Scientifica最新文献

Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud and Lemna minor L. are non-native aquatic weeds. They disturb the habitat dynamics by competing with native flora for water and nutrition, deplete oxygen in water bodies, destroy water quality, and create habitat for mosquitoes and other parasites. Valorization of this huge biomass into biochar is a sustainable approach to address both environmental and agricultural challenges. It not only mitigates the climate issues by proper management but also sequesters carbon and improves soil quality. The current study manifests the utility of Phragmites australis and Lemna minor biomass as a feedstock for pyrolysis, at 400°C, 500°C, and 600°C, to design Lemna minor biochar (LMBC400, LMBC500, and LMBC600) and Phragmites australis biochar (PABC400, PABC500, and PABC600). These biochars were added as a soil conditioner to estimate the productivity of test crops. The results demonstrate that ash content, pH, electrical conductivity (ECe), and fixed carbon are directly proportional to pyrolysis temperature, whereas oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, volatile contents, and bulk density (BD) are inversely proportional to pyrolysis temperature. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analyses proved that high pyrolysis temperature increases the porosity and phenolic compounds in biochar, which improves the surface quality. The percentage of nutrients such as Mg, Fe, N, Ca, N, P, K, and Zn increases by elevating pyrolysis temperature due to unlocking and release under the influence of heat. Soil quality parameters (viz. pH, BD, ECe, water holding capacity [WHC], total dissolved solids [TDS], and soil organic matter [SOC]) improved in favor of plant growth conditions, so the yield of test crops increased. So, LMBC600 and PABC600 had great potential to improve soil and productivity. It is a promising approach to manage this colossal volume of P. australis and L. minor through green technology by recycling this biowaste into a worthy product biochar, which is an alternative to chemical fertilizer in agronomical practices, which leave eco-toxic footprints and play havoc to the environment.

Inflammation helps the immune system identify and eliminate disease-causing and foreign stimuli and initiate the healing process. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been often used in treating inflammation. Synthetic drugs have been associated with severe effects, necessitating the need for alternative medicinal agents. Herbal remedies have comparatively fewer side effects, are widely available, and are arguably affordable, which makes them more attractive therapeutic agents. Ficus sycomorus is utilized by Kenya's Mbeere community to treat inflammation. However, the science-based data to support their claim were lacking. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether methanol (MeOH) and dichloromethane (DCM) leaf and stem bark extracts of F. sycomorus have anti-inflammatory qualities in mice. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) andliquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were used in phytochemical analysis of the extracts. In anti-inflammatory assays, 6-7-week-old mice were randomly grouped into six clusters with five mice each. Group one mice were administered normal saline. Groups of two to four mice were injected with carrageenan to induce inflammation and then received various treatments. Group two mice received the vehicle (normal saline), while group three mice received diclofenac (15 mg/kg body weight [bw]). The extracts were administered to the remaining groups at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg bw. One-way analysis of variance was used to assess for statistically significant differences, followed by Tukey's post hoc tests in case of statistical significance. The significance threshold was inferred at p < 0.05. This study revealed significant anti-edema effects of the extracts on carrageenan-induced paw inflammation in mice. The GC-MS analysis identified fatty acids, terpenoids, and terpenes, which have been associated with anti-edema effects. In conclusion, the findings showed that the extracts have anti-edema effects and phytocompounds associated with the effects. F. sycomorus extract is hence a novel candidate for developing efficacious anti-inflammatory agents.

Microbial resistance is a global concern, potentially causing 10 million deaths by 2050 due to the ineffectiveness of conventional drugs. In this scenario, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) emerge as a promising alternative, as they combat several pathogens without inducing resistance. AMPs stand out as a potential natural additive to replace antibiotics in laying hens, such as gentamicin and tetracycline, aiming for greater animal health. Therefore, this review aims to provide a general overview of layer poultry farming worldwide, especially in Brazil. Furthermore, the study brings data on the interaction of parameters of egg quality and blood cells and how AMPs can be beneficial and improve the laying hens' health.

