In Vitro and In Silico Evaluation of the Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Potential of Thymus pulegioides Essential Oil

Influence of Essential Oil Composition on Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Three Cultivars of Cymbopogon Flexuosus: In Vitro and In Silico Study

The present study investigates and compares the chemical composition, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of lemongrass essential oils (LEOs) extracted from fresh leaves of three cultivars of C. flexuosus: Krishna (CF-KA), Cauvery (CF-CA), and Nima (CF-NI), grown in Chhattisgarh plains. Analysis through gas chromatography techniques revealed that citral content was highest in CF-NI (79.82±1.00 %), followed by CF-KA (69.75±2.70 %) and CF-CA (54.75±1.22 %). In vitro antioxidant experiments demonstrated that CF-CA had better scavenging capacity in DPPH (SC50=164.55±9.35 μg/mL) and ABTS (SC50=4.76±0.57 GEAC/g) free radical scavenging assays. The in vitro antibacterial experiments against Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC3160) and Escherichia coli (MTCC1687) demonstrated CF-NI's enhanced antibacterial efficacy with significant inhibition zones and low MIC values. In silico molecular docking results revealed that LEO compounds like caryophyllene oxide, humulene epoxide, β-caryophyllene etc. have better binding affinities towards targeted protein molecules responsible for bacterial cell mechanisms and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared to their native ligands. Variations in biological activities among cultivars were potentially linked to the proportion of phytoconstituents in their chemical composition.

Is Linalyl Anthranilate Indeed Found In Plant Samples? GC-MS Misidentifications in the Scientific Literature

Linalyl anthranilate (LNA) has been identified in a number of plant extracts and essential oils by various authors using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). However, the reported retention behavior of LNA in these studies is inconsistent with the retention data provided in the NIST database. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine whether the reports of LNA were the result of misidentifications in GC-MS analyses or if the linear NIST retention index was inaccurate. To accomplish this, linalyl anthranilate was synthesized in a two-step procedure, and the resulting product was authenticated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and GC-MS analyses. This is a new synthetic route to linalyl anthranilate. Subsequently, retention indices for linalyl anthranilate were determined on three commonly used GC phases: polydimethylsiloxane, 5% diphenyl-95% polydimethylsiloxane, and polyethylene glycol. The study confirmed the accuracy of the NIST retention data, establishing the linear retention index data for LNA on a semi-nonpolar GC column as 2051. However, LNA reported in the literature by various authors exhibited a retention index in the elution window of approximately 1000-1400, strongly suggesting that these reports were the result of GC-MS misidentifications. A review of all reported occurrences of LNA in natural samples found no credible evidence of its presence. In many cases, it appears to be a misidentification of linalyl acetate caused by the occurrence of an erroneous spectrum in the older versions of the NIST mass spectra database.

Evaluating the Outcomes in Patients with Colorectal Cancer Using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool: A Systematic Review

Background

The current systematic review aimed to evaluate the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) for its effectiveness in determining patient outcomes (length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, infection rates, and survival) for colorectal cancer.

Methods

Utilizing a comprehensive search strategy, this review mined literature up to December 2023 from the PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases. The focus was on identifying studies that scrutinize the prognostic value of MUST in relation to hospital outcomes in colorectal cancer contexts. Adherence to PRISMA guidelines ensured a systematic approach, encompassing various study designs and outcome measures.

Results

Among the seven studies incorporating 1950 patients, a significant correlation emerged between MUST scores and key hospital outcomes. Specifically, patients categorized as high MUST risk faced longer hospital stays, with a mean length of stay for high-risk patients extending up to 26.6 days compared to 14 days for those at lower risk. The prevalence of postoperative complications was substantially higher in the high-risk group, with up to 41.4% of high MUST risk patients experiencing severe complications (Clavien-Dindo 3-5) compared to 8.5% in the low-risk category. Notably, the review found that high MUST scores were strongly predictive of increased postoperative complications and a prolonged hospital stay, underscoring the tool's critical predictive utility for quality of life and use in clinical settings.

Conclusions

Therefore, MUST's capability to predict longer hospital stays and a higher incidence of postoperative complications among high-risk patients highlights its essential function in preoperative evaluations and supports the integration of MUST into routine clinical assessments.

