa5-Mediated Bacterial Blight Resistance in Rice.

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is a pathogenic bacterium responsible for bacterial blight (BB) disease in rice, primarily mediated by the interaction between the plant and pathogen. The virulence mechanism involves the activation of the Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporter (SWEET) gene family in rice by transcription activator-like effectors derived from Xoo. The BB resistance gene xa5 has been identified as one of the most effective genes against Thai Xoo isolates, but xa5-mediated resistance-breaking Xoo strains have emerged. This study aimed to develop a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker for precise identification of xa5-mediated resistance-breaking Xoo. Comparative genomics of Thai Xoo isolates Xoo16PK001 and Xoo16PK002, which were incompatible and compatible with rice variety IRBB5 carrying xa5, respectively, identified eight SNP positions for the development of an SNP marker. The SNP marker XooE6 yields a specific 1,143 bp PCR product unique to Xoo16PK002. Screening 61 Thai isolates using XooE6 identified two positives: Xoo20PL010 and Xoo20UT002. Inoculation tests on rice varieties IRBB5 and IRBB13 demonstrated compatibility with IRBB5 and incompatibility with IRBB13, which bears Xa5 and xa13. Xoo16PK001 (XooE6-negative) showed different virulence. Inoculation on IRBB21 harboring Xa5, Xa13, and Xa21 resulted in partial resistance to both XooE6-positive and -negative strains. XooE6-positive strains up-regulated SWEET11 and suppressed SWEET14 in IRBB5, while Xoo16PK001 slightly induced SWEET11 but activated SWEET14 in IRBB13. This highlights the potential of XooE6 to identify xa5-mediated resistance-breaking Xoo strains and elucidate their pathogenic mechanisms through the upregulation of SWEET11.

Synthesis, biological evaluation, docking and molecular dynamics studies of Biginelli-type tetrahydropyrimidine analogues: Antimicrobial, cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity

Tetrahydropyrimidines have a fascinating scaffold that has garnered substantial attention from pharmacists and medicinal chemists. They are heterocyclic compounds used in anti-cancer, anti-microbial, and antioxidants therapies. Herein, a group of tetrahydropyrimidines were provided by using urea, α-ketoacid/β-ketoester, and appropriate aromatic aldehydes. Then, the antioxidant properties of the derivatives were investigated by the DPPH assay. Besides, the cytotoxicity activity of derivatives was evaluated on two MCF-7 and HepG-2 cell lines. The anti-microbial activity of derivatives was also assessed on two positive gram strains, two negative gram strains, and a fungal strain. Derivatives 4a and 4e showed the strongest antioxidant properties, with IC50s of 0.83 and 0.07 mg/mL, respectively. Compounds 4a and 4d were the most potent compounds, with IC50s of 15.81 and 12.34 µM, respectively, on both cancer cell lines. Furthermore, compounds 4b, 4j, and 4i showed the highest anti-microbial activity on S. aureus (MIC = 7.31 µM), B. subtilis (MIC = 10.81 µM), and E. coli (MIC = 11.45 µM), P. aeruginosa (MIC = 8.12 µM), and C. albicans (MIC = 12.03 µM), respectively. Then, the oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties of compounds were predicted. Moreover, the most possible sites of the molecules that are metabolized by the main cytochromes were estimated. Then, the in silico cardiotoxicity and Cyto-safe properties of the compounds were studied. Finally, to determine the stability of the analogues in the Eg5 active site, docking and molecular dynamics simulations were performed.

Antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity lung cancer cells A549 of Ganoderma colossus

Golden Ganoderma is a valuable species in the medicinal formula Luc Bao Linh Chi which has been used in traditional medicine in Vietnam. The golden Ganoderma mushroom sample discovered at Delonix regia tree in Hue city, Thua Thien Hue province was identified as Ganoderma colossus (Fr.) C.F. Baker. This study investigated the cytotoxicity of A549 lung cancer cells and the antibacterial activity of the aqueous extract from the fruiting body of golden Ganoderma. The extract at a concentration of 1 mg/mL showed the strongest inhibitory activity against strains of Bacillus subtilis (27.1 &amp;plusmn; 0.36 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (14.2 &amp;plusmn; 0.54 mm), Gram negative bacteria strains (Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis) were weaker inhibited. The cytotoxic effect on lung cancer cells was determined by the MTT method [3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide)]. The results showed that the extract at a concentration of 128 &amp;micro;g/mL had an inhibitory effect on A549 lung cancer cells of 86.36% with an IC50 value of 9.21 &amp;plusmn; 0.8 &amp;micro;g/mL compared to the positive control Elipcitine of 0.34 &amp;plusmn; 1.13 &amp;micro;g/mL.

Uropathogenic Bacterial Detection and Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern in Urine Specimens Referred to Al anbar Province

For clinicians treating patients, antimicrobial resistance is becoming a significant concern. This brief study was therefore conducted to find out how common it is for bacterial isolates that are resistant to multiple drugs (MDR), XDR, and PDR, as well as extensively drug-resistant (XDR), in Anbar hospital. The microbiology department cultivated the clinical samples and identified the bacterial strains. The detection of MDR, XDR, and PDR microorganisms was accomplished by analyzing the antibiotic susceptibility profile of various bacterial isolates. 257 children and adult patients from both sexes were included in this study. The total number of urine samples that gave positive bacterial culture results were 114 (44.4%) and the number of samples that gave negative results was 143(55.6%) . The antibiotic susceptibility profile of 114 bacterial strains was studied. 90(78.9) of gram negative bacteria strains were MDR, (8.9%) ,(72.2%) XDR, and (18.9%)PDR was isolated. 24 (21.1%)Gram positive bacterial egative bacteria strains were MDR, (33.3%) ,(54.2%) XDR, and (12.5%) PDR was isolated. To effectively combat the threat of antibiotic resistance, all clinical microbiology laboratories need to closely monitor MDR, XDR, and PDR.

A multifunctional polyacrylonitrile fibers/alginate-based hydrogel loaded with chamomile extract and silver sulfadiazine for full-thickness wound healing

Most conventional wound dressings do not meet the clinical requisites owing to their limited multifunctionality. Herein, a bilayer wound dressing containing both hydrogel and fibrous structures with multifunctional features was developed for effective skin rehabilitation. Sodium alginate (SA)/gelatin (Gel) hydrogel comprising Matricaria chamomilla L extract and silver sulfadiazine (AgSD) drug as antibacterial agents was cross-linked using genipin and CaCl2. Then, the surface of the hydrogel was covered by electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers to fabricate a bilayer dressing. FESEM images revealed formation of continuous, smooth, and bead-free PAN nanofibers with excellent compatibility between hydrogel and fibers. The bilayer wound dressing exhibited satisfactory mechanical virtues including elastic modulus (2.4 ± 0.2 MPa), tensile strength (6.2 ± 0.5 MPa) and elongation at break (21.8 ± 1 %) as well as suitable swelling ratio. Such bilayer dressing revealed biodegradability, cytocompatibility and effective antibacterial performance against gram positive and gram negative strains. Release kinetics of AgSD drug followed a Fickian diffusion mechanism, ensuring sustained drug release. In vivo studies demonstrated bilayer dressing could promote rate of wound closure, re-epithelialization and collagen deposition, facilitating the replacement of damaged skin with healthy tissue. Such engineered wound dressing has a high potency for inducing skin repair and could be used in skin tissue engineering.

