Volatile profiling as a potential biochemical marker for validation of gamma irradiation derived putative mutants in polyembryonic genotypes of mango (Mangifera indica L.)

Introduction

Putative mutants were generated through gamma irradiation in the polyembryonic mango genotype Nekkare. The putative mutant progenies along with control seedlings and mother plants were evaluated by comparing the compositions and relative proportions of their major volatile compounds.

Methods

Volatile profiling was done using headspace-solid phase micro-extraction (HS SPME) method coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS MS). Furthermore, characterisation of putative mutants and control seedlings was carried out using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to ascertain the genetic diversity present in the samples under study.

Results

Monoterpenes were the most abundant volatile compound in all the studied samples (ranging from 34.76% to 91.41%) out of which I-Phellandrene and cis-Ocimene formed the major fraction in mother plants (20.45%-21.86% and 16.17%-21.27%, respectively) and control seedlings (23.32%-24.95% and 18.95%-20.81%, respectively), while beta-Phellandrene was dominant in the selected putative mutant samples (2.34%-29.53%). Among sesquiterpenes, trans-Caryophyllene was detected only in the putative mutant samples (0.10%-30.18%). Grouping together of mother plants and control seedlings was seen in the cluster analysis, while the putative mutants grouped apart from them suggesting genetic diversity. Genetic distance between the mother plants and control seedlings ranged from 0.97 to 2.73, while between putative mutants, control seedlings, and mother plants, it ranged from 6.54 to 9.82. SSR-based characterisation of putative mutant seedlings showed that mutation caused variability in the treated population. This was evident from the high allelic richness ranging from 4 to 12 with a mean of 7 and a higher mean Shannon's Information Index (1.50) of the putative mutant population.

Discussion

The study demonstrates that volatile profiling and molecular characterisation using SSR markers could be used as a tool to detect variation in a mutated population. In addition, volatile profiling can be used to validate putative mutants in polyembryonic mango genotypes where the seedlings of nucellar origin are similar to mother plants.

Overcoming the coupled climate and biodiversity crises and their societal impacts

Earth's biodiversity and human societies face pollution, overconsumption of natural resources, urbanization, demographic shifts, social and economic inequalities, and habitat loss, many of which are exacerbated by climate change. Here, we review links among climate, biodiversity, and society and develop a roadmap toward sustainability. These include limiting warming to 1.5°C and effectively conserving and restoring functional ecosystems on 30 to 50% of land, freshwater, and ocean "scapes." We envision a mosaic of interconnected protected and shared spaces, including intensively used spaces, to strengthen self-sustaining biodiversity, the capacity of people and nature to adapt to and mitigate climate change, and nature's contributions to people. Fostering interlinked human, ecosystem, and planetary health for a livable future urgently requires bold implementation of transformative policy interventions through interconnected institutions, governance, and social systems from local to global levels.

Comparative transcriptome analysis provides novel insights into molecular response of salt-tolerant and sensitive polyembryonic mango genotypes to salinity stress at seedling stage

Introduction

Increased soil salinity in the recent years has adversely affected the productivity of mango globally. Extending the cultivation of mango in salt affected regions warrants the use of salinity tolerant/resistant rootstocks. However, the lack of sufficient genomic and transcriptomic information impedes comprehensive research at the molecular level.

Method

We employed RNA sequencing-based transcriptome analysis to gain insight into molecular response to salt stress by using two polyembryonic mango genotypes with contrasting response to salt stress viz., salt tolerant Turpentine and salt susceptible Mylepelian.

Results

RNA sequencing by Novaseq6000 resulted in a total of 2795088, 17535948, 7813704 and 5544894 clean reads in Mylepelian treated (MT), Mylepelian control (MC), Turpentine treated (TT) and Turpentine control (TC) respectively. In total, 7169 unigenes annotated against all the five public databases, including NR, NT, PFAM, KOG, Swissport, KEGG and GO. Further, maximum number of differentially expressed genes were found between MT and MC (2106) followed by MT vs TT (1158) and TT and TC (587). The differentially expressed genes under different treatment levels included transcription factors (bZIP, NAC, bHLH), genes involved in Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs), ABA biosynthesis, Photosynthesis etc. Expression of few of these genes was experimentally validated through quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and contrasting expression pattern of Auxin Response Factor 2 (ARF2), Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) and CDPK genes were observed between Turpentine and Mylepelian.

