Category Archives: b_original_articles

Ling Li¹*, Biyan Zhang¹, Dong Li¹, Yunhui Yu¹, Fei Yang¹, Minjie Zhang¹, Zijun Chen^3, Yunsen Li², Yu Cao¹

¹Suzhou Pharmavan Co., Ltd, Suzhou, People’s Republic of China

²School of Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, People’s Republic of China

³School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China

*Corresponding author’s email: pharmanal@pharmavan.cn

Received: 12 September 2024 / Accepted: 10 December 2024 / Published Online: 23 January 2025

Abstract

With societal advancements, improved living standards, and an increased focus on product safety, cosmetics with natural ingredients have gained substantial public interest. Isodonis Japonicus (Isodon amethystoides (Benth.) H. Hara), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, exhibits a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. The leaves and stalks of Isodonis Japonicus (XCC), effectively inhibit the proliferation of C. acnes, thereby contributing to the balance of skin microecology. QPCR and ELISA results indicate significant suppression of the secretion of inflammatory factors by XCC. Additionally, XCC mitigates free radical damage through the downregulation of ROS expression and exhibits soothing and anti-allergic properties by lowering mast cell counts, as well as IgE expression, pruritus, and ear swelling. These results indicate that XCC possesses remarkable antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-allergy properties. In conclusion, this study comprehensively investigates the pharmacological activities of XCC from multiple perspectives, elucidating its potential applications in skincare and the treatment of skin diseases.

Keywords: XCC extract, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-allergy, Antioxidant

Madina Kumarbayeva*, Alma Kokhmetova*, Zhenis Keishilov, Ardak Bolatbekova, Assiya Kokhmetova, Kanat Mukhametzhanov, Kanat Bakhytuly

Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan

*Corresponding author’s emails: madina_kumar90@mail.ru; akokhmetova@gmail.com

Received: 10 September 2024 / Accepted: 26 November 2024 / Published Online: 23 January 2025

Abstract

Leaf rust is one of the most prevalent and harmful wheat diseases in the world. Wheat leaf rust is best controlled over the sustainable development of genetic resistance, which requires thorough testing via field trials and marker-assisted selection. In this research, we studied sixty wheat genotypes to assess their resistance to foliage rust over two growing seasons: 2019/2020 and 2020/2021. The adult plant resistance (APR) severity and the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) were calculated for each wheat entry studied. The results of molecular screening showed that five Lr genes, namely, Lr19, Lr24, Lr34, Lr50, and Lr68, both independently and in combination, were identified in 25 wheat genotypes. The genes Lr24 (8.3%), Lr37 (6.7%) and Lr50 (25%) were characterized by the highest frequency of occurrence. Five genotypes were identified as carriers of two Lr resistance genes: CP_13 (Lr19 and Lr68), CP_21 and CP_22 (Lr24 and Lr50), CP_21 and 388_SP2 (Lr50 and Lr68). These genotypes may be used to introduce Lr genes into Kazakhstani wheat cultivars acclimating to leaf rust, since most showed high to moderate resistance to the disease in mature plants. Principal component analysis (PCA) biplots demonstrated the strong correlation between each spike productivity attribute. The study’s sources of leaf rust resistance may be leveraged to improve resistance to leaf rust in Kazakhstani and other relevant international wheat breeding programs.

Keywords: Wheat, Leaf rust, Puccinia triticina, Molecular markers, Lr genes

Patcharapun Wanitsumran¹, Det Wattanachaiyingcharoen², Apichat Vitta^3,4, Anan Kenthao^1,3 , Prattana Lopin^1,3 , Wandee Wattanachaiyingcharoen^1,3*

¹ Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand

² Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment,

Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand

³ Center of Excellence for Biodiversity, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand

⁴ Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand

*Corresponding author’s email: wandeew@nu.ac.th

Received: 28 June 2024 / Accepted: 02 December 2024 / Published Online: 23 January 2025

Abstract

Golden apple snails (Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck, 1822)) and giant African snails (Achatina fulica (Bowdich, 1822)) are among the most harmful invasive species that have spread across Thailand and numerous other countries. This study investigated the biochemical changes in these snails after infection by indigenous Thai entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). Five indigenous EPN isolates were used: Heterorhabditis indica (eAUT13.2_TH), H. bacteriophora (eALN18.2_TH), Steinernema lamjungense (eALN11.5_TH), S. siamkayai (eAPL10.3_TH), and S. surkhetense (eALN6.3_TH). Two-, three-, and four-month-old golden apple snails and three- and five-month-old giant African snails were infected with the EPNs at a density of 300 IJs/1.0 ml per snail. Biochemical analyses was conducted at 12 hours, 24 hours, and ten days after infection to assess the impact of EPNs on the snails’ biochemistry. The results revealed significant changes in biochemical parameters after infection. After 12 and 24 hours, the average concentrations of total protein and uric acid decreased, while AST (Aspartate Transaminase) and ALT (Alanine Transaminase) levels increased. Furthermore, after ten days, AST and ALT concentrations continued to increase, while total protein and uric acid levels further declined. All tests indicated statistically significant differences between the control and infected groups. These findings demonstrate that EPN infections can significantly affect biochemical parameters in non-primary host snails, ultimately leading to the death of the infected snails.

