Significant Activity Research Articles

Synthesis, Antimicrobial Activities and Molecular Docking Studies of New N-Acylated Derivatives of 5-(2-Phenyl-1,8-naphthyridin-3-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amine

Present study establishes a novel synthetic route of N-acetylated derivatives of 5-(2-phenyl-1,8-naphthyridine-3-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-amine (6a-j), which was achieved in four steps with good yields. 2-Amino nicotinaldehyde and ethyl 3-oxo-3-phenylpropanoate on refluxing with triethylamine in ethanol undergoes Friedlander synthesis to furnish ethyl 2-phenyl-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxylate, which further converted into 2-phenyl-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carbohydrazide by reacting with hydrazine hydrate upon reflux, followed by cyclization with cyanogen bromide in the presence of water and 1,4-dioxane with sodium bicarbonate to afford 5-(2-phenyl-1,8-naphthyridin-3-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amine (5). Compound 5 was acetylated using numerous symmetrical anhydrides to synthesize novel N-acetylated derivatives (6a-j). The IR, 1H, 13C NMR and mass spectral analysis were used to characterize the structure of synthetic compounds. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial efficiency against bacteria (S. aureus and E. coli) using ampicillin as a standard reference and against fungi (C. albicans) using fluconazole as a standard reference. Compound 6e exhibited good antibacterial properties while compounds 6c and 6e had shown high antifungal activity, whereas remaining compounds shown moderate to weaker antimicrobial activity. The synthesized derivatives verified their docking strength against Mtb MurB (PDB ID: 5JZX) and showed significant docking activity, however, compound 6f (-10.98 kcal/mol) and compound 6b (-10.52 kcal/mol) had a strong binding affinity compared to the other synthesized compounds.

Studies on Cellulolytic Fungal Flora from Forests of Maharashtra, India

The present investigation was conducted to isolate effective cellulolytic fungal flora from soil samples collected from various forests in Maharashtra (India). The study aimed to determine hydrolytic zones and relative enzyme activity for selecting most efficient fungal isolates. Further, the isolates were identified using morphological identification technique. Altogether 137 fungal isolates were obtained in the present study, collected from forests of Lonavala, Chandrapur, Mahabaleshwar, Gadchiroli and Bhandardara. The screening of these fungal isolates for cellulase production revealed that 41 isolates had varying degrees of cellulolytic activity. However, isolate C77 produced the largest clearance zone (4.8 cm) on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) medium. The relative enzyme activity, expressed as the cellulolytic index, ranged from 1.1 to 3.5 among the 41 fungal isolates. Notably, C65 displayed the highest cellulolytic index, indicating superior enzyme activity, while other isolates like G5X, B24 and M145 also exhibited significant cellulolytic activity. From the present investigation it is concluded that Aspergillus terreus Thom, Trichoderma spp. Aff. T. harzianum Rifai, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Aspergillus spp. Aff. A. flavus Link isolated from the forests of Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Bhandardara and Mahabaleshwar, respectively, were the most efficient cellulose degrading fungi.

STAT3 phosphorylation inhibitor Bt354 exhibits anti-neoplastic activity in glioblastoma multiforme cells.

The high mortality rate of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a lethal primary brain tumor, is attributable to postsurgical recurrence. STAT3, an oncogenic protein, is a signal transducer and transcription activator encourages cancer cell migration and proliferation, which results in resistance to therapy. STAT3 inhibition reduces cancer metastasis and improves patient prognosis. Bt354, a small molecule STAT inhibitor, exhibits significant cytotoxic and anti-proliferative activities against certain cancer types. Here, we demonstrated that exposure of GBM cells (U87 MG) to Bt354 had a significant, concentration-dependent growth suppression. Bt354 also induced apoptosis and downregulated the expression of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition genes. Therefore, this study suggests the potential of Bt354 for treating GBM owing to its ability to induce cytotoxicity.