Discussion

The results of this study will be useful in understanding the molecular mechanism underlying salt tolerance in mango which can serve as valuable baseline information to generate new targets in mango breeding for salt tolerance.

The impact of bioactive compounds derived from marine fish on cancer

Cancer persists as the world's leading cause of mortality, thereby making it a compelling condition to research and potentially develop prevention options. Anticancer therapies such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy are becoming highly futile and tend to have achieved a clinical deficit, due to massive side effects, toxicities, and limited specificity. Anticancer agents from natural sources, such as aquatic fishes, terrestrial mammals, animal venoms, and amphibians, have mainly been focused on in recent researches. Edible marine fishes contain high contents of fatty acids, vitamins, and proteins, also having bioactive compounds. Fish derivatives are naturally having the potential to target cancer cells while being less hazardous to normal tissues, making them a better choice for cancer prevention and therapy. In this review, we mainly focused on the bioactive compounds identified from marine fishes which have significant biological properties including anticancer effects, also discuss the mechanism of action.

Diosgenin Nanoparticles Competes Plain Diosgenin on Reviving Biochemical and Histopathological Alterations in DMBA Induced Rat Mammary Carcinoma via Modulating the AhR-Nrf-2 Signaling Cascades

Background: Diosgenin, a steroidal saponin spotted as a primary ingredient in many traditional Chinese medicines, has sparked the attention of researchers owing to its multi-targeted cytotoxicity towards a multitude of cancers. Regrettably, its true potential was bounded by its impoverished physicochemical properties. In order to fully exploit its ability, we plan to fabricate diosgenin into nanoparticle by encapsulating with biodegradable polymer chitosan. Aim: The current research intends to uncover the therapeutic potency of diosgenin encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles (DG@CS-NP) on 7,12dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) induced rat mammary carcinoma by optimizing biochemical and histopathological modifications via attenuating Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) - nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factors (Nrf-2) signaling. Methodology: Breast cancer was induced with a single dose of DMBA (25 mg/kg b.wt). Orally supplied DG 10mg/kg b.wt. and DG@CS-NP 5 mg/kg b.wt to DMBA-induced tumor-bearing rats shortly after tumor onset. After the experimental period, biochemical and histopathological studies were performed using mammary tissue sections. Furthermore, architectural immunohistochemistry was used to reveal the expression of AhR and Nrf-2 in experimental rats. Additionally, diosgenin interactions with these proteins were also evidently confirmed by molecular docking analysis. Result: We noticed that there is an elevated level of lipid peroxidative marker, phase-I detoxification enzymes, total cholesterol (TC), phospholipids (PL), triglycerides (TG), and free fatty acids (FFA) with boosted AhR expressions as well as diminished levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and Phase – II detoxification enzymes with downtrodden Nrf-2 expressions in the mammary tissues of DMBA-induced rats. On the other contrary, oral dosing of DG@CS-NP 5 mg/kg b.wt, dramatically reverted them to near-normal tiers. Interestingly, molecular docking analyses also corroborate these insights by highlighting diosgenin's significant interactions with AhR and Nrf-2 targets. Conclusion: As an outcome of our observations, we conclude that nano-encapsulation of diosgenin is a potent targeted therapeutic candidate posing a massive impact on breast cancer than plain diosgenin.

Capsaicin Encapsulated Chitosan Nanoparticles Augments Anticarcinogenic and Antiproliferative Competency Against 7,12 Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene Induced Experimental Rat Mammary Carcinogenesis

Background: Capsaicin is a powerful phytochemical spotted in chilies, starkly tied up with a bunch of health benefits but its clinical applications in cancer therapy are limited due to its poor solubility, and low bioavailability. Nanotechnology offers a strategy to discover new formulations for hydrophobic agent. Aim: The main intent of the current research was to investigate the effect of Capsaicin encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles (CAP@CS-NP) on 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) induced mammary carcinogenesis in rats. Methodology: Mammary tumor was induced in female rats by injecting DMBA (25mg/kg b.wt) at the first week of the experiment. After 7 weeks, CAP@CS-NP (4mg/kg b.wt) was administered orally to DMBA induced tumor bearing rats for 21 days (thrice per week). The experiment was terminated at the end of the 14th week and their plasma and tissue sections were analyzed. Results: We found that significantly elevated levels of lipid peroxidation and diminished levels of antioxidant status in plasma, liver and mammary tissues. Increased levels of detoxification phase I enzymes and dropped levels of phase II enzymes in liver and mammary tissues in DMBA induced tumor bearing rats. As a result, oral administration of CAP@CS-NP suppressed the tumor growth, significantly raised body weight and restored abnormal enzymatic levels to near normal ranges. Additionally, histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis were also confirmed that CAP@CS-NP protects DMBA mediated cellular disruption and also inhibits abnormal cell proliferation. Conclusion: These findings suggest that nano encapsulation of CAP@CS-NP could be useful in targeted drug delivery and act as a promising chemotherapeutic agent to treat mammary carcinogenesis.

