Nur Fariha Amir, Aslizah Mohd-Aris, Tuan Norhafizah Tuan-Zakaria
et al.
Background: Volvariella volvacea is a highly nutritious edible mushroom grown mainly in Southeast Asian countries. However, the low yield of V. volvacea has discouraged farmers from engaging in its production. Objective: The study was conducted to observe the improvement of V. volvacea yield depending on various physiochemical parameters of V. volvacea growth. Methods: The parameters tested in this study include the weight of the substrate, i.e., 2 kg (W1) and 6 kg (W2); the surface area of the substrate: A1 (1218 cm2), A2 (1530 cm2) and A3 (2000 cm2); and four different substrate formulations (F1, F2, F3 and F4). Results: Substrate weight and surface area were found to be important, but not critical, factors in determining fruiting bodies formation, total fungal mass, and BE rate. However, the formulation media showed a significant contribution that could help in the induction of fruiting bodies. According to the results, the culture medium with a mixture of EFB substrate and black soil showed the highest BE percentage of 17.75 % (at optimised substrate weights = 2 kg). Conclusion: The results of this study can be used as a reference for further studies to improve the cultivation of V. volvacea, especially when EFB fibres are used as the main substrate. Future studies to identify genes involved in the formation of fruiting bodies are strongly recommended.
Abstract Chemo-resistance is one of the main obstacles in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Many studies have been performed to identify the mechanisms associated with chemo-resistance in colorectal cancer cells, and it has been found that increasing the activity of ABC family transporters, enhancing DNA repair, weakening apoptosis, strengthening stemness, and EMT are among the most important of these mechanisms. Inflammation and cytokines have been linked to colorectal cancer, and there is even a type of colorectal cancer that is caused by chronic inflammation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. However, the association between cytokines and chemo-resistance in colorectal cancer cells is not yet clear. Various studies have shown that chemotherapy drugs, by affecting the tumor microenvironment, can enhance the recruitment of some immune cells and the production of some cytokines. These cytokines have a variety of effects on various chemo-resistance mechanisms in colorectal cancer cells. Some of them can strengthen chemo-resistance and others weaken chemo-resistance. IL-6, TNFα, IFN, IL1, IL8, IL-17, IL-10, and IL-22 are among the most important cytokines whose effects on chemo-resistance mechanisms in colorectal cancer cells are known. In this article, we will have a comprehensive overview of the effects of these cytokines on chemo-resistance mechanisms in colorectal cancer cells.
Tafesse Kibatu, Sebsebe Demissew, Diriba Muleta
et al.
Enset is a staple food for approximately 25% of Ethiopia’s population. It is threatened by a range of biotic and abiotic stress, of which bacterial wilt is the most significant. This study investigated the enset bacterial wilt (EBW) status on farms in Gedeo, Kembata Tembaro, Gurage, Hadiya zones, and the Basketo special woreda of Southern Ethiopia. In addition, infected enset plant samples were collected from Hadiya, Kembata Tembaro, and Gedeo zones to assess bacterial strain diversity using physicochemical and morphological approaches. Representative Kebeles were selected using purposive sampling based on their agroecological conditions. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, questionnaires, group discussions, and field observation. The morphology of bacterial wilt isolates was characterized by color, texture, form, elevation, margin, and motility. In addition, a combination of oxidase, aesculin hydrolysis, catalase, gram reaction, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), gelatin liquefaction, and fructose, lactose, mannitol, and sorbitol utilization tests were conducted to capture physiochemical differences. Tolerance to salt and high temperatures was also evaluated. The bacterial wilt impact varies significantly across enset growing regions, with highlands experiencing the highest. This research emphasizes the importance of assessing both spatial and temporal variation, as well as integrating local knowledge and robust scientific approaches for effective bacterial wilt management and enset landrace conservation efforts. The research also provides valuable insights into the characteristics of bacterial wilt isolates in Southern Ethiopia. Analyses of morphology, potassium hydroxide solubility, catalase activity, and carbohydrate utilization were consistent, however, variations in bacterial isolates response to tests of easculin, oxidase, gelatin liquid, H2S tests and response to osmotic and temperature exposures. This study reveals a strong association between the bacterial wilt effect and the enset growing regions. EBW exhibits seasonal fluctuations. Bacterial wilt isolates displayed consistent morphological characteristics. All isolates similarly utilized sorbitol, mannitol, lactose, and fructose carbohydrates. All isolates exhibited positive potassium hydroxide solubility and catalase activity. However, the isolates displayed variations in responses to easculin, oxidase, gelatin liquefaction, and H2S production. The isolates also displayed variations in tolerance to salt and high temperatures. These variations can be valuable for understanding disease epidemiology and management.
