Search Results (25)

This article examines the seismic assessment and strengthening of a traditional load-bearing masonry structure subjected to strong motion data, with particular emphasis on the effects of soil–structure interaction (SSI). The case study is the Archaeological Museum of Lemnos (AML)—a three-storey building with a composite load-bearing system of timber-framed stone masonry. Over time, the structure has undergone irreversible modifications, primarily involving reinforced concrete (RC) interventions. The building’s seismic performance was evaluated using two finite element models developed in the SAP2000 software (v. 25.3.00). The first model simulates the original structure, strengthened by grout injections, while the second represents the current condition of the structural system following RC additions. Soil–structure interaction was also investigated, given that the local soil is classified as Category D according to Eurocode 8 (EC8). Each model was analyzed under two different support conditions: fixed-base and SSI-inclusive. A suite of appropriate accelerograms was applied to both models, in compliance with Eurocode 8 using the SeismoMatch software, and linear time-history analyses were conducted. The results underscore the significant impact of SSI on the increase of peak tensile stress and interstorey drift ratios (IDRs), and highlight the influence of different strengthening techniques on the seismic response of historic load-bearing masonry structures. Full article

A study was designed to explore the possibility of using herbal supplementation to sustain growth performance during heat stress exposure in Kenguri sheep. This 60-day study was conducted on 24 Kenguri ewes (1–2 years old), randomly assigned to four treatment groups (n = 6 per group) as follows: KC (n = 6; Kenguri Control), KHS (n = 6; Kenguri Heat Stress), KCS (n = 6; Kenguri Control and herbal supplement), and KHSS (n = 6; Kenguri Heat Stress and herbal supplement). The herbal mixture of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), Emblica officinalis (Amla), Morinda citrifolia (Noni), Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), and Phyllostachys edulis (Bamboo) was used in this study. The herbal supplement used in the present study was given to the KCS and KHSS groups’ animals in dry powder form at a dose of 0.8 g/Kg BW/Day. All variables were recorded fortnightly, and gene expression analysis was performed at the end of the experiment. The results indicated that the recorded temperature–humidity index (THI) provided thermal comfort for KC and KCS while inducing extremely severe heat stress to the KHS and KHSS groups. Heat stress did not alter the feed intake, while the herbal supplement during heat stress increased the feed intake from day 30 onwards. Furthermore, heat stress significantly (p < 0.001) increased the water intake, while the herbal supplement did not alter the heat stress-induced water intake. In addition, neither heat stress nor herbal supplements influenced the body weight and allometric measurements studied. Furthermore, heat stress significantly (p < 0.01) decreased the level of plasma tri-iodo-thyronine (T₃) and thyroxin (T₄) and had a non-significant effect on plasma growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), while the herbal supplements significantly (p < 0.01) increased the levels of all these hormones studied. Likewise, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) the expression patterns of growth hormone receptor (GHR), Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and prolactin receptor (PRLR) were significantly (p < 0.001) downregulated during heat stress (0.25, 0.3, and 0.48-fold change, respectively). However, the herbal supplement significantly (p < 0.01) increased the heat stress-induced reduction in the expression pattern of these three genes (0.65, 0.61, and 0.61-fold change, respectively). Therefore, from this study, it could be concluded that although the herbal supplements did not bring positive changes in body weight and allometric measurements, it still had a beneficial impact on the endocrinology and genes governing growth performance in Kenguri ewes. Thus, the herbal feed additive used in the study shows promise for relieving heat stress in Kenguri ewes. Full article

Phyllanthus emblica Linn. (commonly known as Amla or Indian Gooseberry) is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat respiratory infections, skin disorders, and gastrointestinal issues. The fruit contains an abundance of polyphenols, which contribute to its strong antioxidant properties. The antibacterial activity of fruit extracts derived from P. emblica against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae was determined along with the antibiotic-resistant variants extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) E. coli, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and ESBL K. pneumoniae. Disc diffusion and broth dilution assays were conducted to assess the activity of aqueous, methanolic, and ethyl acetate extracts, with large zones of inhibition of up to 15 mm on agar observed for S. aureus and MRSA. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 158 to 1725 µg/mL were calculated. The aqueous and methanolic extracts of P. emblica were less active against E. coli, ESBL E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and ESBL K. pneumoniae, with the only noteworthy MIC (633 µg/mL) observed for the aqueous extract against K. pneumoniae. Interestingly, a lack of inhibition was observed on agar for any of the extracts against these bacteria. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis identified several notable flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, and tannins. Notably, Artemia nauplii bioassays indicated that all extracts were nontoxic. The antibacterial activity and absence of toxicity in P. emblica extracts suggest their potential as candidates for antibiotic development, highlighting the need for further mechanistic and phytochemical investigations. Full article

