ABSTRACT
The importance of food supply throughout the world has once again shown its significance in the COVID-19 pandemic period. A continuous food supply is possible with correct agricultural programming. An effective agricultural product programming can only be possible by obtaining precise agricultural data. However, it is very difficult to gather accurate agricultural production statistics from all over the world and confirm their accuracy. In this study, the compatibility of the production statistics of six important agricultural products (wheat, rice, potato, onion, banana, apple) which had been collected from local sources, and had published as opensource by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, with Benford's law was examined for the first time. Data for the last two decades are used to ignore the impact of annual fluctuations. The compatibility of theoretically expected and observed data was tested by Chi-square (X2) and Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) tests. Although inconsistencies were found in some data by examining the numbers in the first, second, and first two digits, in general, the MAD test results gave a mostly concordant result.
ABSTRACT
Apple production has the greatest significance among all types of fruit crops in Macedonia, sharing 56% of the total fruit production. Due to the economic crisis caused by Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine, the prices of agricultural inputs have increased greatly. To that end, the main goal of this paper is to evaluate the impact of the global economic crisis on the apple production price. The production costs calculation is based on calculation of variable and fixed costs of apple production for 2020 and 2021 as reference years and 2022 as the year when the production price change is considered. Data for the normative calculation and production price for 2020 and 2021 are obtained based on the expert knowledge and confirmed with the semi-structured interview with 3 farmers and 2 apple producing companies. Based on this normative calculation and market prices for inputs in 2020, 2021 and 2022 collected from the 10 input suppliers, AMIS and SSO, the apple production price is calculated. The results show that the economic crisis has a large negative economic impact on apple production, as the estimated full production price of apples in 2022 ha increased by 37% compared with that of 2020 & 2021.
ABSTRACT
The recent research focused on the green synthesis of silicon dioxide nanoparticles, SiO2@Cellulose of Zizyphus Spina-Christi nanocomposites, and L-Arginine@SiO2@Cellulose of Zizyphus Spina-Christi nanocomposites using cellulose of Zizyphus Spina-Christi as a new green polymeric surfactant. The structures of nanoparticles and nanocomposites were characterized by different spectroscopy and microscopy techniques. Nanoparticles and nanocomposites were utilized to determine the concentration of chromium, cadmium, and lead in COVID-19 patients using double-vortex-ultrasonic assisted surfactant enhanced dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction. Mean recoveries of chromium, cadmium, and lead were obtained in the range of 86-98% with relative standard deviations below 4%. The advantages of the proposed method are green and novel polymer surfactant with low detection limit. Finally, antibacterial activities were investigated. The maximum inhibition zone of L-Arginine@SiO2@Cellulose of Zizyphus Spina-Christi nanocomposites was obtained for StaphylococcusAureus (21.9..0.4 mm). L-Arginine@SiO2@Cellulose of Zizyphus Spina-Christi nanocomposites have low cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cancer cells. These results indicated the potential ability of L-Arginine@SiO2@Cellulose of Zizyphus Spina-Christi nanocomposites in the determination of metal concentrations in biological samples along with good antibacterial properties and cytotoxic properties.
ABSTRACT
Apricot kernels are one of the most regularly used traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients in Asia. The medical significance of apricot kernels is highlighted since Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) demonstrated its favourable impact when apricot kernels were used in the prevention and treatment of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Furthermore, apricot kernels are high in fat, protein, dietary fibre, and specific amygdalin, making them a new form of dried fruit in comparison to almond kernels, with a bigger market opportunity. This paper systematically reviewed the active components of apricot kernels and their application in medicine, especially for molecular mechanisms of anti-tumors of amygdalin, providing scientific theoretical foundations for modern medicine treatment with COVID-19-induced lung disease, and for the development of high value-added apricot kernels.
ABSTRACT
This journal issue includes 201 s of papers presented at the conference. Topics discussed include: association between cannabis use and COVID-19 and distress among adolescent patients;COVID-19 exposure and care-seeking behaviors among vulnerable urban adolescents and young adults;assessment of a poverty simulation in medical education;prevalence of chronic pelvic pain by sexual orientation in a large cohort of young women in the USA;confidentiality and patient satisfaction in adolescent telehealth visits;predictors of adolescent telemedicine visit no-shows during the COVID-19 pandemic;simulation of contraceptive access for adolescents using a pharmacist-staffed e-platform;foster caregivers and their role in contraception decision-making for adolescents in care.