Five Flower Remedy (FFR), a Thai traditional medicine, has a history of use for various ailments. This study investigated its antidiabetic potential by examining its impact on key carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. We explored FFR's inhibitory effects, synergistic interactions with the standard antidiabetic drug acarbose, and the underlying mechanisms involved. In vitro analysis revealed that FFRA significantly inhibited both α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Importantly, a synergistic effect was observed when FFRA extract was combined with acarbose, particularly at low concentrations for α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition. This suggests a potential benefit in combination therapy. Furthermore, FFRE demonstrated greater inhibitory potency against both enzymes compared to acarbose. Mechanistically, FFRE inhibited α-amylase through competitive inhibition and α-glucosidase through noncompetitive inhibition, indicating distinct modes of action. These findings provide scientific validation for the traditional use of FFR in managing diabetes and offer valuable insights into its pharmacological properties. The observed synergistic effects and distinct inhibition mechanisms highlight FFR's potential as a therapeutic agent. This study serves as a foundation for future research, including identifying the specific bioactive components responsible for FFR's antidiabetic effects, in vivo studies to confirm these findings in living organisms, and ultimately, clinical trials to evaluate its efficacy and safety in human subjects. Further investigation could pave the way for developing FFR as a novel therapeutic approach for diabetes management.

Aging increases the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's (PD and AD) which are potentially linked to increased oxidative stress and inflammation. Paracetamol (APAP) is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however, its potential neuroprotective effects against age-related oxidative stress and neuroinflammation remain inadequately investigated. Therefore, we aimed to examine whether low-dose APAP could mitigate oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in a D-galactose (D-gal)-induced aging model. In our study, fifty adult male ICR mice were divided into five groups (n = 10). Except for the normal control group, all mice received D-gal subcutaneous injections (200 mg/kg) and were fed vehicle, 15 or 50 mg/kg APAP, or 100 mg/kg vitamin E daily for six weeks. After treatment, liver function was assessed by serum liver enzyme analysis. The liver and brain pathologies were examined using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Brain oxidative stress was evaluated through malondialdehyde (MDA) measurement. Additionally, immunohistochemistry was used to determine levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, TGF-β, and IL-10) and the oxidative stress marker, NADPH Oxidase 4 (NOX4). The study found no significant changes in serum liver enzymes or liver morphology among the experimental groups. However, the D-gal group exhibited increased neuronal cell loss, along with elevated levels of MDA and NOX4 in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. Moreover, D-gal mice showed elevated levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and TGF-β, accompanied by decreased IL-10 levels. Notably, treatment with low-dose APAP and vitamin E mitigated neuronal cell loss, decreased MDA levels, and attenuated NOX4 expression induced by D-gal injection. Furthermore, low-dose APAP, particularly at 50 mg/kg, and vitamin E reversed the alterations in TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10 induced by D-gal, while TGF-β was unaffected. We suggest that low-dose APAP exerts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities to protect against neurodegeneration in a mouse model of brain aging induced by chronic D-gal injection.

Since its introduction to the Americas in the early 20th century, the wild boar (Sus scrofa) has affected Brazilian ecosystems and may have contributed to the spread of zoonotic diseases, especially rabies. Its interactions with the common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) can increase the risk of rabies transmission. These interactions remain poorly documented, particularly in the São Francisco Forest State Park, a conservation unit in the north of Paraná. In this study, we used camera traps to record three interactions between D. rotundus and S. scrofa, revealing a potential new route for zoonotic spread. Urbanization expansion and forest fragmentation further raise the risk of rabies transmission to animals and humans. Our findings highlight the need for policies and strategies to control wild boar populations and monitor vampire bats to protect public and environmental health in the region.

