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The aim the present study was to investigate the impact of novel pentavalent organobismuth and organoantimony complexes on membrane integrity and their interaction with DNA, activity against Sb(III)‐sensitive and ‐resistant Leishmania strains and toxicity in mammalian peritoneal macrophages. Ph3M(L)2 type complexes were synthesized, where M = Sb(V) or Bi(V) and L = deprotonated 3‐(dimethylamino)benzoic acid or 2‐acetylbenzoic acid. Both organobismuth(V) and organoantimony(V) complexes exhibited efficacy at micromolar concentrations against Leishmania amazonensis and L. infantum but only the later ones demonstrated biocompatibility. Ph3Sb(L1)2 and Ph3Bi(L1)2 demonstrated distinct susceptibility profiles compared to inorganic Sb(III)‐resistant strains of MRPA‐overexpressing L. amazonensis and AQP1‐mutated L. guyanensis. These complexes were able to permeate the cell membrane and interact with the Leishmania DNA, suggesting that this effect may contribute to the parasite growth inhibition via apoptosis. Taken altogether, our data substantiate the notion of a distinct mechanism of uptake pathway and action in Leishmania for these organometallic complexes, distinguishing them from the conventional inorganic antimonial drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased global consumption of water, wastewater discharges and municipal solid waste creation have had negative environmental consequences. Sustainable strategies for wastewater treatment including bioremediation approaches are investigated for the treatment of wastewater. The advantages of using microalgae for this purpose are twofold: one, they significantly remove/recycle the nutrients and secondly, generate useful biomass which can subsequently be used for biofuel production. Increased global warming, depletion of fossil fuels resources has highlighted the importance of microalgae as potential sources for biomass generation. The current study investigates the use of immobilised microalgae (Desmodesmus subspicatus) as an alternative approach for wastewater treatment and to avoid the loss of biomass. This study explains the efficiency of an anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) tank, wetland tank, and immobilised algal cells in nutrient uptake, carbon compounds utilisation, metals, and biological organisms' removal from sewage wastewater. The study also focuses on the use of algal biomass for lipid production. Results showed that maximum significant nitrogen and phosphorus uptake was observed after immobilised cells treatment (84% and 86% respectively). Maximum carbon compounds utilisation in the form of alkalinity, carbonates, bicarbonates, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) was calculated at day 12 (58%, 59%, 62%, 87% and 52% respectively). Results showed that maximum reduction in metal ions and biological organism of sewage wastewater were attained after treating with immobilised cells. At effluent of sewage water, algal cell production was 13.57 × 106 cells/ml using sewage water as media, and lipid content was 20.31%. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic analysis of lipid revealed that they had compounds that play important role in biofuel production. Immobilised D. subspicatus can be efficiently utilised to simultaneously treat sewage wastewater as well as in the production of biofuel by using algal biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoextracts modulated synthesis of nano‐scaled spherical lanthanum oxide nanoparticles (La2O3 NPs) are reported using the aqueous extracts of Hyphaene thebaica as a bioreducing and chelating agent. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern revealed sharp peaks and single‐phase purity. The Debye–Scherrer approximation indicated an average crystallite size of 37 nm, whereas W‐H plot revealed a crystallite size of 59 nm, complemented by the high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM). The infrared spectroscopy revealed characteristic La‐O band at 426 and 648 cm−1. K‐M function revealed the bandgap of 5.6 eV, whereas broad intense emission peaks between 345 and 750 nm. The Raman spectra revealed peaks at 182, 325, 384, and 491 cm−1. Elemental composition was confirmed using energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) spectrum, and the spotty rings from selected area electron diffraction (SAED) indicated the crystalline nature of the HT‐La2O3 NPs. In addition, the HT‐La2O3 NPs were investigated for in vitro antioxidant, anticancer, antiangiogenic, and cytotoxic potentials. DPPH free radical scavenging activity was highest, that is, 49.54 ± 0.88% at 1000 μg/mL. MTT assay on MCF‐7 and 3T3 cell lines revealed a median lethal concentration of 114 and 43 μg/mL, respectively. The antiangiogenic effect examined by chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay indicated inhibition of 57.14 ± 0.96% at 1000‐μg/mL concentration with an IC50 of 551 μg/mL. IC50 for the brine shrimp lethality assay was 314.2 μg/mL. Our study indicates cytotoxicity of HT‐La2O3 NPs, and it further concluded that HT‐La2O3 NPs were more potent against 3T3 cells as compared with MCF‐7 cells. Further research on the biological synthesis and anticancer studies are recommended for the large‐scale applications of the La2O3 NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with some of the norms of the establishment and emergence of civilizations according to the Qur'an and analyses the components of such norms. The Qur'an gives explicit attention to the laws and norms on which human societies and civilizations are based, directly and indirectly, by telling the stories of peoples in past eras. The Qur'an also emphasizes that giving priority to the pursuit of material aspects and elements of