Eco-Friendly CuO/Fe3O4 Nanocomposite synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxicity study.

The current study report a convenient, simple, and low cost approach for the biogenic synthesis of CuO/Fe3O4 nanocomposites (NCs) from pumpkin seeds extract and their vitro cytotoxicity. The characterization of finally obtained CuO/Fe3O4 nanocomposites (NCs) performed using UV-Visible, FT-IR, XRD, XPS, GC-MS, SEM-EDX and TEM analysis. The formation and elemental analysis were determined using the energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis technique. The formation of rod-like monoclinic and spherical, having size range 5 nm-20 nm confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) respectively. Finally, the MTT assay of the synthesized composites was evaluated for toxicity against cancerous cell lines HCT-116 (Colon cancer cell) and A549 (human lung adenocarcinoma cell). The synthesized composite material showed moderate (IC50 = 199 µg/mL) to low (IC50 = 445 µg/mL) activity against HCT-116 and A549 cell lines, respectively.

The efficacy of Linum usitatissimum seeds to inhibit estrogen receptor as a natural therapy for PCOS: An in silico and in vitro analysis.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinological disorder aroused due to hormonal disturbances. It is characterized by anovulation due to an excess of androgen and estrogen hormones, thus leading to the formation of multiple cysts, imposing life-threatening conditions. This manuscript aimed to introduce a natural estrogen receptor (ESR) inhibitors that can provide protection against PCOS. The computational analysis of Linum usitatissimum seeds  compounds against ESR alpha receptor was performed, and the binding affinities of the ligand compounds and receptor proteins were scrutinized. Nine lignin compounds were docked, and the results were compared with that of reference estrogen receptor inhibitors, clomiphene, and tamoxifen. The binding affinity scores for pinoresinol, lariciresinol, secoisolariciresinol, and matairesinol were -10.67, -10.66, -10.91, and -10.60 kcal mol-1 , respectively. These were comparable to the binding affinity score of reference compounds -11.406 kcal mol-1 for clomiphene and -10.666 kcal mol-1 for tamoxifen. Prime MM-GBSA studies showcased that Linum usitatissimum seeds compounds exhibit significant efficacy and efficiency towards receptor protein. Moreover, MD-simulation studies were performed and the results depict that the lignin compounds form stable complexes at 300 K throughout the simulation time. For further clarity, in-vitro experiments were carried out. The results exhibit the decline in cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner by extract 1 (ethyl acetate) EX1 and extract 2 (petroleum ether) EX2. Hence, providing evidence regarding the anti-estrogenic activity of the sample extracts. Collectively, these results showed that flax seed can reduce the levels of estrogen, which can induce ovulation and prevent cyst formation, and ultimately can provide protection against PCOS.

Insight to phytochemical investigation and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaf extract using in vitro, in vivo and in silico approach.

Hyperlipidemia is a key risk factor mainly for hypertension and cardiac abnormalities. Previously eucalyptus plant (river red gum) had been used for its medicinal value for the treatment of many ailments. This study focused on phytochemical examination, investigation of an in vitro potential and in vivo effects in mice fed with high cholesterol diet, GC-MS analysis of extracts of Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves and further confirmation of anti-hyperlipidemic potential of different constituents of plant extracts by using in silico technique. For in vitro study screening of different extracts of Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves was performed by using pancreatic lipase enzyme inhibition assay. Ethanolic extract presented the highest potential among all the extracts by inhibiting pancreatic lipase having IC50-11.88 µg/mL. For in vivo study mice were fed with high cholesterol diet for induction of Hyperlipidemia. Water extract showed great anti-hyperlipidemic potential by reducing the level of cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoproteins and increasing high density lipoproteins level significantly (p < 0.05). Moreover, molecular docking and prime MM-GBSA study were applied for screening of compounds having anti-hyperlipidemic potential which showed that Alpha-cadinol was the lead compound for inhibition of pancreatic lipase enzyme having docking score (-6.604). The ADMET properties and toxicity profile of the top docked compounds were also detailed for ensuring their safety aspects. In this way in silico analysis substantiate the experimental findings by showing anti-hyperlipidemic potential in constituents of eucalyptus plant. Thus, there is a need of advanced research for isolation of active constituents having said anti-hyperlipidemic potential in the Eucalyptus camaldulensis plant.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Isolation, Characterization, and Biocompatibility of Bisporitin, a Ribotoxin-like Protein from White Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus).

