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Piper betle L. is widely distributed and commonly used medicinally important herb. It can also be used as a medication for type 2 diabetes patients. In this study, compounds of P. betle were screened to investigate the inhibitory action of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase against type 2 diabetes through molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) analysis. The molecule apigenin-7-O-glucoside showed the highest binding affinity among 123 (one hundred twenty-three) tested compounds. This compound simultaneously bound with the two-target proteins alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, with high molecular mechanics-generalized born surface area (MM/GBSA) values (ΔG Bind = −45.02 kcal mol−1 for alpha-amylase and −38.288 for alpha-glucosidase) compared with control inhibitor acarbose, which had binding affinities of −36.796 kcal mol−1 for alpha-amylase and −29.622 kcal mol−1 for alpha-glucosidase. The apigenin-7-O-glucoside was revealed to be the most stable molecule with the highest binding free energy through molecular dynamics simulation, indicating that it could compete with the inhibitors’ native ligand. Based on ADMET analysis, this phytochemical exhibited a wide range of physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and drug-like qualities and had no significant side effects, making them prospective drug candidates for type 2 diabetes. Additional in vitro, in vivo, and clinical investigations are needed to determine the precise efficacy of drugs.

Industrial effluent containing textile dyes is regarded as a major environmental concern in the present world. Crystal Violet is one of the vital textile dyes of the triphenylmethane group; it is widely used in textile industry and known for its mutagenic and mitotic poisoning nature. Bioremediation, especially through bacteria, is becoming an emerging and important sector in effluent treatment. This study aimed to isolate and identify Crystal Violet degrading bacteria from industrial effluents with potential use in bioremediation. The decolorizing activity of the bacteria was measured using a photo electric colorimeter after aerobic incubation in different time intervals of the isolates. Environmental parameters such as pH, temperature, initial dye concentration and inoculum size were optimized using mineral salt medium containing different concentration of Crystal Violet dye. Complete decolorizing efficiency was observed in a mineral salt medium containing up to 150 mg/l of Crystal Violet dye by 10% (v/v) inoculums of Enterobacter sp. CV–S1 tested under 72 h of shaking incubation at temperature 35 °C and pH 6.5. Newly identified bacteria Enterobacter sp. CV–S1, confirmed by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing, was found as a potential bioremediation biocatalyst in the aerobic degradation/de-colorization of Crystal Violet dye. The efficiency of degrading triphenylmethane dye by this isolate, minus the supply of extra carbon or nitrogen sources in the media, highlights the significance of larger-scale treatment of textile effluent.

The escalating global threat of multidrug-resistant (MDR) , designated by the WHO as a critical-priority pathogen, necessitates urgent development of alternative therapeutics. We present phage Arefeen1, isolated from Bangladeshi wastewater, as a clinically translatable candidate with therapeutic potential. Comprehensive genomic characterization revealed a 46,021 bp strictly lytic genome (52.68% GC content) belonging to the Caudoviricetes class, completely lacking virulence factors or antibiotic resistance genes as confirmed by VFDB and ResFinder screening-a crucial safety profile for clinical application. Phenotypically, Arefeen1 demonstrated efficient in vitro lytic activity, exhibiting rapid replication kinetics (25-min latent period), high burst size (150 ± 12 PFU/cell), and robust production yields (≥ 10  PFU/mL post-PEG precipitation). Host range analysis showed 85.7% efficacy against a panel of clinically relevant MDR strains, including respiratory (PA_CU_1) and wound (MO_4642.012.002) isolates. Comparative genomics with 840 phages identified six unique genes encoding membrane-interaction proteins (CDS_0052/0058/0061) and a specialized tRNA complement, suggesting evolutionary adaptations for enhanced host range and translational efficiency. Its isolation from Bangladesh's unique microbial ecosystem provides a geographically optimized resource for LMICs disproportionately affected by antimicrobial resistance. These findings, combined with its clinical strain coverage, position Arefeen1 as a potential candidate for preclinical development and phage therapy implementation against this formidable pathogen.