societies while neglecting their religious and moral aspects is a reason for the decline and collapse of civilizations, as was the case with the people of Sheba. This paper clarifies that the most important norms of the establishment of civilizations include focusing attention on beneficial knowledge and instilling the value of justice in society. The study explores some conditions of previous nations that vanished owing to the absence of these two basic elements, as mentioned in the Qur'an. In conclusion, this article argues for further studies of the Quranic approach to the issue of the rise and fall of human civilizations. Contemporary societies need to be enlightened by the Quranic perspectives on the issue in the light of the present human condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between gender and prevalence, knowledge, attitude and practice regarding needle-stick injuries. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which 240 healthcare workers from two tertiary care hospitals were recruited. A self-administered questionnaire was provided to the participating staff who had direct contact with the patients. We evaluated demographics, work-related characteristics, prevalence, knowledge, attitude and practice measures using the questionnaire. Results: Our study included 120 males and 120 females (total 240) healthcare workers. According to this study, the lifetime prevalence of needle s tick injury among healthcare workers is 52.5% in Males and 75 % in females. Characteristics such as years of age, marital status, education, department, hours per week, work shift and knowledge were not related to increased tendency of needle-stick injuries. However, work type, work experience, attitude and practice are important predictors. Conclusion: Gender has a positive correlation with needle-stick injuries. The practice and attitude are important factors in determining the prevalence on needle-stick injuries in females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Amphotericin B (AmB) is an antileishmanial drug with high toxicity; however, this drawback might overcome by decreasing the AmB self-aggregation state. This work aimed at evaluating the influence of cholesterol on the aggregation state of AmB loaded in a nanoemulsion (NE-AmB) for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. NE-AmB (1, 4 and 8 mg/kg/day) was administered intravenously to animals infected by Leishmania major every 2 days for a total of five injections. Results: Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and circular dichroism studies demonstrated that cholesterol reduced AmB aggregation state in NE. NE-AmB was stable after 180 days, and its hemolytic toxicity was lower than that observed for the conventional AmB. NE-AmB administered intravenously into animals infected by Leishmania major at 8 mg/kg was capable of stabilizing the lesion size and reducing the parasitic load. Conclusion: These findings support the NE potential as a stable nanocarrier for AmB in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the aqueous extract of root of Angilica glauca Edgew. UV-vis and FT-IR spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy technique were employed to structurally and morphologically characterize the green synthesized silver nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were found to be spherical in shape with an average size of ∼21 nm. The extract was found to be rich in phenolic and flavonoid contents. Both the extract and the extract-loaded silver nanoparticles inhibited the growth of both Pseudomonas aeruginosa (inhibition zone 13.0 ± 1.6 and 4.0 ± 0.9 mm, respectively) and Escherichia coli (inhibition zone 12.0 ± 1.1 and 3.0 ± 0.6 mm, respectively) at 9.0 µg/mL. The antioxidant potential of the extract (IC50 = 30.79 ± 3.2 µg/mL) was determined via DPPH radical scavenging assay. These nanoparticles are concluded to possess antibacterial potentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A vast number of studies have acknowledged the existence of Islamophobia, but few have attempted to deconstruct the concept. This study deconstructs Islamophobia into its constituent elements: hatred, hostility, and racism against Islam and Muslims. The study seeks to shed light on some methods applied by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in dealing with the roots of hatred, racism, and stereotypes. This can lead members of society to practice different forms of animosity between people based on religion, race, color, etc. In this context, the study confirms the depth of the prophetic biography and its ability to provide the modern world with systematic methods in dealing with its growing problems and challenges. Based on this biography, the study proposes solutions to the matter of Islamophobia, including the need for Muslims to interact with the regional and international societies from a standpoint of collaboration and engagement. This would be for the universal benefit of all societies and humanity in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flower like zinc oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized and the effects of their aqueous suspensions at 200–1000 mg/L on seed germination and seedlings of Triticum aestivum have been investigated. When treated with suspensions of zinc oxide nanoparticles at concentrations of 200–1000 mg/L, germination was reduced to 45% and photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoids) were also depressed. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic plant defense mechanisms were adversely affected at the maximum concentration. Abnormalities in the concentrations of proline, malondialdehyde, phenols and flavonoids were observed in the roots and shoots of plant due to the zinc oxide nanoparticles at different concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Japanese were the only colonial power that challenged British hegemony in Sabah, then known as “North Borneo”. In 1941 they attacked and defeated the British North Borneo Company (BNBC) and assumed governance of the land for the remainder of the war. Although their presence was temporary, it was enough to fundamentally alter the course of the history of Sabah. This paper explores the effects of the Japanese occupation during the years 1942 to 1963, concentrating on economic, political, and social progress. This includes two distinctive periods: the invasion and occupation (1942-1945) and over the longer term, including both positive and negative effects for local peoples. This study is important to understand the reasons for the transition of Sabah from a British Protectorate to a Crown Colony, set against its role in the framework of the Japanese “Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere”. Studies of the history of Sabah in general are lacking, particularly concerning the important years of British colonialism, the Japanese occupation, and the decolonization period. This study draws on archival and library resources to find that the Japanese occupation brought problems to certain parties and fields, alongside some tangible benefits for some groups. It is hoped that this study will open up historical understanding and investigation of the significance of Japanese influence in Sabah. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the photodynamic therapeutic potential of ferromagnetic iron oxide nanorods (FIONs), using Trigonella foenum-graecum as a reducing agent, against Leishmania tropica. Materials & methods: FIONs were characterized using ultraviolet visible spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Results: FIONs showed excellent activity against L. tropica promastigotes and amastigotes (IC50 0.036 ± 0.003 and 0.072 ± 0.001 μg/ml, respectively) upon 15 min pre-incubation light-emitting diode light (84 lm/W) exposure, resulting in reactive oxygen species generation and induction of cell death via apoptosis. FIONs were found to be highly biocompatible with human erythrocytes (LD50 779 ± 21 μg/ml) and significantly selective (selectivity index >1000) against murine peritoneal macrophages (CC50 102.7 ± 2.9 μg/ml). Conclusion: Due to their noteworthy in vitro antileishmanial properties, FIONs should be further investigated in an in vivo model of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior to his renewed incumbency, as the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mahathir Mohamad (b. 1925) was able to remain in power for a more prolonged period compared to his predecessors. He was actively involved in galvanizing political action immediately after the independence of Malaysia and did not abandon active politics until his 2003 resignation. Under Mahathir's leadership and guidance, Malaysia made remarkable economic and political progress. He oversaw many innovations in the fledgling democracy and was able to develop the country due to his exceptional leadership qualities. His style and attitude towards engaging with problems, particularly his stance during the Asian Monetary Crisis in 1997, was highly criticized by some, and labelled as dictatorial. This stigma did not detract him from the path he considered right for Malaysia, and under his leadership he garnered worldwide appreciation for his national efforts and success in overcoming the economic crisis. Mahathir is undeniably an excellent case study as a prime minister, as well as a highly productive person. He contributed to a better understanding of modern Malaysia and his own tenure as PM in a series of books and articles. One of the significant aspects of his political heritage is his influential charisma and leadership. In all of his undertakings he has attracted both passionate support and hatred from friends and foes, but his political footsteps have always been certain and directed toward Malaysia's national wellbeing. Mahathir is a politician with sharp views on many issues and he was profoundly brave in verbalising them in the public arena, within Malaysia and internationally. His clear posture and speeches without fear made him a world-embracing political personality. This descriptive research study adopts a qualitative approach to analyse historical information, documents, memoirs and articles, and books to better understand the leadership of Mahathir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following their violent suppression of the Indian Revolution of 1857, the British founded and consolidated their secular empire in the Indian Subcontinent, which marginalized and bypassed religion as far as possible, particularly Islam, which had been the official religion of the Mughal ancien régime. Contemporaneous Ottoman efforts to counter European imperialism led to Sultan Abdul Hamid II's (r. 1876-1909) policy of pan-Islamism, particularly the call for Islamic unity against the Russian aggression against Turkey in 1877. It was at this critical juncture that some Indian Muslim scholars gallantly volunteered to counter this threat, and to preserve the Islamic faith and heritage worldwide, despite the severe problems faced by the Muslims in India itself. This study highlights the role of an eminent scholar in this movement, namely Allama Shibli Nu'mani (1857-1914), who in 1914 conceived the idea of founding the world-famous Islamic research institute Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy in his home town of Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, India. Shibli was very active and instrumental in collecting donations from the wealthy landowners (zamindars) among the Muslim elite in his hometown of Azamgarh for the Ottoman cause, raising 3,000 rupees, which was handed to Husain Hasib Afendi, the Ottoman Consul in Bombay in 1877. Furthermore, his eloquent poetry rallied Muslims across India to support the valour and heroism displayed in the jihad by Ghazi Usman Pasha against the Russians. Shibli travelled to Istanbul in 1892 and met with the Pasha, on whose efforts Tamgha-i Majidi (gold medal) was granted to Shibli on 13th Muharram, 1310/7th August, 1892. This article is based on Shibli's major works in Urdu, particularly his arousing eulogies (qasaid), Turkish archival reports, newspapers and magazines, and secondary sources in Urdu and English. