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Review from host and guest approach to new frontiers nutraceuticals in the era of COVID-19
Get PDFCOVID-19 continues to claim victims in the world, especially among elderly subjects and people suffering from chronic-degenerative pathologies, like cardiovascular diseases. Several vaccines and drugs have been developed to mitigate the infection spread and its deleterious consequences. However, the emergence of new variants requires the identification of solutions to deal with the challenging mutations. In this context, the investigation of phytocomplexes and related compounds used in folk medicine and culinary purposes may lead to unfold nutraceuticals endowed with antiviral, and cardioprotective properties. We have described several vegetal extracts and secondary metabolites that hit the most important viral and host targets and bind them. The connection between SARS-CoV-2 and cardiovascular diseases were also outlined, as well as phytocomplexes with potentials for their mitigation. The review provides both an entry point for new researchers in this area, and a comprehensive overview for further investigation of the natural products presented
Perceptions of Parents on Raz-Kid' s Role in Enhancing Students' Micro and Macro-Skills Holistically: A Study on Ishik Brayaty International Primary School in Erbil
Get PDFMany educational institutions globally have adopted the motto of technology-enriched education. Among others, e-books have come to the forefront with technological developments. Accordingly, e-book apps have gained increasing popularity due to their numerous advantages. Although many studies have been conducted on e-book platforms’ effectiveness on a global scale, Raz-Kid’s influence on students’ macro and micro-skill development has not been studied in the context of Iraq. Bearing this fact in mind, this study is an endeavor to explore parents’ perceptions about a well-known e-reading app, Raz-Kids, in Erbil, Iraq, on students attending Ishik Brayaty International Primary School in the 2023–2024 academic year. Through convenience sampling, 100 parents uncovered their genuine opinions in a mixed-methods research design study. Data were gathered via questionnaire and interview, and analyzed by either SPSS 29 or NVivo. Findings demonstrated that Raz-Kids has the limitless potential to increase students’ linguistic skills holistically. In addition, parents’ and teachers’ encouragement has been considered as the triggering force to increase students’ reading rates. The study’s findings may have certain implications for the stakeholders who plan to integrate means of technology into the curriculum in a balanced way. Thus, some rational steps can be taken to eliminate the negative impacts of technology and highlight the positive aspects via well-designed e-book reading apps and more
Therapeutic, and pharmacological prospects of nutmeg seed: A comprehensive review for novel drug potential insights
Get PDFBackground and objectives
For centuries, plant seed extracts have been widely used and valued for their benefits. They have been used in food, perfumes, aromatherapy, and traditional medicine. These natural products are renowned for their therapeutic properties and are commonly used in medicinal treatments. Their significant pharmacological profiles provide an excellent hallmark for the prevention or treatment of various diseases. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated the biological and pharmacological properties of nutmeg seeds and explored their efficacy in treating various illnesses.
Method
Published articles in databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, Elsevier, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Wiley, were analyzed using keywords related to nutmeg seed. The searched keywords were chemical compounds, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antidiabetic, anticancer properties, and their protective mechanisms in cardiovascular and Alzheimer’s diseases.
Results & discussion
Nutmeg seeds have been reported to have potent antimicrobial properties against a wide range of various bacteria and fungi, thus showing potential for combating microbial infections and promoting overall health. Furthermore, nutmeg extract effectively reduces oxidative stress and inflammation by improving the body’s natural antioxidant defense mechanism. Nutmeg affected lipid peroxidation, reduced lipid oxidation, reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and increased phospholipid and cholesterol excretion. In addition, nutmeg extract improves the modulation of cardiac metabolism, accelerates cardiac conductivity and ventricular contractility, and prevents cell apoptosis. This study elucidated the psychotropic, narcotic, antidepressant, and anxiogenic effects of nutmeg seeds and their potential as a pharmaceutical medicine. Notably, despite its sedative and toxic properties, nutmeg ingestion alone did not cause death or life-threatening effects within the dosage range of 20–80 g powder. However, chemical analysis of nutmeg extracts identified over 50 compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and polyphenolic compounds, which exhibit antioxidant properties and can be used as phytomedicines. Moreover, the exceptional pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of nutmeg have been found different for different administration routes, yet, more clinical trials are still needed.