Plants survive the extreme seasonal and environmental conditions by developing various bioactive compounds. These compounds support their survival in harsh environments. This study examines how seasonal shifts influence the metabolic profiles and antioxidant responses of Rhynchosia minima and Senna italica, shedding light on their metabolic adaptation strategies to arid environments. Both species exhibited significant seasonal variations in total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity. Notably, R. minima displayed a 4.8% (0.05-fold) increase in TPC and a more pronounced 1.5-fold increase in TFC during winter compared to summer, while S. italica showed a 2.5-fold increase in TFC. Antioxidant activity was significantly higher in winter; R. minima exhibited a reduction from 98.34 μg/mL (summer) to 68.47 μg/mL (winter), and S. italica showed a decrease from 144.89 μg/mL (summer) to 84.25 μg/mL (winter), indicating enhanced bioactivity under cold stress. Although both species activate common cold stress metabolic pathways involving amino acids, lipids, and carbohydrates, they exhibit unique metabolic seasonal and species-specific patterns. Unique winter phenolic compounds from R. minima include epigallocatechin and 6-hydroxyflavone-β-D-glucoside, while cis-resveratrol and quercetin were unique to S. italica. R. minima demonstrates broader metabolic adaptations, with enriched metabolic pathways, such as glutathione metabolism, whereas S. italica relies on ubiquinone and α-linolenic acid metabolism. These findings provide insights into the intricate links between environmental stress, phytochemical adaptation, and ecological resilience of legume survival in the arid region, with a direction to antioxidant use in human health.

Magnesium (Mg) is a crucial mineral that is required for maintaining many of the physiological processes, including immune regulation. The immune system is a protective strategy against pathogenic infection, allergic reaction and tumour development. Dysregulation of immune functions results in different pathological conditions, including autoimmune disease, allergic diseases and infectious diseases. Mg plays a role in the modulation of immune responses through the regulation of the activation, proliferation and differentiation of immune cells. Moreover, research has shown that Mg participates in the treatment and prevention of different diseases, so it may serve as a therapeutic drug. Mg immunoregulatory activity and its applications in prevention and treatment of immune-related disorders are discussed herein. Immunosuppression, reduced phagocytosis and suppressed natural killer cell function were associated with low concentrations of Mg, and these are critical for protection against viruses. Mg further affects inflammatory cytokine release and modulation of NF-κB, a key immune signalling cascade. Evidence corroborates that supplementation with Mg might alleviate symptoms of immune diseases like SLE, bronchial asthma, inflammatory bowel disease and microbial infection. However, it is critical to conduct trials for establishing optimum dosing paradigms as well as the long-term impact of Mg supplementation in the frame of immune disease.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignancy worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, influenced by both genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Gut dysbiosis, characterized by an imbalance in the gut microbiome, has been identified as a significant contributor to CRC progression. Although considerable progress has been made in understanding the relationship between the gut microbiome and CRC, the precise underlying mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Recent studies emphasize the role of gut microorganisms in inducing DNA damage, promoting inflammation, and contributing to drug resistance, positioning the microbiome as a promising target for CRC prevention and therapy. This review examines the intricate relationship between gut microbiota and CRC, with a focus on tumorigenesis mechanisms and the potential utility of specific bacterial species as clinical biomarkers. Dysbiosis, often driven by dietary and environmental factors, has been implicated in CRC pathogenesis, with bacterial virulence factors, inflammatory pathways, and microbial metabolites playing central roles in disease progression. Strategies for modulating the gut microbiome, such as probiotic supplementation and other microbiome-targeted interventions, represent emerging therapeutic approaches. Additionally, this review discusses the challenges associated with translating microbiome research into clinical practice and proposes potential solutions. By advancing the understanding of microbiota-CRC interactions, this research offers valuable insights into novel strategies for CRC prevention, early detection, and treatment. Future studies aim to refine microbiome-based interventions, ultimately improving the clinical management of CRC.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2024/2065513.].