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies waqf projects including schools, mosques, orphanages and housing built by Turkish aid agencies in Aceh province of Indonesia after the 2004 Aceh Tsunami following the Indian Ocean Earthquake. Such projects continue to be actively supported and to serve the Acehnese community, playing an important role with local organizations. Besides the Turkish Government, NGOs such as Turkish Foundation Institutions including the Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay), Deniz Feneri and Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) are the main groups considered in this study. The paper situates Turkish waqf in the long-term history of relations between Turkey and Aceh, dating from the mid-16th century, which was reinvigorated by Turkish solidarity following the 2004 tsunami. Essentially, the fact that there is a serious lack of literature on studies of these institutions and activities and their deeper cultural significance is the main rationale for presenting this work. The main purpose of this study is to examine the foundation and relief works from Turkey to Aceh after the shocking earthquake of 9.1 magnitude, which resulted in 126,741 deaths, 93,285 missing and massive destruction of property and infrastructure on 26th December 2004 in Aceh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study traces the history of the origin and development of Unani medicine in the Islamic world and its later blossoming in Persia. Based mainly on Arabic, Persian, Urdu and English sources, the study focuses on the intellectual legacy of the Muslims in the development of Unani medicine and their interest in the progress of medical sciences, when a number of classical works were produced by great Muslim scholars during this period that provide evidence of organized medical care that provided the basis for modern medicine as it emerged from the 17th century onwards in Europe. The early Muslim scholars' works were focused on the integration or Islamicisation of human knowledge in the areas of medical and health-care sciences as well as those who seek to understand the role of moral values and Maqaṣid al-Sharīʿah ('objectives of Sharīʿah) in medical and healthcare practices in a more comprehensive framework, exposing the dynamic contribution of Islamic civilization to medical progress that was later obscured in modernity by Western ideologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This phenomenological study explores the lived experience of refugee mothers in Malaysia, specifically Rohingya asylum seekers (the most persecuted Muslim minority from Myanmar), using a qualitative research design. Semi-structured, face-to-face, in-depth interviews were held with 20 Rohingya refugee mothers with the aim of providing rich description of the lived experiences related to mothering among refugee and asylum seeking women in Malaysia, thereby filling a significant gap in the research literature. The mothers shared a range of lived experiences that affected their experiences as mothers, including negotiating an opaque and hostile asylum system, and unemployment leading to poor living conditions. Children's education, well-being, and religion were found to be coping mechanisms that enabled them to feel comforted. As the experiences of these mothers were threatening, they were inhibited from giving the best to their children, yet some of the mothers developed a sense of resilience in dealing with their situation. The implications of the findings are discussed in light of the roles that government agencies and professional bodies share when working with refugee mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muslim presence was manifest in the coastal regions of Southern India from the earliest days of Islam, as evidenced by the establishment of Arab trading settlements, with minor political impact prior to the conquests in Northern India from the beginning of the 8th century, which solidified the influence of Islam leading to tangible political and socio-cultural impacts in the region. The history of India furnishes an amazing picture of the syntheses of many divergent cultural trends which were gradually transformed by a process of mutual adjustment and assimilation. Islam played a significant role in this by contributing to India's multi-cultural and multi-religious ethos, embedding the subcontinent in the Arab-Islamic maritime civilization, stretching from southern Africa to China, particularly in connecting Africa as well as the great Turkic empires of Central Asia. It offers a pertinent example of the interaction of human minds and the effects of cultural and civilizational contacts on indigenous customs, religion, literature and arts. This paper examines the impact of Islam in the Indian Peninsula from three different angles: its political predominance, its intellectual and cultural impact, and finally, its influence on art and architecture. Based mainly on Arabic and Persian sources, the article focuses on the intellectual legacy, achievements and the role that the Indian Muslims played in the Indian subcontinent during the Delhi