Assessment of Thyroid Carcinogenic Risk and Safety Profile of GLP1-RA Semaglutide (Ozempic) Therapy for Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity: A Systematic Literature Review

The broadening application of glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 receptor agonists, specifically semaglutide (Ozempic) for the management of diabetes and obesity brings a critical need to evaluate its safety profile, considering estimates of up to 20 million prescriptions per year in the US until 2035. This systematic review aims to assess the incidence of thyroid cancer and detail the spectrum of adverse events associated with semaglutide, focusing on its implications for patient care. Through a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases up to December 2023, ten randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 14,550 participants, with 7830 receiving semaglutide, were analyzed, with an additional number of 18 studies that were separately discussed because they reported data from the same RCTs. The review focused on thyroid cancer incidence, gastrointestinal symptoms, and other significant adverse events attributed to semaglutide. The incidence of thyroid cancer in semaglutide-treated patients was less than 1%, suggesting no significant risk. Adverse events were predominantly gastrointestinal, including nausea (2.05% to 19.95%) and diarrhea (1.4% to 13%). Nasopharyngitis and vomiting were also notable, with mean prevalences of 8.23% and 5.97%, respectively. Other adverse events included increased lipase levels (mean of 6.5%), headaches (mean prevalence of 7.92%), decreased appetite (reported consistently at 7%), influenza symptoms (mean prevalence of 5.23%), dyspepsia (mean prevalence of 5.18%), and constipation (mean prevalence of 6.91%). Serious adverse events varied from 7% to 25.2%, highlighting the need for vigilant patient monitoring. These findings underscore the gastrointestinal nature of semaglutide's adverse events, which, while prevalent, did not significantly deter from its clinical benefits in the treatment landscape. This systematic review provides a comprehensive assessment of semaglutide's safety profile, with a focus on gastrointestinal adverse events and a low incidence of thyroid cancer. Despite the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms, semaglutide remains an efficacious option for managing diabetes and obesity. The detailed characterization of adverse events underscores the importance of monitoring and managing these effects in clinical practice, excluding the hypothesis of carcinogenesis.

Insights into the Paulownia Shan tong (Fortunei × Tomentosa) Essential Oil and In Silico Analysis of Potential Biological Targets of Its Compounds

The volatile composition of Paulownia Shan tong (Fortunei × Tomentosa) essential oil isolated by steam distillation (yielding 0.013% v/w) from flowers (forestry wastes) was investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Thirty-one components were identified, with 3-acetoxy-7, 8-epoxylanostan-11-ol (38.16%), β-monoolein (14.4%), lycopene, 1,2-dihydro-1-hydroxy- (10.21%), and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, 2-phenyl-1,3-dioxan-5-yl ester (9.21%) as main compounds. In addition, molecular docking was employed to identify potential protein targets for the 31 quantified essential oil components. Inhibition of these targets is typically associated with antibacterial or antioxidant properties. Molecular docking revealed that six of these components, namely, 13-heptadecyn-1-ol, ascabiol, geranylgeraniol, anethole, and quinol dimethyl ether, outperformed the native ligand (hypoxanthine) of xanthine oxidase in terms of theoretical binding affinity, therefore implying a significant in silico inhibitory potential against xanthine oxidase. These findings suggest that the essential oil extracted from Paulownia Shan tong flowers could be valuable for developing protein-targeted antioxidant compounds with applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Impact of Genital Infections and Antibiotic Use on Incidence of Preterm Birth: A Retrospective Observational Study

