Production and optimization of novel Sphorolipids from Candida parapsilosis grown on potato peel and frying oil wastes and their adverse effect on Mucorales fungal strains.

BRIEF INTRODUCTION: Mucormycosis disease, which has recently expanded with the Covid 19 pandemic in many countries, endangers patients' lives, and treatment with common drugs is fraught with unfavorable side effects. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: This study deals with the economic production of sophorolipids (SLs) from different eight fungal isolates strains utilizing potato peels waste (PPW) and frying oil waste (FOW). Then investigate their effect against mucormycetes fungi. RESULTS: The screening of the isolates for SLs production revealed the highest yield (39 g/100 g substrate) with most efficiency was related to a yeast that have been identified genetically as Candida parapsilosis. Moreover, the characterizations studies of the produced SLs by FTIR, 1H NMR and LC-MS/MS proved the existence of both acidic and lactonic forms, while their surface activity was confirmed by the surface tension (ST) assessment. The SLs production was optimized utilizing Box-Behnken design resulting in the amelioration of yield by 30% (55.3 g/100 g substrate) and ST by 20.8% (38mN/m) with constant level of the critical micelle concentration (CMC) at 125 mg/L. The studies also revealed the high affinity toward soybean oil (E24 = 50%), in addition to maintaining the emulsions stability against broad range of pH (4-10) and temperature (10-100℃). Furthermore, the antifungal activity against Mucor racemosus, Rhizopus microsporus, and Syncephalastrum racemosum proved a high inhibition efficiency of the produced SLs. CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrated the potential application of the SLs produced economically from agricultural waste as an effective and safer alternative for the treatment of infection caused by black fungus.

From COVID to Couch Potato: The Importance of Physical Activity Promotion and Education.

For many, the lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in drastic behavior changes. While the immediate uncertainty and fear surrounding the initial lockdown has subsided, there are still significant changes to our daily lives and work that may have lasting impact on our health and well-being. One such change is the increase in physical inactivity and sedentarism, a result of decreased group activities, organized events, work and school from home mandates, and physical distancing. Physical inactivity represents one of the strongest modifiable risk factors for poor health outcomes and a preventable cause of early morbidity and mortality from many common chronic diseases. Overall, health care providers are inconsistent and often ineffective at screening and counseling patients on the benefits of regular physical activity. Additionally, there is very little structured curricula for medical learners to address physical inactivity and other lifestyle factors that contribute to the health of our patients. As we adjust to new social practices and behaviors as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that we emphasize the need for education, screening, evidence-based interventions, advocacy, and effective role modeling on the importance of physical activity for our patients, communities, and our own well-being.

Effect of orange almond potato cookies supplementation on the nutritional status of underweight preschool-aged children during COVID-19 pandemic.

Most undernourished preschool-aged children have low hemoglobin and albumin levels, which leads to a higher risk of infections, including COVID-19. This study was designed to determine whether potato almond orange cookies increase weight, hemoglobin, and albumin) in undernourished preschool-aged children during the COVID-19 pandemic. A pre-post intervention study was conducted with 30 subjects during 8 weeks in which hemoglobin and albumin levels were recorded at the beginning and end. Education on balanced nutrition was provided to mothers using leaflets, flipcharts, and videos. The results showed increases in weight (0.4 kg), height (1.98 cm), hemoglobin level (0.1 g/dL), and albumin level (0.1 g/dL) accompanied by a significant increase in weight, height, and the Z-score index for weight for age, whereas those for Hb and albumin levels were not. Energy, carbohydrate, fat, vitamin C, vitamin E, and iron intake increased significantly. Further, there was a significant difference in mothers' knowledge of balanced nutrition and COVID-19 at the end of the study. Thus, high levels of cookie consumption increased the weight of underweight preschool-aged children. Future studies may wish to consider examining the issue using stunted, wasted, and anemic preschool-aged children as the research subjects.

High affinity interaction of Solanum tuberosum and Brassica juncea residue smoke water compounds with proteins involved in coronavirus infection.

The world is in an immediate need of treatment for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Chronic exposure of hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of COVID-19 may have multiple adverse effects on human physiology, such as cardiac arrhythmias. Natural compounds need to be evaluated as treatment and preventive agents in coronavirus infection. A total of 30 compounds of Solanum tuberosum and Brassica juncea residue smoke water were selected for the virtual screening against SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2 and cellular proteins involved in the mechanism of infection. Docking analysis identified lead molecules with favorable binding energy, number of poses and hydrogen bond interactions, which indicates the effective modulation of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 receptors. Results indicated (a) curcumenol, (b) N-desmethylselegiline, (c) phentermine and (d) sphingolipid derivatives as a selective and potent candidates in comparison to hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 treatment. Our in silico findings, therefore, warrant further in vitro validations of the selected compounds for the discovery of novel preventive and therapeutic drug against SARS-CoV-2 infection.