Sultanate, the first major Islamic political authority to govern large parts of South Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leishmaniasis is a clinical manifestation caused by the parasites of the genus Leishmania. Plants are reservoirs of bioactive compounds, which are known to be chemically balanced, effective and least injurious as compared with synthetic medicines. The current resistance and the toxic effects of the available drugs have brought the trend to assess the antileishmanial effect of various plant extracts and their purified compound/s, which are summarized in this review. Moreover, it also highlights various traditional remedies used by local healers against leishmaniasis. A systematic cross-sectional study for antileishmanial activity of natural products was carried out using multiple literature databases. The records retrieved since 2000 till year 2016 were analysed and summarized in the form of comprehensive tables and graphs. Natural products are potential source of new and selective agents that can significantly contribute to primary healthcare and probably are promising substitutes of chemicals for the treatment of protozoan diseases like leishmaniasis. Where the researchers prefer to use alcoholic solvents for the extraction of antileishmanial agents from plants, most of the studies are limited to in vitro conditions majorly on using promastigote forms of Leishmania. Thus, there is a need to carry out such activities in vivo and in host macrophages. Further, there is a need of mechanistic studies that can help taking few of the promising pure compounds to clinical level. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian subcontinent has contained a vast array of ethnicities, cultures, traditions and languages since the beginning of civilisation. While classical Indian civilisation was based on Sanskrit, the sacerdotal language of the Brahmins, this sacred language did not affect the general mass of people, nor literature beyond a privileged elite. The first true lingua franca that transcended caste barriers to a certain extent was Persian, which was adopted by the ruling dynasties of Muslim India (who themselves were generally Turks or indigenous Indians rather than Persians), their Hindu peers, as well as the civil servants. However, from the beginning of the seventeenth century Urdu began to form around the lower echelons of society as a pidgin common tongue to enable communication between the myriad ethnicities of the Mughal Empire, ultimately restricting Persian to a refined language of culture and courtly life in the Mughal court and becoming a vibrant and dynamic language in its own right, thus becoming the first literary language with a substantial original contribution from Indians since ancient Sanskrit. This article charts the adoption of Persian and later the emergence of Urdu as spoken and literary languages in the Indian subcontinent using original sources in those languages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (Cp) is a pathogenic bacterium that causes caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), ulcerative lymphangitis, mastitis, and edematous to a broad spectrum of hosts, including ruminants, thereby threatening economic and dairy industries worldwide. Currently there is no effective drug or vaccine available against Cp. To identify new targets, we adopted a novel integrative strategy, which began with the prediction of the modelome (tridimensional protein structures for the proteome of an organism, generated through comparative modeling) for 15 previously sequenced C. pseudotuberculosis strains. This pan-modelomics approach identified a set of 331 conserved proteins having 95-100% intra-species sequence similarity. Next, we combined subtractive proteomics and modelomics to reveal a set of 10 Cp proteins, which may be essential for the bacteria. Of these, 4 proteins (tcsR, mtrA, nrdI, and ispH) were essential and non-host homologs (considering man, horse, cow and sheep as hosts) and satisfied all criteria of being putative targets. Additionally, we subjected these 4 proteins to virtual screening of a drug-like compound library. In all cases, molecules predicted to form favorable interactions and which showed high complementarity to the target were found among the top ranking compounds. The remaining 6 essential proteins (adk, gapA, glyA, fumC, gnd, and aspA) have homologs in the host proteomes. Their active site cavities were compared to the respective cavities in host proteins. We propose that some of these proteins can be selectively targeted using structure-based drug design approaches (SBDD). Our results facilitate the selection of C. pseudotuberculosis putative proteins for developing broad-spectrum novel drugs and vaccines. A few of the targets identified here have been validated in other microorganisms, suggesting that our modelome strategy is effective and can also be applicable to other pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel organoantimony(V) and two organobismuth(V) complexes of the type ML2 were synthesized, with L = acetylsalicylic acid (HL1) or 3-acetoxybenzoic acid (HL2) and M = triphenylantimony(V) (M1) or triphenylbismuth(V) (M2). Complexes, [M1(L1)2] (1), [M1(L2)2]·CHCl3 (2), [M2(L1)2], (3) and [M2(L2)2] (4), were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR. Crystal structures of triphenylantimony(V) dicarboxylate complexes 1 and 2 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Structural analyses revealed that 1 and 2 adopt five-coordinated extremely distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometries, binding with three phenyl groups in the equatorial position and two deprotonated organic ligands (L) in the axial sites. The metal complexes, their metal salts and ligands were evaluated