Usama bin Naeem¹, Muhammad Adil Rasheed^1*, Muhammad Ashraf¹, Muhammad Yasir Zahoor²

¹Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Biosciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore, Pakistan

²Insititue of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biosciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

One of the most dominant diseases in the world, particularly among women, is breast cancer. Breast cancer has tumor suppressor genes called CHEK2 and TP53. When there is a mutation in CHEK2 and TP53 genes there are more chances of breast cancer. This study aimed to investigate the already prepared and characterized nanoparticles loaded with Chitosan for Cell death, Mitochondrial Membrane and cell cycle arrest estimated through Flow Cytometry and gene expression analysis of CHEK2 and TP53 genes by real-time PCR. The Livak method was used to evaluate the results. The mean (± S.D) comparison between the control and target genes were used to calculate gene expression. Results showed that Ivermectin and Tamoxifen NPs (B+C) represented 34.8% cell death that is better than other combinations with propidium iodide stain while with Acridine orange stain Tamoxifen+Ivermectin (A+B) combination showed the remarkable and maximum of the all cell cycle arrest with value of 69.7% cell arrest at G0/G1 phase, 7.11% of cell arrest at S Phase and 7.05% of G2/M Phase arrest. It was demonstrated that the expression levels of CHEK2 and TP53 genes were significantly increased (P<0.001) in Ivermectin+Tamoxifen NPs (B+C) compared with control groups. It is concluded that Tamoxifen nanoparticles with Ivermectin showed strong anti-proliferative activity against breast cancer cells. The expression levels of nanoparticles containing Tamoxifen were significantly increased compared to the other treatments and control groups (P<0.001). Gene expression change with change in dose concentrations.

Keywords: Breast cancer, Apoptosis, Cell cycle arrest, Pharmacogenomic, Gene expression

Uğur Yegül^*

Department of Agricultural Machinery and Technologies Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Ankara University, 06135 Ankara, Türkiye

Abstract

The present study aimed to develop a kit to collect data on important parameters for cultivation in a hydroponic farming environment and send and store these data online. This Study was carried out between February and August 2022. The area where the experiment was conducted is fully controlled (coordinates 39.962013 and 32.867491) and established within Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye. The kit developed for indoor use in agriculture consisted of a microcontroller, different sensors, and hardware components. For all the hardware to be combined and work properly, a closed box was designed using SolidWorks solid modeling software and fabricated with a 3D printer. The code developed for the kit to fulfill the desired function was written in C++ and transferred to the microcontroller via Arduino software using a personal computer. This kit can measure T (temperature), H (humidity: %), carbon dioxide (CO₂), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), LUX (luminous intensity: lux), Ultra-violet (UV) W m^-2, P (air pressure: pascal), and AQ (air quality: ppm). The developed kit can transmit and store the data simultaneously on the Internet. IoT technologies need further agricultural studies, and more data to be obtained can contribute to resolving more problems. The kit obtained in the study can be used in domestic agriculture and various agricultural activities.

Keywords: Internet of things, Indoor farming, Arduino, Sensor, Environmental parameters

Hammad Anwar¹, Moazzam Jamil¹, Azhar Hussain^1*, Abubakar Dar¹, Maqshoof Ahmad¹, Saleh H. Salmen², Mohammad Javed Ansari³, Rashid Iqbal^4,5*

¹Department of Soil Science, the Islamia University, Bahawalpur-63100, Pakistan

²Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

³Department of Botany, Hindu College Moradabad, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, India

