Graph theoretical descriptors differentiate d-Mannose isomers in the principal component proposed feature space: A computational approach

The intricate nature of carbohydrates, particularly monosaccharides, stems from the existence of several chiral centers within their tertiary structures. Predicting and characterizing the molecular geometries and electrostatic landscapes of these substances is difficult due to their complex electrical properties. Moreover, these structures can display a substantial degree of conformational flexibility due to the presence of many rotatable bonds. Moreover, identifying and distinguishing between D and L enantiomers of monosaccharides presents a significant analytical obstacle since there is a need for empirically measurable properties that can distinguish them. This work uses Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to explore the chemical information included in 3D descriptors in order to comprehend the conformational space of d-Mannose stereoisomers. The isomers may be discriminated by utilizing 3D matrix-based indices, geometrical descriptors, and RDF descriptors. The isomers can be distinguished by descriptors, such as the Harary-like index from the reciprocal squared geometrical matrix (H_RG), Harary-like index from Coulomb matrix (H_Coulomb), Wiener-like index from Coulomb matrix (Wi_Coulomb), Wiener-like index from geometrical matrix (Wi_G), Graph energy from Coulomb matrix (SpAbs_Coulomb), Spectral absolute deviation from Coulomb matrix (SpAD_Coulomb), and Spectral positive sum from Coulomb matrix (SpPos_Coulomb). Among these descriptors, the first two, H_RG and H_Coulomb, perform the best in differentiation among the 3D-Matrix-Based Descriptors (3D-MBD) class. The results obtained from this study provide a significant chemical insight into the structural characteristics of the compounds inside the graph theoretical framework. These findings are likely to serve as the basis for developing new methods for analytical experiments.

The artificial neural network selects saccharides from natural sources a promise for potential FimH inhibitor to prevent UTI infections

The major challenge in the development of affordable medicines from natural sources is the unavailability of logical protocols to explain their mechanism of action in biological targets. FimH (Type 1 fimbrin with D-mannose specific adhesion property), a lectin on E. coli cell surface is a promising target to combat the urinary tract infection (UTI). The present study aimed at predicting the inhibitory capacity of saccharides on FimH. As mannosides are considered FimH inhibitors, the readily accessible saccharides from the PubChem collection were utilized. The artificial neural networks (ANN)-based machine learning algorithm Self-organizing map (SOM) has been successfully employed in predicting active molecules as they could discover relationships through self-organization for the ligand-based virtual screening. Docking was used for the structure-based virtual screening and molecular dynamic simulation for validation. The result revealed that the predicted molecules malonyl hexose and mannosyl glucosyl glycerate exhibit exactly similar binding interactions and better docking scores as that of the reference bioassay active, heptyl mannose. The pharmacokinetic profile matches that of the selected bioflavonoids (quercetin malonyl hexose, kaempferol malonyl hexose) and has better values than the control drug bioflavonoid, monoxerutin. Thus, these two molecules can effectively inhibit type 1 fimbrial adhesin, as antibiotics against E. coli and can be explored as a prophylactic against UTIs. Moreover, this investigation can pave the way to the exploration of the potential benefits of plant-based treatments.

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Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-024-00212-5.

Mannose: a potential saccharide candidate in disease management

There are a plethora of antibiotic resistance cases and humans are marching towards another big survival test of evolution along with drastic climate change and infectious diseases. Ever since the first antibiotic [penicillin], and the myriad of vaccines, we were privileged to escape many infectious disease threats. The survival technique of pathogens seems rapidly changing and sometimes mimicking our own systems in such a perfect manner that we are left unarmed against them. Apart from searching for natural alternatives, repurposing existing drugs more effectively is becoming a familiar approach to new therapeutic opportunities. The ingenious use of revolutionary artificial intelligence-enabled drug discovery techniques is coping with the speed of such alterations. D-Mannose is a great hope as a nutraceutical in drug discovery, against CDG, diabetes, obesity, lung disease, and autoimmune diseases and recent findings of anti-tumor activity make it interesting along with its role in drug delivery enhancing techniques. A very unique work done in the present investigation is the collection of data from the ChEMBL database and presenting the targetable proteins on pathogens as well as on humans. It shows Mannose has 50 targets and the majority of them are on human beings. The structure and conformation of certain monosaccharides have a decisive role in receptor pathogen interactions and here we attempt to review the multifaceted roles of Mannose sugar, its targets associated with different diseases, as a natural molecule having many success stories as a drug and future hope for disease management.