Exploring antioxidative, cytotoxic and neuropharmacological insights into Bixa orellana leaves: Experimental and in silico approaches

Background StudyThe aim of this research was to examine possible antioxidant, cytotoxic and neurological activity of methanol and n-hexane extracts of Bixa orellana leaves. Additionally, we aimed to identify potential lead compounds through in-silico analysis. MethodsIn-vitro antioxidative properties were investigated through different assays, including: total phenolic content assay (TPC), total flavonoid content assay (TFC), DPPH free radical scavenging assay and reducing power assay. Also, the cytotoxic effect of the samples was assessed using the brine shrimp lethality test. In addition, anxiolytic, locomotor, and CNS depressant activities were assessed utilizing various established methods. Moreover, reported compounds were used in the in silico study to explore the best-fit phytoconstituents against gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) receptor. ResultsMBOL displayed substantial antioxidative activities in various established assays compared to NBOL. In brine shrimp lethality bioassay, both MBOL and NBOL revealed cytotoxic activity in a concentration-dependent approach. Again, in Elevated Plus Maze test, 200 and 400 mg/kg of NBOL and MBOL demonstrated significant anxiolytic activities evident from time spent in open arms. In addition, maximum number of head dipping was demonstrated by MBOL at 400 mg/kg (53.90 ± 1.16) in Hole Board test. NBOL and MBOL at both doses significantly diminished the magnitude of movements from the 2nd to 5th observation periods in Open Field test. Furthermore, in Hole Cross test, MBOL remarkably dwindled the locomotor activity at 120 min and 180 min (3.60 ± 0.40 and 2.40 ± 0.51) at 400 mg/kg. Finally, in silico analysis revealed 13 compounds as promising leads with strong binding affinity to GABAA receptor along with good pharmacokinetics and toxicity profiles. ConclusionTherefore, the present study's findings advocate the traditional usage of this plant and recommend both MBOL and NBOL as as a potential source of therapeutic candidate for the management of neurological disorders.

Analysis of Bioactive Aroma Compounds in Essential Oils from Algerian Plants: Implications for Potential Antioxidant Applications.

In samples of Artemisia campestris (AC), Artemisia herba-alba (AHA) and Salvia jordanii (SJ) essential oils, up to 200 distinct volatile compounds were identified. Using headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography-olfactometry-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-O-MS), different panelists detected 52 of these compounds. This study offers the most detailed analysis of bioactive compound profiles conducted so far. The most abundant compounds identified were curcumene, making up 12.96% of AC, and camphor, constituting 21.67% of AHA and 19.15% of SJ. The compounds with the highest odor activity value (OAV) were (E,Z)-2,4-nonadienal (geranium, pungent), 3-nonenal (cucumber) and 2-undecenal (sweet) in AC, AHA and SJ, respectively. AHA essential oil showed significant antioxidant activity (IC50 = 41.73 ± 4.14 mg/g) and hydroxyl radical generation (hydroxylation percentage = 29.62 ± 3.14), as assessed by the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. In terms of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), the strongest antioxidant activity was obtained for SJ essential oil (antioxidant activity of the essential oils, AOX = 337.49 ± 9.87).

Hyaluronic acid from bluefin tuna by-product: Structural analysis and pharmacological activities

The fishing and aquaculture industries generate a huge amount of waste during processing and preservation operations, especially those of tuna. Recovering these by-products is a major economic and environmental challenge for manufacturers seeking to produce new active biomolecules of interest. A new hyaluronic acid was extracted from bluefin tuna's vitreous humour to assess its antioxidant and pharmacological activities. The characterization by infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance ((1D1H) and 2D (1H COSY, 1H/13C HSQC)) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC/MALS/DRI/VD) revealed that the extracted polysaccharide was a hyaluronic acid with high uronic acid content (55.8 %) and a weight average molecular weight of 888 kDa. This polymer possesses significant anti-radical activity and ferrous chelating capacity. In addition, pharmacological evaluation of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential, using preclinical models, in comparison with reference drugs (Dexamethasone, diclofenac, and acetylsalicylate of lysine), revealed promising anti-inflammatory activity as well as interesting peripheral and central antinociceptive activity. Therefore, our new hyaluronic acid compound may therefore serve as a potential drug candidate for the treatment of pain sensation and inflammation of various pathological origins.