Keywords: Pomacea canaliculata, Achatina fulica,Biochemical alteration, Mollusk pests

Yan Ji Teoh^1,2, Wan Hee Cheng^1,2*, Walton Wider^3,4, Kumar Krishnan^1,2, Chee Kong Yap⁵, Qijin Chen⁶, Leilei Jiang⁶, Thomas Man Tat Lei⁷, Tawatchai Tanee^8,9, Runglawan Sudmoon¹⁰, Shiou Yih Lee^1,2

¹Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, INTI International University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

²Center for Health, Well-being, and Environmental Sustainability, INTI International University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

³Faculty of Business and Communications, INTI International University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

⁴Department of Applied Economic Sciences, Wekerle Sandor Uzleti Foiskola, Budapest, Hungary

⁵Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

⁶Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts, INTI International University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

⁷Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph, Macau, 999078, China

⁸Faculty of Environmental and Resource Studies, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham 44150, Thailand

⁹One Health Research Unit, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand

¹⁰Faculty of Law, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand

*Corresponding author’s email: wanhee.cheng@newinti.edu.my

Received: 05 September 2024 / Accepted: 29 November 2024 / Published Online: 23 January 2025

Abstract

This current study assessed the toxicity of selected heavy metals in paddy and sediments of non-major production sites in Southern Peninsular Malaysia, complemented by bibliometric analysis of research trends and health implications of rice contamination. Paddy (grains, stems, roots) and soil samples were collected from seven selected sites in the Southern parts of Peninsular Malaysia and analyzed for their heavy metals content. The health risk assessments were conducted based on estimated daily intake, and the Web of Science database was used for bibliometric analysis. The results indicated elevated levels of manganese, Mn (0.4 ± 0.07), especially in the roots, compared to other heavy metals. Generally, the heavy metal levels in paddy grains were below FAO/WHO’s tolerable daily intake levels, indicating minimal non-carcinogenic risks to both adults and children. The bibliometric analysis indicated a significant increase in related publications, reflecting growing academic interest. This study highlights the potential of non-major sites to produce rice with lower contamination levels, provides insights into research trends, and identifies future investigation areas, especially for major production sites and post-COVID-19 periods. Therefore, this study offers a robust scientific context, identifies research gaps, benchmarks findings, and guides future research directions, ensuring an in-depth perception on heavy metal contamination and its health risks.

Keywords: Heavy metals risk assessment, ICP-MS, Bibliometric analysis, Rice contamination, Human health

Mahwish Raza¹*, Farid Asif Shaheen¹, Asim Gulzar¹, Muhammad Sheeraz Ahmad², Ambreen Maqsood³

¹Department of Entomology, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

²Department of Biochemistry, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

³Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

*Corresponding author’s email: mahwishraza1214@gmail.com

Received: 12 June 2024 / Accepted: 05 December 2024 / Published Online: 23 January 2025

Abstract

The saw-toothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) is one of the most destructive pests known to target foods that are stored. Due to cosmopolitan nature, it is practically certain to be present in any stored food. Excessive application of chemicals can interfere with natural pest control systems by developing resistance and requiring the use of stronger or higher concentrations of the chemicals. The present research was carried out to find a safe and environmentally sustainable substitute for synthetic insecticides to manage saw-toothed grain beetle. Entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae for suppressing the saw-toothed grain beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis was investigated by using varied fungal concentrations viz. 1×10⁴, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁸, 1×10¹⁰ and 1×10¹² spores/ml in stored split chickpea. Findings of this study have shown that fewer F₁ adults appeared in split chickpea when the highest concentration of B. bassiana was applied as compared to M. anisopliae. Less inhibition percentage of saw-toothed grain beetle adults being found when B. bassiana was applied. Weight loss was more in split chickpea when treated with lowest concentration of B. bassiana.  Adult saw-toothed grain beetles were found to be more susceptible towards M. anisopliae as compared to B. bassiana.  The concentration of 1×10¹² spores per ml of B. bassiana and M. anisopliae are suggested for management of O. surinamensis in stored split chickpea.

