Complete Genome Sequence and Genome Analysis of Eggplant mottled dwarf virus‐Iranian Isolate

The full‐length nucleotide sequence of the Iranian isolate of Eggplant mottled dwarf virus (EMDV), a phytorhabdovirus, was determined using the random polymerase chain reaction method (rPCR) followed by PCR with specific primers to fill in the gaps. The negative‐sense RNA genome of the Iranian isolate of EMDV contains 13154 nucleotides and seven open‐reading frames (ORFs) in the order 3′‐leader‐N‐X‐P‐Y‐M‐G‐L‐trailer‐5′. These ORFs encode the nucleocapsid, X protein (of unknown function), phosphoprotein, Y protein (putative movement protein), matrix protein, glycoprotein and RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase, respectively. EMDV has a 199 nt 3′ leader RNA and a 151 nt 5′ trailer, and the ORFs are separated by conserved intergenic sequences. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that EMDV is most closely related to Potato yellow dwarf virus, which has a distinctly different geographical distribution.     

Human CD8+ EMRA T cells display a senescence‐associated secretory phenotype regulated by p38 MAPK

Cellular senescence is accompanied by a senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP). We show here that primary human senescent CD8⁺ T cells also display a SASP comprising chemokines, cytokines and extracellular matrix remodelling proteases that are unique to this subset and contribute to age‐associated inflammation. We found the CD8⁺ CD45RA⁺CD27^? EMRA subset to be the most heterogeneous, with a population aligning with the naïve T cells and another with a closer association to the effector memory subset. However, despite the differing processes that give rise to these senescent CD8⁺ T cells once generated, they both adopt a unique secretory profile with no commonality to any other subset, aligning more closely with senescence than quiescence. Furthermore, we also show that the SASP observed in senescent CD8⁺ T cells is governed by p38 MAPK signalling.     

Evaluation of anti-nociceptive,anti-inflammatory and antipyretic potential of Mikania cordata (Burm. f.) Robinson in experimental animal model

Mikania cordata is widely used for the treatment of cuts, wounds, and dengue fever in Bangladesh. In the present study, essential oil (12.5, 25 and 50?mg/kg) and two extracts, viz., chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts (200, 400, 800?mg/kg b.w.) were tested for peripheral and central anti-nociceptive activity by acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate method, respectively. Carrageenan-induced rat paw edema assay and yeast-induced hyperthermia assay were also carried out to evaluate anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties of oil and extracts, respectively at aforesaid doses. The essential oil (50?mg/kg), chloroform extract (800?mg/kg) and ethyl acetate extract (800?mg/kg) showed potent peripheral anti-nociceptive activity having 47.33%, 29.33% and 16.65% of writhing inhibition, respectively, comparable with standard diclofenac (52.0%). Essential oil (50?mg/kg), chloroform extract (800?mg/kg) and ethyl acetate extract (800?mg/kg) presented promising central anti-nociceptive activity as well having 95.86%, 79.18% and 42.37% elongation of reaction time, respectively, at 90?min after administration of essential oil, ethyl acetate extract and 60?min after administration of chloroform extract. In anti-inflammatory activity screening, the essential oil (50?mg/kg) produced the highest 72.80% edema inhibition at 4?h after administration of carrageenan which was comparable with that of standard phenylbutazoe (87.87%). On the other hand, chloroform extract (800?mg/kg) and ethyl acetate extract (800?mg/kg) showed up to 34.31% and 15.27% of edema inhibition, respectively, at 4?h after administration of carrageenan. In antipyretic assay, the essential oil and chloroform extract displayed a strong antipyretic effect in yeast-induced rats, whereas the ethyl acetate extract had no antipyretic activity. The present study revealed anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic potential of M. cordata which could be the therapeutic option against fever, inflammations as well as painful conditions and confirmed the traditional use of M. cordata.     

Evaluation of antioxidant and anticancer activities of chemical constituents of the Saururus chinensis root extracts

Evaluation of antioxidant and anticancer activities were screened by various Saururus chinensis root extracts. Four solvents (ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol, and water) extracts were investigated for their total flavonoids, phenol contents and their antioxidant activity of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), NO (nitric oxide), H₂O₂ (hydrogen peroxide), ABTS 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonicacid)diammonium assays, FRAP (ferric reducing ability of plasma) assays and anticancer activity. The total phenolic and flavonoid content of extracts were determined by using FC (Folin–Ciocalteu) and AlCl₃ colorimetric assay method. Total flavonoid content in these plants ranged from 24.7 to 72.1 mg g^?1 and amount of free phenolic compounds was between 11.2 and 67.1 mg g^?1 extract. The all extracts have significant levels of phenolics and flavonoids content. Anticancer activity was screened for MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Ethanol extract shows significant of antioxidant activity and water extract shows significant of anticancer activity compared with standard (BHT) butylated hydroxy toluene. These ethanol and water extracts could be considered as a natural source for using antioxidant, and anticancer agents compared to commercial available synthetic drugs.     