Shigella -infected bacillary dysentery or commonly known as Shigellosis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The gradual emergence of multidrug resistant Shigella spp. has triggered the search for alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Phage therapy could be one such suitable alternative, given its proven long term safety profile as well as the rapid expansion of phage therapy research. To be successful, phage therapy will need an adequate regulatory framework, effective strategies, the proper selection of appropriate phages, early solutions to overcome phage therapy limitations, the implementation of safety protocols, and finally improved public awareness. To achieve all these criteria and successfully apply phage therapy against multidrug resistant shigellosis, a comprehensive study is required. In fact, a variety of phage-based approaches and products including single phages, phage cocktails, mutated phages, genetically engineered phages, and combinations of phages with antibiotics have already been carried out to test the applications of phage therapy against multidrug resistant Shigella. This review provides a broad survey of phage treatments from past to present, focusing on the history, applications, limitations and effective solutions related to, as well as the prospects for, the use of phage therapy against multidrug resistant Shigella spp. and other multidrug resistant bacterial pathogens.

Ocimum sanctum Linn (O. sanctum L.), commonly known as Holy Basil or Tulsi, is a fragrant herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This plant is widely cultivated and found in north-central parts of India, several Arab countries, West Africa and tropical regions of the Eastern World. Tulsi is known to be an adaptogen, aiding the body in adapting to stress by harmonizing various bodily systems. Revered in Ayurveda as the “Elixir of Life”, Tulsi is believed to enhance lifespan and foster longevity. Eugenol, the active ingredient present in Tulsi, is a l-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene compound with diverse therapeutic applications. As concerns over the adverse effects of conventional antibacterial agents continue to grow, alternative therapies have gained prominence. Essential oils (EOs) containing antioxidants have a long history of utilization in traditional medicine and have gained increasing popularity over time. Numerous in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies have provided compelling evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of antioxidant EOs derived from medicinal plants for promoting health. This comprehensive review aims to highlight the scientific knowledge regarding the therapeutic properties of O. sanctum, focusing on its antibacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-carcinogenic, radioprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neurogenesis, anti-depressant and other beneficial characteristics. Also, the extracts of O. sanctum L. have the ability to reduce chronic inflammation linked to neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. The information presented in this review shed light on the multifaceted potential of Tulsi and its derivatives in maintaining and promoting health. This knowledge may pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic interventions and natural remedies that harness the immense therapeutic potential of Tulsi in combating various health conditions, while also providing valuable insights for further research and exploration in this field.

Bacillary dysentery is a type of dysentery and a severe form of shigellosis. This dysentery is usually restricted to Shigella infection, but Salmonella enterica and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli strains are also known as this infection’s causative agents. The emergence of drug-resistant, bacillary dysentery-causing pathogens is a global burden, especially for developing countries with poor hygienic environments. This study aimed to isolate, identify, and determine the drug-resistant pattern of bacillary dysentery-causing pathogens from the stool samples of the Kushtia region in Bangladesh. Hence, biochemical tests, serotyping, molecular identification, and antibiotic profiling were performed to characterize the pathogens. Among one hundred fifty (150) stool samples, 18 enteric bacterial pathogens were isolated and identified, where 12 were Shigella strains, 5 were S. enterica sub spp. enterica strains and one was the E.coli strain. Among 12 Shigella isolates, 8 were Shigella flexneri 2a serotypes, and 4 were Shigella sonnei Phage-II serotypes. Except for three Salmonella strains, all isolated strains were drug-resistant (83%), whereas 50% were multidrug-resistant (MDR), an alarming issue for public health. In antibiotic-wise analysis, the isolated pathogens showed the highest resistance against nalidixic acid (77.78%), followed by tetracycline (38.89%), kanamycin (38.89%), amoxicillin (27.78%), streptomycin (27.78%), cefepime (22.22%), ceftriaxone (22.22%), ampicillin (16.67%), ciprofloxacin (16.67%), and chloramphenicol (16.67%). The existence of MDR organisms that cause bacillary dysentery in the Kushtia area would warn the public to be more health conscious, and physicians would administer medications cautiously. The gradual growth of MDR pathogenic microorganisms needs immediate attention, and the discovery of effective medications must take precedence.