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This special issue contains 8 articles that discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health symptoms and wellness among Canadians, focusing on alcohol and cannabis use, suicide, child maltreatment, PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
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This issue contains 17 papers providing information on the newly discovered biological activities of phytochemicals and plant extracts that can be potentially developed as treatments for various disorders (COVID-19, cancer, skin disorders, allergies and inflammation, among others) and the underlying mechanisms by which they affect biological systems.
ABSTRACT
Haiti's Central Plateau region suffers from significant malnutrition, economic hardship, and a crisis level of food insecurity. Already the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, Haiti has pervasively high malnutrition rates, but the Central Plateau is among the most severely affected areas. One in five children of the Central Plateau suffers from malnutrition, and the region exhibits a devastating 30% rate of child stunting. Our US-based team affiliated with Klinik Sen Jozef, a community-respected medical clinic in the Central Plateau city of Thomassique. We partnered with local Haitian leadership, a local agronomist, and Trees That Feed Foundation to introduce breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) and an innovative development model to combat local malnutrition. Five years into the program, we have partnered with 152 farmers, and we have enhanced our malnutrition program with breadfruit derivatives. This report addresses the lessons we learned to assist others looking to introduce models or crops in a similar manner. Our experience is particularly significant in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, as supply chain disruptions have worsened food insecurity for more than 800 million people in low-income countries.
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This proceedings contains 13 papers focusing on the effect of green tea extract in modulating the antibacterial activity of standard antibiotics against clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii, in silico screening of Ziziphus spina-christi and Strychnos ligustrine compounds as a proteinase inhibitor of SARS-COV-2, antioxidant and antifungal propterties of palu shallot (Allium ascalonicum var. aggregatum), probiotic properties and safety of lactic acid bactera isolated from South Sulawesi ethnic cheese, pharmacognostics of 2 Orthoshipon aristatus varieties and effect of honey consumption after physical exercises on electrolytes and blood sugar levels, among others.
ABSTRACT
Diseases caused by the coronavirus have become an important concern in early 2020. The coronavirus is a new type of virus that is included in the SARS-CoV-2 group. One of the possible mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 inhibition involves protease receptors inhibition. This research was aimed to in silico screening of Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf., and Strychnos ligustrine active ingredients as the main protease inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 by assessing the ligand-binding affinity in the binding pocket of SARS-CoV-2 main protease protein. The molecular docking method is generally used to predict the inhibitory site and bonds formation. In the current study, some generally used antiviral compounds from the PDB (Protein Data Bank) were also used to compare the affinity strength of the test compound against the protease receptor (code of 5R7Y). The inhibitory activity against the main protease receptor proven by the ChemPLP score is more negative than the receptor's native ligand and the comparison compounds. Jubanine B, a compound of Z. spina-christi has the most robust inhibition activity on the SARS-CoV-2 protease receptor. Results of this study can be concluded that this can be used to develop as a candidate for traditional medicine against SARS-CoV-2 but still it required some more in vitro and in vivo studies.
ABSTRACT
The entire world is entrapped by the contagious, lethal infectious Corona disease, brought about by the extreme intense respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic has been more devastating than the first. The arrival of corona virus vaccines has meant good news for resuming a normal life. However, there are some cases that have been reported that the persons who have been vaccinated still test positive for COVID-19. Unlike the first wave (in 2020), the younger population is getting infection by a corona virus, especially those with comorbidities are at high risk. Evidence from the first wave of data on the mortality rate also suggests that people with weak immune systems, e.g., older people, children, and those with underlying medical issues, are more likely to be affected by Covid-19 disease. Therefore, by improving the human body's immunity, the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infections can be reduced. In this regard, medicinal plants can play an effective role in improving the body's immunity. Thus, in this paper, attempts are made to compile and discuss the use of various plants to boost immunity and also for the prevention of many respiratory diseases having symptoms and signs similar to Corona disease.
ABSTRACT
The Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to unprecedented challenges for human life. During this pandemic, Turkish people have used various herbal remedies for both the prevention of Covid-19 and the alleviate of its symptoms. The present study aimed to investigate the herbal remedies used to prevent Covid-19 in Turkey and to determine whether the usage of herbal remedies was associated with sociodemographic properties. A cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire was conducted between November and December 2020. A total of 871 individuals (15 years of age or older) who lived in various provinces of Turkey participated in this study. Analysis was made in SPSS version 26.0 software using the descriptive statistics and appropriate tests of statistical significance for the comparisons. About 54.4% (n=474) of the participants reported that they have used herbal remedies during the pandemic period. We identified a total of 45 plant species, the most frequently cited were ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), linden (Tilia spp.), elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.), sage (Salvia spp.), and rosehip (Rosa canina L.), respectively. It has been found that the usage of herbal remedies was associated with several demographic variables. A considerable proportion of the participants reported the use of herbal remedies in order to prevent disease. This paper demonstrated the potential herbal remedies that can be used against Covid-19. Further research should be carried out to evaluate the efficacy of these medicinal plants and should control the flow of misleading information.