Citrus Essential Oils as Potential Insecticides Against Thrips flavus

Background: Essential oils (EOs) are recognized for their potent insecticidal activity and are widely considered promising agents for pest control. Methods: The insecticidal activity of seven commercial citrus EOs against the global phytophagous pest Thrips flavus was evaluated using bioassays conducted under laboratory conditions. Moreover, the chemical composition of these EOs was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results: Among the 45 identified compounds, the major constituents were d-limonene (23.77%– 95.10%), methyl jasmonate (38.76%), and linalyl acetate (34.55%). Orange flower oil, sweet orange oil, tangerine peel oil, bergamot oil, lime oil, lemon oil, and grapefruit oil exhibited good insecticidal activity against T. flavus without demonstrating significant repellent activity. Orange flower oil and sweet orange oil showed higher insecticidal toxicity, with LC50 values of 0.20 g/L and 0.37 g/L, respectively. In pot experiments, the higher control efficacy against T. flavus was found after 7 days of treatment for orange flower oil (91.14±1.27% at 720.00 g a.i.·hm−2 and 100% at 900.00 g a.i.·hm−2), sweet orange oil (91.14±5.52% at 900.00 g a.i.·hm−2), tangerine peel oil (96.20±2.19% at 720 g a.i.·hm−2 and 100% at 900.00 g a.i.·hm−2), lemon oil (96.20±2.19% at 900 g a.i.·hm−2), and lime oil (97.47±2.53% at 900.00 g a.i.·hm−2). Conclusion: Taken together, orange flower oil and tangerine peel oil, which were found to contain d-limonene and methyl jasmonate, demonstrated rapid and more effective insecticidal activity compared to the other EOs tested, which makes these two EOs promising alternatives to chemical insecticides.

A novel lentiviral vector-based approach to generate chimeric antigen receptor T cells targeting Aspergillus fumigatus.

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a common and deadly mold infection in immunocompromised patients. As morbidity and mortality of IA are primarily driven by poor immune defense, adjunct immunotherapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, are direly needed. Here, we propose a novel approach to generate Aspergillus fumigatus (AF)-CAR T cells using the single-chain variable fragment domain of monoclonal antibody AF-269-5 and a lentiviral vector system. These cells successfully targeted mature hyphal filaments of representative clinical and reference AF isolates and elicited a potent release of cytotoxic effectors and type 1 T cell cytokines. Furthermore, AF-CAR T cells generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of four healthy human donors and expanded with either of three cytokine stimulation regimens (IL-2, IL-2 + IL-21, or IL-7 + IL-15) significantly suppressed mycelial growth of AF-293 after 18 hours of co-culture and synergized with the immunomodulatory antifungal agent caspofungin to control hyphal growth for 36 hours. Moreover, cyclophosphamide-immunosuppressed NSG mice with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis that received two doses of 5 million AF-CAR T cells (6 and 48 hours after AF infection) showed significantly reduced morbidity on day 4 post-infection (P < 0.001) and significantly improved 7-day survival (P = 0.049) compared with mice receiving non-targeting control T cells, even without concomitant antifungal chemotherapy. In conclusion, we developed a novel lentiviral strategy to obtain AF-CAR T cells with high targeting efficacy, yielding significant anti-AF activity in vitro and short-term protection in vivo. Our approach could serve as an important steppingstone for future clinical translation of antifungal CAR T-cell therapy after further refinement and thorough preclinical evaluation.IMPORTANCEInvasive aspergillosis (IA) remains a formidable cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with hematologic malignancies and those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Despite the introduction of several new Aspergillus-active antifungals over the last 30 years, the persisting high mortality of IA in the setting of continuous and profound immunosuppression is a painful reminder of the major unmet need of effective antifungal immune enhancement therapies. The success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in cancer medicine has inspired researchers to translate this approach to opportunistic infections, including IA. Aiming to refine anti-Aspergillus CAR T-cell therapy and improve its feasibility for future clinical translation, we herein developed and validated a novel antibody-based CAR construct and lentiviral transduction method to accelerate the production of CAR T cells with high targeting efficacy against Aspergillus fumigatus. Our unique approach could provide a promising platform for future clinical translation of CAR T-cell-based antifungal immunotherapy.

