Study of potential activity of clove oil 10 % emulsifiable concentrate formulation on Two-spotted spider Mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Clove oil is reported to have a great range of biological activities against many species of pests; termites, cockroaches, aphids, weevils and moths, and many different usages such as perfume and food flavoring agent. This study aimed to determine the acaricidal activity of clove oil emulsifiable concentrate new formulation against two-spotted spider mites Tetranychus urticae. Clove oil was formulated as 10 % emulsifiable concentrate (EC). The new formula passed successfully all physical and chemical tests reported for emulsifiable concentrates. It was then tested biologically on the individuals of two-spotted spider mite T. urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) on two host plants beans and squash under laboratory conditions. In both cases, there were a direct relationship between the increase in the concentration of the formulation and the percentage of inhibition on the individuals of the two-spotted spider mite, after 72 hours of treatment, at concentrations of 20, 40, and 80 mg/ml the new formulation showed 10.30, 44.8, and 75 percent inhibition, respectively in case of beans, while squash at the same concentrations and for the same period of treatment showed 33.3, 40.7, and 51.9 percent inhibition, but the effect in case of beans was greater than that in case of squash as its EC50 value was lower than that in case of squash. In the case of the former, it was 39.81 mg/ml, whereas in the case of the latter, it was 79.43 mg/ml. Therefore, the new clove oil formulation can be used to combat the two-spotted spider mite.

Performance Evaluation of the BZ COVID-19 Neutralizing Antibody Test for the Culture-Free and Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibodies

Rapid and accurate measurement of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) can aid in understanding the development of immunity against COVID-19. This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of a rapid SARS-CoV-2 nAb detection test called the BZ COVID-19 nAb test BZ-nAb (BZ-nAb; BioZentech). Using the 90% plaque-reduction neutralization test (PRNT-90) as a reference, 104 serum specimens collected from COVID-19-positive and -negative patients were grouped into 40 PRNT-90-positive and 64 PRNT-90-negative specimens. The performance of the BZ-nAb was compared with that of the cPass surrogate virus neutralization test (cPass sVNT; Genscript). The BZ-nAb showed a sensitivity ranging from 92.5%–95.0% and specificity ranging from 96.9%–100%, whereas cPass sVNT showed a sensitivity of 100% (95% confidence interval (CI) 90.5%–100%) and specificity of 98.4% (95% CI, 91.6%–100%). The dilution factor obtained with PRNT-90 showed a stronger correlation with the percent inhibition of cPass sVNT (r = 0.8660, p < 0.001) compared with the test and control line ratio (T/C ratio) of the BZ-nAb (r = −0.7089, p < 0.001). An almost perfect agreement was seen between the BZ-nAb and cPass sVNT results, with a strong negative correlation between the BZ-nAb T/C ratio and cPass sVNT percent inhibition (r = −0.8022, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the diagnostic performance of the BZ-nAb was comparable to that of the cPass sVNT, although the BZ-nAb had a slightly lower sensitivity.

Humoral Responses to Single-Dose BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccination in Dialysis Patients Previously Infected With SARS-CoV-2

Seroconversion rates following infection and vaccination are lower in dialysis patients compared to healthy controls. There is an urgent need for the characterization of humoral responses and success of a single-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in previously infected dialysis patients. We performed a dual-center cohort study comparing three different groups: 25 unvaccinated hemodialysis patients after PCR-confirmed COVID-19 (Group 1), 43 hemodialysis patients after two-time BNT162b2 vaccination without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection (Group 2), and 13 single-dose vaccinated hemodialysis patients with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection (Group 3). Group 3 consists of seven patients from Group 1 and 6 additional patients with sera only available after single-dose vaccination. Anti-S1 IgG, neutralizing antibodies, and antibodies against various SARS-CoV-2 protein epitopes were measured 3 weeks after the first and 3 weeks after the second vaccination in patients without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, 6 weeks after the onset of COVID-19 in unvaccinated patients, and 3 weeks after single-dose vaccination in patients with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, respectively. Unvaccinated patients after COVID-19 showed a significantly higher neutralizing antibody capacity than two-time vaccinated patients without prior COVID-19 [median (IQR) percent inhibition 88.0 (71.5–95.5) vs. 50.7 (26.4–81.0); P = 0.018]. After one single vaccine dose, previously infected individuals generated 15- to 34-fold higher levels of anti-S1 IgG than age- and dialysis vintage-matched unvaccinated patients after infection or two-time vaccinated patients without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection with a median (IQR) index of 274 (151–791) compared to 18 (8–41) and 8 (1–21) (for both P &lt; 0.001). With a median (IQR) percent inhibition of 97.6 (97.2–98.9), the neutralizing capacity of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was significantly higher in single-dose vaccinated patients with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to other groups (for both P &lt; 0.01). Bead-based analysis showed high antibody reactivity against various SARS-CoV-2 spike protein epitopes after single-dose vaccination in previously infected patients. In conclusion, single-dose vaccination in previously infected dialysis patients induced a strong and broad antibody reactivity against various SARS-CoV-2 spike protein epitopes with high neutralizing capacity.