White button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus (J.E. Lange) Imbach) is one of the widely consumed edible mushrooms. Indeed, A. bisporus fruiting bodies are a rich source of nutrients and bioactive molecules. In addition, several enzymes with biotechnological applications are found in A. bisporus (e.g., enzymes for lignocellulose degradation). Here, a novel ribotoxin-like protein (RL-P) from the edible mushroom A. bisporus was purified and characterized. This RL-P, named bisporitin, is a monomeric protein (17-kDa) exhibiting specific ribonucleolytic activity by releasing the α-fragment (hallmark of RL-Ps) when incubated with rabbit ribosomes. In addition, bisporitin shows magnesium-dependent endonuclease activity and displays a similar far-UV CD spectrum as ageritin, the prototype of RL-Ps, isolated from Cyclocybe aegerita fruiting bodies. Interestingly, bisporitin is the first member of RL-Ps to have noticeably lower thermal stability (Tm = 48.59 ± 0.98 °C) compared to RL-Ps isolated in other mushrooms (Tm > 70 °C). Finally, this protein is only partially hydrolyzed in an in vitro digestive system and does not produce adverse growing effects on eukaryotic cell lines. This evidence paves the way for future investigations on possible bioactivities of this RL-P in the digestive system.

Prediction of α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity of LC-ESI-TQ-MS/MS-Identified Compounds from Tradescantia pallida Leaves.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that leads to abnormal carbohydrate digestion and hyperglycemia. The long-term use of marketed drugs results in secondary infections and side effects that demand safe and natural substitutes for synthetic drugs. The objective of this study is to evaluate the antidiabetic potential of compounds from the leaves of Tradescantia pallida. Thirteen phenolic compounds were identified from the ethyl acetate fraction of leaves of Tradescantia pallida using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The compounds were then studied for the type of interactions between polyphenols and human α-glucosidase protein using molecular docking analysis. Prime Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area (MM-GBSA) calculations were performed to measure the binding free energies responsible for the formation of ligand-protein complexes. The compounds were further investigated for the thermodynamic constraints under a specified biological environment using molecular dynamic simulations. The flexibility of the ligand-protein systems was verified by Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD), Root Mean Square Fluctuation (RMSF) and molecular interactions. The results authenticated the antidiabetic potential of polyphenols identified from the leaves of Tradescantia pallida. Our investigations could be helpful in the design of safe antidiabetic agents, but further in vitro and in vivo investigations are required.

Isolation, Characterization and Biological Action of Type-1 Ribosome-Inactivating Proteins from Tissues of Salsola soda L.

Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are known as RNA N-glycosylases. They depurinate the major rRNA, damaging ribosomes and inhibiting protein synthesis. Here, new single-chain (type-1) RIPs named sodins were isolated from the seeds (five proteins), edible leaves (one protein) and roots (one protein) of Salsola soda L. Sodins are able to release Endo's fragment when incubated with rabbit and yeast ribosomes and inhibit protein synthesis in cell-free systems (IC50 = 4.83-79.31 pM). In addition, sodin 5, the major form isolated from seeds, as well as sodin eL and sodin R, isolated from edible leaves and roots, respectively, display polynucleotide:adenosine glycosylase activity and are cytotoxic towards the Hela and COLO 320 cell lines (IC50 = 0.41-1200 nM), inducing apoptosis. The further characterization of sodin 5 reveals that this enzyme shows a secondary structure similar to other type-1 RIPs and a higher melting temperature (Tm = 76.03 ± 0.30 °C) and is non-glycosylated, as other sodins are. Finally, we proved that sodin 5 possesses antifungal activity against Penicillium digitatum.

Biochemical Traits, 1H NMR Profile and Residual DNA Content of 'Asprinio', White Wine from Campania Region (Southern Italy).

'Asprinio' is a white dry wine characteristic for its acidity and aromatic flavour, known as emerging DOP wine in Southern Italy. Nevertheless, little information is available on the metabolomic profile of this wine. Thus, in this paper we evaluated the colourimetric parameters, 1H NMR profiles and free amino acids content of 'Asprinio' wines, bottled by two different wineries (hereafter 'Asprinio_A' and 'Asprinio_B') collected in 2019 and 2020, using 'Greco di Tufo' for comparison. The colourimetric parameters are similar for both 'Asprinio' wines and differ from 'Greco di Tufo' wines. On the other hand, both 1H NMR and free amino acid content profiles show different chemometric profiles among the three wines analysed, although the profiles are similar for both vintages. Moreover, the multivariate analyses carried out highlight differences between 'Asprinio_A' and 'Asprinio_B', which exbibit also different residual yeast and plant DNA. Overall, considering that the two-manufacturing wineries use 100% 'Asprinio' grape, the difference retrieved between the two 'Asprinio' wines could be explained by the different grapevine training systems: 'vite maritata' (training system inherited from Etruscans) for 'Asprinio_A' and 'guyot' for 'Asprinio_B'.