In Vitro and In Silico of Cholinesterases Inhibition and In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Melanoma Activity Investigations of Extracts Obtained from Selected Berberis Species.

Berberis species have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, and Western herbal medicine. The aim of this study was the quantification of the main isoquinoline alkaloids in extracts obtained from various Berberis species by HPLC, in vitro and in silico determination of anti-cholinesterase activity, and in vitro and in vivo investigations of the cytotoxic activity of the investigated plant extracts and alkaloid standards. In particular, Berberis species whose activity had not been previously investigated were selected for the study. In the most investigated Berberis extracts, a high content of berberine and palmatine was determined. Alkaloid standards and most of the investigated plant extracts exhibit significant anti-cholinesterase activity. Molecular docking results confirmed that both alkaloids are more favourable for forming complexes with acetylcholinesterase compared to butyrylcholinesterase. The kinetic results obtained by HPLC-DAD indicated that berberine noncompetitively inhibited acetylcholinesterase, while butyrylcholinesterase was inhibited in a mixed mode. In turn, palmatine exhibited a mixed inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. The cytotoxic activity of berberine and palmatine standards and plant extracts were investigated against the human melanoma cell line (A375). The highest cytotoxicity was determined for extract obtained from Berberis pruinosa cortex. The cytotoxic properties of the extract were also determined in the in vivo investigations using the Danio rerio larvae xenograft model. The obtained results confirmed a significant effect of the Berberis pruinosa cortex extract on the number of cancer cells in a living organism. Our results showed that extracts obtained from Berberis species, especially the Berberis pruinosa cortex extract, can be recommended for further in vivo experiments in order to confirm the possibility of their application in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and human melanoma.

Hepatoprotective effect of the ethanol extract of Detarium senegalense stem bark in albino Wistar

Aim: The hepatoprotective effect of Detarium senegalense ethanol stem bark extract was evaluated against paracetamol induced hepatic damage in albino rats. Material and methods: The ethanol stem bark extract of D. senegalense at doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg were orally administered once daily for 3 days.The liver function tests and biochemical investigation such as asparte transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TB) and direct bilirubin were carried out against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Phytochemical investigation was performed to find active constituents of the plant extracts by the different phytochemical tests. Results: Pre-treatment with the ethanol stem bark extract significantly prevented the biochemical, histological, and changes induced by paracetamol in the liver. The extract showed significant hepatoprotective effects as evidenced by decreased serum enzyme activities such as AST, ALT,, ALP, TB and DB which was supported by histopatological assessment of the liver.The ethanol stem bark extract exhibited significant hepatoprotective activity comparable with silymarin, the standard drug as well as hepatotoxin agent, paracetamol. The phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, cardiac glycosides, resins and balsam. Conclusion: The results of this study strongly show that ethanol stem bark extract of Detarium senegalense possess a potent hepatotoxicity activity against paracetamol induced hepatic damage in rats.

Oxacyanopyridine-Benzofuran Hybrids: Synthesis, in silico Toxicity Assessment, in vitro Antimicrobial Activity and Dual Target Docking Studies

This study emphasizes the synthesis and characterization of a novel series of oxa cyano pyridine heterocyclic molecular hybrids (OCP 1-6), integrating pyridine and benzofuran motifs. Meticulously designed from 5-chlorosalicylaldehyde in a multistep process, the synthesized compounds were structurally confirmed through IR spectroscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Computational predictions highlighted diverse properties, including antitubercular and antibacterial attributes, bioactivity scores, toxicity profiles and potential molecular targets. In vitro assessments and Schrödinger docking simulations revealed binding affinities to enzymes viz. Mycobacterium tuberculosis enoyl-ACP reductase and Escherichia coli Topoisomerase IV. Compounds, particularly OCP 2, 3, 4 and 5, exhibited significant antitubercular and antibacterial activities in both in vitro assessments and docking simulations. This study underscores the substantial potential of the synthesized hybrids as promising candidates for further lead optimization, positioning them as valuable contributors to the development of pharmaceutical agents with heightened potency and enhanced safety profiles.