in vitro for their activities against Leishmania infantum and amazonensis promastigotes and Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. Both the metal complexes showed antileishmanial and antibacterial activities but the bismuth complexes were the most active. Intriguingly, complexation of organobismuth(V) salt reduced its activity against Leishmania, but increased it against bacteria. In vitro cytotoxic test of these complexes against murine macrophages showed that antimony(V) complexes were the least toxic. Considering the selectivity indexes, organoantimony(V) complexes emerge as the most promising antileishmanial agents and organobismuth(V) complex 3 as the best antibacterial agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that the association of the drug meglumine antimoniate (MA) with β-cyclodextrin can improve its bioavailability by the oral route. In this work, ribose and maltose were investigated for their ability to form mixed or association complexes with MA, release MA and modulate the serum levels of Sb after oral administration in mice. Analysis of the MA/ribose composition by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LCMS-IT-TOF) revealed the presence of mixed meglumine-Sb-ribose and Sb-ribose complexes. Analysis of the MA/maltose composition suggested the formation of MA-maltose association compounds. Circular dichroism characterization of these compositions following dilution in water at 37 °C suggested a partial and slow dissociation of the association compounds. When the MA/ribose composition was administered orally and compared to MA, the serum concentration of Sb was significantly lower after 1 h and greater after 3 h. On the other hand, the MA/maltose composition showed similar serum Sb concentration after 1 h and higher level of Sb after 3 h, when compared to MA. In conclusion, the present study has demonstrated the formation of mixed or association complexes of MA with sugars, such as maltose and ribose, which promoted sustained serum level of Sb after oral administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The All-India Muslim League (AIML) was formed in 1906, with the primary aim to improve the educational and socioeconomic status of Muslims. Allama Shibli Nu'mani (1857-1914) put forward an argument in support of Muslims recovering from the political stupor into which they had fallen after the British suppression of the 1857 uprising. He encouraged Muslims to participate in democratic politics in India, departing from the educational focus of his mentor, Sir Saiyid Ahmad Khan (1817-1898). Shibli advanced a strong critique of the Muslim League's limited ambitions in comparison with the Indian National Congress (INC). His critique, notably in ironic and emotive poetry, signiicantly contributed to the national discussion pertaining to the Muslim League's reform and restructure. Based on Shibli's original writings, this paper analyses his critique of the Muslim League and his efforts to overhaul its structure and policies. It examines the response of the Muslim League to these critiques and studies the extent to which its structure and policies changed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Actinobacteria, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis strain P54B96, a nonmotile, non-sporulating and a mesophile bacterium, was isolated from liver, lung and mediastinal lymph node lesions in an antelope from South Africa. This strain is interesting in the sense that it has been found together with non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTMs) which could nevertheless play a role in the lesion formation. In this work, we describe a set of features of C. pseudotuberculosis P54B96, together with the details of the complete genome sequence and annotation. The genome comprises of 2.34 Mbp long, single circular genome with 2,084 protein-coding genes, 12 rRNA, 49 tRNA and 62 pseudogenes and a G+C content of 52.19%. The analysis of the genome sequence provides means to better understanding the molecular and genetic basis of virulence of this bacterium, enabling a detailed investigation of its pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the British annexation of Sindh, Pakistan in the early 19th century. An overview of the impact that the British administration of Sindh had on education, language, alcohol sales, economic conditions, Sindh's relationship with the government of Bombay, India and the relationship between Hindus and Muslims, is provided. An overview of the role that Russia played in Great Britain's conquest of Sindh is also provided. The favoritism that the British showed the Hindus over Muslims, including in awarding the former government and educational jobs, is discussed.

History tells us much about how a war was fought and won. However, it does not offer us the complete picture inasmuch as it is largely silent about the loser in a conflict and those sympathetic to the cause. This phenomenon in historiography can be noticed in the events of 1857 in the history of India. It was a war of independence but it was seen by most historians merely as a “Sepoy mutiny”. It was a war fought by the common people, men and women, soldiers and chieftains alike under the banner of the last Mughal Emperor of India, Bahadur Shah Zafar (reigned 1837–1857). The British branded this widespread uprising as a rebellion against the legal authority and set in motion a reign of terror after they regained power. Women of the Mughal royal family were particularly targeted by the British soldiers and they experienced untold humiliation. Nevertheless, most account of this struggle for freedom have failed to stress or even record the sufferings of the womenfolk including those of the royal family. Similarly, British historians of the events have