Plant-based diets are associated with numerous health benefits, including reduced risks of chronic diseases. However, questions persist regarding the implications of lower dietary intakes of certain non-essential nutrients, such as retinol, vitamin K2, carnitine, and creatine, which are primarily found in animal-derived foods. This narrative review evaluates the roles of these nutrients in human physiology and examines whether their absence in plant-based diets is likely to impact health outcomes. Retinol requirements can be met through the consumption of provitamin A carotenoids in plant foods, even in individuals with reduced conversion efficiency. Endogenous synthesis adequately supports physiological needs for vitamin K2, and currently available evidence does not consistently demonstrate that dietary vitamin K2 provides additional benefits for bone or cardiovascular health. Carnitine and creatine levels may differ between individuals following omnivorous and plant-based diets, but these differences do not result in compromised muscle function, cognitive health, or metabolic outcomes. Current evidence does not indicate that the absence of these non-essential nutrients in plant-based diets adversely affects health or confers disadvantages compared to omnivorous diets. Full article

The management of elderly patients diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is complicated by high relapse risk and comorbidities that often preclude access to allogeneic hematopoietic cellular transplantation (allo-HCT). In recent years, fast-paced FDA drug approval has reshaped the therapeutic landscape, with modest, albeit promising improvement in survival. Still, AML outcomes in elderly patients remain unacceptably unfavorable highlighting the need for better understanding of disease biology and tailored strategies. In this review, we discuss recent modifications suggested by European Leukemia Network 2022 (ELN-2022) risk stratification and review recent aging cell biology advances with the discussion of four AML cases. While an older age, >60 years, does not constitute an absolute contraindication for allo-HCT, the careful patient selection based on a detailed and multidisciplinary risk stratification cannot be overemphasized. Full article

Concern for global health security and the environment due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic residues in meat and other livestock products has led many countries to restrict the use of antibiotics in animal feed. This experiment was performed to assess the impact of dietary supplementation of a probiotic (Bacillus subtilis) and a postbiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product) on growth performance, carcass traits, blood haemato-biochemical profile, gut microflora, gut morphology, and immune response in broilers as an alternative to antimicrobials in poultry production system to minimize the effect on global health security. A total of 324 one-day-old Ven Cobb 400 broiler chicks were randomly divided into three dietary groups, each containing 12 replicated pens, and each replicate contained nine chickens. The dietary groups consisted of (1) a basal diet without any growth promoters (T₁), (2) the basal diet augmented with Bacillus subtilis at 200 g/MT feed (T₂), and (3) the basal diet supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product at 1.25 kg/MT feed (T₃). To calculate body weight gain, all birds and residual feed were weighed on a replicated basis on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42; mortality was recorded daily. At the end of the trial (42 d), two chickens from each replicate were slaughtered for carcass traits, gut microflora, and morphology measurements. Blood samples were collected for the haemato-biochemical profile on 35 d and antibody titer on 28 d and 35 d. Feeding with SCFP (T₃ group) significantly improved average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily gain (ADG) of chickens compared to the T₁ (control) and T₂ (probiotic) groups from 1 to 14 days of age. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly improved in SCFP-fed birds (T₃) relative to the control (T₁) over the entire experimental period. Carcass traits and blood haemato-biochemical parameters remained unaffected by any diets. However, cholesterol levels and concentrations of corticosterone were significantly lower in T₃ compared to T₂ and T₁ groups. Total E. coli, Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli, ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae, and Salmonella counts were significantly lower in T₂ and T₃ groups compared to T₁ group and Salmonella counts were lower in T₃ when compared to T₂. However, there was no significant difference in Lactobacillus count among treatment groups. A significant increase in villi height and villi-height-to-crypt-depth ratio (VH: CD) was observed in both T₃ and T₂ groups. On day 28, the T₃ and T₂ groups exhibited a significant increase in antibody titers against Newcastle disease virus and infectious bursal disease virus. It can be concluded that Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product and Bacillus subtilis probiotic could be viable alternatives to antimicrobials in poultry production considering beneficial impacts in broilers fed an antibiotic-free diet. Full article

Frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables in the daily diet may alleviate the risk of developing chronic diseases. Daucus carota L. (carrot), Beta vulgaris L. (beetroot) Phyllanthus emblica L. (amla), and Lycopersicon esculentum M (tomatoes) are traditionally consumed functional foods that contain a high concentration of antioxidants, ascorbic acid, polyphenols, and numerous phytochemicals. This study assessed how three distinct preparation methods affect the phenolic, flavonoid, carotenoid, and ascorbic acid contents, antioxidant level, and cytotoxicity of the combined fruit extract. The fruit samples were taken in the ratio of carrot (6): beetroot (2): tomato (1.5): amla (0.5) and processed into a lyophilized slurry (LS) extract, lyophilized juice (LJ) extract, and hot-air oven-dried (HAO) extract samples. The sample extracts were assessed for their phytoconstituent concentrations and antioxidant and cytotoxic potential. The total phenolic content in LS, LJ, and HAO extracts was 171.20 ± 0.02, 120.73 ± 0.02, and 72.05 ± 0.01 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g, respectively and the total flavonoid content was 23.635 ± 0.003, 20.754 ± 0.005, and 18.635 ± 0.005 mg quercetin equivalent/100 g, respectively. Similarly, total ascorbic acid content, carotenoids, and antioxidant potential were higher in the LS and LJ extracts than in HAO. Overall, the LS extract had a substantially higher concentration of phytochemicals and antioxidants, as well as higher cytotoxic potential, compared to the LJ and HAO extracts. The LS extract was tested in the MKN-45 human gastric cancer cell line to demonstrate its effective antioxidant potential and cytotoxicity. Hence, lyophilization (freezing) based techniques are more effective than heat-based techniques in preserving the phytoconstituents and their antioxidant and cytotoxic potential. Full article

Dental caries is a biofilm-mediated, sugar-driven, multifactorial, dynamic disease that results in the phasic demineralization and remineralization of dental hard tissues. Despite scientific advances in cariology, dental caries remains a severe global concern. The aim of this study was to determine the optimization of microbial and molecular techniques for the detection of cariogenic pathogens in dental caries patients, the prevalence of cariogenic bacteria on the basis of socioeconomic, climatological, and hygienic factors, and in vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of selected synthetic antibiotics and herbal extracts. In this study, oral samples were collected from 900 patients for bacterial strain screening on a biochemical and molecular basis. Plant extracts, such as ginger, garlic, neem, tulsi, amla, and aloe vera, were used to check the antimicrobial activity against the isolated strains. Synthetic antimicrobial agents, such as penicillin, amoxicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, metronidazole, doxycycline, ceftazidime, levofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin, were also used to access the antimicrobial activity. Among 900 patients, 63% were males and 37% were females, patients aged between 36 and 58 (45.7%) years were prone to disease, and the most common symptom was toothache (61%). For oral diseases, 21% used herbs, 36% used antibiotics, and 48% were self-medicated, owing to sweets consumption (60.66%) and fizzy drinks and fast food (51.56%). Staphylococcus mutans (29.11%) and Streptococcus sobrinus (28.11%) were found as the most abundant strains. Seven bacterial strains were successfully screened and predicted to be closely related to genera S. sobrinus, S. mutans, Actinomyces naeslundii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Eubacterium nodatum, Propionibacterium acidifaciens, and Treponema Pallidum. Among plant extracts, the maximum zone of inhibition was recorded by ginger (22.36 mm) and amla (20.01 mm), while among synthetic antibiotics, ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin were most effective against all microbes. This study concluded that phyto extracts of ginger and amla were considered suitable alternatives to synthetic antibiotics to treat dental diseases. Full article

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease showing an exponential increase in its prevalence all over the world. High blood glucose level is one of the main clinical signs of the disease. Although several classes of drugs are available for treatment, their prolonged use and adverse effects behoove the use of alternative medicine. Plant-derived natural products have multifaceted beneficial roles in human pathophysiology. Plant metabolites like tannins, organic acids, polyphenols, terpenes, and flavonoids show multiple mechanisms of action against diabetes. The fruits of Emblica officinalis (EOF), also known as Indian gooseberry (amla), contain several phytochemicals, potentially having anti-diabetic activity. Hydrolyzable tannins are the major bioactive components of the amla fruit, the most abundant hydrolyzable tannin being β-glucogallin. The present review summarizes the mechanism of action and clinical evidence for the beneficial effects of EOF on T2DM and its associated complications. Full article