Coconut (Cocos nucifera (L.)) Water Improves Glucose Uptake with Concomitant Modulation of Antioxidant and Purinergic Activities in Isolated Rat Psoas Muscles.

The present study investigated the effect of coconut water on glucose uptake and utilization, and metabolic activities linked to hyperglycemia in isolated rat psoas muscles. Coconut water was subjected to in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic assays, which cover 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities. Psoas muscles were isolated from male Sprague Dawley rats and incubated with coconut water in the presence of glucose. Control consisted of muscles incubated with glucose only, while normal control consisted of muscles not incubated in coconut water and/or glucose. The standard antidiabetic drug was metformin. Incubation with coconut water led to a significant increase in muscle glucose uptake, with concomitant exacerbation of glutathione level, and SOD and catalase activities, while suppressing malondialdehyde level, and ATPase and E-NTDase activities. Coconut water showed significant scavenging activity against DPPH, and significantly inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities. LC-MS analysis of coconut water revealed the presence of ellagic acid, butin, quercetin, protocatechuic acid, baicalin, and silibinin. Molecular docking analysis revealed potent molecular interactions between the LC-MS-identified compounds, and AKT-2 serine and PI-3 kinase. These results indicate the potential of coconut water to enhance glucose uptake, while concomitantly improving antioxidative and purinergic activities. They also indicate the potential of coconut water to suppress postprandial hyperglycemia. These activities may be attributed to the synergistic effects of the LC-MS-identified compounds.

Facile and Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles using Semecarpus anacardium and their Antibacterial and Anticancer Activity

Plant extracts are utilized to synthesize nanoparticles containing bioactive compounds that can effectively decrease metal toxicity. In present study, the aqueous extracts of Semecarpus anacardium leaves and stems were used to reduce silver nitrate and synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which have potent antibacterial and anticancer effects. The physico-chemical methods such as XRD, UV-Vis, Fourier transform IR and SEM were used to characterize the biogenci silver nanoparticles. These methods validated the synthesis of AgNPs with smaller size and homogeneously sphere-shaped AgNPs (10-50 nm) after incubation with S. anacardium leaf and stem extract. Stem extract derived AgNPs showed the significant cancer fighting abilities in the human breast (MDA-MB-231) and prostate adenocarcinoma (PC-3) cells compared to that of derived AgNPs. Stem extract derived AgNPs exhibits the significant antibacterial activity against E. coli and B. subtilis with respect to the gentamycin. Additionally, the study demonstrated that green synthetic AgNPs may be investigated for use as a treatment against bacterial infections.

High-Level Extracellular Expression of Hyaluronate Lyase HylP in Bacillus subtilis for Hyaluronan Degradation.

Hyaluronate lyase (HA lyase) has potential in the industrial processing of hyaluronan. In this study, HylP, an HA lyase from Streptococcus pyogenes phage (SPB) was successfully expressed in Bacillus subtilis. To improve the extracellular enzyme activity of HylP in B. subtilis, signal peptide engineering systematic optimization was carried out, and cultured it from shake flasks and fermenters, followed by purification, characterization, and analysis of degradation products. The results showed that the replacement of the signal peptide increased the extracellular enzyme activity of HylP from 1.0 × 104 U/mL to 1.86 × 104 U/mL in the shake flask assay, and using a 20L fermenter in a batch fermentation process, the extracellular enzyme activity achieved the level of 1.07 × 105 U/mL. HylP exhibited significant thermal and pH stability in the temperature range of 40°C and pH range of 4-8, respectively. The enzyme showed optimum activity at 40°C and pH 6, with significant activity in the presence of Na+, Mg2+, and Co2+ ions. Degradation analysis showed that HylP efficiently degraded hyaluronan as an endonuclease, releasing unsaturated disaccharides. These comprehensive findings underscore the substantial industrial potential of HylP for hyaluronan processing applications, offering valuable insights into enzyme characterization and optimization of expression for potential industrial utilization.