This study investigates the complex interplay among genital infections, antibiotic usage, and preterm birth. This study aims to identify common genital pathogens associated with preterm births, assess the impact of various antibiotic treatments on pregnancy outcomes, and understand antibiotic resistance patterns among these pathogens. This study included 71 pregnant women who experienced preterm birth and 94 women with genital infections who delivered at term. Various maternal characteristics, medical history, signs and symptoms, gestational weight, gestational age, type of birth, vaginal pH, Nugent scores, and vaginal flora were analyzed. Antibiotic resistance patterns of isolated microorganisms were also examined. The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and genital herpes was significantly higher in the preterm group. Preterm births were associated with fever, pelvic pain, vaginal spotting, and fatigue. Vaginal pH levels and Nugent scores were significantly higher in the preterm group, indicating disturbed vaginal flora. The presence of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) was a particularly strong risk factor, increasing by more than four times the odds of preterm birth (OR = 4.45, p = 0.001). Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) presence was another critical factor, with a four-fold increase in the odds of preterm birth (OR = 4.01, p = 0.034). The overall presence of Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) organisms significantly increased the odds of preterm birth (OR = 3.73, p = 0.001). Specific pathogens like Chlamydia trachomatis (OR = 3.12, p = 0.020) and Mycoplasma hominis (OR = 3.64, p = 0.006) were also identified as significant risk factors. Ureaplasma urealyticum also showed a significantly higher risk of preterm birth (OR = 2.76, p = 0.009). This study highlights the importance of screening for and treating genital infections during pregnancy, especially STDs and genital herpes, as they can significantly increase the risk of preterm birth. Additionally, the presence of specific microorganisms and antibiotic resistance patterns plays an essential role in preterm birth risk. Early detection and targeted antibiotic treatment may help mitigate this risk and improve pregnancy outcomes.

Investigation of Volatile Components and Assessment of Antioxidant Potential in Seven Lamiaceae Plant Hydrosols

Aromatic plants of the family Lamiaceae, especially of the genus Thymus, have promising antioxidant applications in pharmacology, medicine, food, cosmetology, and aromatherapy. Hydrosols (HDs) were extracted by hydrodistillation from seven species of Lamiaceae, including Thymus vulgaris, Thymus mongolicus, Mentha × piperita, Melissa officinalis, Rosmarinus officinali, Salvia elegans, and Leonurus artemisia. In total, 369 volatile components were determined and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Among them, alcohols (2.86-28.48%), ethers (2.46-10.69%), and phenols (0.11-21.78%) constituted a large proportion, mainly linalool (0.28-19.27%), eucalyptol (0.16-6.97%), thymol (0-19.54%), and carvacrol (0-26.82%). Multivariate statistical analyses were performed and 27 differential metabolites were screened. Three different methods (ABTS+•, DPPH•, and FRAP) were used to determine the in vitro antioxidant activity of seven HDs. Thymus vulgaris hydrosols (Tv HDs) and Thymus mongolicus hydrosols (Tm HDs) had the strongest antioxidant activity and their stronger antioxidant capacity was related to their high levels of phenolic constituents, mainly thymol. The antioxidant activity of the other five Lamiaceae HDs was associated with their high alcohol (mainly linalool and eucalyptol) content, and the alcohol constituents may synergistically affect their antioxidant capacity. Therefore, the present study suggests that Lamiaceae plants can be utilized as antioxidant products or antioxidants in different industrial sectors including pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and agrochemicals.

Chemical Composition, In Vitro Antioxidant Activities, and Inhibitory Effects of the Acetylcholinesterase of Liparis nervosa (Thunb.) Lindl. Essential Oil

The present study aimed to investigate the essential oil composition of Liparis nervosa (Thunb.) Lindl., grown in China, and to determine its antioxidant and inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation, and the chemical compounds were analyzed by GC-MS and GC-FID. We used 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing assay power (FRAP) to evaluate the antioxidant activity. The anti-acetylcholinesterase activity of the essential oil was also examined. Sixty-seven compounds were identified, representing 98.50 % of the total essential oil, which was shown to be rich in methyl (9E,11E)-octadeca-9,11-dienoate (31.69%), n-hexadecanoic acid (15.08%), isopropyl palmitate (12.44%), propyl tetradecanoate (7.20%), tetradecanoic acid (4.01%), 17-octadecynoic acid (3.71%), and pentacosane (2.24%). Its antioxidant ability was analyzed via ABTS (IC₅₀ = 721.95 ± 9.93 μg/mL), DPPH scavenging capacity (IC₅₀ > 10,000 μg/mL), and the FRAP method (Trolox equivalent antioxidant concentration 39.64 ± 3.38 μM/g). Acetylcholinesterase inhibition effects were evaluated and had an IC₅₀ value of 51.96 ± 14.26 μg/mL. The results show that this essential oil has interesting biological potential, encouraging further investigations, especially regarding the mechanisms of action of its antioxidant and anti-acetylcholinesterase activity. This is the first time that the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition effects of essential oil from L. nervosa have been studied.