Keywords: Oryzaephilus surinamensis, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Entomopathogenic, Fungi, Split chickpea

Marzouqah Almudayni¹, Raghad Aljohani¹, Sahar Khateeb¹*, Mody Albalawi¹, Kouther Alharthany¹, Noha Hamed²

¹Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia

²Nuclear Research Centre, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt

*Corresponding author’s email: skhateeb@ut.edu.sa

Received: 14 October 2024 / Accepted: 26 November 2024 / Published Online: 13 January 2025

Abstract

Radiation-related toxicity is a major concern for certain tissues and organs in radiation oncology practice. In abdominal tumor radiation treatment, the pancreas is particularly sensitive to radiation and should be considered at risk. The primary causes of acute pancreatitis after exposure to gamma radiation are oxidative damage and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of matcha silver nanoparticles (M-AgNPs) in mitigating oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by gamma radiation in the pancreas of female rats. Rats were exposed to 6 Gy of gamma radiation and subsequently administered an oral treatment with matcha (M) or M-AgNPs (10 ml/kg/day) for 14 days. We examined apoptotic markers such as caspase 3, B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2), and B-cell lymphoma-2-associated protein X (BAX) to evaluate their impact on cell survival. Additionally, the study investigated the modulation of antioxidants, glutathione S-transferases (GST), and malondialdehyde (MDA). The findings indicated that the administration of M-AgNPs for two weeks post-radiation exposure is more efficacious in diminishing lipid peroxidation and suppressing apoptotic indicators compared to conventional M treatments. M-AgNPs significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the elevation of MDA and demonstrated a considerable (p < 0.05) increase in GST. Moreover, it exhibited a markedly elevated level (p < 0.05) of BCL-2 and a significantly decreased level of Bax and caspase-3 (p < 0.05) in comparison to irradiated rats. The results of the histopathological investigations showed a notable enhancement in the histological characteristics of pancreatic tissue. In conclusion, the finding indicated that the AgNPs synthesized from matcha could potentially mitigate the adverse effects of radiation exposure. Further investigation is required to elucidate specific molecular pathways and their long-term consequences.

Keywords: Gamma radiation, Matcha, Silver nanoparticles, Oxidative stress, Apoptosis, Pancreas

Mohsen A. Khormi¹, Mohammed A. Alfattah¹, Mabrouk A. Abo-Zaid¹, Saif Elden B. Abdalla², A. El-Shabasy^1*

¹Department of Biology, College of Science, Jazan University, P.O. Box 114, Jazan 45142, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

²College of Medical Laboratory Science, Jazan University, P.O. Box 114, Jazan 45142, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

*Corresponding author’s email: ael-shabasy@jazanu.edu.sa

Received: 09 August 2024 / Accepted: 27 December 2024 / Published Online: 13 January 2025

Abstract

The current study is to highlight the effect of natural phyto-product as Moringa oleifera Lam. oil and another artificial insecticide as cypermethrin on efficiency of two different organs of male rats related to different systems; testes and livers. The study utilized probit analysis to determine sub-lethal and lethal doses. Twenty-four male rats were divided into four experimental groups; G1: controlled group, G2 exposed to cypermethrin (CYP), G3 exposed to combination between Moringa oleifera Lam. oil and cypermethrin. G4 treated with moringa oil only. The biochemical analyses were performed as plasma glucose, total protein and albumin levels. ANOVA test besides histological features examined the parenchyma of both studied organs. Cypermethrin had detrimental effects on rats, leading to elevated serum glucose levels, reduced levels of total protein and albumin besides histopathological alterations observed in both studied organs. The molecular docking analysis of a specific testicular protein expressed the high affinity with Cypermethrin active bonds. The findings confirmed on the need of using natural products to overcome the spread of artificial chemicals in our environments.

Keywords: Insecticide, Medicinal plant, Edema, Hemorrhage, Histology, Toxicity, Anticancer

Wasba Sarfraz¹, Maria Khalid², Awais Rasheed¹, Tariq Mahmood^1*

¹Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan

²Atta-ur-Rehman School of Biological Sciences (ASAB), National University of Science & Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan

*Corresponding author’s email: tmahmood@qau.edu.pk

Received: 27 December 2023 / Accepted: 10 July 2024 / Published Online: 13 January 2025

Abstract

Rapid change in global environmental conditions will increase the severity of salinity and drought stresses. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major staple crop worldwide and its production is affected by these two major abiotic stresses. Use of breeding and transgenic techniques facilitated the development of tolerant varieties able to withstand in drought and saline environments. This work investigated the role of Solanum lycopersicum proteinase inhibitor II (PI-II), SlPI-II, gene for mounting tolerance under salinity and drought stress in transgenic wheat. Significant increase of 6.41-fold (TL1) was observed in transgenic plants at 1 day post 100m NaCl treatment. A gradual increase in the expression was observed at 200 mM NaCl treatment. At 300mM treatment, 3.78-fold (TL5) increase in the expression level was recorded. The maximum fold change of 5.01 and 3.99 was observed in 6 days post treatment at 100 mM and 200 mM in TL1, respectively. The extended saline treatment (14 days post treatment) in transgenic lines resulted the higher SlPI-II induction than control wheat plants which showed the efficacy of this gene in salinity tolerance. SlPI-II expression in 15% PEG treated plants showed transcript up to 7.31 fold increase during 1 day post treatment, while at 25% PEG transgene expression ranged from 3.45 to 2.27 fold increase. Conclusively, the role of SlPI-II gene in drought tolerance was due to sustained transcript increment during PEG treatment. We demonstrated that modern day transgenic approaches utilizing plant-based proteinase inhibitors will provide the new opportunities for the development of tolerant varieties in future.