High efficacy fluconazole loaded ZnO‐poly (vinyl alcohol) nanocomposite: Interpretive breakpoints for biological applications

AbstractNanotechnology, a versatile field, holds promise in diverse applications, such as advanced pharmaceutical techniques and innovative chemical compound fabrication. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified sepsis as a global health priority, attributing most sepsis‐related deaths to the underlying infection. Sepsis is a complex disease that manifests in various ways, depending on factors, such as pathogen involved, mode of transmission, and the patient's immune competence. This study focuses on synthesizing zinc oxide (ZnO) through an in‐situ precipitation method and employing a solution‐based technique to coat the inorganic ZnO nanomaterial with the antimicrobial drug fluconazole (FLZ), resulting in a FLZ‐ZnO composite. Further enhancement is achieved by modifying the composite with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) to improve mechanical strength, physicochemical characteristics, and the interfacial network between ZnO and FLZ. Characterization through X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), particle size distribution (PSD), and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) confirms the synthesized compounds are stoichiometric in nature. The FLZ‐ZnO‐PVA nanocomposite demonstrates significant antifungal activity against C. albicans and A. niger, as well as enhanced antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus evaluated through well diffusion technique. In vitro cellular compatibility assessment using the MTT assay with NIH‐3T3 cells reveals exceptional viability (above 75%) and negligible cytotoxicity at a concentration of 1.56 μg/mL, indicating high biosafety. The FLZ‐ZnO‐PVA nanocomposite exhibits outstanding biological performance, making it a promising candidate for clinical applications in preventing sepsis and prospective infections.Highlights Developments and preparation of FLZ‐ZnO‐PVA nanocomposite. FLZ‐ZnO‐PVA nanocomposite shows optimum antimicrobial activity. FLZ‐ZnO‐PVA shows cytotoxicity against the mouse embryonic fibroblast cell line. FLZ‐ZnO‐PVA could be used as a suitable material for treatment of sepsis.

The X-ray peak profiling, optical and dielectric properties of Ag@ZnFe2O4/rGO ternary nanocomposites: LED assisted photocatalysis and humidity sensing

Ag@ZnFe2O4/reduced graphene oxide (Ag@ZnFe2O4/rGO) ternary nanocomposites were successfully synthesized (NCs) via hydrothermal method and explored the LED assisted photocatalytic performance for the degradation of organic dyes as well as humidity sensing properties of the material. For comparison, bare ZnFe2O4, and ZnFe2O4/rGO also synthesized. The freshly prepared samples were investigated using XRD, TEM, UV–vis–NIR spectroscopy, VSM, Impedance analyzer, and particle size analyzer. The detailed structural parameters were calculated through X-ray peak profiling using Classical Scherrer, Modified Scherrer, Williumson-Hall, Halder-Wagner, Size Strain Plot methods along with Rietveld refinement. From UV–vis–DRS analysis, optical energy gaps were obtained in the range of 1.58–1.92 eV. Ag@ZnFe2O4/rGO NCs showed significant photocatalytic activity and exceptional adsorption capacities for the breakdown of methylene blue (MB) 95.7% and rhodamine B (RhB) 77.7% after 100 min. The synergistic interactions of Ag, ZnFe2O4, and rGO minimized NCs agglomeration and small particle size with higher surface area, resulting in a higher absorption in both UV and visible light. The photocatalysis mechanism was explored by scavenger test using ascorbic Acid, NaHCO3, and isopropyl alcohol. The magnetic studies revealed the paramagnetic nature of NCs. Frequency dependent dielectric data obey the modified Debye model with relaxation time of ∼10−4 s and spreading factor of 0.534 (±0.08). Complex impedance measurements support the grain-interior process that contributes to dielectric properties. The impedance-type humidity sensing characteristics of the fabricated sensor were investigated by exposing in a wide humidity range of 11–98% RH at ambient temperature. The Ag@ZnFe2O4/rGO sensor displayed an ultrahigh sensitivity when compared to traditional humidity sensors. On the basis of, Ag@ZnFe2O4/rGO NCs are exciting nanomaterials for outstanding photocatalytic activity for the degradation of organic dyes along with potent humidity sensor.