Abstract Background Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is a severe, therapy-refractory condition driven by ferroptotic disruption of jawbone-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) biology. We dissect this mechanism to validate ferroptosis as a therapeutic target. Methods We first demonstrated that miR-145-3p is mechanistically coupled to ferroptosis and osteogenesis in BRONJ model by gain- and loss-of-function studies. To evaluate therapeutic efficacy under pathologically relevant conditions, we designed three models: (i) Local BRONJ repair model: miR-145-3p-enriched exosomes were encapsulated in an injectable hydrogel scaffold and grafted into necrotic alveolar bone to assess direct BRONJ resolution. After local BRONJ treatment, endogenous MSCs were re-isolated, and both cellular and exosomal miR-145-3p levels were quantified. (ii) Osteoporosis treatment model: The reprogrammed MSCs derived from treated BRONJ rats were then administered intravenously to osteoporotic littermates to evaluate whether these MSCs retain systemic osteogenic competence. (iii) Critical-sized calvarial defect repair model: To further dissect the intrinsic osteogenic capacity, reprogrammed MSCs derived from treated BRONJ rats were fabricated into cell-sheet/HA-TCP “sandwich” constructs and transplanted into calvarial defects. Results BRONJ markedly compromised MSCs viability while elevating hallmarks of ferroptosis that were reversed by the ferroptosis inhibitor. Concomitantly, osteogenic capacity declined, as shown by reduced ALP activity, mineralized nodules, new bone formation and expression of RUNX2 and OCN. Mechanistically, we identified a miR-145-3p/IREB2 regulatory circuit that governs ferroptosis in BRONJ-derived MSCs; exosome-mediated delivery of miR-145-3p reinstated this axis, thereby reactivating the MSCs osteogenesis and driving in situ bone regeneration. Critically, after local BRONJ therapy, the reprogrammed MSCs were (i) infused via tail vein into osteoporotic rats, significantly elevating bone mass, and (ii) engineered into cell-sheet/HA-TCP “sandwich” constructs that achieved robust repair of critical-sized calvarial defects. These data establish exosomal miR-145-3p as a therapeutic that mitigates ferroptosis and restores the osteogenic competence of jawbone-derived MSCs for bone regeneration. Conclusion Collectively, our findings establish the miR-145-3p/IREB2/ferroptosis axis as an important regulator of BRONJ pathology and demonstrate that exosomal delivery of miR-145-3p not only ameliorates localized BRONJ but also substantially reinstates the systemic osteogenic potential of jawbone-derived MSCs, offering a pre-clinical promising strategy to combat both BRONJ and associated bone loss disorders. Graphical Abstract
ABSTRACT Marchantia emarginata Reinw., Blume & Nees, with nearly 30 assigned names, is considered the most taxonomically complex species in the family Marchantiaceae. Currently, this species is segregated into three subspecies, and this subspecific classification is widely accepted since its formal inception. However, due to its extensive morphological variation and ambiguous intraspecific delimitation, many bryologists struggle to accurately identify this species at a subspecific level. Through scrutiny of related literatures and morphological examination of over 200 herbarium specimens, the taxonomic history, issues, and various perspectives on this species were newly summarized. Each subspecies was found to exhibit excessive morphological diversity. Consequently, the prevalent subspecific classification of M. emarginata was partly challenged by the morphological evidence obtained in the present study. This species urgently requires taxonomic revision using an integrative approach.
R. Jean Cadigan, Margaret Waltz, John M. Conley
et al.
Heritable human genome editing has garnered significant attention in scholarly and lay media, yet questions remain about whether, when, and how heritable genome editing ought to proceed. Drawing on interviews with scientists who use genome editing in their research and professionals engaged in human genome editing governance efforts, we examine their views on the permissibility of heritable genome editing and the governance strategies they see as necessary and realistic. For both issues, we found divergent views from respondents. We place the views of these scientists and governance professionals within the context of the larger bioethical discussion of heritable genome editing governance, along a continuum of hard to soft approaches. These respondents’ views highlight the challenges of various hard forms of governance and the potential virtues of soft governance approaches.
Rendi Zulni Ekaputri, Topik Hidayat, Hertien Koosbandiah Surtikanti
et al.