Keywords: Wheat, NaCl, Proteinase inhibitor, Transgenic wheat, PEG6000

Thi Thuy Tien Nguyen¹*, Hien Trang Nguyen¹, Thanh Long Le ¹, Thy Dan Huyen Nguyen¹

¹Department of Engineering and Food Technology, University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University, Hue, Thua Thien Hue, 530000, Vietnam

Abstract

Forty-eight Streptomyces strains were screened for antifungal activities against P. digitatum P2 and P. italicum I6 isolated from oranges infected with green mold and blue mold diseases, respectively, using the dual culture method. Among 48 screened strains of Streptomyces, S. murinus NARZ showed the strongest activity by completely inhibiting the growth of both pathogens. The antifungal activities of S. murinus NARZ were evaluated based on the percentage inhibition of radial growth (PIRG, %) using culture filtrate (CF) and ethyl acetate crude extract. The EC₅₀ values of the 7-day S. murinus CF were 13.25% and 33.72% against P. digitatum P2 and P. italicum I6, respectively. The EC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ values of the crude extract were 45.03 µg/mL and 193.15 µg/mL for P. digitatum P2, and 68.25 µg/mL and 295.60 µg/mL for P. italicum I6, respectively. Notably, out of the six International Streptomyces Project Media (ISP2, ISP3, ISP4, ISP4G, ISP4Y, and ISP8), ISP3 medium was optimal for S. murinus NARZ cultivation to produce antifungal metabolites, with 50% CF yielding 100% inhibition against both Penicillium pathogens. Furthermore, the CF had notable thermal resistance; the PIRGs decreased from 100% to 74.22% for P. digitatum P2 and to 64.59% for P. italicum P6 after treatment at 121°C for 15 min. The tests showed that oranges sprayed with 100% CF of S. murinus NARZ remained symptom-free of blue and green mold diseases after a seven-day incubation following artificial inoculation with Penicillium species. This study highlights the potential of Streptomyces strains, particularly S. murinus NARZ, as effective biocontrol agents against postharvest fungal diseases in oranges.

Keywords: Antifungal activities, Biocontrol, Postharvest diseases, Penicillium, Streptomyces murinus

Piangpassorn Kowwilaisang, Montinee Teerarak*, Chamroon Laosinwattana

School of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, 10520, Thailand

Abstract

Plant essential oils have limited water solubility, for which problem oil-in-water emulsions provide a good solution. The aim of this work was to prepare a ginger essential oil (Zingiber officinale Rosc.; GEO) coarse emulsion, microemulsion, and nanoemulsion all with the same formula, determine their characteristics, and compare their antioxidant activities and utility as holding solutions for Davallia fronds. A coarse emulsion was firstly formed by a magnetic stirrer of GEO with a 1:2 by weight mixture of Tween 20 and Span 20 at weight ratio of 1:8, respectively. The coarse emulsion droplets (810.0 nm) were then broken by sonication and high-pressure homogenization to create the microemulsion (426.1 nm) and nanoemulsion (76.4 nm), respectively. The three emulsions exhibited V-potential values more negative than -30 mV, indicating them to be stable. All three emulsions demonstrated DPPH^• and ABTS^•+ free radical scavenging capacities significantly higher than those of GEO in ethanol. Meanwhile, the nanoemulsion significantly improved the Fe²⁺ chelating effect Finally, in a bioefficacy experiment with Davallia fronds, both the microemulsion at concentrations of 5 and 10 mg/mL and the coarse emulsion at 10 mg/mL were found to extend frond vase life. The nanoemulsion demonstrated superior frond longevity at low concentration (5 mg/mL), but at higher concentration (10 mg/mL), vase life and leaf chlorophyll were not improved and malondialdehyde formation increased. Based on the current investigation, emulsification significantly enhances the antioxidant activities of GEO. Vase solutions containing high concentrations of coarse emulsion (10 mg/mL), microemulsion (5 and 10 mg/mL), and low concentration of nanoemulsion (5 mg/mL) increased Davallia frond longevity from 6.3 days to up to 11.9 days. Our findings suggest that there is an optimal concentration range for using essential oil emulsions in different delivery systems as a preservation solution in cut fronds.

Keywords: Cut leaf, Delivery vehicle, Fern, Oil-in-water, Holding solution