Fluorenone-naphthyl encapsulated dual sensor for recognition of F− and Hg2+: Syngenetic effect with drug sobisis and molecular docking studies

A novel fluorenone-naphthyl pendant sensor (FTU) possessing thiourea functionality has been synthesized via a simple condensation method and utilized for the recognition of F− and Hg2+ ions in the solution of CH3CN. The addition of F− and Hg2+ ions to the FTU solution led to the appearance of red-shifted absorption bands at 340 and 315 nm, respectively. On the other hand, in the fluorescence spectrum, the two-fold decrease in fluorescence intensity of probe FTU was observed with F− ions; while complete quenching of the fluorescence intensity was noticed with Hg2+ ions at 423 nm. The limit of detection values of F− and Hg2+ ions were found to be 1.02 & 29.1 nM, respectively, measured by UV–vis studies and 0.0185 & 0.81 nM, respectively, measured by fluorescence studies, which are less than recommended by WHO. DFT computational assessments and 1H NMR titration experiments pointed to F− induced deprotonation of thiourea NH signals. However, the chelation-enhanced quenching effect (CHEQ) was held responsible for fluorescence quenching with Hg2+ addition. Moreover, the in-situ formed FTU + F− complex was utilized for secondary sensing of drug sobisis. Furthermore, the real-world applicability of sensor FTU has been successfully scrutinized for the recognition of F− ions in the toothpaste samples. In addition, molecular docking studies revealed that FTU exhibited excellent antibacterial potency towards different gram-positive as well as negative strains.

Pharmacological evaluation &amp; phytochemical screening of seed extracts of kaliziri (Centratherum anthelminticum)

The biologically active part of medicinal plants is usually used for therapeutic treatments or as a precursor in pharmacology. Aqueous, chloroform, ethanol, methanol and Hexane were used as a solvent to extract the essential oils of kaliziri (Centratherum anthelminticum). Antimicrobial actity of the extracts were checked against four gram positive (Bacillus cereus, B. pumilus, B. safensis, Staphylococcus sp.) and 8 gram negative bacterial strains (Aeromonas sp., Pasteurella sp., Escherichia coli, Enterobacter sp., Proteus sp., Pseudosomonas sp., P. aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi) by agar well diffusion method. Phytochemical screening was also performed. Results showed that highest (30 mm2) microbial zone of inhibition (MZI) observed in the extract of chloroform with Aeromonas sp. This followed by four strains, i.e., Bacillus cereus, B. pumilus, Proteus sp. and Salmonella typhi showed 28, 27, 25 and 24 mm2 MZI, respectively except water extract. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of all solvent extracts varied with different bacterial strains. The range of MIC was 50 mg/mL to 500 mg/mL, where highest 500 mg/mL MIC of all extracts observed against Pseudosomonas sp. followed by 100-500 mg/mL MIC against Salmonella typhi. Presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, phytosterols, phenol, tannin, terpenoids and saponins confirmed by qualitative analysis. High solubility of tannins and terpenoids in chloroform demonstrated the effectiveness of metabolites against bacterial strains

Innovative Formulation and Evaluation of Phytosomal Nanoparticles from Ixora Coccinea Linn and its Pharmacological Screening

The use of herbal extracts in pharmaceutical formulations has gained significant attention due to their therapeutic potential and minimum side effects and shows pharmacological profiles as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial. Thus, the intent of the current study was to develop a potential drug carrier system phytosomal nanoparticle using an extract of the plant “Ixora coccinea”. The extract of Ixora coccinea was prepared by using the maceration method and it is incorporated into Phytosome nanoparticles by using the solvent evaporation method. The impact of various process parameters and material attributes on the average particle size and drug entrapment efficacy. Extract loaded Phytosomal nanoparticles were characterized by particle size determination, Zeta potential, FTIR, and UV spectroscopy. The pharmacological screening consolidated antimicrobial activity was carried out by the well diffusion method, wherein it was performed against Gram Positive (B. Cerus, NCIM-2703) and Gram Negative (E. coli, NCIM 2832) bacteria strains. Which resulted in showing phytosomal nanoparticles show good activity than the extract. The anti-inflammatory activity was carried out by the protein denaturation method, which concluded that Ixora Coccinea phytosomal nanoparticles show better activity. Therefore, it results in moderate anti-inflammatory activity as compared to standard Diclofenac sodium. Keywords: Phytosome nanoparticles, Solvent evaporation method, Invitro anti-inflammatory activity.

