Dyads of 8-year-old friends identified by sociometric friendship nominations were followed through the end of the school year to determine if they remained friends. These dyads as well as a control group of nonfriends were observed while participating in two structured tasks designed to simulate real life social situations of potential conflict. When negotiating the sharing of an object, friends made more proposals than nonfriends, spent more time negotiating, and compromised more in making their counterproposals. Compared with dyads in which the friendship did not continue through the end of the school year, dyads of continuing friends exhibited greater sensitivity in their negotiations. During a fast-paced, competitive game, friends engaged in more competitive behavior and followed the rules more closely than did nonfriends. However, behavior in this game was unrelated to the continuation of friendship.

Predicting Children's Friendship Status from Their Dyadic Interaction in Structured Situations of Potential Conflict

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) due to severe acute respiratory coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection leads to life-threatening pneumonia which has been associated with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pathologies. Centuries-old Asian traditional medicines such as Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (WS) and Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers (TC) possess potent immunomodulatory effects and were used by the AYUSH ministry, in India during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the present study, we investigated WS and TC’s anti-viral and immunomodulatory efficacy at the human equivalent doses using suitable in vitro and in vivo models. While both WS and TC showed immuno-modulatory potential, WS showed robust protection against loss in body weight, viral load, and pulmonary pathology in the hamster model of SARS-CoV2. In vitro pretreatment of mice and human neutrophils with WS and TC had no adverse effect on PMA, calcium ionophore, and TRLM-induced ROS generation, phagocytosis, bactericidal activity, and NETs formation. Interestingly, WS significantly suppressed the pro-inflammatory cytokines-induced Th1, Th2, and Th17 differentiation. We also used hACE2 transgenic mice to further investigate the efficacy of WS against acute SARS-CoV2 infection. Prophylactic treatment of WS in the hACE2 mice model showed significant protection against body weight loss, inflammation, and the lung viral load. The results obtained indicate that WS promoted the immunosuppressive environment in the hamster and hACE2 transgenic mice models and limited the worsening of the disease by reducing inflammation, suggesting that WS might be useful against other acute viral infections. The present study thus provides pre-clinical efficacy data to demonstrate a robust protective effect of WS against COVID-19 through its broader immunomodulatory activity

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Pharmacological potential of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal and Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers on the experimental models of COVID-19, T cell differentiation, and neutrophil functions

Existing research has mostly focused on the negative effects of evasive knowledge hiding. However, a few scholars believe it to have positive effects. This study uses a structural equation model to analyse the mediating chain effect of achievement motivation on the influence of evasive knowledge hiding on researchers’ dual innovation behavior. The results show the following: (1) evasive knowledge hiding has a significant direct negative impact on dual innovation behavior, and (2) achievement motivation can reduce or even reverse the direct negative effect of evasive knowledge hiding on researchers’ dual innovation behavior. This study makes the following contributions. (1) According to the degree of knowledge hiding, evasive knowledge hiding is divided into knowledge hiding from low to high and misleading knowledge hiding. (2) It provides a scientific reference for the organizations to turn the crisis into an opportunity by using evasive knowledge hiding to drive researchers’ dual innovation. 

The effect of evasive knowledge hiding on dual innovation behavior under low knowledge potential difference: Hinder or promote?

The rapid spread of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 has become a global pandemic. Although specific vaccines are available and natural drugs are being researched, supportive care and specific treatments to alleviate symptoms and improve patient quality of life remain critical. Chinese medicine (CM) has been employed in China due to the similarities between the epidemiology, genomics, and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV. Moreover, the integration of other traditional oriental medical systems into the broader framework of integrative medicine can offer a powerful approach to managing the disease. Additionally, it has been reported that integrated medicine has better effects and does not increase adverse drug reactions in the context of COVID-19. This article examines preventive measures, potential infection mechanisms, and immune responses in Western medicine (WM), as well as the pathophysiology based on principles of complementary medicine (CM). The convergence between WM and CM approaches, such as the importance of maintaining a strong immune system and promoting preventive care measures, is also addressed. Current treatment options, traditional therapies, and classical prescriptions based on empirical knowledge are also explored, with individual patient circumstances taken into account. An analysis of the potential benefits and challenges associated with the integration of complementary and Western medicine (WM) in the treatment of COVID-19 can provide valuable guidance, enrichment, and empowerment for future research endeavors.

Converging Paths: A Comprehensive Review of the Synergistic Approach between Complementary Medicines and Western Medicine in Addressing COVID-19 in 2020

Human race is preparing for the upsurge and aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic complicated by novel variants, new waves, variable mortality rate, and post-COVID complications. Despite use of repurposed drugs, symptomatic treatments and licensing of multiple vaccines, the daily number of cases and rate of transmission are significant. Culinary spices and herbs have been historically used in pandemic and non-pandemic times to reduce respiratory viral burden. Specific food items and culinary spices can boost the levels of protective immunity and also offer therapeutic benefits against impervious bugs via well-known as well as less-known but scientifically testable mechanisms. Here, we analyzed the phytochemicals profile of Ayurvedic herbs and inferred from the clinical trials/observational studies to provide a focused and succinct perspective on the relevance of "food-based" traditional decoction to moderate COVID-19 disease and long-COVID via modulation of immunity and reinstatement of homeostasis. We also underscore the druggable targets in pathogenesis of COVID-19 which are relevant to the ongoing clinical trials using spices and herbs. This information will provide a strong scientific rationale for standardization of the traditional herbs-based therapies and adopting the use of herbs, spices, and their formulations for reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission, long-COVID symptoms, and COVID-19 disease progression.

