Khatun MA, Das R, Bhuiyan AA, Sathi MNZ, Mahmud S, Uddin MS, Haque S.
Sci Prog
PMID:42010770
Free PMC article
ObjectiveThis study aimed to isolate and characterize endophytic fungi associated with different tissues of Alocasia macrorrhizos and to evaluate their antibacterial and antioxidant potentials, supported by chemical profiling and in silico validation of bioactive metabolites.MethodsEndophytic fungi were isolated from the leaves, corm, and roots of A. macrorrhizos and identified through morphological and molecular analyses. Ethyl acetate extracts of all isolates were screened for antibacterial activity using the disc diffusion method and for antioxidant potential using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Bioactive extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify secondary metabolites. Molecular docking studies were performed against the bacterial target protein lactotransferrin to predict binding affinities and interaction patterns of selected compounds.ResultsSix endophytic fungi were isolated and identified as Curvularia sp. (AML-F1), Rhizopus sp. (AML-F2), Aspergillus spp. (AMC-F3 and AMC-F6), Paecilomyces sp. (AMR-F4), and Tulasnella sp. (AMC-F5). Molecular analysis confirmed Paecilomyces lecythidis (AMR-F4) and Aspergillus fumigatus (AMC-F6). Among all isolates, AMR-F4 and AMC-F6 showed the strongest antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones of 21.0 ± 1.52 mm and 22.0 ± 0.60 mm against Bacillus subtilis , and 17.7 ± 1.50 mm and 17.7 ± 0.31 mm against Staphylococcus aureus at 500 µg/disc, comparable to kanamycin. Both extracts also demonstrated notable antioxidant activity, with DPPH IC 50 values of 74.13 ± 1.49 µg/mL and 100.56 ± 0.16 µg/mL, and strong ferric ion reduction in the FRAP assay. GC-MS analysis identified 47 metabolites from AMR-F4 and 39 from AMC-F6. Molecular docking revealed higher binding affinities of selected compounds than kanamycin.Conclusions Alocasia macrorrhizos hosts bioactive endophytic fungi, particularly P. lecythidis and A. fumigatus , highlighting their potential as natural sources of antimicrobial and antioxidant agents.
Crespo-Cajigas J, Clinard MJ, Roberts S, Mills DM.
Anal Methods
PMID:42007971
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In early 2025, an improvised explosive known as R-Salt (hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitroso-1,3,5-triazine), was recovered from multiple improvised explosive devices in a terrorist attack in New Orleans, USA. R-Salt is not commonly included in canine training kits and its odor profile has not yet been characterized, potentially affecting its detection by explosives detector canines (EDCs) in operational settings. This study provides an in-depth characterization of the headspace composition of R-Salt using thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS) to provide methodology for future canine (K9) training aid development and evaluation. This work includes thorough characterization of the crude and recrystallized bulk material as well as methodical optimization of TD parameters, flow rates, and sample collection time used for headspace analysis. The odor profile of a laboratory grade batch of R-Salt before (R-Salt-C) and after recrystallization (R-Salt-R) was characterized at room temperature for comparison and to establish a baseline odor profile. The odor profile of R-Salt-R included two compounds, R-Salt and a potential degradant, while the R-Salt-C contained an additional 7 compounds, one of which is attributed to NO 2 off-gassing. In addition, the vapor pressure was determined to be 6.51 × 10 8 atm for R-Salt-R using thermal gravimetric analysis whereas the vapor pressure of R-Salt-C was 3.15 × 10 -7 atm, indicating the presence of additional volatile contaminants. The extensive characterization provided in this study can be used to evaluate EDC detection of R-Salt and the methodology can be utilized across the explosive forensics community for R-Salt headspace characterization, evaluation and development of K9 training aids.
Megiso T, Ancha V, Nallamothu R, Woldeyohannis Y.
ACS Omega
PMID:PMC13084389
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Zhou Y, Liu L, Zhang Y, Wang W, Xu D.
Front Mol Neurosci
PMID:PMC13083098
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Zhao C-y, Liu G-y, Qian L, Zhuang Y-l, Luo L, Zhang Y-j, Xie H-m, Zhu J, Li M, Chen Q, Liu Y, Jia J-y, Liu Y-m.
Antimicrob Agents Chemother
PMID:42003581
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Netanasvir Phosphate is a novel second-generation NS5A inhibitor used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This study investigated the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME), and the metabolite profile of [¹⁴C]Netanasvir Phosphate. In a single-dose, open-label study, six healthy Chinese male volunteers received an oral dose of 100 mg/200 µCi of [¹⁴C]Netanasvir Phosphate under fed conditions. Blood, urine, and fecal samples were collected for up to 336 h post-dose. Total radioactivity was measured using oxidative combustion and liquid scintillation counting, and the parent drug and its metabolites were analyzed by validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and low-energy radiometric detection and mass spectrometry methods. The pharmacokinetic profile showed a median T max of 5.5 h and a mean terminal half-life of 30.6 ± 8.52 h. The average total recovery of radioactivity was 97.73% ± 1.90%, with feces accounting for 97.71% of the administered dose and urine only 0.02%, indicating that fecal excretion is the primary elimination pathway. The parent drug was the predominant circulating and excreted component, representing 93.89% of plasma radioactivity and 78.78% of the administered dose in feces. Only minor metabolites were detected, including demethylated and oxidized derivatives. The drug was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events (SAEs) or dose-limiting toxicities observed. This mass balance and metabolite profiling study provides essential evidence supporting the favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics and metabolic stability of [¹⁴C]Netanasvir Phosphate and offers a scientific foundation for further clinical development in HCV-infected populations.