ABSTRACT
Interest in the biological role of bioactive compounds present in plant by-products has increased over the last few years. This study aimed to investigate the nutritive value and biological activities of Egyptian Grape leaves (GL), Grape seeds (GS) and Mulberry leaves (ML), as well as investigate the impact of P-irradiation for improving the utilization of these plant by-products. The dose level 5.0 kGy showed highest the content of crude protein (24.42, 19.41 and 13.50 mg/100 g), as well as crude fiber (34.26 and 21.18 mg/100 g) for ML, GL and GS, respectively. Mulberry leaves has a highest content of protein and fiber at dose 5.0 kGy compared with GL and GS. The highest total phenolic content was found in GS (9.75 mg/g DW), followed by GL (7.32 mg/g DW) and the lowest in ML (5.97 mg/g DW). While ML had a higher total flavonoids content (5.61 mg/g DW) than GS (4.88 mg/g DW) and GL (2.86 mg/g DW). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were significantly increased at 5.0 kGy. The highest level (83.25% and 80.24%) of scavenging activity (DPPH %) and inhibition activity of HCT 116 cells was recorded at 5.0 kGy by GS. All extracts irradiated at 5.0 kGy exhibited varying degrees of antibacterial activity against (Gram+ve and Gram-ve), the GS followed by GL then ML showed strong antibacterial activity with a diameter of inhibition zone of 26.2, 24.5 and 19.7 mm, against L. monocytoganes, respectively and 24.4, 21.4 and 17.2 against S. typhimurium, respectively. This study suggests that P-irradiation is an effective technique to enhance the recovery of phenolics and flavonoids from GL, GS and ML. Also in current study, antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer activity has been suggested to appear a clear positive relationship with the total phenolic material. This study has proved that the Egyptian GL, GS and ML are rich sources of valuable phytochemicals and nutrients that can serve as a potential source of nutraceuticals and multifunctional food additives (antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer). Phenolic compounds recovered from GL, GS and ML may have a potential role in fighting the COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
Living conditions in Turkey has been changed considerably during Covid-19 pandemic. This phase has changed people's normal lives, habits such as eating, resting, and shopping and pushed them to different pursuits. This study aimed to obtain data on the consumption preferences of medicinal and aromatic plants. The survey was conducted in the autumn of 2020. Choices and health services that are effective in the consumption of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant (MAP) of consumers are estimated by statistics and logit regression model to the data obtained from the surveys. It was determined that the coronavirus pandemic increased the consumption of medicinal and aromatic plants by 76%. The plants with the highest consumption during the pandemic were recorded as rosehip, linden, mint, and ginger. Green tea and udihindi were the most consumed medicinal and aromatic plants per month. According to logit regression analysis results;age, duration of use, price, benefit, side effect, access to the chemical, additive, and hope variables increased the consumption of medicinal and aromatic plants and the likelihood of purchasing during the pandemic. It is thought that consumption of MAPs will become widespread and increase during the pandemic.
ABSTRACT
Unani System of Medicine is also known as Greco-Arabic medicine, and developed into an elaborate scientific medical system by Arab and Persian physicians, such as Rhazes (850-925AD), Avicenna (980-1037AD), Al-Zahrawi and Ibn Nafis. It is practiced in India since eighth century AD and is a recognized Indian traditional system of medicine with good infrastructure for education;research and manufacturing unitswhich are well regulated by the Government. In Unani medicine there are well developed pharmacopeia and pharmaceutical processings for single & compound formulations for the treatment of several local and systemic ailments. The most important formulation among various Unani formulations is Sharbat-e-Unnab, a Unani pharmaceutical preparation acting as Dafa-e-Sual (antitussive), Khashunat-e-Halaq (sore throat), Musaffi-e-Khoon (blood purifier), Musakkin-e-Hiddat-e-Khoon (suppressive blood heat) etc. Unnab (Ziziphus jujuba Mill./Jujube) fruit is the main ingredient of the formulation. Unnab is also an ingredient of Unani Joshanda which has been recommended for relief in upper respiratory tract symptoms in mild cases of COVID-19. Few scientific studies related to Sharbat Unnab have been conducted in problems like Acne vulgaris and Primary Hypertension. Apart from this Unnab, the main ingredient has also been studied for its antioxidant and anti-cancerous activities. This formulation is being used by Unani physicians since time immemorial. Therefore, this paper will describe the brief review of the formulation along with its ingredient.