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Abstract Diabetes mellitus, particularly type 2 diabetes, is a growing global health challenge characterized by chronic hyperglycemia due to insulin resistance. One therapeutic approach to managing this condition is the inhibition of α-glucosidase, an enzyme involved in carbohydrate digestion, to reduce postprandial blood glucose levels. In this study, a series of thiosemicarbazide-linked quinoline-piperazine derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, to identify new agents for type 2 diabetes management. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis revealed that the nature and position of substituents on the aryl ring significantly impacted the inhibitory potency. Among the synthesized derivatives, the 2,5-dimethoxy phenyl substitution (7j) exhibited the most potent activity with an IC50 value of 50.0 µM, demonstrating a 15-fold improvement compared to the standard drug acarbose. Kinetic studies identified compound 7j as a competitive inhibitor, with a K i value of 32 µM. Molecular docking simulations demonstrated key interactions between compound 7j and the active site of α-glucosidase, while molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of the enzyme-ligand complex, reflected in low RMSD and RMSF values.

Abstract Clinically significant problems such as kidney stones and stomach ulcers are linked to the activation of the urease enzyme. At low pH, this enzyme gives an ideal environment to Helicobacter pylori in the stomach which is the cause of gastric ulcers and peptic ulcers. In recent work, we have developed a library of 4-fluorocinnamaldehyde base thiosemicarbazones and assessed them for their potential against urease enzyme. The synthesized compounds displayed significant to moderate inhibition potential with IC50 values ranging from 2.7 ± 0.5 µM to 29.0 ± 0.5 µM. compound 3c displayed the highest inhibition potential followed by 3a and 3b. Two compounds of the series 3f and 3 g remained inactive against urease. The kinetic study of compound 3c exhibited a competitive type of inhibition with a K i value of 3.26 ± 0.0048 µM. SAR analysis was also thoroughly done. Molecular docking was used to analyze the interaction pattern of each derivative, and the outcomes demonstrated that the compounds had excellent binding interactions with the active site.

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant shift in healthcare services, focusing on pandemic response and emergency preparedness. The Oman Ministry of Health implemented various measures to combat and control COVID-19. However, this shift disrupted routine outpatient appointments, particularly for chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN). This study aims to assess the pandemic’s effect on diabetes control, by examining glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure (BP), lipid values (particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL), body weight/ body mass index (BMI), and comparing these measures to pre-pandemic levels. Methods A retrospective cohort study of 223 people with diabetes (PwD), aged 20–95 years who underwent a blood workup in 2019 and 2020 and were registered in Al-Khuwair Health Centre from March to December 2020. Data was extracted from the Al Shifa 3plus System and National Diabetic Register (NDR), and analyzed using SPSS. Results Out of 260 PwD identified, 223 met the inclusion criteria, while 37 were excluded due to recent diagnoses or missing follow-up in 2019. Significant changes were observed in HbA1C, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and BMI from 2019 to 2020. Mean HbA1c increased from 6.9% in 2019 to 7.2% in 2020. Mean SBP rose from 131.22 mmHg in 2019 to 134.84 mmHg in 2020, while mean BMI increased from 30.49 to 30.80. No significant changes were found in LDL levels or diastolic BP. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare systems globally, and the consequences on health and mortality were not only due to the direct impact of the virus, but also to the modifications in priorities. These interruptions in inconsistent care, had consequences for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes. Future strategic plans should be prepared and implemented to manage NCD cases in case of pandemics.