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Curative Potential of High-Value Phytochemicals on COVID-19 Infection

Medicinal plants and their therapeutically promising chemical compounds belonging to the valued category of 'traditional medicine' are potential remedies for various health problems. Due to their complex structure and enormous health benefits, the high-value plant-derived metabolites collectively termed as 'phytochemicals' have emerged as a crucial source for novel drug discovery and development. Indeed, several medicinal plants from diverse habitats are still in the 'underexplored' category in terms of their bioactive principles and therapeutic potential. COVID-19, infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2, first reported in November 2019, resulted in the alarming number of deaths (6.61 million), was further declared 'pandemic', and spread of the disease has continued till today. Even though the well-established scientific world has successfully implemented vaccines against COVID-19 within the short period of time, the focus on alternative remedies for long-term symptom management and immunity boosting have been increased. At this point, interventions based on traditional medicine, which include medicinal plants, their bioactive metabolites, extracts and formulations, attracted a lot of attention as alternative solutions for COVID-19 management. Here, we reviewed the recent research findings related to the effectiveness of phytochemicals in treatment or prevention of COVID-19. Furthermore, the literature regarding the mechanisms behind the preventive or therapeutic effects of these natural phytochemicals were also discussed. In conclusion, we suggest that the active plant-derived components could be used alone or in combination as an alternative solution for the management of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, the structure of these natural productomes may lead to the emergence of new prophylactic strategies for SARS-CoV-2-caused infection.

Artificial Neural Network-Based Study Predicts GS-441524 as a Potential Inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 Activator Protein Furin: a Polypharmacology Approach

Furin, a pro-protein convertase, plays a significant role as a biological scissor in bacterial, viral, and even mammalian substrates which in turn decides the fate of many viral and bacterial infections along with the numerous ailments caused by cancer, diabetes, inflammations, and neurological disorders. In the wake of the current pandemic caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, furin has become the center of attraction for researchers as the spike protein contains a polybasic furin cleavage site. In the present work, we have searched for novel inhibitors against this interesting human target from FDA-approved antiviral. To enhance the selection of new inhibitors, we employed Kohonen's artificial neural network-based self-organizing maps for ligand-based virtual screening. Promising results were obtained which can help in drug repurposing and network pharmacology studies can address the errors generated due to promiscuity/polypharmacology. We found 15 existing FDA antiviral drugs having the potential to inhibit furin. Among these, six compounds have targets on important human proteins (LDLR, FCGR1A, PCK1, TLR7, DNA, and PNP). The role of these 15 drugs inhibiting furin can be established by studying further on patients infected with number of viruses including SARS-CoV-2. Here we propose two promising candidate FDA drugs GS-441524 and Grazoprevir (MK-5172) for repurposing as inhibitors of furin. The best results were observed with GS-441524.

The use of preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio in predicting survival and groin node involvement of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of penis

Introduction:

The association between inflammation and malignancies is being recognized. In this study, we assessed the use of preoperative neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and lymphocyte–monocyte ratio (LMR) in predicting cancer-specific survival (CSS) and inguinal node involvement in patients with carcinoma penis.

Methods:

Sixty-nine patients operated for squamous cell carcinoma penis with inguinal node dissection between 2012 and 2020 were identified. We recorded the type of surgery (partial/total penectomy), T stage, grade, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), perineural invasion (PNI), pathological status of inguinal nodes and nodal stage (pN1–3), extranodal extension (ENE), and CSS. The hemogram performed within 2 weeks of surgery was used for calculating NLR and LMR.