Comparative nutritional and mycochemical contents,biological activities and LC/MS screening of tuber from new recipe cultivation technique with wild type tuber of tiger’s milk mushroom of species <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lignosus rhinocerus</Emphasis>

Tiger’s milk mushroom is known for its valuable medicinal properties, especially the tuber part. However, wild tuber is very hard to obtain as it grows underground. This study first aimed to cultivate tiger’s milk mushroom tuber through a cultivation technique, and second to compare nutritional and mycochemical contents, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities and compound screening of the cultivated tuber with the wild tuber. Results showed an increase in carbohydrate content by 45.81% and protein content by 123.68% in the cultivated tuber while fat content reduced by 13.04%. Cultivated tuber also showed an increase of up to 64.21% for total flavonoid-like compounds and 62.51% of total β-d-glucan compared to the wild tuber. The antioxidant activity of cultivated tuber and wild tuber was 760 and 840 µg mL^?1, respectively. The cytotoxic activity of boiled water extract of cultivated tuber against a human lung cancer cell line (A549) was 65.50?±?2.12 µg mL^?1 and against a human breast cancer cell line (MCF7) was 19.35?±?0.11 µg mL^?1. β-d-glucan extract from the purification of boiled water extract of cultivated tuber showed cytotoxic activity at 57.78?±?2.29 µg mL^?1 against A549 and 33.50?±?1.41 µg mL^?1 against MCF7. However, the β-glucan extract from wild tuber did not show a cytotoxic effect against either the A549 or MCF7 cell lines. Also, neither of the extracts from cultivated tuber and wild tuber showed an effect against a normal cell line (MRC5). Compound profiling through by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS) showed the appearance of new compounds in the cultivated tuber. In conclusion, our cultivated tuber of tiger’s milk mushroom using a new recipe cultivation technique showed improved nutrient and bioactive compound contents, and antioxidant and cytotoxic activities compared to the wild tuber. Further investigations are required to obtain a better quality of cultivated tuber.     

High Concentration of Fluoride Can Be Increased Risk of Abortion

The presence of fluoride in drinking water can be either beneficial or harmful for human health, depending on its concentration. Most adverse effects of fluoride are observed at high concentrations (above 1.5 mg/L). This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of fluoride concentrations in drinking water on spontaneous abortion in two regions: one with low fluoride concentration and another with high fluoride concentration. The results showed that there is a relationship between the concentration of fluoride in drinking water and abortion, so that the risk of abortion increased at high concentrations of fluoride. However, further studies are needed to clarify this relationship due to the small area and population in this study.     

Gut bacteria of cockroaches are a potential source of antibacterial compound(s)

Here, we hypothesized that the microbial gut flora of animals/pests living in polluted environments, produce substances to thwart bacterial infections. The overall aim of this study was to source microbes inhabiting unusual environmental niches for potential antimicrobial activity. Two cockroach species, Gromphadorhina portentosa (Madagascar) and Blaptica dubia (Dubia) were selected. The gut bacteria from these species were isolated and grown in RPMI 1640 and conditioned media were prepared. Conditioned media were tested against a panel of Gram‐positive (Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Bacillus cereus) and Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli K1, Salmonella enterica, Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae) bacteria, as well as the protist pathogen, Acanthamoeba castellanii. The results revealed that the gut bacteria of cockroaches produce active molecule(s) with potent antibacterial properties, as well as exhibit antiamoebic effects. However, heat‐inactivation at 95°C for 10 min had no effect on conditioned media‐mediated antibacterial and antiamoebic properties. These results suggest that bacteria from novel sources i.e. from the cockroach's gut produce molecules with bactericidal as well as amoebicidal properties that can ultimately lead to the development of therapeutic drugs.

Significance and Impact of the Study

The bacteria isolated from unusual dwellings such as the cockroaches' gut are a useful source of antibacterial and antiamoebal molecules. These are remarkable findings that will open several avenues in our search for novel antimicrobials from unique sources. Furthermore studies will lead to the identification of molecules to develop future antibacterials from insects.     

Phaseolus lunatus,a New Host of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli in Iran

Common bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli (Xap) is one of the most destructive diseases limiting the production of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in Iran. The disease has previously been described on common bean and mung bean from several regions of Iran, including the central plain and south‐western provinces. In this study, lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus cv. Christmas) plants are being reported as a new natural host of Xap in East Azerbaijan and West Azerbaijan Provinces, northwestern Iran. Disease symptoms consisted initially of water‐soaked spots that progressed to irregular necrotic lesions with chlorotic margins. Infection was observed to affect up to 40% of plants in the field. Identification of the pathogen was based on the biochemical and molecular characteristics, as well as the pathogenicity tests. To our knowledge, this is the first report of X. axonopodis pv. phaseoli causing common bacterial blight on lima bean plants in Iran.     

The role of selenium in amelioration of heat-induced oxidative damage in cucumber under high temperature stress

High temperature is an environmental stress which destroys agricultural crops and inhibits their growth and productivity. The aim of current investigation was to examine the role of selenium (Se) on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cv. Sahil plant growth, physio-biochemical and yield attributes under heat stress (HS) in controlled conditions. Plants were grown under normal temperature (NT; 28/18 °C day/night) from sowing to 32 days after sowing (DAS). All plants were foliar-sprayed with Se (8 µM) at flower-initiation stage (32-DAS) and heat stress (HS; 40/30 °C day/night) was induced from 35-DAS to entire duration of the experiment (75-DAS). Data regarding growth, physio-biochemical and yield traits were measured. Heat stress decreased growth traits, total chlorophyll contents, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, photosynthesis (Pn), stomatal conductance (g _s), transpiration rate (E), antioxidant enzyme activities, membrane stability index (MSI) and yield-related attributes, while increased intercellular CO₂ (Ci), ROS production, lipid peroxidation (LPO), non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) and compatible solutes. Exogenous application of Se mitigated HS-induced injurious effects by improving growth components, Pn, g _s, E, chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, antioxidant enzyme activities, level of osmolytes, MSI and yield attributes and reducing ROS, LPO and NPQ. Selenium reversed heat-induced oxidative damage by strengthening antioxidative mechanism, which resulted in higher scavenging of ROS, thereby minimizing LPO. It is suggested that Se-induced improvement in Pn, growth and productivity associated traits under HS is linked with enhanced antioxidant activities and osmolytes accumulation. In addition, Se applied at flower initiation is highly effective in alleviating heat damage in cucumber.