This study uses personalized chronic lymphoblastic leukemia (CLL) cybrid cells to test various drugs/agents designed to improve mitochondrial function and cell longevity. Age-matched control (NL) and CLL cybrids were created. The NL and CLL cybrids were treated with ibrutinib (Ibr-10 μM), mitochondrial-targeted nutraceuticals such as alpha lipoic acid (ALA-1 mM), amla (Aml-300 μg), melatonin (Mel-1 mM), resveratrol (Res-100 μM) alone, or a combination of ibrutinib with nutraceuticals (Ibr + ALA, Ibr + Aml, Ibr + Mel, or Ibr + Res) for 48 h. MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide), H2DCFDA(2′,7′ Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate), and JC1 assays were used to measure the cellular metabolism, intracellular ROS levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential (∆ψm), respectively. The expression levels of genes associated with antioxidant enzymes (SOD2, GPX3, and NOX4), apoptosis (BAX and CASP3), and inflammation (IL6, IL-1β, TNFα, and TGFβ) were measured using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). CLL cybrids treated with Ibr + ALA, Ibr + Aml, Ibr + Mel, and Ibr + Res had (a) reduced cell survivability, (b) increased ROS production, (c) increased ∆ψm levels, (d) decreased antioxidant gene expression levels, and (e) increased apoptotic and inflammatory genes in CLL cybrids when compared with ibrutinib-alone-treated CLL cybrids. Our findings show that the addition of nutraceuticals makes the CLL cybrids more pro-apoptotic with decreased cell survival compared with CLL cybrids exposed to ibrutinib alone. Full article

Evidence of a Wheland intermediate in carboxylate-assisted C−H activation was found using DFT calculations when the Pd(IV) catalyst species was postulated as the active catalyst species (ACS). In order to delineate the reaction mechanism of Pd-catalyzed bisarylation of 3-alkylbenzofuran, five hypothetical catalyst species, [Pd(OAc)(PMe₃)(Ph)] (I), [Pd(OAc)₂] (II), [Pd(OAc)₂(PMe₃)] (III), [Pd(OAc)₂(Ph)]⁺ (IV) and [Pd(OAc)₂(PMe₃)(Ph)]⁺ (V) were tested as potential ACS candidates. The catalyst species I, previously reported as an ACS in the context of ambiphilic metal−ligand assistance or a concerted metalation-deprotonation mechanism, was unsuccessful, with maximum activation barriers (ΔG^‡_max) for the C(sp²)−H and C(sp³)−H activations of 33.3 and 51.4 kcal/mol, respectively. The ΔG^‡_max values for the C(sp²)−H and C(sp³)−H activations of II−V were 23.8/28.7, 32.0/49.6, 10.9/10.9, and 36.0/36.0 kcal/mol, respectively, indicating that ACS is likely IV. This catalyst species forms an intermediate state (IV_1) before proceeding to the transition state (IV_TS_1,2) for C(sp²)−H activation, in which C(2) atom of 3-methylbenzofuran has a substantial σ-character. The degree of σ-character of the IV_1 state was further evaluated quantitatively in terms of geometric parameters, partial charge distribution, and activation strain analysis. The analysis results support the existence of a Wheland intermediate, which has long been recognized as the manifestation of the electrophilic aromatic substitution mechanism yet never been identified computationally. Full article

Levodopa (L-DOPA) is an essential drug for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Currently, L-DOPA can be produced by chemical synthesis and can also be found naturally in many herbs, especially Mucuna Pruriens (MP). According to clinical research, the MP extract containing L-DOPA for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease could reduce side effects more than the synthetic one. Unfortunately, MP extracts can be easily degraded. Changes in physical and chemical properties such as the appearance (color, melt, solid lump) and the reduction of L-DOPA content in the extract were commonly observed. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an extraction procedure to stabilize the extract of L-DOPA. This study attempted to enhance the extraction process by modifying the traditional acidification approach using hydrochloric acid, citric acid, or ascorbic acid. According to the stability test results, using Phyllanthus emblica water (PEW) as a solvent improved the preservative properties more than other solvents. The color of the PEW-MP powder changed slightly after 12 months of accelerated storage, but the amount of L-DOPA remained the highest (73.55%). Moreover, L-DOPA was only detected in MP and PEW-MP, but not PEW alone (the HPTLC chromatogram at Rf 0.48 and the HPLC chromatogram at Rt 6.0 min). The chemical profiles of PEW and L-DOPA observed in the chromatograms indicated that they are independently separated. As a result, they can be applied to a quality control process. Therefore, PEW was proven to be a powerful solvent for L-DOPA herbal extract that could be readily used as a raw material for herbal products. Full article

