Search Results (55)

Protoplast-based transformation is a vital tool for genetic studies in fungi, yet no protoplast method existed for P. sclerotiorum-scaumcx01 before this study. Here, we optimized protoplast isolation, regeneration, and transformation efficiency. The highest protoplast yield (6.72 × 10⁶ cells/mL) was obtained from liquid mycelium after 12 h of enzymatic digestion at 28 °C using Lysing Enzymes, Yatalase, cellulase, and pectinase. Among osmotic stabilizers, 1 M MgSO₄ yielded the most viable protoplasts. Regeneration occurred via direct mycelial outgrowth and new protoplast formation, with a 1.02% regeneration rate. PEG-mediated transformation with a hygromycin resistance gene and GFP tagging resulted in stable GFP expression in fungal spores and mycelium over five generations. LC/MS-based metabolomic analysis revealed significant changes in glycerophospholipid metabolism, indicating lipid-related dynamics influenced by GFP tagging. Microscopy confirmed successful colonization of tomato roots by GFP-tagged scaumcx01, with GFP fluorescence observed in cortical tissues. Enzymatic (cellulase) seed pretreatment enhanced fungal colonization by modifying root surface properties, promoting plant–fungal interaction. This study establishes an efficient protoplast transformation system, reveals the metabolic impacts of genetic modifications, and demonstrates the potential of enzymatic seed treatment for enhancing plant–fungal interactions. Full article

Flash floods pose a significant threat to Bangladesh; in particular, on 20 August 2024, the Feni district experienced a major flash flood, affecting more than 550,000 people and causing widespread damage. To effectively mitigate the impacts of flash floods, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive flash flood vulnerability assessment, incorporating multiple triggering factors. This study aims to assess flash flood vulnerability in the Feni District through a unique approach, integrating various dimensions of vulnerability. The study utilizes a geospatial methodology, employing the formula of vulnerability developed by UNESCO-IHE. Four dimensions of vulnerability were analyzed: social, physical, economic, and environmental. For each dimension, specific variables were selected to assess exposure, susceptibility, and resilience. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to assign weights to these variables. The geospatial layers of influencing vulnerability factors were integrated together to create flash flood vulnerability maps of four dimensions. These were then overlaid to generate a composite flash flood vulnerability map. The analysis revealed a distinct spatial distribution of vulnerability across Feni District. In terms of environmental vulnerability due to flash flood, about 14% of the total area falls into the very highly vulnerable zone, whereas 13%, 8% and 5% of the study area were found to be very highly vulnerable regarding social, economic and physical aspects, respectively. The composite flash flood vulnerability map identified key vulnerability hotspots, with the most vulnerable unions (the smallest administrative unit in Bangladesh) being Feni Pourashava (68% very high), Sonagazi Paurashava (40% very high), and Nawabpur (32% very high), while the least vulnerable areas were Jailashkara (58% very low), Anandapur (81% very low), and Darbarpur (82% very low). The results show that the Feni District’s flash flood susceptibility varies significantly throughout the region, which provide crucial insights for policymakers and local authorities in order to identify vulnerability hotspots, prioritize interventions in vulnerable areas, enhance flash flood resilience, and implement adaptive strategies. Full article

A 6-carbon short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), GenX, also known as hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) and its ammonium salt, has been manufactured in recent years as a replacement for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a traditional long-chain PFAS, due to the increasing environmental regulation of PFAS compounds in recent years. GenX has received significant attention because of the fact that it is more toxic than people originally thought, and it is now one of the six PFAS compounds that are placed under legally enforceable restrictions in drinking water, i.e., 10 ppt, by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). In this research, we extended the use of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers from electrospinning for GenX removal from water by coating them with polyaniline (PANI) through in situ polymerization. The obtained PANI-coated electrospun PAN nanofibrous adsorbent (PANI-ESPAN) demonstrated excellent GenX adsorption capability and could remove nearly all GenX (>98%) from a 100 ppb aqueous solution. This research provided valuable insights into short-chain PFAS remediation from water by designing and developing high-performance adsorbent materials. Full article