⁴Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan

⁵Department of Life Sciences, Western Caspian University, Baku, Azerbaijan

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) is the most limiting micronutrient responsible for malnutrition. World Health Organization (WHO) reported deficiency of Zn is the 5^th most significant cause of death and disease in underdeveloped world. However, 70% Pakistani soils are Zn deficient and responsible for Zn deficiency in crops. The present study aimed to mitigate Zn deficiency and improve them a nd Zn use efficiencies through synergizing dry region Zn solubilizing plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) by coating on Zn coated urea. Pre-isolated dry region Zn solubilizing isolates were evaluated for zinc solubilization, urease activity, siderophores production, organic acid production and ACC-deaminase activity. Four effective strains Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (IUB-34), Klebsiella variicola (IUB-96), Klebsiella variicola (IUB-80) and Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae (IUB-93) and their consortium coated on Zn coated urea. This improved product was tested for N and Zn release pattern, growth promotion and Zn biofortification in pot trial on wheat. Results showed that SPAD chlorophyll value, root, shoot length and their dry weight was significantly improved (p≤ 0.05) by 19.4, 20.3, 45.9, 27.3 and 39.5%, respectively, over control. Similarly, N, P, K, Zn, Fe in grains and 100-grain weight was significantly increased (p≤ 0.05) by 97.5, 23.5, 61.1, 63, 32 and 50.5%, respectively, over control. The results confirmed that dry region Zn solubilizing bacterial consortium coated on Zn coated urea is an efficient method for the biofortification of Zn in wheat grains and can effectively overcome Zn deficiency in humans.

Keywords: Zinc, Dry region, Wheat, Consortium, Zn coated urea, Biofortification

Jingyu Feng^1,2, Li Yang¹, Jiguo Wang^1,2, Jing Zhang^1,2, Lizhu Lin^2,3*

¹Department of Oncology, Shenzhen Bao’an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen 518133, China

²The First School of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, Guangdong, China

³Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, Guangdong, China

Abstract

The objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of the Hexuetongbi formula in treating Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) using network pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, and mechanistic approaches in an oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy rat model. Network pharmacology is crucial for understanding the multi-target effects of the Hexuetongbi formula on CIPN. This approach allows for a comprehensive mapping of the complex interactions between the formula’s constituents and the biological pathways involved in CIPN, revealing potential synergistic effects and enhancing the formula’s pharmacological validation. The Hexue Tongbi formula’s impact was analyzed on rats undergoing peripheral neuropathy, observing changes in the morphology of L4-6 dorsal root ganglion neurons through hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Simultaneously, a network pharmacology approach was employed, utilizing TCMSP and GeneCards databases to identify common targets between CIPN and Hexue Tongbi’s therapeutic entities. These core targets were scrutinized through GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis. To validate the findings, mRNA and protein expression levels in the L4-6 dorsal root ganglion were examined using quantitative PCR and Western Blot assays. Significant modifications were observed in the frequency of cold stimulus withdrawal reflexes and the L4-6 dorsal root ganglion neurons, while the mechanical withdrawal reflex threshold displayed a considerable decrease. In rats treated with the Hexuetongbi formula post-oxaliplatin, there was noteworthy mitigation in the cold stimulation paw withdrawal threshold and augmentation in the mechanical stimulation paw withdrawal threshold. Network pharmacology identified 19 active constituents in Hexuetongbi and 35 targets for CIPN, with the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway emerging as a prominent target. There was a significant upregulation in PI3K, Akt1, Akt2, and Bcl-2 compared to controls, suggesting that Hexuetongbi effectively mitigates oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy through the modulation of the PI3K/Akt and Bcl-2 pathways.

Keywords: Oxaliplatin, Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, Traditional Chinese medicine, Dorsal root ganglion, Apoptosis

Xinyou Liu^2,3, Yihong Luo¹, Zhenglin Wang¹, Cong Wang^1,2,3*

¹Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China

²Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University, Xiamen 361015, China

³Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Cancer Therapy, Xiamen 361015, China

Abstract

This study addresses a critical knowledge gap in understanding the tumor microenvironment of thyroid cancer by elucidating the mechanism by which tumor cell-derived CD133-positive exosomes promote lymph node metastasis. We employed molecular docking, western blot, and other molecular characterizations to investigate the crucial interaction between CD133 and VEGFR3 and its impact on metastasis. Additionally, experiments assessed the influence of CD133-positive exosomes on lymphatic endothelial cell proliferation and migration.

Our findings demonstrate a significant direct interaction between CD133 and VEGFR3, as suggested by molecular docking. Furthermore, inhibition of CD133 expression resulted in a notable reduction in lymph node metastasis. We also observed that CD133-positive exosomes derived from thyroid cancer cells actively contribute to the migration and proliferation of lymphatic endothelial cells.

These results unveil a novel pathway for lymph node metastasis in thyroid cancer. The identification of CD133 and its interaction with VEGFR3 as key players in this process holds significant promise for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.  By focusing on these targets, researchers can potentially improve the prognosis of patients with thyroid cancer.

