Influence of RFC1 c.80A>G Polymorphism on Methotrexate-Mediated Toxicity and Therapeutic Efficacy in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Meta-analysis.

Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is an antirheumatic drug, transported by reduced folate carrier-1 (RFC1). The most common RFC1 gene variant, c.80 A>G (rs1051266) is ambiguously linked to adverse effects of MTX therapy in some rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Crowding Milleu stabilizes apo-myoglobin against chemical-induced denaturation: Dominance of hardcore repulsions in the heme devoid protein.

Macromolecular crowding can have significant consequences on the structure and dynamics of a protein. The size and shape of a co-solute molecule and the nature of protein contribute significantly in macromolecular crowding, which results in different outcomes in similar conditions. The structure of apo-myoglobin (apo-Mb) both in the absence and presence of denaturants (GdmCl and urea) was investigated in crowded conditions at pH 7.

Silver nanoparticles synthesized by showed antifungal activity.

In this investigation, an alternate green-route based on myco-synthesised silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) was evaluated to control plant disease to reduce the usage of synthetic chemicals. Here, we described biologically synthesised Ag NPs using the corn grain contaminant, , and were well-characterised by UV-visible spectrophotometer, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and particle size analyzer. The pathogenic behaviour of the spp.

Alpha synuclein (SNCA) rs7684318 variant contributes to Parkinson's disease risk by altering transcription factor binding related with Notch and Wnt signaling.

In view of inconsistencies in the association studies of alpha synuclein (SNCA) rs7684318 (chr4: 90655003 T > C) with Parkinson's disease (PD), we conducted a meta-analysis to establish the association of this variant with PD and examined changes in transcription factor binding. SNCA rs7684318 C-allele was identified as genetic risk factor for PD in fixed (OR: 1.53, 95 % CI: 1.

Corrigendum to "Structural and functional characterization of Tomato gene" [Saudi J. Biol. Sci. 27(1) (2020) 352-357].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.

Agro-Physiologic Responses and Stress-Related Gene Expression of Four Doubled Haploid Wheat Lines under Salinity Stress Conditions.

Salinity majorly hinders horizontal and vertical expansion in worldwide wheat production. Productivity can be enhanced using salt-tolerant wheat genotypes. However, the assessment of salt tolerance potential in bread wheat doubled haploid lines (DHL) through agro-physiological traits and stress-related gene expression analysis could potentially minimize the cost of breeding programs and be a powerful way for the selection of the most salt-tolerant genotype.

A Multi-target Drug Designing for BTK, MMP9, Proteasome and TAK1 for the Clinical Treatment of Mantle Cell Lymphoma.

Background: Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by the mutation and overexpression of the cyclin D1 protein by the reciprocal chromosomal translocation t(11;14)(q13:q32).

Aim: The present study aims to identify potential inhibition of MMP9, Proteasome, BTK, and TAK1 and determine the most suitable and effective protein target for the MCL.

Methodology: Nine known inhibitors for MMP9, 24 for proteasome, 15 for BTK and 14 for TAK1 were screened.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity from growing in Chile: enzymatic and molecular docking studies.

Alkaloid profiles from plants collected in Chile were examined by GC-MS to assess their inhibitory activity on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) using and methodologies. The alkaloid extract was roughly separated by column chromatography on silica gel. AChE inhibitory activities from extracts and purified alkaloids were tested by the Ellman method and a molecular docking study was performed to assess the interaction between AChE and purified alkaloids.

In Vivo Assessment of a Hydroxyapatite/κ-Carrageenan-Maleic Anhydride-Casein/Doxorubicin Composite-Coated Titanium Bone Implant.

