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The study focused on the significance of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) as replacement of brick dust. Compression, tension, rapid chloride permeability test (RCPT) and water absorption test (WA) is analyzed. Study revealed that the produced geopolymer concrete showed better properties over normal concrete. Up to 10% GGBS replacement with calcined clay, exhibits enhanced compressive strength. Chloride ion permeability tests showed that GPC is superior to normal concrete of all ages in its resistance to chloride ion penetration. On increasing brick dust proportion, mass loss minimized due to sulfate attack. Compressive strength has low relationship with water absorption (0.6618). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly transmittable respiratory virus that causes COVID-19 disease. Since its emergence in the early 2000s, SARS has posed significant public health challenges and continues to be a concern. This review provides an overview of current treatment strategies for SARS-CoV and explores the potential utility of herbal molecules in combating this viral infection. The primary treatment approach for SARS-CoV has historically centered on supportive care, which includes oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, and antipyretic medications to manage symptoms. However, with the ongoing advancement of medical research and our evolving understanding of the virus, several antiviral drugs have been developed and repurposed to target SARS-CoV. Recent developments in the field of herbal medicine have drawn attention to the potential efficacy of natural compounds in the management of viral infections, including SARS. Herbal molecules, characterized by their diverse bioactive constituents, exhibit antiviral properties that could be harnessed to mitigate SARS symptoms and inhibit viral replication. Ocimum sanctum, Tinospora cordifolia, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Panax ginseng, and Aloe vera have been identified for their immunomodulatory effects. This review highlights promising herbal molecules such as quercetin, and curcumin, which have demonstrated antiviral effects in-vitro and in some preclinical studies. While current treatment strategies for SARS primarily rely on supportive care and antiviral medications, the exploration of herbal molecules presents an exciting avenue for potential adjunctive therapies. Further research is required to validate their efficacy, safety profiles, and mechanisms of action. A holistic approach that combines conventional medicine with herbal remedies may offer new insights into the treatment of SARS and other viral respiratory illnesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In compare to Portland cement, geopolymer have much lower CO2 emissions, which led to growing interest in their use as an environmentally sustainable binder. The investigation of the strength in compression and durability characteristics of geopolymer composite produced at various calcined clay and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) proportions (up to 50:50) with 12M of sodium hydroxide and ratio of sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide as 2. The strength of the produced composites was evaluated after 7, 28, 56 and 90 days of ambient air curing. The durability characteristics were evaluated using Rapid Chloride Permeability Test (RCPT), acid and sulfate attack using 5% MgSO4 and 5% H2SO4 solutions respectively and for the integrity using ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test. Test results showed that the developed GPC (Geopolymer composite) has several advantages over standard concrete. The strength in compression (MPa) of the SC100 (standard concrete) as compared to Geopolymer Concrete in Compressive strength was increased by replacing GGBS with calcined clay up to 10%. At 56 and 90 days, the compressive strength of 10% calcined clay samples were improved by 20.15% and 21.60% respectively as compared to the SC100. Correlations showed that strength is having a strong relationship with the chloride ion permeability and the pulse velocities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the effect of Cassia fistula on collagen II-induced arthritis in rats. Methods: The effect of 250 and 500 mg/kg chloroform and hydroalcoholic extract of Cassia fistula leaf on collagen II-induced arthritis was investigated by evaluating paw volume, arthritis index, spleen index, and biochemical parameters. Histopathological analysis and docking study were also performed. Results: A dose-dependent reduction in paw volume, arthritic index, and spleen index was observed following oral administration of the chloroform and hydroalcoholic extracts. Treatment with Cassia fistula extracts reduced tumor necrosis factor-a, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, prostaglandin E2, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total leucocyte count, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate while increasing IL-10 level. In addition, Cassia fistula extracts improved joint architecture, and prevented cartilage and bone destruction. Docking analysis demonstrated that the physcion, 1-octacosanol, 5,3',4'-trihydroxy-6-methoxy-7-O-α-Lrhamnopyranosyl-(1,2)-O-β-D-galactopyranoside and scopoletin may be responsible for the anti-arthritic effect of Cassia fistula. Conclusions: Cassia fistula suppresses the progression of collagen II-induced arthritis by lowering the inflammatory factors, decreasing paw volume and arthritic index, and alleviating joint architecture. However, further studies are required to confirm the bioactive molecule responsible for the anti-arthritic potential of Cassia fistula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of mortality, morbidity, and "sudden death" globally. Environmental and lifestyle factors play important roles in CVD susceptibility, but the link between environmental factors and genetics is not fully established. Epigenetic influence during CVDs is becoming more evident as its direct involvement has been reported. The discovery of epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and histone modification, suggested that external factors could alter gene