This study presents the synthesis of a sensitive AKBA-Based fluorescent “Turn off” chemosensor for rapid detection of abamectin residues in tomatoes. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by using 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (β-AKBA) by chemical reduction method. The characterization of AKBA-AgNPs was performed by UV–vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The average particle size of NPs was found to be 46.2 ± 2 nm with lumps of macro-sized particles. TEM data further revealed that nanoparticles were polydispersed and spherical in shape and also show good stability at high temperatures and pH. The biosensing properties of nanoparticles were studied for the detection of abamectin residues in tomato samples. Abamectin a natural product derived from the bacterium Streptomyces avermitilis is effective against a wide range of pests. In sensing protocol 67 organic tomato samples were segregated into 34 (safe group, without a spray of abamectin) and 33 samples (as an unsafe group, sprayed with abamectin insecticide solution). Emission spectra of these sample solutions were measured in the wavelength range of 450–530 nm, excitation wavelength was fixed at 488 nm. The effect of minor wavelength variation for the discrimination and classification of the two groups was investigated by applying two chemometric methods including partial least square discriminant analysis and principal component analysis with projection. The mechanism of its interaction between the AKBA-Ag NPs and abamectin residue was also established through UV/visible, FTIR, and TEM microscopy. This newly synthesized nanoparticle was found to have excellent stability at variables, i.e., temperature, storage period, salt concentration, and pH. Therefore, the synthesized Ag NPs are potential candidates for biosensing applications against abamectin.

Abstract Tyrosinase is an enzyme crucial for the progression of melanogenesis. Immoderate production of melanin may be the cause of hyperpigmentation and darkening leading to skin diseases. Tyrosinase is the most researched target for suppressing melanogenesis since it catalyzes the rate-limiting stage of melanin production. Thiosemicarbazones have been reported to possess strong inhibition capability against tyrosinase. We have designed and synthesized eighteen N-tosyl substituted indole-based thiosemicarbazones as competitive tyrosinase inhibitors in the current work. All the compounds exhibited outstanding to good potency with half maximal inhibitory concentration in the range of 6.40 ± 0.21 µM to 61.84 ± 1.47 µM. The compound 5r displayed the top-tier inhibition amongst the entire series with IC50 = 6.40 ± 0.21 µM. Compounds, 5q and 5r exhibited competitive inhibitions in concentration dependent manner with Ki = 3.42 ± 0.03 and 10.25 ± 0.08 µM respectively. The binding mode of 5r was evaluated through in silico molecular dynamics simulations and molecular docking, while ADME assessment studies predicted the drug-like characteristics of the derivatives. The newly synthesized derivatives may serve as a structural guide for designing and developing novel tyrosinase inhibitors.

The interaction between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and industry for the purpose of improving the exchange of knowledge and technology refers to the concept of universities--industry collaboration (UIC). This research aims to identify the Determinants of UIC in Oman by considering the four main players in UIC, which are faculty, students, university administrators and Private Sector Companies. Furthermore, the study focuses on determining the factors for an academic research project to become relevant to Oman's private sector. This study adopts a quantitative research approach using structured surveys and statistical analysis to systematically investigate the relationships and associations among various factors. The sample size consists of 218 participants, including 32 faculty members, 158 students, 3 university administrators, and 25 representatives from private sector companies. The sampling technique is convenient to ensure the practical considerations associated with accessing and engaging diverse stakeholders from the targeted population. Determinants of UIC in Oman include financial support, trust, research alignment, governmental support, and communication. Consistent with the literature, there is a moderate level of consensus among the respondents regarding the importance of various determinants in promoting UIC in Oman. Also, the multidimensional nature of collaboration has been highlighted through factor analysis. For research relevance, the main contributors are strategic alignment, industry expertise integration, and researcher recognition and incentives, emphasizing interconnected relationships. Limitations include the focus of the study on Oman, which may limit generalizability. The research provides actionable insights for Oman's UIC, guiding policymakers in formulating targeted strategies. Informed resource allocation optimizes efforts for both universities and private sector organizations. Tailored initiatives, researcher incentives, and continuous monitoring enhance inclusivity and engagement. This study advances UIC by offering insights into the determinants for effective collaboration between academia and the private sector. The practical value of the study lies in providing stakeholders with strategic guidelines for impactful partnerships.

