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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]

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]

The increase in cost due to inflation has been a concern in the construction industry. In long-term projects, it becomes even more essential to know the cost for future planning and budget approval. This study attempts to adopt the probabilistic approach to put forth the prediction of cost escalation and compares the same with the actual cost and World Bank formula to demonstrate how the proposed method could lead to a more realistic way of forecasting. [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]

To date, the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide include viral infections, such as Ebola, influenza virus, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and recently COVID-19 disease, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Currently, we can count on a narrow range of antiviral drugs, especially older generation ones like ribavirin and interferon which are effective against viruses in vitro but can often be ineffective in patients. In addition to these, we have antiviral agents for the treatment of herpes virus, influenza virus, HIV and hepatitis virus. Recently, drugs used in the past especially against ebolavirus, such as remdesivir and favipiravir, have been considered for the treatment of COVID-19 disease. However, even if these drugs represent important tools against viral diseases, they are certainly not sufficient to defend us from the multitude of viruses present in the environment. This represents a huge problem, especially considering the unprecedented global threat due to the advancement of COVID-19, which represents a potential risk to the health and life of millions of people. The demand, therefore, for new and effective antiviral drugs is very high. This review focuses on three fundamental points: (1) presents the main threats to human health, reviewing the most widespread viral diseases in the world, thus describing the scenario caused by the disease in question each time and evaluating the specific therapeutic remedies currently available. (2) It comprehensively describes main phytochemical classes, in particular from plant foods, with proven antiviral activities, the viruses potentially treated with the described phytochemicals. (3) Consideration of the various applications of drug delivery systems in order to improve the bioavailability of these compounds or extracts. A PRISMA flow diagram was used for the inclusion of the works. Taking into consideration the recent dramatic events caused by COVID-19 pandemic, the cry of alarm that denounces critical need for new antiviral drugs is extremely strong. For these reasons, a continuous systematic exploration of plant foods and their phytochemicals is necessary for the development of new antiviral agents capable of saving lives and improving their well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current pharmacotherapy of Parkinson's disease (PD) is symptomatic and palliative, with levodopa/carbidopa therapy remaining the prime treatment, and nevertheless, being unable to modulate the progression of the neurodegeneration. No available treatment for PD can enhance the patient's life-quality by regressing this diseased state. Various studies have encouraged the enrichment of treatment possibilities by discovering the association of the effects of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in PD. These reviews delineate the reported evidence from the literature on the neuromodulatory role of the endocannabinoid system and expression of cannabinoid receptors in symptomatology, cause, and treatment of PD progression, wherein cannabinoid (CB) signalling experiences alterations of biphasic pattern during PD progression. Published papers to date were searched via MEDLINE, PubMed, etc., using specific key words in the topic of our manuscript. Endocannabinoids regulate the basal ganglia neuronal circuit pathways, synaptic plasticity, and motor functions via communication with dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic signalling systems bidirectionally in PD. Further, gripping preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate the context regarding the cannabinoid compounds, which is supported by various evidence (neuroprotection, suppression of excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, glial activation, and additional benefits) provided by cannabinoid-like compounds (much research addresses the direct regulation of cannabinoids with dopamine transmission and other signalling pathways in PD). More data related to endocannabinoids efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetic profiles need to be explored, providing better insights into their potential to ameliorate or even regress PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurological diseases are one of the major healthcare issues worldwide. Posed lifestyle changes are associated with drastically increased risk of chronic illness and diseases, posing a substantial healthcare and financial burden to society globally. Researchers aim to provide fine treatment for ailing disorders with minimal exposed side effects. In recent decades, several studies on functional foods have been initiated to obtain foods that have fewer side effects and increased therapeutic activity. Hence, an attempt has been made to unravel several extraction techniques to acquire essential bioactive compounds or phytochemicals from therapeutically active food products. This has led to the conception of the term functional foods being meddled with other similar terms like "pharmafoods," "medifoods", "vitafoods", or "medicinal foods". With a dire need to adhere towards healthy options, the demand of nutraceuticals is widely increasing to combat neurological interventions. An association between food habits and the individual lifestyle with neurodegeneration has been manifested, thereby proposing the role of nutraceuticals as prophylactic treatment for neurological interventions. The current review covers some of the major neurological disorders and nutraceutical therapy in the prevention of disease. [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]