The human retroviruses HIV and HTLV-1/HTLV-2 are transmitted through similar pathways but result in markedly different diseases. This review delineates the immune-mediated mechanisms by which HTLVs influence HIV pathology in co-infected individuals. In the context of HIV co-infection, HTLV-1/HTLV-2 alter the cellular microenvironment to enhance their own survival while simultaneously impeding the progression of HIV. Despite the extensive body of literature on the biological and clinical implications of retroviral co-infections, decades of research have been marred by controversy due to several flawed epidemiological studies and anecdotal reports lacking robust statistical and scientific backing. Nevertheless, recent systematic and well-designed research has led to a growing consensus supporting at least three key conclusions: (1) co-infections of HIV-1 and HTLV-1 are frequently observed in patients with elevated CD4⁺ T-cell counts who present with lymphoma or neurological complications; (2) HIV-1 and HTLV-2 co-infections have been associated in some instances with a “long-term non-progressor” phenotype; (3) the differential function and/or overexpression of the HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 Tax proteins are likely crucial in the clinical and immunologic outcomes of HIV/HTLV-1 and -2 co-infections. The present review will provide a comprehensive account of research on retroviral co-infections, focusing particularly on their clinical manifestations and associated pathological features. Full article

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced pancreatic injury (ICI-PI) is a rare immunotoxicity, with limited data on treatment and long-term outcomes. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched for studies reporting ICI-PI in patients with solid malignancies. ICI-PI was defined as pancreatic inflammation post-ICI exposure, diagnosed via radiologic changes or elevated lipase/amylase levels without other underlying causes. The CTCAE grading system was used. The primary objectives were to assess the frequency, severity, serum abnormalities, management, and long-term outcomes. We conducted a proportional single-arm meta-analysis with a random effects model. Results: The analysis included 25 retrospective studies involving 48,704 patients. Tumor types included thoracic/head and neck (38%), skin (26%), genitourinary/gynecological (18%), gastrointestinal (12%), and others (6%). The median age ranged from 56 to 73 years, with a follow-up from 2.5 to 45.9 months. ICI-PI occurred in 3.60% (95% CI: 1.64–6.28%) of patients, with grade ≥ 3 toxicity in 59.45% (95% CI: 35.32–81.37%). The frequency rates of ICI-PI were 1.99% for CTLA4 inhibitors, 5.01% for PD(L)1 inhibitors, and 7.44% for combination ICI therapy (p < 0.01). The median time to onset from treatment initiation ranged from 30 to 390 days, and symptom resolution ranged from 55 to 84 days. Management included corticosteroids (30.20%), intravenous fluids (22.82%), and hospitalization (30.46%). Chronic complications affected 63.54% (95% CI: 29.03–91.56%), including primarily diabetes mellitus (DM 89.45%; 95% CI: 61.88–100.0%) and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI 10.55%; 95%: 0.0–38.12%). ICI-PI recurrence occurred in 27.2% of those resuming ICI therapy. The objective response rate was 61.7% (95% CI: 55.08–68.17%). Conclusions: ICI-PI, though infrequent, is severe and predisposes patients to chronic complications, including DM and EPI. Full article

The plant microbiome, found in the rhizosphere, phyllosphere, and endosphere, is essential for nutrient acquisition, stress tolerance, and the overall health of plants. This review aims to update our knowledge of and critically discuss the diversity and functional roles of the rice microbiome, as well as microbiome engineering strategies to enhance biofertilization and stress resilience. Rice hosts various microorganisms that affect nutrient cycling, growth promotion, and resistance to stresses. Microorganisms carry out these functions through nitrogen fixation, phytohormone and metabolite production, enhanced nutrient solubilization and uptake, and regulation of host gene expression. Recent research on molecular biology has elucidated the complex interactions within rice microbiomes and the signalling mechanisms that establish beneficial microbial communities, which are crucial for sustainable rice production and environmental health. Crucial factors for the successful commercialization of microbial agents in rice production include soil properties, practical environmental field conditions, and plant genotype. Advances in microbiome engineering, from traditional inoculants to synthetic biology, optimize nutrient availability and enhance resilience to abiotic stresses like drought. Climate change intensifies these challenges, but microbiome innovations and microbiome-shaping genes (M genes) offer promising solutions for crop resilience. This review also discusses the environmental and agronomic implications of microbiome engineering, emphasizing the need for further exploration of M genes for breeding disease resistance traits. Ultimately, we provide an update to the current findings on microbiome engineering in rice, highlighting pathways to enhance crop productivity sustainably while minimizing environmental impacts. Full article