Active packaging is crucial for extending shelf life, maintaining food quality, and reducing reliance on synthetic preservatives by preventing spoilage, oxidation, and microbial contamination. In this study, boswellic acid (BA) and acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) were isolated from the oleo-gum resin of Boswellia sacra and incorporated into the pectin and kappa-carrageenan-based films for active packaging. The fabricated films were analyzed to examine the effect of these active compounds on the mechanical, optical, barrier, chemical, structural, hydrophobic, and antioxidant properties. The incorporation of AKBA and BA into the films resulted in a decrease in transparency and tensile strength; however, the elongation at break did not show any significant variations. The film samples exhibited improved antioxidant properties as confirmed by DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activities. The ΔE value represented the overall color difference in AKBA- and BA-loaded films as compared with the blank film sample. The FTIR spectrum of AKBA- and BA-loaded films exhibited shifts and intensity changes, suggesting the intermolecular interaction within the film matrix. Moreover, the water contact angle measurements revealed that the films containing AKBA showed a noticeable increase in contact angles, reflecting an enhancement in hydrophobicity. The current study offers a valuable approach for developing active packaging films with potential applications in food packaging.

Oakmoss absolute extract (OME) is a potential source for active antimicrobial and antioxidant components that can be used to develop an active packaging material. Active films were developed by impregnation of OME in sodium alginate (SA) and guar gum (GG)-based films. The effects of 0.5%–1.5% OME (w/v) over the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of SA-GG films were assessed. The mechanical properties (TS, EAB), water permeability, thickness, and opacity increased; however, moisture content decreased with the increase in the concentration of OME. SEM analysis represents that incorporation of OME resulted into heterogenous structure with pores and cracks. FTIR analysis showed that the addition of OME into SA-GG triggered interactions between SA-GG and OME. The color attributes of SA-GG films were significantly affected by the incorporation of OME. The XRD analysis revealed that the amorphous nature of the film remained unchanged after impregnation with OME. The films loaded with OME demonstrated higher antioxidant activity (measured by DPPH as well as ABTS radical scavenging) than control film. Thus, the addition of OME into SA-GG film was a valuable approach to synthesize active, bio-functional, and eco-friendly packing for the food industry.

Food insecurity, pollution, and malnutrition are some critical issues tackled by the modern world in the recent era. However, edible mushrooms are nutritionally, economically, and biotechnologically valuable groups of macro fungi. Besides being an essential source of edible food, it is also exploited in pharmacological industries as a potential source of anticancer, antioxidant and immunomodulating agents. Mushrooms are not only a rich nutritional source of functional food all over the world, but also have highly significant bioactive compounds that are considered nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and mycotherapeutics across the globe. However, their cultivation is very low compared to their demand. Its cultivation consents the sustainable management of agro-industrial waste and generates decent income using low inputs. Additionally, the mushroom could also be used for the recirculation of forest waste by acting as a natural decomposer that in turn creates great opportunities for the development of economically miserable developing countries, like Pakistan. Mushroom farming is one of the promising approaches to explore such unwanted agro-waste materials from the environment and ensure food security. Mushroom farming is one of the cheapest sources to overcome the deficiency caused by malnutrition. Interestingly, it supports the local economy by offering more and more livelihood opportunities and significant income sources for local and national trade. The current review article emphasizes the prompt mushroom farming industries in Pakistan that can save lives by providing cheaper nutritional food and rich income sources.

AbstractThe increased emphasis on self-directed learning has sparked significant interest in self-assessment (SA) within essay writing over recent decades. While prior research has predominantly examined the role of instructional tools like rubrics and checklists in guiding learners through the SA process, this study seeks to delve deeper into the various factors that might impact the utilization of these tools. Specifically conducted in a higher education (HE) setting, this study aimed to comprehend how pedagogical resources for SA are perceived, put into practice, and evolved by both students and educators, thereby offering insights into enhancing learner self-monitoring. The findings revealed that students effectively engaged in SA when utilizing criterion-referenced pedagogical aids, comprehending their application, receiving teacher support, and acknowledging the significance of SA. These outcomes underscore the necessity of addressing all these influences comprehensively to empower students in conducting autonomous self-assessment.