Natural plant extracts provide a cost-effective and eco-friendly option for the synthesis of bimetallic nanoparticles, as opposed to traditional chemical or physical methods. This research involved the bio-fabrication of silver-titanium dioxide bimetallic nanoparticles (Ag-TiO₂ BNPs) utilizing the leaf extract of Pluchea indica. The Ag-TiO₂ BNPs underwent characterization through UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR, TEM, XRD, and DLS techniques. The UV-Vis spectroscopy results revealed an absorbance peak at 350 nm, which confirms the successful synthesis of Ag-TiO₂ BNPs. TEM observations revealed that the average diameter of the Ag-TiO₂ BNPs varied between 10 and 60 nm. The assessment of the anticancer, antibacterial, and antioxidant bioactivities of the biosynthesized Ag-TiO₂ BNPs was conducted. Results revealed that the IC50 of Ag-TiO₂ BNP against Wi-38 normal cell line was 169.6 µg/mL. Moreover, Ag-TiO₂ BNPs exhibited anticancer activity against MCF-7 cancerous cell line with an IC50 of 33.5 µg/mL. Furthermore, the produced Ag-TiO₂ BNPs exhibited antibacterial properties against a range of pathogenic bacterial strains, with MIC varying from 31.25 to 62.5 µg/mL. Additionally, Ag-TiO₂ BNPs showed antioxidant activity with IC50 225 µg/mL. In conclusion, Ag-TiO₂ BNPs was successfully biosynthesized using P. indica leaves, where it had anticancer, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.

The employment of plant extracts for green production of bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) has gotten significant consideration because of its cheap, ecological, single–step, and easily scalable procedures. This methodology enables the manufacture of biocompatible nanoparticles (NPs) with improved activity. In this study, an environmentally friendly approach was utilized to biosynthesize manganese oxide–silver BNPs (MnO–Ag BNPs) using Cucumis melo ( C. melo ) peel extract (CPE), which served as the source of the required reducing and stabilizing materials. Several spectroscopic analytical methods, including ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, energy–dispersive X–ray (EDX) spectroscopy, X–ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), were applied for careful confirmation and characterization of successful MnO–Ag BNPs assembly. This work introduces a novel green route employing CPE for MnO–Ag BNPs synthesis, providing distinct phytochemical efficiency and multifunctional bioactivity compared with previously reported plant–based systems. The biosynthesized MnO–Ag BNPs bacterial inhibitory capability as well as free radical scavenging effect were evaluated. Also, human kidney normal epithelial–derived cells (Vero cell line CCL–81) was employed for assessment of the cytotoxic outcome of MnO–Ag BNPs at various concentrations. Regarding the elemental composition, the manganese (Mn) and Ag contents were detected by the UV–vis, XRD, and EDX studies with consequent validation of MnO–Ag BNPs biosynthesis. The range of the assessed BNPs size was 2 to 10 nm with average diameter of 5.8 ± 1.7 nm and an average area of 22.7 nm ² . Analysis based on EDX technique revealed the presence of Mn and Ag metals with 23.7–46.6% of the atomic percentages and 32.2–28.0% of the weight percentages, respectively. The biosynthesized NPs showed strong free radical scavenging, achieving 85–90% inhibition at higher concentrations. The cytotoxic activity findings indicated no significant harmful effects, at concentration range of 31.25–250 µg/mL, on Vero cell line. Additionally, the viability of the tested cell line infected with herpes simplex virus type–1 (HSV–1) significantly increased from 43% (untreated) to 78–99% when treated with 125 µg/mL MnO–Ag BNPs and acyclovir, respectively. Moreover, the inhibition rates achieved against the tested virus were 73% for MnO–Ag BNPs and 99% for acyclovir. These outcomes highlight the potential of MnO–Ag BNPs as promising candidates for biomedical and antiviral applications. Graphical abstract