Keywords: Thyroid cancer cells, Exomes, Lymph node metastasis, CD133, VEGFR3

Edith L. Kadege^1*, Pavithravani B. Venkataramana¹, Teshale Assefa², Joseph C. Ndunguru³,

Jean Claude Rubyogo⁴, Ernest R. Mbega¹

¹School of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha 447, Tanzania

²Crops for Nutrition and Health, International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), 2704 Arusha, Tanzania

³Department of Research and Innovation, Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), Dodoma 1571, Tanzania
⁴Crops for Nutrition and Health, International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Nairobi 823-00621, Kenya

Abstract

Tanzania is the top bean producer in Africa and seventh globally, exporting half of its beans to neighboring nations. This study determines common bean varietal performance in northern Tanzania. Disease infection and yield components of 22 genotypes were evaluated in on-station and on-farm trials. The study used a completely randomized factorial trial design with three replications to explore the individual and combined effects of genotype and environment on disease infection and grain yield in two on-station and six on-farm environments. Data were collected on number of emerging plants; canopy height, canopy width, plant vigor, disease infection levels, plant stands at harvest, number of pods per plant, number of grains per pod, 100-grain weight and grain yield and analyzed using R software. The combined analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes, environment, and genotype by environment interactions. Bean canopy height, canopy width, plant vigor and grain yield were high at on-station trials, compared with on-farm trials. Advanced breeding lines showed 56% higher grain yield than commercial checks across study locations. Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis revealed that, genotype was the dominant factor affecting common bean grain yields at 50.3%, whereas the environmental impacts were 25.7%. NUA 48 and NUA 64 were ideal genotypes showing anthracnose resistance and delivering higher grain yield. VTT 923-23-10 and Sweet Violet varieties were stable across the mega-environment. Therefore, NUA 48, NUA 64, VTT 923-23-10 and Sweet Violet are proposed for further evaluation within Tanzanian bean agroecosystem to identify farmers’ preferred varieties.

Keywords: Disease resistance, Yield components, Breeding lines, Bean, Tanzania

Sara Bano¹, Muhammad Imtiaz Rashid², Amna Akhtar¹, Farhan Hafeez¹, Rashid Nazir¹, Faridullah¹, Muhammad Irshad¹, Gabrijel Ondrasek^3*, Akhtar Iqbal^1*

¹Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Abbottabad Campus, Tobe Camp, University Road, Abbottabad, Pakistan.

²Center of Excellence in Environmental Studies, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia.

³Department of Soil Amelioration, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.

Abstract

To enhance soil fertility and subsequent crop yields, digestate, byproduct of anaerobic digestion, can serve as a supplement or potential alternative to chemical fertilizers when sensibly utilized. This study assessed the impact of two types of digestates on two distinct soils for the perspective of agriculture (affecting pH, EC, organic carbon and mineral nitrogen) and environment (mineral nitrogen leaching under two rainfall patterns). Both soils mainly differed in silt and sand contents: 32% silt and 47% sand for soil-1 and 42% silt and 39% sand for soil-2. Two sets of controlled experiments served the purpose, in which first set involved a soil incubation experiment, applying two digestates to two soil types at 28°C for 60 days. The second set comprised reconstituted soil columns to collect soil solutions at depths of 2.5 cm and 7.5 cm after rainfall application under two patterns for 45 days. Results indicated that application of both digestates in test soils initially increased pH at day 15, followed by a decrease at days 30 and 60. Both digestates significantly elevated soil electrical conductivity compared to control treatments in both soils. Organic carbon content displayed variable impacts, with a slight decrease for solid digestate (12%) and higher decrease for liquid-amended soil (43%) for soil-1. While a significant decrease was observed for soil-2 throughout the incubation period for both amendments (34% and 36% for solid and liquid amended soils respectively). Rapid nitrification occurred with the application of both digestates in both soils, albeit at different rates. Soil-2 exhibited 1.2 to 2 folds higher net nitrification rate (depending upon digestate type and days of incubation) compared to soil-1. Liquid digestate induced more mineral nitrogen compared to solid digestate in both soils. Interestingly, rainfall frequency, digestate type, and soil type influenced the leaching of ammonium and nitrates, with nitrates recording higher levels in both soils, at both depths, and under both rainfall patterns.

 Keywords: Slurry, Nitrates, Crop productivity, Nitrification rate, Soil nutrition