Soil net nitrogen mineralisation across global grasslands

Soil nitrogen mineralisation (Nmin), the conversion of organic into inorganic N, is important for productivity and nutrient cycling. The balance between mineralisation and immobilisation (net Nmin) varies with soil properties and climate. However, because most global-scale assessments of net Nmin are laboratory-based, its regulation under field-conditions and implications for real-world soil functioning remain uncertain. Here, we explore the drivers of realised (field) and potential (laboratory) soil net Nmin across 30 grasslands worldwide. We find that realised Nmin is largely explained by temperature of the wettest quarter, microbial biomass, clay content and bulk density. Potential Nmin only weakly correlates with realised Nmin, but contributes to explain realised net Nmin when combined with soil and climatic variables. We provide novel insights of global realised soil net Nmin and show that potential soil net Nmin data available in the literature could be parameterised with soil and climate data to better predict realised Nmin.

Impact of Whole Plant Extract of Pergularia daemia on Glycoproteins in Dimethylbenz(A)Anthracene Induced Hamster Buccal Pouch Carcinogenesis

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a major component of a diverse group of neoplasms often referred to as ‘head and neck cancer’. Frequent smoking and/or alcohol consumption are two major risk factors for oral cancer. Objectives: The present study was aimed to investigate the protective role of Pergularia daemia ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts (PDEAE and PDME, respectively) on glycoproteins in dimethylbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA) induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis. Materials and Methods: Male golden Syrian hamsters were used and divided into six groups. Group 2 carried 0.5% 7,12-DMBA painting on left buccal pouch. Groups 3 and 4 were treated with DMBA and 300 mg/kg bwt of PDEAE and PDME by intragastric administration. Remaining groups served as untreated control. All the experiments were performed within 14 weeks. Results: Body weight loss and 100% tumor incidence were observed treated hamsters with DMBA alone, whereas administration of PDEAE and PDME in animals with oral cancer caused significant alterations in body weight and tumor incidence. Further, plasma and buccal pouch tissue glycoprotein levels were increased and erythrocyte glycoprotein levels were depleted in DMBA treated hamsters. The levels were significantly reversed in hamsters treated with PDEAE and PDME at 300 mg/kg bwt. Conclusion: PDEAE and PDME produce a significant protective effect against DMBA induced oral cancer by altering glycoproteins levels.

Hydrogenation of Substituted Fullerenes – a DFT Study

Hydrogen storage by carbon materials is a topic of current interest. In order to exploit fullerenes as one of the new forms of carbon for hydrogen storage, it is shown that an activator for hydrogen is necessary in the fullerene network. Even though one can generate stoichiometric hydrides the formation of such hydrides have to be established. In this present study we have examined what type of species on carbon surfaces may be able to activate hydrogen molecule and lead to hydride formation. The Density Functional Theory calculations have been carried out on some typical model systems wherein the fullerene molecule is substituted in the network with heteroatoms like N, P and S and the reduction in the dissociation energy of hydrogen molecule is considered as a measure of the ability to hydride the carbon materials. On the basis of the reduction in the dissociation energy for the hydrogen molecule it was shown that heteroatom substitution in the fullerene net work may be suitable for the activation and dissociation of hydrogen molecule.

(2E)-2-Benzyl-idene-9-phenyl-3,4-di-hydro-acridin-1(2H)-one

In the title compound, C₂₆H₁₉NO, the plane of the aromatic heterocycle makes a dihedral angle of 75.22 (4)° with that of the attached phenyl ring. In the crystal, mol­ecules are connected by C—H⋯O inter­actions, generating R₂²(12) dimers. These dimers are further connected by C—H⋯π inter­actions, linking the mol­ecules into chains running along the a-axis direction.