Sekolah memiliki peran penting dalam mengubah perilaku siswa, terutama melalui integrasi materi kebencanaan dalam kurikulum IPA. Calon guru IPA berperan dalam membentuk melek lingkungan. Peningkatan literasi lingkungan berkontribusi pada perubahan perilaku proekologis dan mendukung pembangunan lingkungan berkelanjutan. Kajian field studi ini mengacu pada kurikulum Program Studi Pendidikan IPA, dengan tujuan mendeskripsikan profil kebutuhan perkuliahan terkait mitigasi bencana untuk pengembangan program perkuliahan lebih lanjut. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode field study dengan tiga pendekatan utama, yaitu pengumpulan data melalui dokumen (paper), interaksi dengan narasumber (person), dan lokasi penelitian di Program Studi Pendidikan IPA S1 dan S2. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah instrument non-tes, melibatkan analisis dokumen kurikulum dan RPS mata kuliah Mitigasi Bencana. Analisis kurikulum dan RPS menyoroti evaluasi yang baik pada identitas program studi, visi, misi, tujuan, dan strategi kurikulum. Tracer study alumni masih perlu ditingkatkan, namun, keterkaitan antara capaian pembelajaran dengan kompetensi lulusan dan interaksi antara mahasiswa dan dosen dinilai baik. Wawancara dengan dosen mengungkapkan bahwa tujuan perkuliahan mitigasi bencana adalah menciptakan awareness bencana, dan perkuliahan ini berfokus pada prekusor kebencanaan dan kebiasaan masyarakat saat terjadi bencana. Integrasi kearifan lokal dalam menghadapi bencana belum banyak dilakukan, dan buku ajar atau modul yang menggabungkan kebencanaan dalam kearifan lokal masih kurang.
Shimaa S. El-Malah, Kashif Rasool, Khadeeja Abdul Jabbar
et al.
Severe environmental conditions can have a diverse impact on marine microorganisms, including bacteria. This can have an inevitable impact on the biofouling of membrane-based desalination plants. In this work, we have utilized indicator bacteria such as total coliform, fecal coliform, and <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>, as well as 16S rRNA sequencing, to investigate the impact of environmental conditions and spatial variations on the diversity of bacterial communities in the coastal waters and sediments from selected sites in Qatar. The concentration levels of indicator bacteria were affected by increasing temperatures and pH, and by decreasing salinity of seawater samples. Diversity indices and the molecular phylogeny demonstrated that <i>Proteobacteria</i>, <i>Bacteroidetes</i>, and <i>Cyanobacteria</i> were the dominant phyla in all locations. The most abundant operational taxonomic units (OTUs) at the family level were from <i>Flavobacteriaceae</i> (27.07%, 4.31%) and <i>Rhodobacteraceae</i> (22.51%, 9.86%) in seawater and sediment, respectively. <i>Alphaproteobacteria</i> (33.87%, 16.82%), <i>Flavobacteria</i> (30.68%, 5.84%), and <i>Gammaproteobacteria</i> (20.35%, 12.45%) were abundant at the species level in both seawater and sediment, while <i>Clostridia</i> (13.72%) was abundant in sediment only. The results suggest that sediment can act as a reservoir for indicator bacteria, with higher diversity and lower abundance compared to seawater.
Moumen El-Melegy, Rasha Kamel, Mohamed Abou El-Ghar
et al.
The dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) technique has great potential in the diagnosis, therapy, and follow-up of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Towards that end, precise kidney segmentation from DCE-MRI data becomes a prerequisite processing step. Exploiting the useful information about the kidney’s shape in this step mandates a registration operation beforehand to relate the shape model coordinates to those of the image to be segmented. Imprecise alignment of the shape model induces errors in the segmentation results. In this paper, we propose a new variational formulation to jointly segment and register DCE-MRI kidney images based on fuzzy c-means clustering embedded within a level-set (LSet) method. The image pixels’ fuzzy memberships and the spatial registration parameters are simultaneously updated in each evolution step to direct the LSet contour toward the target kidney. Results on real medical datasets of 45 subjects demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed approach, reporting a Dice similarity coefficient of 0.94 ± 0.03, Intersection-over-Union of 0.89 ± 0.05, and 2.2 ± 2.3 in 95-percentile of Hausdorff distance. Extensive experiments show that our approach outperforms several state-of-the-art LSet-based methods as well as two UNet-based deep neural models trained for the same task in terms of accuracy and consistency.