been reluctant to take note of eyewitness accounts of the harshness of the returning troops. The present study is an attempt to fill this gap in scholarship about an important revolution. Based on contemporary Urdu, Persian, and English sources (noteworthy publications, personal letters, eyewitness accounts, newspaper reports, and biographical references), the study focuses on the sufferings of the women, which were the worst part of this human tragedy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses Arab maritime trade and, more broadly, Arab oceanic navigation that historically took place along the littoral zone of the Indian Ocean. The author is specifically concerned with the cultural diversity and multicultural unity developed by such maritime trade between the Indian Ocean's various geographic regions, thereby highlighting the positive social aspects of historical Arab oceanic commerce. The experiences of various Arab sailors with different cultures are explained by the author.

Since 1855, the Babri Mosque in Ayodhya has been the source of sporadic clashes between Hindus and Muslims. After a thorough scrutiny of the available historical literature on the Mosque, this article argues that to regard it as the birthplace of the Hindu deity Rama is untenable and the notion was actually put into circulation by British colonial officials to serve British interests in the Indian subcontinent. Successive colonial administrations tried to strengthen their grip on South Asia by playing off one group against another in the name of caste, race, and, most importantly, religion. The ongoing Hindu-Muslim conflict in India is largely the outcome of British policies. With their agenda of 'divide and role' that aimed at consolidating their hold over the subcontinent the British tried to create a huge chasm between Hindus and Muslims. They labelled Muslims as the oppressors and Hindus as the oppressed, working to gain the support of the Hindu masses by provoking their hatred of the Muslims; and they strongly backed their religious and other claims in a vast amount of biased literature. It was with this colonial agenda that they endorsed the Hindu claim to the site of the Babri Mosque. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antileishmanial drugs presently available have stern limitations regarding efficiency, safety and cost that make it crucial to hunt for novel therapeutic approaches from natural products. In current study crude methanolic extracts (CMEs) of four medicinally important plants were evaluated for their phytochemical constituents, antioxidant potentials, cytotoxicity and antileishmanial activities. Digera muricata (L) and Cannabis sativa (Linn) showed highest total phenolic and flavonoid content (273.4 μg GAE/mg DW and 206.8 μg QA/mg DW, respectively), amongst others. Total antioxidant capacity determined in vitro by phosphomolybdenum assay exhibited that Saccharum spontaneum (L) and Mangifera indica (L) were the strongest antioxidants (∼108 and ∼100 μg AAE/g of DW, respectively) plants amongst other tested. The S. spontaneum showed remarkable scavenging activity (EC 50 44.9 μg/mL), while M. indica showed to possess the lowest scavenging activity (EC 50 105.7 μg/mL) on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl. S. spontaneum and C. sativa were the least toxic (CC 50, 113.0 and 109.4 μg/mL respectively), while M. indica remained the most toxic (CC 50 42.46 μg/mL). Moreover, the in vitro evaluation of antileishmanial potential of plants CMEs, demonstrated a dose-dependent growth inhibition of L. major promastigotes and axenic amastigotes. M. indica and D. muricate extracts exhibited to possess antileishmanial potential at minute concentrations (IC 50 5.2 and 18.9 μg/mL, respectively) comparable to that of tartar emetic (IC 50 4.7μg/mL) against L. major promastigotes. Each CME was significantly active (p < 0.0001) against L. major axenic amastigotes when compared to Glucantime®. This study encourages the isolation of bioactive compounds from these plants for antileishmanial drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoextracts modulated synthesis of nano‐scaled spherical lanthanum oxide nanoparticles (La2O3 NPs) are reported using the aqueous extracts of Hyphaene thebaica as a bioreducing and chelating agent. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern revealed sharp peaks and single‐phase purity. The Debye–Scherrer approximation indicated an average crystallite size of 37 nm, whereas W‐H plot revealed a crystallite size of 59 nm, complemented by the high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM). The infrared spectroscopy revealed characteristic La‐O band at 426 and 648 cm−1. K‐M function revealed the bandgap of 5.6 eV, whereas broad intense emission peaks between 345 and 750 nm. The Raman spectra revealed peaks at 182, 325, 384, and 491 cm−1. Elemental composition was confirmed using energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) spectrum, and the spotty rings from selected area electron diffraction (SAED) indicated the crystalline nature of the HT‐La2O3 NPs. In addition, the HT‐La2O3 NPs were investigated for in vitro antioxidant, anticancer, antiangiogenic, and cytotoxic potentials. DPPH free radical scavenging activity was highest, that is, 49.54 ± 0.88% at 1000 μg/mL. MTT assay on MCF‐7 and 3T3 cell lines revealed a median lethal concentration of 114 and 43 μg/mL, respectively. The antiangiogenic effect examined by chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay indicated inhibition of 57.14 ± 0.96% at 1000‐μg/mL concentration with an IC50 of 551 μg/mL. IC50 for the brine shrimp lethality assay was 314.2 μg/mL. Our study indicates cytotoxicity of HT‐La2O3 NPs, and it further concluded that HT‐La2O3 NPs were more potent against 3T3 cells