Here, we focus on the fabrications of an osteosarcoma implant for bone repair via the development of a hydroxyapatite/κ-carrageenan-maleic anhydride/casein with doxorubicin (HAP/κ-CA-MA-CAS/DOX) composite-deposited titanium (Ti) plate. The HAP/κ-CA-MA-CAS/DOX material was coated on the Ti plate through the EPD method (electrophoretic deposition), applying direct current (DC) signals to deposit the composite on the surface of the Ti plate. The physicochemical and morphological possessions and biocompatibility in vitro of the prepared nanocomposite were examined to assess its prospective effectiveness for purposes of bone regeneration.

Bioremediation characteristics, influencing factors of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) removal by using non-indigenous Paracoccus sp.

The marine bacterium able to consume DDT as the nutrient source was isolated from sea water which was identified as Paracoccus sp. DDT-21 based on 16 S rDNA gene sequence and Gram negative rod, obligate aerobic, non-motile biochemical characteristics. The isolate can degrade over 80% of the DDT, at a concentration of 50 mg/L in MSM in 72 h.

Fatty acid production of thraustochytrids from Saudi Arabian mangroves.

This is the first report of thraustochytrids from Saudi Arabia. A total of 108 isolates of thraustochytrid were cultured from Syhat mangroves, Arabian Gulf, Saudi Arabia. Isolated thraustochytrids belonged to five genera: , , , and .

Emerging insights into mitochondria-specific targeting and drug delivering strategies: Recent milestones and therapeutic implications.

Mitochondria are a major intracellular organelle for drug targeting due to its functional roles in cellular metabolism and cell signaling for proliferation and cell death. Mitochondria-targeted treatment strategy could be promising to improve the therapeutic efficacy of cancer while minimizing the adverse side effects. Over the last decades, several studies have explored and focused on mitochondrial functions, which has led to the emergence of mitochondria-specific therapies.

A decrease of docosahexaenoic acid in testes of mice fed a high-fat diet is associated with impaired sperm acrosome reaction and fertility.

Obesity is a major worldwide health problem that is related to most chronic diseases, including male infertility. Owing to its wide impact on health, mechanisms underlying obesity-related infertility remain unknown. In this study, we report that mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for over 2 months showed reduced fertility rates and increased germ cell apoptosis, seminiferous tubule degeneration, and decreased intratesticular estradiol (E2) and E2-to-testosterone ratio.

Pharmacological Characterization of 4-Methylthioamphetamine Derivatives.

Amphetamine derivatives have been used in a wide variety of pathologies because of their pharmacological properties as psychostimulants, entactogens, anorectics, and antidepressants. However, adverse cardiovascular effects (sympathomimetics) and substance abuse problems (psychotropic and hallucinogenic effects) have limited their use. 4-Methylthioamphetamine (MTA) is an amphetamine derivative that has shown to inhibit monoamine uptake and monoamine oxidase.

Pharmacogenetic profiling of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD) variants in the Indian population.

Background: The present study aimed to delineate the pharmacologically relevant dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD) variants in the Indian population.

Methods: We screened 2000 Indian subjects for DPYD variants using the Infinium Global Screening Array (GSA) (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA, USA).

Efficacy of Mushroom Metabolites () as A Natural Product for the Suppression of Broomrape Growth ( Forsk) in Faba Bean Plants.

Broomrape parasitism on faba bean ( L.) is the most destructive factor for this crop in Egypt. Pot experiments were conducted during the two successive seasons 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 to study the mitigation of broomrape stress on faba bean using a ten-fold dilution of 10% (w/v) spent mushroom substrate extract (SMSE) of and the same dilution of culture filtrate of mushroom (MCF) grown in potato dextrose broth (PDB) at a rate of 48 l hectare compared with the commercial herbicide Roundup (Glyphosate 48% emulsifiable concentrate) at a rate of 144 cm ha on the two varieties (Misr3 and Sakha3) cultivated in broomrape-infested soil.

ACC deaminase and antioxidant enzymes producing halophilic sp. PR14 promotes the growth of rice and millets under salinity stress.