The transferable genetic elements are associated with the dissemination of virulence determinants amongst Klebsiella pneumoniae. Thus, we assessed the correlated antimicrobial resistance in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates. Each isolate’s ability to biosynthesize biofilm, carbapenemase, and extended-spectrum β-lactamase were examined. Genotypically, the biofilm-, outer membrane porin-, and some plasmid-correlated antimicrobial resistance genes were screened. About 50% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant while 98.4% were extended-spectrum β-lactamase producers and 89.3% were carbapenem-resistant. Unfortunately, 93.1% of the multidrug-resistant isolates produced different biofilm levels. Additionally, fimD and mrkD genes encoding adhesins were detected in 100% and 55.2% of the tested isolates, respectively. Also, the bla_KPC, bla_OXA-48-like, and bla_NDM-encoding carbapenemases were observed in 16.1%, 53.6%, and 55.4% of the tested isolates, respectively. Moreover, the bla_SHV and bla_CTX-M extended-spectrum β-lactamase-associated genes were detected at 95.2% and 61.3%, respectively. Furthermore, aac(3)IIa, qnrB, and tetB resistance-correlated genes were observed in 38.1%, 46%, and 7.9% of the tested isolates, respectively. Certainly, the tested antimicrobial resistance-encoding genes were concurrently observed in 3.2% of the tested isolates. These findings confirmed the elevated prevalence of various antimicrobial resistance-associated genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae. The concurrent transferring of plasmid-encoding antimicrobial resistance-related genes could be associated with the possible acquisition of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae phenotypes.

Introduction: Garlic, also known as Allium sativum, has been used for centuries to protect the heart and reduce blood pressure. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the antihypertensive effects and cardioprotective effects of garlic against the effects of sodium fluoride (NaF) on the blood pressure and heart tissue. Materials and Methods: Thirty adult male Albino rats used in the study. Rats were assigned into three groups consisting of one control group, NaF, and NaF + garlic. After a week of acclimatization, the rats were sedated with ketamine and thoracotomy, blood samples were collected, and heart tissues were dissected. Heart specimens were taken from the left ventricle and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological examination. Masson’s trichrome was conducted to examine collagen fibers. Results: The study findings indicated that exposure to NaF leads to an increase in indicators of cellular demise and a decrease in markers of survival in cardiac tissue, suggesting the occurrence of apoptosis. This exposure also disrupts blood lipid profiles, resulting in elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels and reduced high-density lipid (HDL) levels. Furthermore, it enhances the activity of oxidative stress enzymes while lowering the levels of glutathione (GSH). Conversely, garlic exposure is associated with decreased arterial blood pressure, improved histopathological structure, and reduced serum levels of oxidative stress biomarkers. Conclusion: After thorough evaluation, it has been determined that garlic therapy may hold potential as a treatment for various cardiovascular diseases.

Our objective was to evaluate the impact of topically applied resveratrol (RES) gel as adjunctive to conventional periodontal therapy on both clinical periodontal parameters as well as to assess interleukin-1β (IL-1β) level in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in patients with stage I and II grade A periodontitis.This study was performed on 40 cases aged from 26 to 47 years with means of (37.02 ± 6.88) of both sexes (16 females and 24 males) with stage І and П grade A periodontitis. They were divided into two groups: group Ι consisted of 20 cases with stage I and II grade A periodontitis who were treated only with conventional periodontal care (scaling and root planning [SRP]), and group Π consisted of 20 cases with stage I and II grade A periodontitis who were subjected to conventional periodontal therapy (SRP) in conjunction with intrapocket RES gel application. At baseline, 3 months, and 6 months following therapy, all patients had clinical evaluation using gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). Also, an enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay-based biochemical analysis of IL-1β was conducted at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months.Clinical findings were different significantly as correlated within the same group; however, there was no significant difference between both groups. Biochemical evaluation of IL1β revealed no significant variation at baseline and 3 months between both groups, while there was a significant difference during treatment at 6 months.Our findings indicate that RES as supplementary in addition to conventional periodontal therapy may improve periodontitis through anti-inflammatory effects.

Genital herpes caused by herpes simplex virus infection type 2 (HSV-2) is one of the most common STDs that causes a substantial illness burden globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was aimed at determining the seroprevalence rate of HSV-2 in patients who presented at a Sokoto speciality hospital with fever. We collected 184 blood samples from consenting patients and used an ELISA to analyze them for HSV-2 antibodies. Sociodemographic and clinical data were also obtained from the patients via questionnaires before sample collection. The study found HSV-2 seroprevalence to be 54.3% (100 out of 184 patients). All patients aged 43-47 years (100%, 6 out of 6) tested positive for HSV-2 antibodies, while only two patients over the age of 53 tested positive (p = 0.729). The prevalence was higher among males (67.7%, 42 out of 62) compared to females (47.5%, 55 out of 122) (p = 0.066), and higher in single individuals (63.9%, 46 out of 72) than in married individuals (48.2%, 54 out of 112) (p = 0.141). Regarding occupational status, the highest prevalence was observed among employed patients (68.2%, 30 out of 44), followed by self-employed individuals (55.1%, 54 out of 98). More than half of the patients were infected with HSV-2, indicating a need for further studies to identify the risk factors associated with acquiring the virus. Increasing awareness about transmission routes and the potential consequences of HSV-2 infection is also crucial.