The presence of discontinuities, such as joints, in a fluid-loaded structure results in far-field acoustic radiation even when subsonic wave numbers prevail in the main body of the structure. The object of this study is to develop a rational model of this phenomenon using singular perturbation methods. When a flexural wave in a thin structure impinges on a joint, evanescent structural displacement fields are set up in the vicinity of the joint. It is proposed to show that these fields are associated with rotation-dominated modes that are supported by shear-corrected plate theories of the Timoshenko-Mindlin-type flexural mode. The method of matched asymptotic expansions will be used to obtain mode-conversion coefficients, and it will be shown that the spatial wavenumber spectrum of the local field is instrumental in setting up an acoustic far field in the surrounding fluid. An important mathematic issue is the proper description of evanescent fields; this analysis will be based on results obtained previously in connection with acoustic waveguides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work explores how thermally induced instabilities driven by the oscillatory motion of a heated fluid affect the growth of a semiconductor crystal. The mechanisms governing interaction between the interface temperature and its growth will be presented. It will be shown that the dynamic characteristic growth front can be described by a nonlinear differential equation. Preliminary results of our analysis suggest that morphological defects in bulk materials can be attributed to the accelerated growth rate that occurs in response to high unsteady temperature gradients. The theory formulated suggests methods that could be used in controlling quality of semiconductor crystals. Finally, the implications of this theory in formulating better processes for manufacturing bulk semiconductor materials will be outlined. [Work supported by Analog Devices Professorship.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of directional loudspeaker and microphone arrays is of interest with regard to conferencing applications. Transducer arrays can be steered to enhance transmission and or reception at a prescribed location. In reverberant environments, directional microphone arrays have shown promise in enhancing speech intelligibility in hand-free applications. Steerable loudspeaker arrays, on the other hand, have met with limited success. The differentiating feature is the input impedance of the loudspeaker. In this presentation the role of the acoustic coupling between adjacent transducers in a loudspeaker array will be examined. The acoustical interaction between transducer elements is modeled. The impact of this interaction on beamforming is examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A numerical simulation and visualization of time-varying pressure fields in inhomogeneous fluid media is considered. Medium inhomogeneities considered included attenuation, compressibility, and density contrasts. Of particular interest is the analysis of scattering from anisotropic media and the corresponding directional characteristics of the scattered field. The simulation model is based on a Padé approximant representation for the pressure. This model allows the computation of scattered fields at size parameters ka∼O(1). A finite set of wave-number responses is obtained by a solution of Green's integral equation. The temporal response is obtained by inverse Fourier transformations of the wave-number response modulated by the incident field. Visualization techniques are developed to track strong scattering directions and to identify optimum measurement surfaces. [Work supported in part by and AT&T Bell Laboratories Cooperative Research Fellowship.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy exchange in a Stokes boundary layer between primary unstable disturbances and secondary disturbances having subharmonic spanwise character is discussed. Primary disturbances correspond to the least-stable spanwise mode according to linear theory. By virtue of the Reynolds stress, primary and secondary modes are coupled. Hence, the temporal growth rate of the disturbance field is mediated by the energy balance between primary and secondary disturbances. In this presentation, the energy exchange between these modes and their influence on the structure of the velocity field is discussed. These disturbances are found to be chaotic. Both primary and secondary disturbances follow a period doubling route to chaos. However, the transition amplitude of the acoustic modulation for which chaos occurs is a function of the wave-number content of the initial disturbance field. The energy exchange between spanwise modes with respect to the initial wave-number content and the modulation amplitude is discussed. [Work supported by DOE.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model describing the process of transition to chaotic fluid motion in an acoustical field driven in time is presented. It is shown that the unstable disturbances occur locally in space. The region of space where instability ensues is given in terms of a local amplitude conditioned on the basic flow. Subcritical behavior of the energy amplitude is shown to occur near the turning point. The chaotic evolution of disturbances in the streamwise direction is studied. Consideration is also given to the interaction of spanwise Fourier modes. Results for the spatial and temporal structure of the disturbance are given. The nature of the chaotic behavior is described in terms of physical parameters. [Work supported by DOE.