Mikania micrantha, one of the world’s most destructive invasive species, is known for causing significant ecological and economic harm. While extensive research has focused on its growth characteristics, secondary metabolites, and control measures, its chemical interactions with the environment—particularly the role of flavonoids in shaping soil microbial communities—remain underexplored. In this study, we identified and quantified ten flavonoids from M. micrantha root exudates using UPLC-MS, including Hispidulin, Isorhamnetin, and Mikanin. To examine their impact, crude flavonoid extracts were applied to soil in potted experiments, which demonstrated that these compounds significantly increased soil fungal diversity and boosted the relative abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Furthermore, KEGG pathway analysis revealed that flavonoid addition elevated the copy numbers of genes involved in nitrogen cycling and metabolic functions, enhancing nutrient availability and microbial activity. Additionally, crude flavonoid extracts promoted the relative abundance of beneficial soil bacteria, such as Achromobacter, as well as AMF, both of which contribute to nutrient acquisition, plant growth, and soil health. These findings indicate that M. micrantha’s flavonoids can alter soil microbial community composition, thereby creating a favorable environment that reinforces its competitive edge over native plants. Full article

Dengue fever is currently a major global issue, especially in tropical and subtropical countries. The absence of specific antiviral medications supports alternative dengue treatment strategies. South Asian countries have been using Carica papaya leaves as a traditional remedy for dengue for many years. Carica papaya possesses several biological features, including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, cancer-fighting, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant qualities. Additionally, numerous studies have demonstrated that bioactive compounds found in papaya leaf extracts, including carpaine, dehydrocarpaine I and II, chymopapain, and papain, significantly influence platelet counts, while phenolic compounds, such as chlorogenic acid, kaemferol, protocatechuic acid, quercetin, and 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin significantly inhibit viral replication in dengue patients, with negligible side effects. Carica papaya may be considered a viable pharmacological candidate with several targets for treating dengue. It has been shown to prevent infections, reduce oxidative stress, control cytokine storms and the immune system, lessen thrombocytopenia, and increase the body’s protein and hemoglobin levels. This literature review highlights the pathophysiological mechanism of dengue, as well as the pharmacological action of Carica papaya, both of which combat this debilitating disease. Despite these findings, additional investigation, including clinical studies, is necessary to confirm the effectiveness and safety of papaya-based treatments. It is necessary to address issues like standardizing papaya extracts, figuring out the best dosages, and assessing any drug interactions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cerebral palsy (CP) affects a substantial number of children, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as Bangladesh. Maternal health literacy is critical to the health and well-being of children with CP, particularly in low-resource settings. In this study, we sought to assess how the mPower (mother’s power) community-based intervention impacted mothers’ CP-specific knowledge, as well as their utilization of rehabilitation services in rural Bangladesh. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted with a group of mothers of children with CP, formed through the ongoing initiatives of the Bangladesh CP Register in rural Bangladesh. A pre-post-intervention comparison method was used to assess the outcomes of the intervention. Results: Mothers who participated in over two-thirds of the mPower sessions demonstrated a significant increase in CP-related knowledge (75.5% vs. 63.6%, p = 0.04). Additionally, mothers who attended two-thirds of the mPower sessions utilized rehabilitation services more often compared to those who attended fewer sessions (55.3% vs. 22.6%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The mPower intervention successfully improved health literacy and likely increased rehabilitation service utilization among mothers of children with CP in rural Bangladesh. Full article