Results:

Partial penectomy was the most common surgery (65.22%) and pT2 was the most common stage (53.62%). Grade 2 was seen in 66.67%, LVI in 34.78%, PNI in 37.68%, 52.17% had inguinal node involvement with pN3 being the most common (36.23%), and 36.23% had ENE. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that NLR of >3 and the LMR ≤3 indicated an inferior CSS (P = 0.05 and 0.04, respectively). T stage, inguinal node involvement, LVI, pN stage, and ENE were also associated with inferior CSS (P < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, T stage was significantly associated with CSS (P = 0.02). The NLR >3 and LMR ≤3 were also significantly associated with the presence of pathological inguinal node involvement (P = 0.001 and 0.026).

Conclusion:

NLR and LMR may help in predicting CSS and inguinal node involvement in patients of carcinoma penis.

Laparoscopic management of isolated metachronous adrenal metastases in a patient with esophageal cancer: a case report

Background

The presence of isolated metachronous adrenal metastasis in patients with esophageal cancer is rare. There is significant controversy regarding the management of such patients. Adrenal metastasectomy has been shown to be of benefit in some reports. Minimally invasive approach, although the gold standard for adrenalectomy, has not been used commonly in a postesophagectomy setting owing to the anticipated technical difficulties. We describe one such case wherein this approach helped in early recovery and long-term survival.

Case presentation

A 59-year-old male of Asian ethnicity presented with an isolated left adrenal nodule, 3 years after an Ivor Lewis esophagectomy for a lower esophageal adenocarcinoma. The biopsy of the nodule was suggestive of metastatic adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent laparoscopic excision of the left adrenal gland.

Conclusion

Adrenal metastasectomy, in postesophagectomy patients can provide good oncological control. Laparoscopic approach, though technically challenging, can provide results equivalent to those of open surgery, albeit with less morbidity.

Inflammatory Pseudotumor of the Renal Pelvis

Background: Inflammatory pseudotumor of the kidney is a rare disease of unknown etiology. There are no specific clinical or radiologic findings. The lesion can mimic renal cell carcinoma or transitional cell carcinoma depending on the site of involvement. These tumors, if diagnosed correctly, may respond to medical management. We present a case in which an inflammatory pseudotumor of the renal pelvis was misdiagnosed as a transitional cell carcinoma and unwarranted surgical intervention was performed. Case Presentation: A 39-year-old man presented with left flank pain and gross hematuria. On MRI, there was a hypointense 2.4 × 1.8 cm lesion involving the left renal pelvis. The urine cytology and biopsy of the lesion were inconclusive. On follow-up cans the lesion increased in size and patient had repeated hematuria. The lesion was clinically presumed to be a transitional cell carcinoma of the left renal pelvis. A laparoscopic left side nephroureterectomy along with bladder cuff excision and para-aortic lymphadenectomy was performed. The histology report revealed the lesion to be inflammatory pseudotumor of the renal pelvis. Conclusion: Inflammatory pseudotumor should always be considered in differential diagnosis of pelvic tumors, especially when image findings and biopsies are inconclusive.

Pulmonary lymphangitis carcinomatosa in a patient with carcinoma of urinary bladder

Pulmonary lymphangitis carcinomatosa occurs due to dissemination of cancer cells in pulmonary lymphatics. It is only rarely seen with urological malignancies and portends a grave prognosis. Its presence in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder is uncommon. We present a case of a nested variant of transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder associated with pulmonary lymphangitis carcinomatosa. We also discuss the symptoms and radiological features that might aid in timely diagnosis of this entity.

Rosai-Dorfman disease: report of a 3-year-old girl with critical review of treatment options

Rosai-Dorfman disease (sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy) is a newer pathological entity described in 1969. It is a self-limiting disorder of unknown aetiology. It is likely to be mistaken for lymphoma. It predominantly affects children and adolescents. However there are no publications on this disorder in the paediatric surgical literature. In this report we describe a 3-year-old girl who presented with this disease and we critically review the therapeutic options available for children. Prednisolone therapy with long-term follow-up appears to be sufficient. Surgery should be limited to biopsy and relief of compression symptoms.

Gastric and intestinal lactobezoars

Two male full-term infants presented with unusual features of lactobezoar. One had gastric disease while the other had small bowel bezoar. The gastric lactobezoar was managed medically while the intestinal one required surgical intervention.