(1R*,3'S*,4'R*)-4'-(4-Chloro-phen-yl)-3'-[(4-hy-droxy-2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-quinolin-3-yl)carbon-yl]-1'-methyl-spiro-[ace-naphthyl-ene-1,2'-pyrrolidin]-2-one

The title compound, C(32)H(23)ClN(2)O(4), has a quinoline, a chloro-phenyl and an acenaphthalene ring system attached to a central pyrrolidine ring, which has three stereogenic centers. Nevertheless, the compound crystallizes as a racemate with two mol-ecules of identical chirality in the asymmetric unit. They differ in the conformation of the five-membered pyrrolidine ring; in one molecule it has an envelope conformation, while in the other molecule it has a twisted conformation. In each molecule there is an intra-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bond making an S(6) ring motif. In the crystal, pairs of N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds produce inversion dimers with R(2) (2)(8) motifs. There are also C-H⋯O interactions present. The crystal structure contains voids (60 Å(3)) within which there is no evidence of solvent mol-ecules.

4-Hydr-oxy-3-(1'-methyl-2-oxo-4'-phenyl-spiro-[indoline-3,2'-pyrrolidine]-3'-yl-carbon-yl)quinolin-2(1H)-one

In the title compound, C₂₈H₂₃N₃O₄, the dihedral angle between the quinoline and indole ring systems is 29.30 (5)°. The pyrrolidine ring adopts a twist conformation. An intra­molecular O—H⋯O hydrogen bond generates an S(6) ring motif. A weak intra­molecular C3—H3⋯O3 inter­action is also observed. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked by two sets of N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming centrosymmetric dimers containing two R₂²(8) ring motifs. The dimers are linked via C—H⋯π inter­actions.

Modulation of biochemical circadian rhythms during long-term melatonin treatment in rats

INTRODUCTION

The influences of chronic administration of low and high doses of melatonin on the characteristics of circadian rhythms of glucose, reduced glutathione, total protein were studied, in order to investigate whether melatonin could modulate these rhythms differently.

METHODS

Pharmacological doses of melatonin (0.5 mg/kg and 1.0mg/kg body weight) were administered chronically for 45 days to Wistar rats, and 24-hour rhythms of glucose, reduced glutathione (GSH), total protein and melatonin (MLT) were studied under semi-natural (LD 12:12 hours) conditions.

RESULTS

Exogenous melatonin administered caused delays in the acrophase of glucose, total protein and melatonin rhythms, whereas advances in the acrophases of reduced glutathione were observed. This indicated that the chronic administration of melatonin could act as the modulated internal zeitgeber and this could be the reason for altered acrophase (peak time of the variable) and other characteristics of rhythms in the melatonin-treated groups. Significant dose-dependent effects of melatonin were absent in the study.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates that the exogenous administration of melatonin could influence the biochemical rhythms.

Audit in the management of gliomas

A retrospective study of 139 glioma patients was conducted in an effort to audit management. Factors affecting survival were studied using a Cox Proportional Hazard Model. These factors included age, sex, location, grade, type of surgery, use of radiotherapy, presenting symptoms, Karnofsky score on admission and Karnofsky score 3 months following surgery. Lower grade, high Karnofsky score on admission, radiotherapy and frontal location were associated with better survival. There was statistically insignificant evidence that the other factors had an influence on survival. Patients presenting with a poor neurological score were treated with burrhole biopsy alone. Only 10% of these patients survived more than 6 months. On the other hand, 26% of patients who had craniotomy on the basis of reasonable clinical status lived less than 6 months. Sixty-six per cent of patients in this craniotomy group were aged 60 years or over, and 66% of those aged over 60 had a Karnofsky score of less than 70. We conclude that careful judgement is required before subjecting patients aged over 60, especially those with a low Karnofsky score, to radical therapy.

The use of placenta in a microvascular exercise

Twenty-five human placentas were studied for suitability in a microvascular exercise. The size and useful length of vessels were measured, and different microvascular anastomoses were performed. The size of the placenta vessels compared well with reported sizes of intracranial arteries. We suggest the use of placenta by neurosurgeons as complementary to experimental animals in microvascular training.