as compared with MCF‐7 cells. Further research on the biological synthesis and anticancer studies are recommended for the large‐scale applications of the La2O3 NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Laboratory incubation experiments were conducted to compare the effects of the nitrification inhibitors 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) and 2-Chloro-6-(trichloromethyl)-pyridine (N-serve) on nitrification and nitrous oxide (N2O) emission from a Vertosol from southern Australia, under controlled moisture and temperature. Nitrification rates in the control soil were strongly influenced by the temperature and moisture, increasing by a factor of 3.6 for each 10 °C increase between 5 and 25 °C. DMPP inhibited nitrification effectively for 42 days at 5–15 °C and 40–60% water filled pore space (WFPS). DMPP also slowed nitrification appreciably at 25 °C when the soil was at 40% WFPS, but was less effective at 60% water filled pore space. N-serve inhibited nitrification effectively for 42 days under all test conditions. Emissions of N2O from the urea treatment (no inhibitors) significantly increased with increasing temperature and moisture. The ratio of total N2O emission to total nitrification was not constant and varied from around 0.03% at 5 °C and 40% WFPS to 0.12% at 25 °C and 60% WFPS. DMPP and N-serve reduced cumulative N2O emission over 42 days by more than 65% under all the imposed conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are used in around 40 % of MRI procedures. Despite initial perceptions of minimal risk, their long-term use has emphasized the need to reduce toxicity and develop more efficient GBCAs with extended blood retention. Advancements in nanomaterials have led to improved GBCAs, enhancing MRI diagnostics. This study synthesizes and characterizes nanostructured gadolinium(III) micelles as superior MRI contrast agents. The complexes, [Gd(L)2], where L is a ligand of the N-alkyl-N-methylglucamine surfactant series (L8, L10 or L12, L10), form nanostructured micelles in aqueous solution. Gd(L8)2 and Gd(L10)2 relaxivities remained stable across concentrations. Compared to Gd-DTPA, Gd(III) micelles showed enhanced T1-weighted MRI contrast. Gd(L12)2 micelles exhibited cytotoxicity against B16F10 melanoma cells (IC 50 42.5 ± 2.2 μM) and L292L929 fibroblasts (IC 50 52.0 ± 2.5 μM), with a selectivity index of 1.2. In vivo application in mice brain T2-weighted images suggests nanostructured Gd(III) micelles are promising MRI contrast agents for targeting healthy organs or tumors., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Zinc oxide (ZnO) and magnesium-doped zinc oxide (Mg-doped ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using Ziziphus oxyphylla 's aqueous leaf extract as reducing agent. UV-Vis absorption peaks at 324 nm and 335 nm were indicative of ZnO and Mg-doped ZnO, respectively. FTIR absorption bands observed at 3238, 1043, 1400, 1401, 2186 and 2320 cm -1 suggested the presence of phenols, alcohols, saturated hydrocarbons, and possibly alkynes. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy revealed pure, spherical and agglomerated NPs with average size of 35.9 nm (ZnO) and 56.8 nm (Mg-doped ZnO). Both NPs remained active against all bacterial strains with the highest inhibition zones observed against Proteus vulgaris (21.16±1.25 mm for ZnO and 24.1±0.76 mm for Mg-doped ZnO. EtBr fluorescence (cartwheel assay) indicated efflux pump blockage, suggesting its facilitation in the bacterial growth inhibition. Antioxidant potential, determined via DPPH radical scavenging assay, revealed stronger antioxidant potential for Mg-doped ZnO (IC [Formula: see text]/mL) than pure ZnO (IC [Formula: see text]/mL). Furthermore, both NPs showed antileishmanial activity against Leishmania tropica promastigotes (IC [Formula: see text]/mL for Mg-doped ZnO and 64.34±6.56 for ZnO), while neither NP exhibited significant hemolysis, indicating biocompatibility and further assessment for their drugability.

Progress toward the improvement of meglumine antimoniate (MA), commercially known as Glucantime, a highly effective but also toxic antileishmanial drug, has been hindered by the lack of knowledge and control of its chemical composition. Here, MA was manipulated chemically with the aim of achieving an orally effective drug. MA compounds were synthesized from either antimony pentachloride (MA-SbCl 5 ) or potassium hexahydroxyantimonate [MA-KSb(OH) 6 ] and prepared under a low polymerization state. These compounds were compared to Glucantime regarding chemical composition, permeation properties across a cellulose membrane and Caco-2 cell monolayer, and uptake by peritoneal macrophages. MA-SbCl 5 and MA-KSb(OH) 6 were characterized as less polymerized and more permeative 2:2 Sb-meglumine complexes than Glucantime, which consisted of a mixture of 2:3 and 3:3 Sb-meglumine complexes. The antileishmanial activities and hepatic uptake of all compounds were evaluated after oral administration in BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania infantum chagasi , as a model of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The synthetic MA compounds given at 300 mg Sb/kg of body weight/12 h for 30 days significantly reduced spleen and liver parasite burdens, in contrast to those for Glucantime at the same dose. The greater activity of synthetic compounds could be attributed to their higher intestinal absorption and accumulation efficiency in the liver. MA-SbCl 5 given orally was as efficacious as Glucantime by the parenteral route (80 mg Sb/kg/24 h intraperitoneally). These data taken together suggest that treatment with a less-polymerized form of MA by the oral route may be effective for the treatment of VL., (Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.)