Medicinal and mechanistic overview of artemisinin in the treatment of human diseases.

Artemisinin (ART) is a bioactive compound isolated from the plant Artemisia annua and has been traditionally used to treat conditions such as malaria, cancer, viral infections, bacterial infections, and some cardiovascular diseases, especially in Asia, North America, Europe and other parts of the world. This comprehensive review aims to update the biomedical potential of ART and its derivatives for treating human diseases highlighting its pharmacokinetic and pharmacological properties based on the results of experimental pharmacological studies in vitro and in vivo. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of action, tested doses and toxic effects of artemisinin were also described.

Mass spectrometric analysis of bioactive conditioned media of bacteria isolated from reptilian gut.

Aim: To determine whether selected gut bacteria of crocodile exhibit antibacterial properties.

Materials & Methods: Two bacteria isolated from gut were used, namely: and . Conditioned media were tested against pathogenic bacteria and metabolites were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Corrigendum: The association between FokI vitamin D receptor polymorphisms with metabolic syndrome among pregnant Arab women.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.

An updated overview of cyanidins for chemoprevention and cancer therapy.

Anthocyanins are colored polyphenolic compounds that belong to the flavonoids family and are largely present in many vegetables and fruits. They have been used in traditional medicine in many cultures for a long time. The most common and abundant anthocyanins are those presenting an O-glycosylation at C-3 (C ring) of the flavonoid skeleton to form -O-β-glucoside derivatives.

Exploration of acute and chronic anti-inflammatory potential of extracts in Wistar rats: A mechanistic insight.

This research was conducted to validate the folkloric use of (QL) leaf extracts against inflammation and arthritis and to determine the chemical composition using HPLC. The aqueous and methanolic extracts of QL were evaluated by anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory (inhibition of protein denaturation and membrane stabilization) assays, and anti-inflammatory (carrageenan and xylene-induced edema) and anti-arthritic models. For anti-arthritic potential, 0.

Selected Gut Bacteria from Water Monitor Lizard Exhibit Effects against Pathogenic Belonging to the T4 Genotype.

Water monitor lizards (WMLs) reside in unhygienic and challenging ecological surroundings and are routinely exposed to various pathogenic microorganisms. It is possible that their gut microbiota produces substances to counter microbial infections. Here we determine whether selected gut bacteria of water monitor lizards (WMLs) possess anti-amoebic properties using of the T4 genotype.

Epigenetic modulations in cancer: predictive biomarkers and potential targets for overcoming the resistance to topoisomerase I inhibitors.

Introduction: Altered epigenetic map is frequently observed in cancer and recent investigations have demonstrated a pertinent role of epigenetic modifications in the response to many anticancer drugs including the DNA damaging agents. Topoisomerase I (Top I) is a well-known nuclear enzyme that is critical for DNA function and cell survival and its inhibition causes DNA strand breaks and cell cycle arrest. Inhibitors of human Top I have proven to be a prosperous chemotherapeutic treatment for a vast number of cancer patients.

Identification of p53-target genes in human papillomavirus-associated head and neck cancer by integrative bioinformatics analysis.

Introduction: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a highly prevalent and heterogeneous malignancy. Although extensive efforts have been made to advance its treatment, the prognosis remained poor with increased mortality. Human papillomaviruses (HPV) have been associated with high risk in HNC.

Discovery of novel papain-like protease inhibitors for potential treatment of COVID-19.

The recent emergence of different SARS-CoV-2 variants creates an urgent need to develop more effective therapeutic agents to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks. Among SARS-CoV-2 essential proteases is papain-like protease (SARS-CoV-2 PLpro), which plays multiple roles in regulating SARS-CoV-2 viral spread and innate immunity such as deubiquitinating and deISG15ylating (interferon-induced gene 15) activities. Many studies are currently focused on targeting this protease to tackle SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Dodecyl creatine ester improves cognitive function and identifies key protein drivers including KIF1A and PLCB1 in a mouse model of creatine transporter deficiency.

Creatine transporter deficiency (CTD), a leading cause of intellectual disability is a result of the mutation in the gene encoding the creatine transporter SLC6A8, which prevents creatine uptake into the brain, causing mental retardation, expressive speech and language delay, autistic-like behavior and epilepsy. Preclinical and data indicate that dodecyl creatine ester (DCE) which increases the creatine brain content, might be a therapeutic option for CTD patients. To gain a better understanding of the pathophysiology and DCE treatment efficacy in CTD, this study focuses on the identification of biomarkers related to cognitive improvement in a Slc6a8 knockout mouse model (Slc6a8-/y) engineered to mimic the clinical features of CTD patients which have low brain creatine content.

Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Efficacy of Copper-Doped Phosphate Glass on Pathogenic Bacteria.

Unlabelled: This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial [minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC)] and antibiofilm activity [log10 colony forming unit/mL (CFU/mL) and biofilm disruption] of copper-doped phosphate glass (CDPG) against and .

Methods: the antibacterial activity was determined using microbroth dilution and time-kill assay. The antibiofilm activity was investigated using crystal violet and confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Lung Epithelial Cells from Obese Patients Have Impaired Control of SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Obesity is known to increase the complications of the COVID-19 coronavirus disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, the exact mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection in obese patients have not been clearly elucidated. This study aims to better understand the effect of obesity on the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection and identify candidate molecular pathways involved in the progression of the disease, using an in vitro live infection model and RNA sequencing.