Antihyperglycemic activity of Typha elephantina leaves using in vivo and in vitro Techniques

Looking at the increasing prevalence and inadequate treatments for diabetes mellitus, this study was carried to trace out hypoglycemic potentials of Typha elephantina leaves using in vitro and in vivo studies. α -amylase and α-glucosidase in vitro enzyme inhibition assay were incorporated to determine percent inhibition of Typha elephantina extracts. Typha elephantina methanol extract (TEME) at 125µg/ml in both α-amylase and α-glucosidase exhibited 57.48±1.42 and 53.64±0.92 percent inhibition in contrast to 66.7±0.94 and 70.31±1.25 of standard Acarbose, respectively. However, results obtained in Typha elephantina petroleum ether and chloroform extracts were insignificant. Further TEME antidiabetic properties were investigated by in vivo study, using Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Selected 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg doses of TEME were administered orally, which significantly (𝑃 < 0.001) reduces blood glucose of treated animals in contrast to diabetic control. 500mg/kg dose of TEME reduces blood glucose more efficiently. A significant linear rise of body weight and HDL were observed, while there was also remarkable reduction in cholesterol, TG, LDL, VLDL. Reduction in Liver function SGOT, SGPT along with creatinine and urea levels were observed in contrast to diabetic control group. In addition, antioxidant study of Typha elephantina extracts reflected significant results in comparison to that of ascorbic acid in DPPH and H2O2 assay. The whole study signified that Typha elephantina has hypoglycemic potentials.

Effect of Botanical Extracts on Late Blight (Phytopthora infestans) and Productivity of Tomato (Solanum esculentum)

Late blight is caused by Phytopthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary which establishes quickly in Solanum esculentum L. (tomato); as a result, it makes the pathogen one of the most devastating plant diseases across the world. The control of late blight is difficult because P. infestans has advanced and complex enzymes and effecter molecules coded by avirulence genes. As such, a study was carried out at the University of Zimbabwe, Department of Plant Production Sciences and Technologies, between August 2018 and May 2019 to evaluate the efficacy of Moringa oleifera Lour. (moringa), Eucalyptus nigra R.T. Baker (gumtree), and Lantana camara L. (sensu lato) (lantana) extracts as biofungicides on late blight development on S. esculentum. The effect of acetone, ethyl acetate, and water extracts of M. oleifera, E. nigra, and L. camara on percent inhibition and radial growth were evaluated in the laboratory. In addition, the efficacy of different extract concentrations of M. oleifera, E. nigra, and L. camara L. on defence enzymes, disease incidence, disease severity, and yield parameters of S. esculentum were assessed in the in vivo experiment. Increasing concentration of the botanical extracts significantly ( p ≤ 0.05 ) reduced radial growth and increased percent inhibition of P. infestans. In addition, increasing botanical extract concentration significantly ( p ≤ 0.05 ) increased peroxidase (PОD), phenylalanine ammonia lyse (PAL), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity. Disease incidence and severity were significantly ( p ≤ 0.05 ) reduced as the concentration of the botanical extracts increased. Similarly, marketable and total yield significantly ( p ≤ 0.05 ) increased with increase in the botanical extract concentration. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) revealed the presence of furfural, 5-methyl-4- (trifluoromethyl) pyrido, dodecanamide, cyclopentasiloxane, and decamethyl. From the research, it can be concluded that M. oleifera ethyl acetate, E. nigra ethyl acetate, and L. camara water extracts contain antifungal compounds and can be used as biofungicides in late blight management.