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of a numerical analysis of acoustic streaming caused by the oscillatory flow over a two-dimensional boundary will be presented. The effect of spatial and temporal irregularity will be addressed. The validity of models of the oscillatory and time-averaged boundary layer will be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analysis of streaming in a oscillatory flow over a two-dimensional temporally and spatially varying boundary will be presented. This phenomenon plays an important role in transport of passive contaminants. Longuet-Higgins have shown the role played by Reynolds stress in producing drift in a viscous fluid. The modifications in streaming due to interplay between surface oscillations and the flow field affect the mass transport velocity. A primary objective in modeling the mammalian auditory system is an analysis of the fluid motion in the cochlea. The deflections of the basilar membrane, which produce the sensation of hearing, are coupled to the streaming flow. A theoretical model describing the fluid motion will be given. It will be shown that the dynamic behavior of the flow field is characterized by the parameters ε, a typical slope; R, the oscillatory Reynolds number; S, the Strouhal number; and α, the amplitude of the temporal variation. An analytic solution will be sought in terms of an expansion in ε. [Work supported by Analog Devices Professorship.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the media surrounding a heated liquid drop is excited by an acoustic wave, acoustic streaming can modify the transfer of heat from the drop's surface. Spatial variations in the heat transfer can result in an adverse surface tension gradient and as well as internal flows in the drop. These flows can also result in unstable modes of vibration. The stability of surface waves on a liquid drop suspended by a plane acoustic wave in a microgravity environment will be discussed. In particular, how acoustic streaming affects the stability and heat transfer at the liquid-gas interface will be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of a mathematical theory in acoustics (or in any other field) depends on the insight of the theoretician. However, the formulation of an insight into an equation derived from first principles involves much time spent in activities that fall within the category of a symbolic manipulation. To demonstrate the role symbolic manipulation software can play in the solution process, classical problems in acoustics will be selected. It is known that the solution to the linearized governing equations of an acoustic field can be considered as a superposition of vorticity, thermal, and acoustic modes. However, these modes are coupled. The separation of these modes will be demonstrated. Symbolic manipulation will be used to explore how the higher-order terms in the perturbation parameters, εμ, and εκ, affect the modal coupling. The issue of asymptotic degeneracy will also be addressed (the effects of varying the rates at which these parameters approach zero). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism responsible for instability and turbulence generated by high amplitude acoustic waves has been of interest of in acoustic agglomeration of particles. When a low-frequency oscillation is used in conjunction with a higher frequency acoustic wave, localized unstable boundary layer disturbances can be used to drive the outer flow field. By virtue of the Reynolds stress, the harmonic spectrum of the unstable vortical disturbance serves to modulate the acoustic wave amplitude. This process enhances the ability of the acoustic wave to agglomerate particles. A theoretical model of the instability mechanism and the interaction process will be presented. [Work supported by Analog Devices Professorship.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Michelia champaca L. (family: Magnoliaceae), commonly known as Champa [Hindi], is traditionally used for fertility regulation by the women of Chhattisgarh state in India. No scientific evidence regarding the antifertility effect of this plant is available till date. Aim of the study: To study the anti-fertility effect of hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Michelia champaca Linn. in female rats. Materials and methods: The antifertility activity of the extract (HAEMC) administered at dose levels (100 and 200mg/kg body weight, p.o.) was evaluated in two experimental animal models i.e. antiimplantation activity in female wistar rats and esterogenic/antiestrogenic activity in ovariectomized female rats. In anti-implantation activity, the extract (200 and 400mg/kg body weight, p.o.) was administered to female rats from 1 to 7 days of pregnancy and on 10th day, laprotomy was performed to count the no. of implants. For estrogenic/anti-estrogenic activity, ovariectomized female rats were administered with the extract at both the doses alone as well as along with 17α-ethinyl estradiol (1μ/rat/day) for 7 consecutive days. On the 8th day, all animals were sacrificed and blood serum was further processed for the estimation of biochemical parameters such as estrogen level, alkaline phosphates, cholesterol, tryglycerides, total protein etc. Results: The extract (HAEMC) showed significant (p<0.01) 49.95% and 71.03% antiimplantation activities at 100 and 200mg/kg doses respectively. The extract also exhibited significant (p<0.01) estrogenic activity as evidenced by increase in body weight, uterine weight, increased thickness and height of endometrium, vaginal cornification and significant (p<0.01) increase in estrogen, cholesterol, alkaline phosphate and triglycerides levels at higher dose when administered alone as well as along with ethinyl estradiol. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of steroids, flavonoids and alkaloids in the extract. Conclusions: Hydroalchoholic extract of Michelia champaca leaves possesses significant antifertility effect which might be due to the inhibition of implantation and estrogenic effect which in turn might be due to the presence of some phytoconstituents in the plant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]