Shigella infected bacillary dysentery is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The gradual emergence of multidrug-resistant Shigella spp. has triggered the search for alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Bacteriophage could be one such suitable alternative for its proven long-term safety profile as well as the rapid expansion of phage therapy research. Hence the general objective of this study was to isolate and characterize different Shigella strains from clinical and environmental samples Forty-nine Shigella strains [clinical (n=39), environmental (n=10)] were isolated and identified through biochemical test, serotyping and multiplex PCR amplification. Among the strains, one was Shigella dysenteriae, three were Shigella boydii, eight were Shigella sonnei and 37 were Shigella flexneri. Antibiotic profiling of these strains was performed using ten commercially available antibiotics through disc diffusion methods where 98% of the strains were drug-resistant and 59% were multidrug resistant. Ten bacteriophages were isolated and purified against these drug-resistant Shigella spp. through spot plating assay. The genomic content of the isolated phages was extracted through phenolchloroform-isoamyl alcohol (25:24:1) extraction method and digested with DNase I and RNase to validate that all phages isolated, were DNA phage in nature. The transmission electron microscopy revealed that phage TB002 and TB004 belonged to the family Myoviridae, TB009, TB010 and TB013 belonged to the family Siphoviridae while TB006 and TB014 other belonged to the family Podoviridae. Phage TB007, TB008 and TB011 were tailless bacteriophages and belonged to either group D or E according to Bradley’s classification. The host range of the phages was determined through spot plating assay where two of the phages TB004 and TB002 showed wider host range and lysed 49 and 48 strains out of 49 strains respectively and demonstrated the coverage on all four species of Shigella genus. Therefore, the TB004 phage was selected for sequencing and safety assessment while the whole genome sequencing was performed through massively parallel sequencing technology on the Illumina platform. Sequencing assembly and subsequent analysis were done through different bioinformatics tools. Genomic studies confirmed that the TB004 was a phage of T4 genus under Myoviridae family consisting of 169,988 bp with 35.46% G+C content having 10 tRNA and 5 repeat sequences. Two hundred and seventy three genes were encoded through GeneMarkS of which the functions of 235 genes were annotated through Swiss-Prot where 126 genes had assigned functions and 109 were hypothetical proteins. No toxic or deleterious gene products were found among this annotation. The phylogenetic analyses of five selected proteins also indicated its probability of safety as phage TB004 appeared within the same branch of some other T4 phages and their safety were approved earlier. So, phage TB004 together with other phages isolated in this study could be considered as potential and promising candidates for phage therapy and phage biology research against drug-resistant Shigella spp. due to their extended host range cell lysis capacity and probable safety profile. The outcomes of this study could be considered as a good possibility of using bacteriophages against Shigella spp.in the near future.

Water pollution from textile effluent is now one of the major issues all over the world. Malachite Green dye of the triphenylmethane group is a key component of textile effluents. This study aimed to isolate and identify potential Malachite Green dye degrading bacteria from textile effluents. Different growth and culture parameters such as temperature, pH, inoculum-size and dye concentration were optimized to perform the dye-degradation assay using different concentrations of Malachite Green dye in mineral salt medium. A photo-electric-colorimeter was used to measure the decolorizing activity of bacteria at different time intervals after aerobic incubation. Two competent bacterial strains of Enterobacter spp. (CV S1 and CM S1) were isolated from textile effluents showing potential degradation efficiency against Malachite Green dye. The RAPD analysis and 16S rRNA sequencing confirmed the genetical difference of the isolated strains Enterobacter sp. CV S1 and Enterobacter sp. CM S1. The two bacterial strains CV-S1 and CM-S1 showed complete Malachite Green dye degradation up to 15 mg/l under shaking condition with 5% (v/v) inoculums at pH 6.50 and temperature 35 degree C within 72 and 144 hours respectively. These findings indicate that the two potential bacterial strains can be used in large scale treatment of textile effluents in the future.