Early Humoral Responses of Hemodialysis Patients after COVID-19 Vaccination with BNT162b2

Background and objectives Patients receiving hemodialysis are at high risk for both SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19 disease. A life-saving vaccine is available, but sensitivity to vaccines is generally lower in dialysis patients. Little is yet known about antibody responses after COVID-19 vaccination in this vulnerable group. Design, setting, participants, and measurements In this prospective single-center study, we included 22 dialysis patients and 46 healthy controls from Heidelberg University Hospital between December 2020 and February 2021. We measured anti-S1 IgG with a threshold index for detection >1, neutralizing antibodies with a threshold for viral neutralization of ≥30% and antibodies against different SARS-CoV-2 fragments 17-22 days after the first and 18-22 days after the second dose of the mRNA vaccine BNT162b2. Results After the first vaccine dose, 4/22 (18%) dialysis patients compared with 43/46 (93%) healthy controls developed positive anti-S1 IgG, with a median (IQR) anti-S1 IgG index of 0.2 (0.1-0.7) compared with 9 (4-16), respectively. SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies exceeded the threshold for neutralization in 4/22 (18%) dialysis patients compared with 43/46 (93%) in healthy controls, with a median (IQR) percent inhibition of 11 (3-24) compared with 65 (49-75), respectively. After the second dose, 14/17 (82%) of dialysis patients developed neutralizing antibodies exceeding the threshold for viral neutralization and antibodies against the receptor-binding S1-domain of the spike protein, compared to 46/46 (100%) of healthy controls, respectively. The median (IQR) percent inhibition was 51 (32-86) compared to 98 (97-98) in healthy controls. Conclusions Patients receiving long-term hemodialysis show a reduced antibody response to the first and second doses of the mRNA vaccine BNT162b2. The majority (82%) develop neutralizing antibodies after the second dose, but at lower levels than healthy controls.

IN VITRO EFFICACY OF PGPR PSEUDOMONAS FLUORESCENS AGAINST FUSARIUM WILT OF TOMATO CAUSED BY FUSARIUM OXYSPORUM F.SP. LYCOPERSICI

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important, commercial and widely grown vegetable crop in the world. Tomato plays a critical role in nutritional food requirements, income and employment opportunities for the people. However, its production is threatened by the Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici and production losses between 30%to40%. In the present investigation an attempt has been made to study the in vitro efficacy of Pseudomonas fluorescens against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici. The antagonistic effect of Pseudomonas fluorescens were observed by the Dual culture technique and Agarwell method under the in vitro conditions.Among the ten isolates of Pseudomonas fluorescens, isolate Pf5 found to show the maximum percent inhibition over control (58.75%) and least mycelial growth (37.12mm) in dual culture technique against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici. In Agar well method isolate Pf5 proved out the maximum inhibition zone (17.47mm)against Fusarium oxysporumf.sp. lycopersici and percent inhibition over control (80.97%) at 30% concentration level.

A Method for Diagnosing Organophosphate Pesticide Exposure in Humans using Liquid Chromatography Coupled Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Organophosphate (OP) pesticides are commonly utilized worldwide for agricultural purposes and pose a health threat through air, ground, and water contamination. Here, we present a convenient method for diagnosing exposure to OP pesticides in humans. This immunoprecipitation method relies on extraction of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), a biomarker of OP poisoning that adducts OP compounds, from human serum using agarose beads conjugated to anti-BChE antibodies. Extracted BChE was then digested with pepsin and analyzed for unadducted and OP-adducted peptides by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). To characterize and validate this method, pooled human plasma was exposed to parathion and dichlorvos to form diethoxyphospho, aged ethoxyphospho and dimethoxyphospho adducts with BChE. Untreated plasma was also analyzed for unadducted peptides. Additionally, samples were analyzed using Ellman’s assay to measure BChE functional activity. The percent inhibition of BChE was 53.5±5.76 and 95.2±0.37%, respectively, for plasma treated with parathion for 1 hour and 24 hours. The percent inhibition was 97.2±0.98 for plasma treated with dichlorvos for 1 hour. The percent inhibition was 97.9±0.41% when the plasma treated with parathion for 1 hour, parathion for 24 hour and dichlorvos for 1 hour were mixed. Individual adducts were quantified in a single chromatographic run. Untreated plasma contained 26.4±1.87 ng/mL of unadducted BChE and no adducted peptides. In contrast, the plasma sample treated with both pesticides contained no unadducted BChE, but did contain 9.46±1.10, 10.9±0.98 and 14.1±1.10 ng/mL of diethoxyphospho, aged-ethoxy, and dimethoxyphospho peptides, respectively. The ability to identify and measure BChE and BChE adducts to parathion and dichlorvos is expected to be useful for diagnosing human exposure to multiple OP pesticides.