Conclusion
Understanding the chemical composition and pharmacological properties of nutmeg holds promise for novel drug discovery and therapeutic advancements. Nutmeg seed offers therapeutic and novel drug prospects that can revolutionize medicine. By delving into their pharmacological properties, we can uncover the vast potential possibilities of this natural wonder
Accessory Gene Regulator (agr) group polymorphisms in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and its association with biofilm formation
Get PDFMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the main causes of community- and hospital-acquired infections. The expression of virulence genes in S. aureus is arranged by regulators like the accessory gene regulator (agr). The present study aims to estimate phenotypic characteristics of S. aureus and investigate the occurrence of agr genes with their correlation to biofilm formation. In this study, 34 MRSA strains out of 100 S. aureus isolates were recovered in a variety of clinical samples. Phenotypic characterization and ability of biofilm formation were assessed. About 8(24%) of isolates were biofilm producers. The percentages of biofilm production among isolates were 3(37.5%), 2(25%), 3(37.5%) as strong, moderate, and weak, respectively. Furthermore, the resistance rates for all antibiotics were higher in biofilm producers and 76% of the isolates were staphyloxanthin producers, around 82% of the strains showed resistance to H2O2. Hemolytic activity was detected in 74% of the total isolates. The activity of the protease enzyme was 68%. The lipase enzyme was active in 79% of the tested S. aureus isolates. The majority of isolates were established to be agrI 84%, followed by agrII 53%, agrIII 32%, and 30% of the isolates have agr IV. Our study indicated that the majority of MRSA isolates were non-biofilm producers and the agr I is the most dominant type. Thus, agr I is not correlated with biofilm production
The syntax of negative polarity items in Central Kurdish
Get PDFThis paper investigates the morpho-syntactic properties and structure of hych kasek ‘anyone’ and hych shitek ‘anything’, two negative polarity items (NPIs) in Central Kurdish (CK). The study explores their variants in negative and non-negative contexts and evaluates their alignment with the proposals of Collins and Postal (CP2014). CK data reveal support for the distinction between unary and binary NEG structures, while highlighting variations in the deletion of the NEG element. Hych kasek consistently exhibits variants, while hych shitek demonstrates context-specific patterns. A split-DP structure is proposed, with the determiner splitting into Dneg (lexicalized by hych) and Dsome (lexicalized by -ek). The semantic distinction between unary and binary NEG structures is observed. Additionally, a third pattern of NEG raising is suggested, allowing NEG to raise optionally with or without a resumptive copy. This study enhances our understanding of NPIs in CK, providing insights into their morpho-syntactic structure and their compatibility with the proposals put forth by CP2014
High pollution loads engineer oxygen dynamics, ecological niches, and pathogenicity shifts in freshwater environments
Get PDFThe current study comprehensively reviews the ecological niche and pathogenicity shift in the freshwater microbial community in response to the stress induced by a high pollution load. The study provides a unique understanding of how a change in oxygen level tends to affect the survival of aquatic biota by delving into how an increase in pollutant load affects freshwater stability. The review indicated that high pollution loads alter the balance of freshwater resources such as organic matter, dissolved gases, light penetration, and essential nutrients. This causes oxygen dynamics and a species-dependent change in the community and niche of microorganisms in freshwater environments. This oxygen dynamics also causes the alteration of the genome of freshwater microorganisms, leading to the development of antibiotic resistance genes and thereby increasing the pathogenicity of freshwater microorganisms. The oxygen dynamic created lowers the natural defence strategies of the freshwater environment, thereby increasing the efficacy of the pathogens to infest the respective host. A detailed study of the mechanisms involved in freshwater exotoxins production and interaction with microorganisms will give an important insight into the niche shift in response to the effect of the exotoxin. The effect of the change in the pathogenicity of freshwater microorganisms is of importance to both environmental and medical interests. This is because the change in pathogenicity is not only detrimental to aquatic organisms but also resists improperly treated drinking water. Such water could retrogress wellness and quality of life when used continuously. An extensive study on how specific pollutants cause a shift in the niche and pathogenicity of freshwater microbiota will provide a detailed understanding of the impact of pollution on the stability of freshwater environment
Natural zeolite for heavy metal, ammonia removal, and physiological responses in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles tanks with different densities
Get PDFThe present study aims to investigate the influence of zeolite usage and stocking densities on various parameters, including ammonia removal from water, accumulation of heavy metals in fish organs, water quality, growth performance, feed efficiency, muscle composition, as well as hematological and biochemical parameters in European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) over a 90-day duration. A total of 2400 D. labrax with an initial weight of 9.83 ± 2.02 g and initial length of 9.37 ± 0.32 cm were distributed among 24 tanks. The research involved six distinct treatment groups, with two different zeolite levels (0 and 15 ppt) and three stocking density levels (50, 100, and 150 fish/m3), each replicated four times. The results of the research demonstrate a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in water quality measures with the introduction of zeolite. The successful implementation of this amendment mitigated the adverse effects of fish density on water quality parameters. Higher stocking density negatively impacted European sea bass growth, feed utilization, and hemato-biochemical indicators. Zeolite use effectively alleviated these adverse effects, particularly on performance, feed utilization, hematological, and biochemical parameters. The study’s results indicate that the utilization of zeolite has shown to be efficacious in mitigating the accumulation of heavy metals in both water and fish organs, while concurrently augmenting fish attributes. However, the increase in density led to a significant decrease in the accumulation of heavy metals in both water and fish organs. The present study highlights the capacity of natural zeolites to mitigate the negative consequences associated with water quality concerns. The efficiency of these zeolites in limiting the accessibility of heavy metals in polluted water is shown, hence minimizing their accumulation in fish organs. In addition, the improvement of fish performance has the capacity to have a beneficial influence on both the well-being and efficiency of fish in aquaculture. Additional research is essential to fully understand the complex molecular pathways involved in utilizing natural zeolite under different fish densities