Rhizobacteria are known to ameliorate salinity stress through a wide variety of mechanisms including the production of aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase (ACCD). Application of ACCD positive halophilic rhizobacteria ameliorate soil salinity along with its plant growth promotion activity. An effect of the inoculation of ACCD and antioxidant positive and halophilic sp.

Pharmacogenetic determinants of thiopurines in an Indian cohort.

Background: Several genetic variants of thiopurine metabolic pathway are associated with 6-thiopurine-mediated leucopenia. A population-based evaluation of these variants lays the foundation for Pharmacogenetic-guided thiopurine therapy.

Methods: A total of 2000 subjects were screened for the pharmacogenetic determinants using the infinium global screening array (GSA).

Preparation of Ag-cellulose nanocomposite for the selective detection and quantification of mercury at nanomolar level and the evaluation of its photocatalytic performance.

Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that reaches to the water bodies mainly by coal burning, mining and petrol refining. The study was focused to investigate the application of Ag-cellulose nanocomposite to detect and quantify mercury colorimetrically. The Ag-cellulose nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, particle size analyzer and zetasizer.

Nicotinic Antagonist UFR2709 Inhibits Nicotine Reward and Decreases Anxiety in Zebrafish.

Zebrafish is becoming a popular animal model in neuropharmacology and drug discovery, mainly due to its ease of handling and low costs involved in maintenance and experimental work. This animal displays a series of complex behaviours that makes it useful for assessing the effects of psychoactive drugs. Here, adult zebrafish were used for assessment of the anxiolytic and anti-addictive properties of UFR2709, a nicotinic receptor (nAChR) antagonist, using two behavioural paradigms to test for addiction, the novel tank diving test to assess anxiety and the conditioned place preference (CPP).

Shape-based Machine Learning Models for the Potential Novel COVID-19 Protease Inhibitors Assisted by Molecular Dynamics Simulation.

Background: The vast geographical expansion of novel coronavirus and an increasing number of COVID-19 affected cases have overwhelmed health and public health services. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms have extended their major role in tracking disease patterns, and in identifying possible treatments.

Objective: This study aims to identify potential COVID-19 protease inhibitors through shape-based Machine Learning assisted by Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics simulations.

Effect of Antioxidants on Heavy Metals Induced Conformational Alteration of Cytochrome C and Myoglobin.

Background: The exposure to heavy metals due to unrestrained industrialization, pollution and non-degradability imposes a significant risk to human health. Proteins are prime targets of heavy metal stress, however, the underlying mechanisms and its impact on heme proteins is still not entirely clear.

Objective: To analyze the deleterious effect of heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium and mercury on conformation of two proteins namely, cytochrome c and myoglobin.

Synthesis, in vitro evaluation and molecular docking of a new class of indolylpropyl benzamidopiperazines as dual AChE and SERT ligands for Alzheimer's disease.

During the last decade, the one drug-one target strategy has resulted to be inefficient in facing diseases with complex ethiology like Alzheimer's disease and many others. In this context, the multitarget paradigm has emerged as a promising strategy. Based on this consideration, we aim to develop novel molecules as promiscuous ligands acting in two or more targets at the same time.

Design and development of a commercially viable nanoemulgel for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

To investigate the potential of a thermosensitive intranasal formulation of raloxifene hydrochloride (RH) for systemic delivery with the possibility of enhanced bioavailability and anti-osteoporotic efficacy. In this work, a commercially scalable nanoemulsion in thermosensitive gel, aligned with better clinical acceptability, has been developed and evaluated. A significant 7.

Emergence of deadly severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 during 2019-2020.

Wuhan, the city in Hubei province in China is in the focus of global community due to the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), formerly known as 2019-nCoV. The virus emerged in humans from Wuhan seafood market probably via zoonotic transmission. Within a few days the virus spread its tentacles rapidly to neighboring cities in China and to different geographical regions through travelers and to some extent by human to human transmission leading to significant disease burden globally.