Culinary spices and herbs in managing early and long-COVID-19 complications: A comprehensive review.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has killed huge populations throughout the world and acts as a high-risk factor for elderly and young immune-suppressed patients. There is a critical need to build up secure, reliable, and efficient drugs against to the infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. Bioactive compounds of Ashwagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal] may implicate as herbal medicine for the management and treatment of patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of the current work is to update the knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 infection and information about the implication of various compounds of medicinal plant Withania somnifera with minimum side effects on the patients’ organs. The herbal medicine Withania somnifera has an excellent antiviral activity that could be implicated in the management and treatment of flu and flu-like diseases connected with SARS-CoV-2. The analysis was performed by systematically re-evaluating the published articles related to the infection of SARS-CoV-2 and the herbal medicine Withania somnifera. In the current review, we have provided the important information and data of various bioactive compounds of Withania somnifera such as Withanoside V, Withanone, Somniferine, and some other compounds, which can possibly help in the management and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Withania somnifera has proved its potential for maintaining immune homeostasis of the body, inflammation regulation, pro-inflammatory cytokines suppression, protection of multiple organs, anti-viral, anti-stress, and anti-hypertensive properties. Withanoside V has the potential to inhibit the main proteases (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2. At present, synthetic adjuvant vaccines are used against COVID-19. Available information showed the antiviral activity in Withanoside V of Withania somnifera, which may explore as herbal medicine against to SARS-CoV-2 infection after standardization of parameters of drug development and formulation in near future.

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Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha) for the possible therapeutics and clinical management of SARS-CoV-2 infection: Plant-based drug discovery and targeted therapy

Success/Failure Experiences, Achievement Motivation, and Competition in a Scarcity Culture

Isolation and identification of pathogenic microbes from tomato puree and their delineation of distinctness by molecular techniquesR.K. Garg, N. Batav, N. Silawat, R.K. Singh 

Bioremediation— sustainable tool for diverse contaminants management: Current scenario and future aspects

The phyllospheric microbiome and rhizosphere, as well as microbial diversity inhabiting harsh environmental conditions, are studied extensively in the hilly regions. Difficult topography, poor infrastructure, and fragile ecosystems characterize hill agroecosystems. Thus, determining the precise process that determines biodiversity becomes extremely challenging. Plant-microbial interactions may explain why plants evolve to survive. Plant-microbial interactions may be a factor for plants’ adaptation approach to survive. Thus, plant–microbe interactions are extremely valuable since they are responsible for practically all biological transformations and the generation of consistent and balanced sources of nitrogen, carbon, and other nutrients that aid in the subsequent growth of plant communities. As a result, it aids in nutrient acquisition and accumulation. These plant-microbial interactions also aid in bioremediation and land restoration. As a result, the first processes of soil formation and nutrient input are dependent on the activity of plant–microbe interactions. Those bacteria that can endure the extremely cold climate at higher altitudes are critical for plant development. To survive in harsh environmental circumstances, microorganisms evolved in a variety of environments. As a result, it is critical to discover the powerful microorganisms and the mechanisms that allow them to live under extreme temperature circumstances. Later, similar ideas can be applied by farmers in field experiments for long-term agricultural production in the world’s coldest and harshest regions. This paper includes a brief examination of potential plant–microbe interactions as well as adaptive methods employed by plants and microbial biodiversity living in hilly locations.

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Microbial adaptations at higher altitude for sustainable development: A review

Bioremediation is well accepted technology for the removal of pollutants produced by the anthropogenic activities and rapid industrialization. Different innovative tools such as microbes could be employed for the bioremediation of toxicity in environment. The microbial based bioremediation is one of the most effective tools due to maximum output, cost-effectiveness, and non-toxic process. Microbes having capability to remediate, habors the different hot spots such as plant microbiomes (epiphytic, endophytic, and rhizospheric), and diverse extreme environments (psychrophilic, thermophilic, xerophilic, halophilic, acidophilic, and alkaliphilic). Microbes are known to degrade the different pollutants including azo dyes, heavy metals, agricultural wastes, pesticides, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Thus, utilization of microbes and their consortia is highly accepted and recommended technology for decontamination of environment is a prime concern on account of being eco-friendly, non-hazardous, safe, and cost- effective. In the past two decades, there have been recent advances in bioremediation techniques with the ultimate goal to restore polluted environment for better survival of living beings and protecting the sanctity of nature. In the present review, the current scenario of microbial bioremediation of different pollutants is discussed along with factors affecting the bioremediation.

K. R. Jayant

Papers

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha) for the possible therapeutics and clinical management of SARS-CoV-2 infection: Plant-based drug discovery and targeted therapy

Success/Failure Experiences, Achievement Motivation, and Competition in a Scarcity Culture

Bioremediation— sustainable tool for diverse contaminants management: Current scenario and future aspects

Microbial adaptations at higher altitude for sustainable development: A review

management: Current scenario and future aspects Bioremediation - a sustainable tool for diverse contaminants