A novel approach for damage assessment in adhesively bonded composite joints using backface strain technique

In this study, the backface strain (BFS) is measured by both digital image correlation (DIC) and fiber optic sensors (FOS) to detect the crack initiation and propagation in adhesively bonded composite single-lap joints (SLJ). BFS measures the resultant strain deriving from the positive strain, due to tensile load, and negative strain related to the bending moment. A point, called zero-strain point (ZSP), can be detected on the substrate surface of SLJ due to the concurrent effect of these positive and negative strains. The experimental activity shows that the value of the ZSP changes when the crack starts to propagate. Thus, this point can be used to monitor the service conditions of adhesive joints. The effect of joint dimensions on the position of the ZSP is investigated when the joint is subjected to quasi-static loading. In addition, the applicability of the method is investigated under a cyclic loading condition. The work shows that the ZSP can be used as an index to monitor joint healthiness. Furthermore, FOSs can be used for an in-situ monitoring of the joint.

In vitro Antibacterial and in vivo Antinociceptive Activities of Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Dipterocarpus turbinatus Leaves

The study was aimed to assess the antibacterial and analgesic properties of the ethyl acetate extract from the leaves of Dipterocarpus turbinatus. The antibacterial effectiveness of the extract obtained from the leaves of D. turbinatus was evaluated using the disc diffusion method against both positive and negative Gram strains. Furthermore, the analgesic qualities were assessed by doing the formalin-incited paw licking test in mice model. The ethyl acetate fraction demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against all tested microorganisms (Lactobacillus casei, Corynebacterium sp., Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus azotoformans, and Salmonella typhi) at concentrations of 0.1 mg/disc, 0.3 mg/disc, and 0.5 mg/disc using the disc diffusion method. The extract's zone of inhibition measured between 12 and 25 mm was less than the Kanamycin's diameter of 32–36 mm. The analgesic activity of the substance was evaluated in Swiss Albino mice using the tail immersion and formalin test procedures, revealing a modest level of analgesic activity. In the formalin test, the extract had a strong dose-dependent impact at dosages of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, as shown by a larger inhibition percentage compared to the standard. This result was statistically significant (***p&lt;0.001) when compared to the control group. During the tail immersion test, the extract showed a significant impact at dose 400 mg/kg (**p&lt;0.01). The plant extract has a modest level of antibacterial and analgesic properties. Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 27(2): 207-214, 2024 (July)

Unraveling biological disparities in configurational isomers of pyrazolyl-dihydrofurans using in vitro, DFT and in silico approach

The biological disparities in the high activity of one isomeric form over another have attracted significant interest from medicinal chemists and opened new avenues for synthesizing pure diastereoisomeric drugs.A series of diastereoisomeric pure pyrazolyl-dihydrofurans (6a-6ae) were synthesized in good to excellent yields, and their structures were determined using NMR, LCMS and X-ray crystallography. The difference in the stability of cis and trans isomers has been established using DFT-based studies. Using the serial dilution method, the developed synthetics were evaluated for their bio-efficacy against bacterial and fungal strains. The cytotoxicity was evaluated against mouse fibroblast cells as well as using the seed germination method.All the reactions proceeded smoothly and resulted into cis as the significant isomer; the stability over trans isomer has been established using DFT-based computational studies. Considering 6a and 7a as prototype, the difference in their biological response has been evaluated through in vitro anti-microbial assay. A significant difference in the biological activity has been observed, as the cis isomer (6a) has been found to be more potent over its respective trans isomer (7a) in bacterial assay. As far as the fungal response is concerned, no difference in their biological activity has been observed. The investigated compounds are non-cytotoxic against mouse fibroblast cells and Brassica nigra seeds. The experimentally determined in vitro results have been established using in silico studies.The cis isomer (6a) with an MIC of 3.25 µg/mL has been found to be more potent than the respective trans (7a) form (MIC = 6.25–12.5 µg/mL) when evaluated against different gram positive and negative strains utilized in the present study. However, no disparity in their biological response has been observed in fungal studies.