Combinations of metal disinfectants (i.e., silver and copper) with chlorine in doses that meet the World Health Organization guidelines for drinking water operate synergistically to provide superior drinking water disinfection across a wide range of pathogens. Moreover, the combination of disinfectants allows for lower chlorine levels and a less objectionable taste and odor to the treated water (some people can taste or smell chlorine at concentrations as low as 300 μg/L). Towards chlorine-releasing materials for combination with silver- or copper-releasing materials in point-of-use water disinfection, N-chloramine containing polymer gels were developed and their potential for E. coli bacteria inactivation was assessed in deionized water that contained salts to simulate groundwater. Following the chlorination of gels containing chloramine precursors, these gels capably inactivated E. coli, achieving log₁₀ reductions—depending on the gel mass—ranging from 1.1 to 4.5. While chlorine released from the gels was not spectroscopically detected, free chlorine solutions inactivated E. coli in a concentration-dependent way, with 5 and 20 μg/L Cl₂ yielding log₁₀ reductions of 0.43 and 1.69, respectively, suggesting that low levels of chlorine, below both the limit of detection of spectroscopic assays (ca. 40 μg/L Cl₂) and levels known to create adverse taste and smell, are sufficient to inactivate bacteria. Unchlorinated gels or chlorinated control styrene gels (without chloramine precursor) did not inactivate bacteria, suggesting that disinfection did not come from the precursor or from chlorine trapped in the gels after chlorination. In addition, these gels were evaluated together with the MadiDrop (MD, a commercial silver-ceramic tablet) and a copper screen that release silver and copper disinfectants, respectively. Combinations of the gel and MD produced E. coli inactivation close to 2-log₁₀ reduction, with the combination, gels alone, and MD alone achieving 1.86-, 1.10-, and 0.69-log₁₀ reduction, respectively. When the gels were combined with the copper screen, however, neither an increase nor a decrease in bacterial reduction was observed compared to that achieved with the gels alone. The laboratory results in this study are promising and suggest the potential for chloramine-functionalized gels to serve as an alternative to existing commercial chlorine-based POU technologies and in combination with silver-based POU technologies. Full article

Soil acidity is a divesting factor that restricts crop growth and productivity. Conversely, silicon nanomaterials (Si-NMs) have been praised as a blessing of modern agricultural intensification by overcoming the ecological barrier. Here, we performed a sequential study from seed germination to the yield performance of mustard (Brassica campestris) crops under acid-stressed conditions. The results showed that Si-NMs significantly improved seed germination and seedling growth under acid stress situations. These might be associated with increased antioxidant activity and the preserve ratio of GSH/GSSG and AsA/DHA, which is restricted by soil acidity. Moreover, Si-NMs in field regimes significantly diminished the acid-stress-induced growth inhibitions, as evidenced by increased net photosynthesis and biomass accumulations. Again, Si-NMs triggered all the critical metrics of crop productivity, including the seed oil content. Additionally, Si-NMs, upon dolomite supplementation, further triggered all the metrics of yields related to farming resilience. Therefore, the present study highlighted the crucial roles of Si-NMs in sustainable agricultural expansion and cropping intensification, especially in areas affected by soil acidity. Full article

Sandbars are an integral part of the alluvial river’s geophysical system due to these rivers’ wide sediment availability and varied transport capacity. The sandbars’ evolution and translation considerably influence the stability of the riverbank. However, while designing the riverbank protection structures (RBPS), the impact of such sandbars is often overlooked, as the evolution of such bars is quite uncertain in terms of location, amplitude, and translation. This study evaluates the localized impact of sandbars on bank protection structures in two types of alluvial rivers: meandering (Ganges) and braided (Brahmaputra-Jamuna), utilizing time series satellite images, hydraulic characteristics, and numerical modeling. We found that sandbar development initiates width adjustment in both meandering and braided rivers when the ratio of width to depth surpasses 90. In the case of meandering rivers, riverbank erosion mostly occurs as a result of the presence of alternate bars or point bars. Sandbars in a meandering river (Ganges) can lead to an approximate 18% increase in flow depth. The depth-averaged velocity is anticipated to rise by approximately 29%, and the tractive force may increase by a factor of 1.6. On the other hand, the braided river (the Brahmaputra-Jamuna) underwent significant bank erosion due to the presence of both free unit and hybrid types of bars. In such rivers, the depth of the flow may experience a notable increase of 18%, while the depth-averaged velocity undergoes an approximate increase of 50%, and the tractive force has the potential to grow by a factor of 5.3. Consequently, we recommend allowing the natural evolution of sandbars while preserving the riverbank (where needed only) through RBPS, considering these additional loads. Full article

