Lipophilic bioactive compounds from thermophilic cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya sp. HNBGU-004: Implications for countering VRSA resistance

Extremophiles thrive in extreme conditions, showcasing rich and unexplored diversity. This resilience hints at the existence of novel biochemical pathways and unique bioactive compounds. In contrast, the issue of drug resistance and excessive misuse of antibiotics in various settings, such as healthcare, agriculture, and veterinary medicine, has contributed to the emergence and spread of drug-resistant microorganisms.In the present research, Leptolyngbya sp. HNBGU-004, was obtained from an extreme location, a hot water spring in the Garhwal Himalayan region of India. The lipophilic fraction derived from Leptolyngbya sp. HNBGU-004 exhibited significant inhibitory effects against vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA), displaying a bactericidal concentration of 0.5 mg mL−1. Furthermore, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the lipophilic extract unveiled the major constituents.Leptolyngbya sp. HNBGU-004 holds significant promise as a primary source of potent anti-vancomycin-resistant S. aureus components. These findings emphasize the importance of Leptolyngbya sp. HNBGU-004 as a foundational source for use as both a synergistic and alternative agent against VRSA

Study of physicochemical parameters and wetland water quality assessment by using Shannon’s entropy

In water quality monitoring programs, optimization between information craved and information collected involves scrupulous judgment making processes and management approaches. The present study explores the few essential aspects of water quality monitoring program considering Shannon’s entropy with case studies on a few lakes and wetlands in North Guwahati, Assam (India). Firstly, the loss of information by traditional water quality indices (WQIs) has been addressed by the use of entropy weighted WQIs (EWQIs) which takes into account the randomness of data sets removing error through subjective judgments of experts in assigning parameter weights. This concept was extended to the quantification of heavy metals. The concept of multi-criteria decision-making methods (MCDMs) such as TOPSIS was introduced which utilize entropy weights and rough set theory to give a reliable and unbiased description of overall pollution levels of each sampling location. This study will be of great help to various agencies which take care of the water supply and water pollution control since this forms a significant tool for easy understanding and thereby making their applicability uncomplicated.Applied Science, Faculty ofNon UBCCivil Engineering, Department ofReviewedFacultyGraduat

Computational Analysis Reveals Monomethylated Triazolopyrimidine as a Novel Inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRp)

The human population is still facing appalling conditions due to several outbreaks of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. The absence of specific drugs, appropriate vaccines for mutants, and knowledge of potential therapeutic agents makes this situation more difficult. Several 1, 2, 4-triazolo [1, 5-a] pyrimidine (TP)-derivative compounds were comprehensively studied for antiviral activities against RNA polymerase of HIV, HCV, and influenza viruses, and showed immense pharmacological interest. Therefore, TP-derivative compounds can be repurposed against the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) protein of SARS-CoV-2. In this study, a meta-analysis was performed to ensure the genomic variability and stability of the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp protein. The molecular docking of natural and synthetic TP compounds to RdRp and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were performed to analyse the dynamic behaviour of TP compounds at the active site of the RdRp protein. TP compounds were also docked against other non-structural proteins (NSP1, NSP2, NSP3, NSP5, NSP8, NSP13, and NSP15) of SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, the inhibition potential of TP compounds was compared with Remdesivir and Favipi-ravir drugs as a positive control. Additionally, TP compounds were analysed for inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV RdRp protein. This study demonstrates that TP analogues (monomethylated triazolopyrimidine and essramycin) represent potential lead molecules for designing an effective inhibitor to control viral replication. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo studies will strengthen the use of these inhibitors as suitable drug candidates against SARS-CoV-2

Aeruginosins from a <i>Microcystis</i> sp. Bloom Material Collected in Varanasi, India

Two novel biologically active short peptides, aeruginosins IN608 and IN652, were isolated from the cyanobacterium <i>Microcystis</i> sp. strain BHU006, which was collected from Durgakund water reservoir in Varanasi, India. Aeruginosins IN608 and IN652 are linear modified peptides containing four building blocks, one of which is the arogenate-derived modified amino acid 2-carboxy-6-hydroxyoctahydroindole. Aeruginosin IN608 and aeruginosin IN652 inhibit the activity of the proteolytic enzyme trypsin with IC₅₀’s of 4.3 and 4.1 μM, respectively