Pharmacological investigation of Thespesea populnea bark extract for analgesic activity

Background: Pain is an unpleasant and distressing common problem with profound impact on individuals and society. Existing treatment modalities used for pain management are either less effective or exhibits several side effects. The aim of current study is to investigate the analgesic activity of stem bark extract of Thespesea populnea for pain management.Methods: Thirty Swiss albino were divided into five groups including control, standard and three tests groups (different doses of Thespesea populnea bark extract). Groups were investigated for analgesic activity using hot plate induced paw withdrawal, acetic acid induced writhing and formalin induced paw licking models.Results: Findings of hot plate model revealed that, percent increase in reflex latency of paw licking response in mice for test drug (10 mg/kg), attained peak effect of 136% at 180 minutes, whereas for standard pentazocine peak effect of 125% was attained at 180 minutes. In acetic acid model, the maximum percent inhibition in number of writhings for the test drug (30 mg/kg) was 68% and for standard diclofenac, it was 80%. In formalin model, percent inhibition in licking response in early and late phases for test drug (30 mg/kg) were 81% and 91% and for standard diclofenac it was 56% and 94% respectively. It was thus depicted that analgesic activity of test drug was significantly more than the standard in early phase and equivalent to standard in late phase.Conclusions: It was concluded that Thespesea populnea bark extract at a dose of 10 mg/kg showed potential peripheral and central analgesic activity.

Phytochemical Screening And Tyrosinase Inhibition Activity Of Leaves Cassia siamea L.

Cassia siamea L. has been used traditionally as medicine and in previous studies had an IC­50 antioxidant activity of 144.12 µg / mL. Cassia siamea L. potential as a medicinal substance is thought to have chemical constituents such as saponins, anthraquinones, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids and steroids. Indonesia, which is located in a tropical region with high temperatures and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, can cause skin disorders such as hyperpigmentation due to excess melanin synthesis. Tyrosinase enzymes can prevent or inhibit melanin formation. The purpose of this study was to determine the chemical content of Cassia siamea L. leaves extract with various solvents and the inhibitory activity of tyrosinase enzymes. In this study, the leaves of Cassia siamea L. were macerated with methanol as a solvent. The dry methanol extract was fractionated using the liquid-liquid method using aquadest, butanol and chloroform as solvents. The four dried extracts were then phytochemical screening to determine their chemical content. After that, the tyrosinase inhibition test was carried out in vitro with L-Dopa as a substrate using ELISA plate well reader at concentrations of 100, 1000 and 100000 ppm with three repetitions (triplo). The methanol extract had percent inhibition of 19.993 ± 1.125%, 28.984 ± 0.624%, 57.164 ± 0.623%, respectively; butanol fraction 25.914 ± 0.541%, 32.566 ± 0.767%, 52.120 ± 1.616%; chloroform fraction 19.920 ± 0.730%, 26.425 ± 0.937%, 62.865 ± 0.167% and aquadest fraction 23.830 ± 0.879%, 30.885 ± 0.778%, 67.471 ± 0.352%. Kojic acid had tyrosinase activity and acts more active than the other extract and fraction with 91.155±0.228% at 500 ppm. The butanol fraction had the highest percent inhibition at 100 and 1000 ppm which was thought to be due to the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, steroids and terpenoids from the results of the phytochemical screening test.