Anticancer Potential of moringa oleifera Lam: a Systematic Review
Get PDFMoringa oleifera is highly esteemed as a therapeutic plant in the realm of traditional folk medicine. This plant has been demonstrated in numerous pharmacological tests to possess anticancer properties. Moringa oleifera, a versatile medicinal plant, has garnered significant academic focus and economic appeal due to its pharmacological attributes. The inefficiency of cancer treatment is mostly due to the resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy. Treatments for cancer are in greater demand. Finding novel compounds with the potential to treat various forms of cancer is therefore essential and indispensable. The review presented a contemporary analysis of the effectiveness of Moringa oliefera in the treatment of cancer. Research publications have been searched utilising the following platforms: Elsevier, Springer, Google Scholar, Taylor & Francis, Pub med, and Scopus. Research the plant species "Moringa oleifera" and its chemical composition, specifically focusing on its potential anticancer properties. The results of the anticancer test demonstrated that Moringa oliefera shown substantial potential as an anticancer agent against many cancer cell lines. The significance of the plant is emphasized in the quest for novel bioactive substances to investigate its therapeutic capabilities in the field of cancer treatment, with the aim of discovering and developing new drugs
Fullerene nanoparticle as new therapeutic agent for the nervous system disorders
Get PDFNeurodegenerative diseases and brain tumors are significant medical ailments that impact the brain. Administering therapeutic drugs to the brain is more challenging compared to other organs or systems. The existence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) poses significant complexities and challenges in delivering drugs to the brain. This study explores the potential of Fullerene nanoparticles as a novel therapeutic agent for delivering drugs to the brain and their neuroprotective roles within the central nervous system. Novel drug delivery methods have been devised to surmount obstacles posed by BBB and accomplish targeted drug delivery to the brain. Carbon nanostructures are an excellent option for delivering drugs into the brain because they have favorable biocompatibility and can easily penetrate BBB. Furthermore, these nanocarriers has the potential to serve as a therapeutic agent inside the central nervous system, exhibiting neurogenerative properties in some cases. Additionally, their impact on the proliferation of neurons and their ability to counteract the formation of amyloid plaques is particularly remarkable. Carbon-based nanomaterials, including zero-dimensional fullerene (C60), one-dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and two-dimensional graphene, have shown significant potential in the area of nanomedicine. This is attributed to their unique blend of chemical and physical characteristics, as well as their hydrophobic surfaces. Fullerene nanoparticles have the potential to greatly improve the treatment of brain illnesses by serving as both carriers and therapeutic agents
Commons are cared for: Coexistence between humans and wild birds on the island of Kihnu, Estonia
Get PDF1. Local knowledge is an essential dimension of humanity's relationship with the
environment. Investigating the interdependence between humans and wild birds
holds value in fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with avian populations.
2. Gathering bird eggs is a significant practice for Kihnu islanders in Estonia. There
are very few studies of this age-old, complex knowledge that assess the topic
from the perspective of the local community. This paper investigates the reciprocity and the relationality between people and birds and the position of commons in the local community practice of bird semi-domestication.
3. Several methods (interviews, participant observation and literature study) were
used in data collection. We obtained information on local knowledge concerning
58 bird taxa. Locals named at least 21 bird species from which they have collected
eggs. While collecting eggs is a central activity, the relationship surrounding egg
collection is far more intricate. Locals take care of nesting boxes in Common
Merganser which birds reside, collecting only a few eggs from every box. These
nesting boxes are also constructed for passerine birds. Furthermore, caring for
birds influences the soundscape of Kihnu and significantly impacts the cultural
bond between local communities and the birds. Kihnu islanders are mindful of the
changes occurring in the bird population.
4. The intimate relationship between local people and birds is challenged when
traditional ways of life are restricted by stricter nature conservation norms (e.g.
banning the collection of bird eggs and visiting islets). However, birdlife is very
important in ensuring biocultural diversity. Therefore, this study proposes several important future perspectives in promoting the sustainable development of rural
life: (1) the introduction of pluralistic nature protection, including the opinion of
local communities in the management of natural resources; (2) the promotion of
birds as a means of pest control; and (3) reinforcing the reciprocal coexistence of
birds and humans on Kihnu. We advocate for community-centred nature management which takes into consideration Local Ecological Knowledge and its attached
expertise, shared responsibility and benefits, sustainable development trajectories and local community-based governance systems