A novel front in sustainable microbial management: computational analysis of curcumin and mangiferin's synergistic action against Bacillus anthracis

Background

Microorganisms are crucial in our ecosystem, offering diverse functions and adaptability. The UNGA Science Summit has underscored the importance of understanding microbes in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Bacillus anthracis poses significant challenges among various microorganisms due to its harmful effects on both soil and public health. Our study employed computational techniques to investigate the inhibitory effects of curcumin and mangiferin on Bacillus anthracis, with the aim of presenting a novel bio-based approach to microbial management.

Methods

Employing high-throughput screening, we identified potential binding sites on B. anthracis. Molecular docking revealed that curcumin and mangiferin, when synergistically combined, exhibited strong binding affinities at different sites on the bacterium. Our findings demonstrated a significant drop in binding free energy, indicating a stronger interaction when these compounds were used together.

Findings

Results of Molecular docking indicated binding energies of -8.45 kcal/mol for mangiferin, -7.68 kcal/mol for curcumin, and a notably higher binding energy of -19.47 kcal/mol for the combination of mangiferin and curcumin with CapD protein. Molecular dynamics simulations further validated these interactions, demonstrating increased stability and structural changes in the bacterium.

Conclusion

This study highlights the effectiveness of natural compounds like curcumin and mangiferin in microbial management, especially against challenging pathogens like B. anthracis. It emphasizes the potential of sustainable, nature-based solutions and calls for further empirical research to expand upon these findings.

Revisiting Role of HbA1c

With the increasing use of HbA1c as a diagnostic marker, more values at the lower end of the reference range can be observed. As more emphasis has been on decreasing and controlling a rising value of glycated haemoglobin, it is currently uncertain how to interpret low HbA1c values. Various conditions not related to diabetes, but with a fairly common occurrence, influence HbA1c. Alternative indices may have to be used for assessing glycemic control in these cases. It is important that such influencing factors are looked into when evaluating an inappropriately or expectantly low HbA1c value. HbA1c is a biomarker that might have utility beyond just diabetes mellitus. Its role needs to be re-examined as it is a test which is widely available, less amenable to short term physiological variations, and can be easily studied. All that is required is a different perspective or approach to its utility.

Effects of Kegels Exercises and Fitness Exercises in Improving the Stress, Urge or Mixed Urinary Incontinence (U.I.) Among the Elderly Seniors Using an Adult Urinary Diaper Pad Method

Urinary incontinence (U.I.) is a medical condition in which there an inability to control the urine during rest or even in some strenuous activities. Aging, Overweight, anxiety, and stress were the predisposing factors in developing U.I. 28 healthy male volunteers between the age group of 65-75 were analyzed in this interventional study. A urinary diaper pad was used to assess the leakage during strenuous activities. According to the American college of sports medicine (ACSM) guidelines, the exercises were prescribed and executed. SPSS software version 18 has been used for the analysis of statistics obtained with a confidence interval of 95%. By implementing descriptive statistics Mean and standard deviations (S.D.) were noted. To get the effectiveness of the intervention, paired t-test was done, and a p-value with <0.05 was set as a level of significance for all the tests conducted. Positive changes were observed in the reduction of urinary leakage among the participants. The present study reports about finding the effects of Kegels exercise and fitness exercises among the elderly seniors with Urinary Incontinence, designed by the guidelines provided by ACSM health-related fitness components.

Association of BMI and HDL Cholesterol in Relation to Glycated Albumin in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: The main issue with the morbidity and mortality of type 2 diabetes is its associated health complications. In the last decade Glycated Albumin (GA) emerged as an extinguished marker for short-term glycaemic control. Aim: To Quadrate the association of Body Mass Index (BMI) along with HDL-cholesterol to GA in Type 2 diabetic cases. Materials and Methods: Total of 50 diabetic cases (Group 1) and 50 healthy non-diabetic control subjects (Group 2) recruited for the study between November 2017 to December 2018, which includes both males and females. Serum samples of both the groups were analysed to assess the lipid profile to GA levels along with BMI. Variations among groups was compared using student t-test by calculating r-values of the parametres and the pearson coefficient was calculated with significant p value at <0.05. Results: The levels of High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in group 1 when compared with group 2 were significantly lower. Both BMI and GA showed negative correlation with HDL-C levels in both the groups. (p values 0.051 and 0.331 respectively). To boot, there was a statistically undeviating reciprocity of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol to GA levels, BMI to LDL-cholesterol and BMI to Triglycerides (TG). There was a statistically significant correlation between GA and BMI (r=0.240, p<0.0001) and there was a statistically significant negative correlation between GA and HDL-cholesterol (r=-0.286, p<0.051) in diabetic patients (group 1). The association between GA and LDL-cholesterol (r=0.271, p<0.0001) was also been found statistically significant in group 1. Conclusion: The present study suggests that GA can be adapted as a reliable prospective biomarker that endures the potentiality in prognostication of serum lipid levels in diabetic patients and also BMI is the key formidable feature of dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetic cases.

Evaluation of glycated albumin and microalbuminuria as early risk markers of nephropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus

INTRODUCTION

Since Glycated Albumin (GA) reflects short term variations and glycated protein shows degrees of hyperglycaemia, the objective of this study was to find GA and microalbuminuria as a early risk markers along with the duration of Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus in type 2 diabetic nephropathy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The present cross-sectional study included randomly selected Uncontrolled Type 2DM (n = 75), controlled Type 2DM (n = 75) and healthy controls (n = 75). Their fasting venous blood samples were obtained for GA and serum creatinine, while their morning urine samples were obtained for detection of microalbuminuria. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS, version 16.0. One-Way ANOVA was performed. All p-values which were ≤ 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS

The mean GA, microalbuminuria and serum creatinine were the highest in Uncontrolled DM as compared to those in Controlled DM respectively. Microalbuminuria and GA had a significant correlation with the duration of diabetes (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The present study identified that the risk of microalbuminuria increased with a poor glycaemic control. A persistent increase in GA and microalbuminuria may be considered as risk markers in diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, a regular screening for microalbuminuria and estimation of GA can help in the clinical management, to prevent complications.