The myth of Australia’s migrant youth gang: examining the perceived association between ethnicity and gangs

ABSTRACT In Australia, as with other countries around the world, migrant young people receive significant media and political attention as the alleged perpetrators of significant criminal activity. This has been a consistent feature over time, with ‘Asian gangs’ in the 1990s in the US, UK and Australia, ‘Middle-Eastern gangs’ around the time of 9/11, ‘Turkish gangs’ and ‘Albanian gangs’ in the UK and Europe, and ‘African gangs’ in Australia since the early 2000s. In this research, we investigate the risk factors associated with youth gang membership in Australia. Using data from the Australia Youth Safety Survey from 2,945 young people aged 14–25 years, we examine the importance of first- and second-generation migrant status on gang membership. After controlling for known risk factors, we find that migrant status was not a predictor of gang membership. Results offer important insights into the prominence of morality and self-control as protective factors against youth gang membership, and speak to the role of neighbourhood context in which the young person lives.

Development of active packaging material based on polycaprolactone/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose nanofibers containing carbon dot nanoparticles for meat preservation

This work demonstrates the feasibility of using a combination of biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) and natural-based hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) polymers containing carbon dots (CDs) for food packaging applications. CDs were synthesized using the insoluble portion of Zedo gum. The 5% and 15% concentrations of bare Zedo CDs (Z-CD) and nitrogen and sulfur co-doped CDs (TZ-CD) were chosen for incorporation into PCL/HPMC nanofibers (NFs). The PCL/HPMC/Z-CD15% and PCL/HPMC/TZ-CD15% demonstrated improved tensile strength (12.88 and 15.01 MPa), water solubility (30.20 and 42.36%), and water vapor transmittance (0.62 and 0.71 g mm/m2 h kPa)), respectively. When comparing the release of CDs in 10%, 50%, and 95% ethanolic solutions, it was found that TZ-CD released more rapidly than Z-CD from NFs in all three simulants. The CDs-added NFs exhibited potent antioxidant activity (80.5%). More significant antimicrobial activity against S. aureus was observed compared to E. coli. Additionally, reductions in total volatile basic nitrogen and thiobarbituric acid values indicated that beef covered with PCL/HPMC/TZ-CD15% and PCL/HPMC/Z-CD15% NFs had an extended shelf life of more than five days. In conclusion, PCL/HPMC/Z-CD15% and PCL/HPMC/TZ-CD15% NFs can be used as promising biodegradable packaging materials to enhance the shelf life of meat products.

Genomic revisitation and reclassification of the genus Providencia.

The Providencia genus, known to harbor opportunistic pathogens, has been a subject of interest due to its potential to cause severe infections, particularly in vulnerable individuals. Our research offers groundbreaking insights into this genus, unveiling a novel species, Providencia zhijiangensis sp. nov., and highlighting the need for a re-evaluation of existing classifications. Our comprehensive genomic assessment offers a detailed classification of 545 genomes into distinct species and lineages, revealing the rich biodiversity and intricate species diversity within the genus. The substantial presence of antibiotic-resistance genes in the Providencia genus underscores potential challenges for public health and clinical treatments. Our study highlights the pressing need for increased surveillance and research, enriching our understanding of antibiotic resistance in this realm.

Identification and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity evaluation of two new coumarins derived from Mansonia gagei J. R. Drumm.

Five coumarins were isolated from the heartwood of Mansonia gagei, which included two newly discovered compounds, namely 11-hydroxypopulene E (1) and mansorin D (2), along with three previously identified compounds. The structures were determined through the utilisation of comprehensive spectroscopic data, ECD calculations, and a thorough comparison with existing literature data. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of all isolated compounds were assessed in yeast. Out of the compounds tested, compound 2 exhibited the most significant activity, displaying a percentage inhibition of 34.33% at a concentration of 200 μM.