Multi-faceted exploration of amide-amine tethered 1,2,3-triazole conjugates as antimicrobial agents using synthetic, in vitro and in silico approach

In the present manuscript, diversely substituted amine-amide linked 1,2,3-triazoles were synthesized and investigated as anti-microbial agents. Their molecular structures were established using different spectroscopy techniques including FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR. Finally, the composition was confirmed by employing high resolution mass spectrometry technique. The global reactivity parameters for all the synthetics were assessed by optimizing their ground state geometry using density functional theory (DFT). The anti-microbial efficacy of synthesized compounds was examined against a variety of microbial strains including gram positive, gram negative and fungal strains. The results of in vitro assay revealed moderate to excellent inhibition of anti-microbial growth by the developed synthetics. Among all, compound 7r displayed highest inhibition of S. aureus, B. subtilis and E. coli growth with an MIC value of 0.0595 µmol/mL (Norfloxacin= 0.0783 µmol/mL). As far as inhibition of fungal growth is concerned, the compound 7o was found to have excellent activity against C. albicans and R. oryzae with an MIC value of 0.0295 µmol/mL (Fluconazole = 0.0408 µmol/mL). The experimental findings of in vitro experiments were validated using molecular docking and dynamics studies. The drug like features including oral bioavailability of the developed synthetics were assessed using ADME, which pay a new way towards drug development process.

Biomimetic green synthesis of ZnO nanoflowers using α-amylase: from antimicrobial to toxicological evaluation

Biologically mediated synthesis of nanomaterials has emerged as an ecologically benign and biocompatible approach. Our study explores enzymatic synthesis, utilizing α-amylase to synthesize ZnO nanoflowers (ZnO-NFs). X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed crystal structure and elemental composition. Dynamic light scattering analysis indicates that ZnO-NFs possess a size of 101 nm. Transmission electron microscopy showed a star-shaped morphology of ZnO-NFs with petal-like structures. ZnO-NFs exhibit potent photocatalytic properties, degrading 90% eosin, 87% methylene blue, and 81% reactive red dyes under UV light, with kinetics fitting the Langmuir–Hinshelwood pseudo-first-order rate law. The impact of pH and interfering substances on dye degradation was explored. ZnO-NFs display efficient bacteriocidal activity against different Gram-positive and negative strains, antibiofilm potential (especially with P. aeruginosa), and hemocompatibility up to 600 ppm, suggesting versatile potential in healthcare and environmental remediation applications.

Facilely prepared ferric-curcumin complex nanoparticles exert improved stability and photothermal enhanced antibacterial effects for food preservation

Curcumin (Cur) is a phenolic compound extracted from Curcumae Longae Rhizoma, which has been widely applied in food industry due to its wide functional features, including coloring, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. However, Cur exhibits some major limitations including low water solubility and stability during processing, which calls for convenient and straightforward protection strategy to improve its functionality. This investigation introduces a streamlined, consistently replicable one-pot method for synthesizing ferric-curcumin (Fe-Cur) complex nanoparticles through simple mixing of both components under controlled reaction conditions. Notably, the resultant Fe-Cur complex nanoparticles exhibit enhanced stability in comparison to their un-complexed Cur counterpart. Of paramount importance, the Fe-Cur complex nanoparticles exhibit additional photothermal conversion capabilities, conferring them with augmented antibacterial efficacy against food-borne pathogens under light stimulation. This enhancement is efficacious against both Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli), which were selected as representative for Gram-positive and negative strains, respectively, thereby presenting a unique strategy for integrating these particles within chitosan films to achieve desirable pork preservation performance. In summary, Fe-Cur complex nanoparticles emerge as a promising food-originating material, imbued with innovative photothermal enhanced antibacterial traits that promise to revolutionize food preservation methodologies.