The ayurvedic herb Emblica officinalis (E. officinalis) is a gift to mankind to acquire a healthy lifestyle. It has great therapeutic and nutritional importance. Emblica officinalis, also known as Indian gooseberry or Amla, is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family. Amla is beneficial for treating illnesses in all its forms. The most crucial component is a fruit, which is also the most common. It is used frequently in Indian medicine as a restorative, diuretic, liver tonic, refrigerant, stomachic, laxative, antipyretic, hair tonic, ulcer preventive, and for the common cold and fever. Hyperlipidemia is also known as high cholesterol or an increase in one or more lipid-containing blood proteins. Various phytocompounds, including polyphenols, vitamins, amino acids, fixed oils, and flavonoids, are present in the various parts of E. officinalis. E. officinalis has been linked to a variety of pharmacological effects in earlier studies, including hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, radioprotective, and hyperlipidemic effects. The amla-derived active ingredients and food products nevertheless encounter challenges such as instability and interactions with other food matrices. Considering the issue from this perspective, food component nanoencapsulation is a young and cutting-edge field for controlled and targeted delivery with a range of preventative activities. The nanoformulation of E. officinalis facilitates the release of active components or food ingredients, increased bioaccessibility, enhanced therapeutic activities, and digestion in the human body. Accordingly, the current review provides a summary of the phytoconstituents of E. officinalis, pharmacological actions detailing the plant E. officinalis’s traditional uses, and especially hyperlipidemic activity. Correspondingly, the article describes the uses of nanotechnology in amla therapeutics and functional ingredients. Full article

Recent research into Arabic learning at Australian Islamic schools presented evidence of non-Arab Muslim learners’ dissatisfaction with Arabic learning. This article explores the Arabic learning experiences of non-Arab Muslim learners of Arabic (a-MLA) at Australian Islamic schools (AIS). This research gave voice to students and used a basic interpretive qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were triangulated using supplementary classroom observations. The data presented draw from the analysis of 40 participants’ interviews. Findings suggest that students expected learning to yield the acquisition of all language macro-skills and a capacity to read with comprehension, but that experiences and outcomes fell short of expectations. This led to disengagement, disruptions, and overall disillusionment and attrition in senior secondary. Students revealed a general dissatisfaction with the way programs were structured and with core aspects of their learning experience. Repetitive lessons focused on reading, translating and grammar study were connected to disruptions. The motivational implications of these negative learning experiences are discussed. Full article

Diabetes mellitus is a life-threatening disorder affecting people of all ages and adversely disrupts their daily functions. Despite the availability of numerous synthetic-antidiabetic medications and insulin, the demand for the development of novel antidiabetic medications is increasing due to the adverse effects and growth of resistance to commercial drugs in the long-term usage. Hence, antidiabetic phytochemicals isolated from fruit plants can be a very nifty option to develop life-saving novel antidiabetic therapeutics, employing several pathways and MoAs (mechanism of actions). This review focuses on the antidiabetic potential of commonly available Bangladeshi fruits and other plant parts, such as seeds, fruit peals, leaves, and roots, along with isolated phytochemicals from these phytosources based on lab findings and mechanism of actions. Several fruits, such as orange, lemon, amla, tamarind, and others, can produce remarkable antidiabetic actions and can be dietary alternatives to antidiabetic therapies. Besides, isolated phytochemicals from these plants, such as swertisin, quercetin, rutin, naringenin, and other prospective phytochemicals, also demonstrated their candidacy for further exploration to be established as antidiabetic leads. Thus, it can be considered that fruits are one of the most valuable gifts of plants packed with a wide spectrum of bioactive phytochemicals and are widely consumed as dietary items and medicinal therapies in different civilizations and cultures. This review will provide a better understanding of diabetes management by consuming fruits and other plant parts as well as deliver innovative hints for the researchers to develop novel drugs from these plant parts and/or their phytochemicals. Full article