Novel Anti-Acanthamoebic Activities of Irosustat and STX140 and Their Nanoformulations.

Pathogenic produce keratitis and fatal granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. Treatment remains problematic and often ineffective, suggesting the need for the discovery of novel compounds. For the first time, here we evaluated the effects of the anticancer drugs Irosustat and STX140 alone, as well as their nanoformulations, against via amoebicidal, excystment, cytopathogenicity, and cytotoxicity assays.

Interaction of an anticancer benzopyrane derivative with DNA: Biophysical, biochemical, and molecular modeling studies.

Background: SIMR1281 is a potent anticancer lead candidate with multi- target activity against several proteins; however, its mechanism of action at the molecular level is not fully understood. Revealing the mechanism and the origin of multitarget activity is important for the rational identification and optimization of multitarget drugs.

Methods: We have used a variety of biophysical (circular dichroism, isothermal titration calorimetry, viscosity, and UV DNA melting), biochemical (topoisomerase I & II assays) and computational (molecular docking and MD simulations) methods to study the interaction of SIMR1281 with duplex DNA structures.

Emerging Promise of Therapeutic Approaches Targeting Mitochondria in Neurodegenerative Disorders.

Mitochondria are critical for homeostasis and metabolism in all cellular eukaryotes. Brain mitochondria are the primary source of fuel that supports many brain functions, including intracellular energy supply, cellular calcium regulation, regulation of limited cellular oxidative capacity, and control of cell death. Much evidence suggests that mitochondria play a central role in neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Divergent Protocol for the Synthesis of Isoquinolino[1,2-]quinazolinone and Isoquinolino[2,1-]quinazolinone Derivatives.

The development of robust and step-economic strategies to access structurally diverse drug-like compound collections remains a challenge. A distinct structural option that constitutes the core scaffold of many biologically significant molecules is the quinazolinone ring system. Several members of this family of privileged substructures have gained attention due to their diverse biological activities.

Unlocking the microbial studies through computational approaches: how far have we reached?

The metagenomics approach accelerated the study of genetic information from uncultured microbes and complex microbial communities. In silico research also facilitated an understanding of protein-DNA interactions, protein-protein interactions, docking between proteins and phyto/biochemicals for drug design, and modeling of the 3D structure of proteins. These in silico approaches provided insight into analyzing pathogenic and nonpathogenic strains that helped in the identification of probable genes for vaccines and antimicrobial agents and comparing whole-genome sequences to microbial evolution.

Effect of Eugenol, Vanillin, and β-Resorcylic Acid on Foodborne Pathogen Survival in Marinated Camel Meat.

The combined inhibitory effect of essential oils (EOs) with meat-based marinades has not been fully studied. Therefore, the present study aimed to gauge the effect of a yogurt-based marinade when individually combined with three EOs, namely eugenol (EU), vanillin (VA), or β-resorcylic acid (BR) on camel meat cubes inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli O157:H7 during storage.

A worldwide review of illness outbreaks involving mixed salads/dressings and factors influencing product safety and shelf life.

The trends toward healthy living, vegetarianism, and busy schedules have increased salad popularity. Salads are usually consumed raw without any thermal treatment, and therefore, without proper care they can become major vehicles for foodborne illness outbreaks. This review examines the microbial quality of 'dressed' salads which contain two or more vegetables/fruits and salad dressings.

Genetic aberration analysis of mitochondrial respiratory complex I implications in the development of neurological disorders and their clinical significance.

Growing neurological diseases pose difficult challenges for modern medicine to diagnose and manage them effectively. Many neurological disorders mainly occur due to genetic alteration in genes encoding mitochondrial proteins. Moreover, mitochondrial genes exhibit a higher rate of mutation due to the generation of Reactive oxygen species (ROS) during oxidative phosphorylation operating in their vicinity.

Liver Injury Associated with COVID-19 Infection: Pathogenesis, Histopathology, Prognosis, and Treatment.

Liver injury occurs frequently as a consequence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Direct infection of the liver leads to hepatic impairment with elevated transaminases. In addition, severe COVID-19 is characterized by cytokine release syndrome, which may initiate or exacerbate liver injury.

Dual Role of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 8 Interacting Protein-1 in Inflammasome and Pancreatic β-Cell Function.

Inflammasomes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, their expression and functional importance in pancreatic β-cells remain largely unknown. Mitogen-activated protein kinase 8 interacting protein-1 (MAPK8IP1) is a scaffold protein that regulates JNK signaling and is involved in various cellular processes.

The Usage and Trustworthiness of Various Health Information Sources in the United Arab Emirates: An Online National Cross-Sectional Survey.

The increase in the quality and availability of health information as well as the accessibility of Internet-based sources, has driven growing demand for online health information. Information preferences are influenced by many factors, including information needs, intentions, trustworthiness, and socioeconomic variables. Hence, understanding the interplay of these factors helps stakeholders provide current and relevant health information sources to assist consumers in assessing their healthcare options and making informed medical decisions.