Many naturally occurring chemical metabolites with significant cytotoxic activities have been isolated from medicinal plants and have become the leading hotspot of anti-cancer research in recent years. Hyptis rhomboidea Mart. et Gal is used as a folk medicine in South China to treat or assist in the treatment of liver disease, ulcers, and edema. But its chemical constituents have not been fully investigated yet. This study aimed to assess the cytotoxicity of H. rhomboidea, which was chemically characterized by chromatography–mass spectrometry methods. The results showed that the 95% ethanol extract of H. rhomboidea has marked inhibitory effects on five human cancer cell lines (HL-60, A549, SMMC-7721, MDA-MB-231, and SW480), with IC₅₀ values ranging from 15.8 to 40.0 μg/mL. A total of 64 compounds were identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) and gas chromatograph–mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis of H. rhomboidea crude extract. Among them, kaempferol, quercetin, rosmarinic acid, squalene, and campesterol were found to be abundant and might be the major metabolites involved to its bioactivity. The cytotoxic characterization and metabolite profiling of H. rhomboidea displayed in this research provides scientific evidence to support its use as medicinal properties. Full article

Agroforestry production systems have shown growing adoption in Bangladesh, offering ecological and economic benefits in the face of climate change. This study investigates the scale of agroforestry adoption, investment returns, factors influencing uptake, and challenges faced by farmers. Using a multistage random sample of 340 respondents, we find that while 75% of farmers are aware of agroforestry, adoption remains limited. Our analysis focuses on specific tree–crop combinations favored by farmers as agroforestry practices. The results demonstrate that, in cropland agroforestry, Eucalyptus tree with rice (69.05% adoption rate) is predominant, while homestead/orchard system agroforestry favors mango tree intercropped with potato (73.33%). Financial and investment analyses using Benefit–Cost Ratio (BCR), Net Present Value (NPV), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) prove that agroforestry is a more favorable alternative for farmers considering adoption, as it provides superior BCR, NPV, and IRR. For example, litchi-based agroforestry systems with vegetables like brinjal (eggplant), potato, and chilies offer higher NPVs (19.00, 19.73, and 18.46, respectively) and IRRs (54.45, 68.00, and 47.19, respectively) compared to monocropping where NPV was 14.38. A binary logistic model reveals that larger farm sizes, younger respondents, higher education levels, training experiences, more frequent extension visits, and improved market access positively influence agroforestry adoption. The study also identifies key challenges for farmers using the Problem Facing Index (PFI). The most significant obstacles include lack of training facilities (PFI-894), shortage of skilled labor (PFI-687), and insufficient technical expertise (PFI-647). Therefore, to promote wider adoption, targeted training programs that address the identified challenges are crucial. It will empower farmers to reap the tangible benefits of agroforestry as a sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practice. Full article

Salinity and metal stress are significant abiotic factors that negatively influence plant growth and development. These factors lead to diminished agricultural yields on a global scale. Organic amendments have emerged as a potential solution for mitigating the adverse effects of salinity and metal stress on plants. When plants experience these stresses, they produce reactive oxygen species, which can impair protein synthesis and damage cellular membranes. Organic amendments, including biochar, vermicompost, green manure, and farmyard manure, have been shown to facilitate soil nitrogen uptake, an essential component for protein synthesis, and enhance various plant processes such as metabolism, protein accumulation, and antioxidant activities. Researchers have observed that the application of organic amendments improves plant stress tolerance, plant growth, and yield. They achieve this by altering the plant’s ionic balance, enhancing the photosynthetic machinery, boosting antioxidant systems, and reducing oxidative damage. The potential of organic amendments to deal effectively with high salinity and metal concentrations in the soil is gaining increased attention and is becoming an increasingly popular practice in the field of agriculture. This review aims to provide insights into methods for treating soils contaminated with salinity and heavy metals by manipulating their bioavailability through the use of various soil amendments. Full article