expression to modulate human health. These external factors also influence our gut microbiota (GM), which participates in multiple metabolic processes in our body. Evidence suggests a high association of GM with CVDs. Although the exact mechanism remains unclear, the influence of GM over the epigenetic mechanisms could be one potential pathway in CVD etiology. Both epigenetics and GM are dynamic processes and vary with age and environment. Changes in the composition of GM have been found to underlie the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases via modulating epigenetic changes in the form of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and regulation of non-coding RNAs. Several metabolites produced by the GM, including short-chain fatty acids, folates, biotin, and trimethylamine-N-oxide, have the potential to regulate epigenetics, apart from playing a vital role in normal physiological processes. The role of GM and epigenetics in CVDs are promising areas of research, and important insights in the field of early diagnosis and therapeutic approaches might appear soon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19), outbreak was first reported in December 2019 in the Wuhan, China. COVID-19 managed to spread worldwide and so far more than 9.1 million cases and more than 4.7 lakh death has been reported globally. Children, pregnant women, elderly population, immunocompromised patients, and patients with conditions like asthma, diabetes, etc. are highly vulnerable to COVID infection. Currently, there is no treatment available for COVID-19 infection. Traditional medicinal plants have provided bioactive molecules in the past that are efficiently used during conditions like cancer, malaria, microbial infections, immune-compromised states, etc. AYUSH India has recommended the use of Curcuma longa, Allium sativum, Ocimum tenuiflorum, and Withania somnifera for immune-boosting during SARS-CoV-2 infection. In the present study, we investigated the potential of 63-major bioactive molecules of these plants against SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) through docking studies and compared the results with known inhibitor 11a. Our results proposed cuscohygrine, γ-Glutamyl-S-allylcysteine, anahygrine, and S-allylcystein as the potent inhibitors against Mpro identified using molecular docking and molecular simulation dynamics. Interestingly, these molecules are from A. sativum, and W. somnifera, which are known for their antimicrobial and immunomodulatory potential. None of the proposed molecules have earlier been reported as antiviral molecules. Our results predict very strong potential of these four-molecules against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, especially γ-glutamyl-S-allylcysteine, as all four form hydrogen bonding with Glu166 that is a crucial residue for the formation of the biologically active dimeric form of Mpro. Therefore, we strongly recommend further research on these biomolecules against SARS-CoV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 was first reported in December 2019 in the Wuhan city of China, and since then it has spread worldwide taking a heavy toll on human life and economy. COVID-19 infection is commonly associated with symptoms like coughing, fever, and shortness of breath, besides, the reports of muscle pain, anosmia, hyposmia, and loss of taste are becoming evident. Recent reports suggest the pathogenic invasion of the SARS-CoV-2 into the CNS, that could thereby result in devastating long term complications, primarily because some of these complications may go unnoticed for a long time. Evidence suggest that the virus could enter the CNS through angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptor, neuronal transport, haematogenous route, and nasal route via olfactory bulb, cribriform plate, and propagates through trans-synaptic signalling, and shows retrograde movement into the CNS along nerve fiber. COVID-19 induces CNS inflammation and neurological degenerative damage through a diverse mechanism which includes ACE-2 receptor damage, cytokine-associated injury or cytokine storm syndrome, secondary hypoxia, demyelination, blood–brain barrier disruption, neurodegeneration, and neuroinflammation. Viral invasion into the CNS has been reported to show association with complications like Parkinsonism, Alzheimer's disorder, meningitis, encephalopathy, anosmia, hyposmia, anxiety, depression, psychiatric symptoms, seizures, stroke, etc. This review provides a detailed discussion of the CNS pathogenesis of COVID-19. Authors conclude that the COVID-19 cannot just be considered as a disorder of the pulmonary or peripheral system, rather it has a significant CNS involvement. Therefore, CNS aspects of the COVID-19 should be monitored very closely to prevent long term CNS complications, even after the patient has recovered from COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is caused by the aging process and manifested by cognitive deficits and progressive memory loss. During aging, several conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol, have been identified as potential causes of AD by affecting Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signalling. In addition to being essential for cell differentiation and proliferation, Shh signalling is involved in tissue repair and the prevention of neurodegeneration. Neurogenesis is dependent on Shh signalling; inhibition of this pathway results in neurodegeneration. Several protein-protein interactions that are involved in Shh signalling are implicated in the pathophysiology of AD like overexpression of the protein nexin-1 inhibits the Shh pathway in AD. A protein called Growth Arrest Specific-1 works with another protein called cysteine dioxygenase (CDO) to boost Shh signalling. CDO is involved in the development of the central nervous system (CNS). Shh signalling strengthened the blood brain barrier and therefore prevent the entry of amyloid beta and other toxins to the brain from periphery. Further, several traditional remedies used for AD and dementia, including Epigallocatechin gallate, yokukansan, Lycium barbarum polysaccharides, salvianolic acid, and baicalin, are known to stimulate the Shh pathway. In this review, we elaborated