Cardiovascular Disease, Intensive Care, and Mortality in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients: A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease 2019 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has imparted an extraordinary burden on the intensive care services, which is likely to echo in pandemic and critical care management glob- ally. We aim to meta-analyze mortality outcomes in cardiovascular disease patients and groups receiving corticosteroids therapy, intensive care admission status during coronavirus disease 2019 hospitalization and groups receiving corticosteroid therapy, and lastly, mortality outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients. Finally, we collate a coronavirus disease 2019 field algorithm for ST-elevation myocardial infarction critical care. METHODS: PubMed databases were searched for relevant observational studies with MeSH terms including, "cardiovascular disease," "COVID-19," "intensive care," "mortality," and "mechanical ventilation." A random-effect model was used to calculate the risk ratio, using RevMan V5.3. RESULTS: A total of 67 622 patients were included with 10 076 participants in the cardiovascular disease group. Overall, the mean age of the participants in the studies was 60 ± 1.6 years and 52.1% were female. A higher death risk was found in cardiovascular disease patients during and after coronavirus disease 2019 infection (risk ratio = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.74 to 3.41, P < .0001). Mechanical ventilation was likened to worsen mortality rates at any time during the hospital stay (risk ratio = 5.32, 95% CI = 3.89 to 7.29, P < .0001). Publication bias was not observed and high methodological qualities were included. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiovascular disease imparts a high burden on intensive care leading to high mortality among coronavirus disease 2019 patients. It is essential that myocardial infarctions in the acute care setting, and conditions such as hypertension and coronary artery diseases, are closely monitored while leading coronavirus disease 2019 hospitalization protocols.

Ribotoxic Proteins, Known as Inhibitors of Protein Synthesis, from Mushrooms and Other Fungi According to Endo's Fragment Detection.

rRNA N-glycosylases (EC 3.2.2.22) remove a specific adenine (A4324, rat 28S rRNA) in the sarcin ricin loop (SRL) involved into ribosome interaction with elongation factors, causing the inhibition of translation, for which they are known as plant 'ribosome inactivating proteins' (RIPs). However, protein synthesis inactivation could be the result of other enzymes, which often have rRNA as the target. In this scenario, Endo's assay is the most used method to detect the enzymes that are able to hydrolyze a phosphodiester bond or cleave a single N-glycosidic bond (rRNA N-glycosylases). Indeed, the detection of a diagnostic fragment from rRNA after enzymatic action, with or without acid aniline, allows one to discriminate between the N-glycosylases or hydrolases, which release the ß-fragment after acid aniline treatment or α-fragment without acid aniline treatment, respectively. This assay is of great importance in the mushroom kingdom, considering the presence of enzymes that are able to hydrolyze phosphodiester bonds (e.g., ribonucleases, ribotoxins and ribotoxin-like proteins) or to remove a specific adenine (rRNA N-glycosylases). Thus, here we used the ß-fragment experimentally detected by Endo's assay as a hallmark to revise the literature available on enzymes from mushrooms and other fungi, whose action consists of protein biosynthesis inhibition.

Hypercoagulopathy in Overweight and Obese COVID-19 Patients: a Single-Center Case Series.

A case series is presented of five overweight or obese patients with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in South Miami, Florida, United States. A multitude of coagulation parameters was suggestive of a hypercoagulable state among the hospitalized COVID-19 patients. This article reports various manifestations of hypercoagulable states in overweight and obese patients, such as overt bleeding consistent with disseminated intravascular coagulation, venous thromboembolism, gastrointestinal bleeding as well as retroperitoneal hematoma. All of the required admission to the intensive care unit and subsequently patients died. The characteristics of COVID-19-associated coagulopathy are atypical and warrant a further understanding of the pathophysiology to improve clinical outcomes, specifically in overweight or obese patients.

Catalase immobilized antimonene quantum dots used as an electrochemical biosensor for quantitative determination of H2O2 from CA-125 diagnosed ovarian cancer samples.

A selective and cost-effective biosensor based on catalase immobilized antimonene quantum dots modified glassy carbon electrode (Cat@AMQDs-GCE) is designed for the first time to determine hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Antimonene quantum dots (AMQDs) are synthesized by a single step method, characterized by various analytical techniques and applied to the electrochemical sensing of hydrogen peroxide. Catalase enzyme specific for H2O2 reduction is immobilized onto AMQDs to facilitate its detection by cyclic voltammetry and amperometry. Concentration, scan rate, pH, stability and selectivity are optimized. Linearity of Cat@AMQDs-GCE is determined as 0.989 with limit of detection as 4.4 µM. Amperometric measurements show recovery of 95 to 103.4% for H2O2 from human serum samples. Cat@AMQDs-GCE is electrochemically stable up to 30 cycles, reducing the cost of analysis. Cat@AMQDs-GCE shows good selectivity in presence of ascorbic acid, dopamine, leucine and glucose. Prepared electrode is also applied for the quantitative determination of H2O2 from ovarian cancer serum. CA 125 concentration is previously determined by Elecsys CA 125 II Assay. Results demonstrate that concentration of H2O2 increases with increasing levels of CA125 in serum.