that the Shh signalling exerts a substantial influence on the pathogenesis of AD. In this article, we have tried to explore the various possible connections between the Shh signalling and various known pathologies of AD. [Display omitted] • Shh signaling plays important role in the regulation of neurogenesis in age related AD. • Shh signaling participates in the upregulation of APP and amyloid beta during aging. • Metabolic disease associated development of AD commonly linked with Shh signaling. • Shh Signaling pathway contributes in protein-protein interaction in AD. • Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, Yi-Gan San, Fructus Lycii and S alvia miltiorrhiza are effective against Shh signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Diabetic neuropathy is a chronic and often disabling condition that affects a significant number of individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM). It is now established that DM causes various CNS complications like Alzheimer's, dementia, anxiety, depression, neurodegeneration, mood disorders, cognitive dysfunctioning, and so on. Since amygdala and dopaminergic circuitry are critical in controlling several aspects of social behavior, even social recognition memory (SRM), we aimed to study the expression analysis of dopaminergic circuitry in amygdala using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Material and Methods: Animals were divided into 2 age- and weight-matched groups: group I-control group and group II-diabetic group. Diabetes was induced by injecting 50 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ; in 0.1 mL ice cold citrate buffer, pH 4.5) i.p. for 5 consecutive days. Behavioral tests were performed 8 weeks after diabetes was introduced. On day 60, animals were sacrificed, amygdala was dissected, and the total RNA was isolated. Expression analysis was carried out using real time PCR. Results: No significant changes were observed in social interaction and social isolation aspects of diabetic mice, but SRM was significantly dysregulated. Additionally, we found that dopaminergic neurotransmission (dopaminergic receptor expression and expression of enzymes controlling dopamine turnover) was significantly downregulated in the amygdala of STZ mice as compared to controls. Conclusion: We hypothesize that the altered SRM could be due to the dysregulated dopaminergic circuitry in amygdala, although a detailed investigation is required to establish a causal relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19), outbreak was first reported in December 2019 in the Wuhan, China. COVID-19 managed to spread worldwide and so far more than 9.1 million cases and more than 4.7 lakh death has been reported globally. Children, pregnant women, elderly population, immunocompromised patients, and patients with conditions like asthma, diabetes, etc. are highly vulnerable to COVID infection. Currently, there is no treatment available for COVID-19 infection. Traditional medicinal plants have provided bioactive molecules in the past that are efficiently used during conditions like cancer, malaria, microbial infections, immune-compromised states, etc. AYUSH India has recommended the use of Curcuma longa, Allium sativum, Ocimum tenuiflorum , and Withania somnifera for immune-boosting during SARS-CoV-2 infection. In the present study, we investigated the potential of 63-major bioactive molecules of these plants against SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M pro ) through docking studies and compared the results with known inhibitor 11a. Our results proposed cuscohygrine, γ-Glutamyl-S-allylcysteine, anahygrine, and S-allylcystein as the potent inhibitors against M pro identified using molecular docking and molecular simulation dynamics. Interestingly, these molecules are from A. sativum , and W. somnifera , which are known for their antimicrobial and immunomodulatory potential. None of the proposed molecules have earlier been reported as antiviral molecules. Our results predict very strong potential of these four-molecules against SARS-CoV-2 M pro , especially γ-glutamyl-S-allylcysteine, as all four form hydrogen bonding with Glu166 that is a crucial residue for the formation of the biologically active dimeric form of M pro . Therefore, we strongly recommend further research on these biomolecules against SARS-CoV-2.

COVID-19 was first reported in December 2019 in the Wuhan city of China, and since then it has spread worldwide taking a heavy toll on human life and economy. COVID-19 infection is commonly associated with symptoms like coughing, fever, and shortness of breath, besides, the reports of muscle pain, anosmia, hyposmia, and loss of taste are becoming evident. Recent reports suggest the pathogenic invasion of the SARS-CoV-2 into the CNS, that could thereby result in devastating long term complications, primarily because some of these complications may go unnoticed for a long time. Evidence suggest that the virus could enter the CNS through angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptor, neuronal transport, haematogenous route, and nasal route via olfactory bulb, cribriform plate, and propagates through trans-synaptic signalling, and shows retrograde movement into the CNS along nerve fiber. COVID-19 induces CNS inflammation and neurological degenerative damage through a diverse mechanism which includes ACE-2 receptor damage, cytokine-associated injury or cytokine storm syndrome, secondary hypoxia, demyelination, blood-brain barrier disruption, neurodegeneration, and neuroinflammation. Viral invasion into the CNS has been reported to show association with complications like Parkinsonism, Alzheimer's disorder, meningitis, encephalopathy, anosmia, hyposmia, anxiety, depression, psychiatric symptoms, seizures, stroke, etc. This review provides a detailed discussion of the CNS pathogenesis of COVID-19. Authors conclude that the COVID-19 cannot just be considered as a disorder of the pulmonary or peripheral system, rather it has a significant CNS involvement. Therefore, CNS aspects of the COVID-19 should be monitored very closely to prevent long term CNS complications, even after the patient has recovered from COVID-19., (© 2020 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston.)