Malaria is a global concern and for its cure the suffering people mostly depend on herbal remedies, with currently the most preferred cure being artemisinin combination therapy. Artemisia species possess varying content of artemisinin and ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) mutagenesis is important tool for creating unique genetic variation or mutants in a shorter period. The present study was aimed to assess the effects of EMS doses on the morphology of Artemisia plant as well as on its micro-sporogenesis and biochemical content. The experimental procedure for EMS treatment followed was as per Williams method where triple technical repeats of three different EMS doses (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5%) and a control (0% EMS) were applied. The process of screening mutants frequently revealed the presence of several allelic mutants generated by EMS. In present study the germination and survival percentage were higher at the doses of 0.1 and 0.3% of 3 h and 5 h of EMS treated seeds. The LD50 dose was 0.3% EMS (3 and 5 h). At these doses, germination, survival, plant height, and pollen fertility were high and maturity was early. Some leaf variants were also observed at 0.5% (5 h) and 0.3% (3 h). A wide spectrum of cyto-morphological abnormalities was noted in EMS treated seeds. Lower doses proved to be a revolutionary mutant for creating new variation as EMS mutagenesis enables cost-effective and high-throughput generation of mutations, greatly accelerating plant genomes research.

Chitin is the second-largest polymer in world after cellulose, which can be broken down by chitinase enzymes. Microbes have great promise and sustainability in chitinase production at industrial level. The present study was aimed to produce and partially purify the chitinase from an endophytic bacterium Bacillus cereus CE3. The B. cereus CE3 was isolated from its host Coleus amboinicus. followed by improving the production medium by using one factor at a time, Plackett-Burman and response surface methodologies. Further, enzyme was purified by using various extraction and chromatographic techniques. The purified enzyme was analysed for its antifungal activities. The study revealed that B. cereus CE3 yielded three-fold chitinase when the variables like yeast extract, fermentation time, and orange peel powder were standardized during statistical optimization of medium, as suggested by Plackett-Burman and Response surface methodologies. In optimized medium the overall yield of chitinase enzyme was 44.87%, and the enzyme was purified three-fold by using precipitation, dialysis and column chromatography. The molecular weight of partially purified chitinase was ~43 kDa as per SDS-PAGE analysis. The stability and efficiency of enzyme and its activity revealed that the enzyme was alkaline and mesophilic in nature. It showed antifungal activity by inhibiting the growth of Fusarium sp., and Aspergillus sp. The partially purified endophytic chitinase can be used as an active ingredient in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products as a biocontrol agent.

Pseudo exfoliation syndrome (PEX), an age-related disorder, is a systemic extracellular matrix condition that largely manifests as distinctive ocular characteristics. Glaucoma, a clinical consequence of PEX, in exfoliation syndrome is more severe than primary open-angle glaucoma. Increased intraocular pressures and its diurnal variation are typically higher at diagnosis time, and visual field abnormalities are typically severe in exfoliation glaucoma. The present study was aimed to assess the prevalence of glaucoma in PEX patients who underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation in a tertiary care centre. An institution-based cross sectional study was conducted in ASCOMS & Hospital, Jammu (India) from June to November, 2023 involving 115 clinically diagnosed PEX patients (190 eyes) of age >50 years. Demographic information related to their age, sex, religion, residence and alcohol addiction was collected and glaucoma in PEX patients, if present, ascertained. The comprehensive ophthalmological evaluation undertaken included recording diurnal variation of tension, gonioscopy and visual field assessment. The study revealed the prevalence of glaucoma as 32.85% among PEX patients with mean intraocular pressure as 17.3 ± 3.7 mmHg. A significant association between glaucoma in PEX patients with age, sex and residence was observed. PEX patients of age-category 61-70 (86.4%), male (40.3%), Hindu (41.7%), urban people (45.3%) and alcohol addicted (42.2%) suffered more from glaucoma. Among the PEX patients having bilateral involvement (65.2%), glaucoma prevailed in 34.7% cases, while glaucoma was recorded in 45.0% of the rest PEX patients showing unilateral involvement. PEX is a major significant risk factor in glaucoma development. The patients suffering from PEX should get frequently examined so as to prevent the risk of glaucoma development.

Cordyceps militaris produces one of the most important bioactive compound cordycepin. It is quite challenging to synthesize the substantial quantities of this compound for industrial use. The present study was aimed to optimize some cultural conditions of C. militaris for maximum mycelial growth, fruiting body formation and cordycepin production. In this study, C. militaris DMR 1164 was subjected to serial dilution and 500 µL mycelium was plated onto the potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates and incubated at 22°C for 7 days in dark to isolate single cell colonies. Randomly purified single cell mycelial colony of C. militaris was subjected to optimization studies to improve its growth potential. The study revealed the optimal temperature and pH for C. militaris mycelial growth to be 20⁰C and pH 6. The modified PDA medium No. IV was found ideal medium for achieving luxuriant mycelial growth as compared to other five test media. Liquid medium was suitable for quick mycelial growth than solid medium; whereas, brown rice based solid medium was optimal for fruiting body formation when incubated under light/dark alternate cycles for 65 days. The amount of cordycepin, determined spectrophotometrically at 460 nm, was 8.1 + 1.32 mg g-1 fruiting body. The large scale production of cordycepin can possibly be achieved by exploiting the above studied conditions.

This study evaluated the biochemical composition of six red seaweed species, collected from the Pamban Bridge area in Palk Strait, Tamil Nadu (India). Among the species, Acanthophora spicifera had highest carbohydrate content (48.18%) and lowest protein content (1.32%), while Halymenia dilatata had highest protein content (15.08%). Hypnea valentiae showed lowest carbohydrates (21.03%). Pigment analysis revealed that Kappaphycus alvarezii had highest concentration of chlorophyll a and lowest concentration of chlorophyll d. Notably, phycobiliproteins, a characteristic pigment in red seaweeds, were abundant in H. dilatata, especially R-phycoerythrin, while A. spicifera and H. dilatata consistently had R-phycocyanin, and H. valentiae had higher R-allophycocyanin. Moisture content in test red seaweeds ranged from 80.13 to 87.12%, and dry matter from 12.88 to 19.87%. H. valentiae possessed highest total phenolic content (3.17 mg gallic acid equivalents g-1). The study depicts the potential of these test red seaweeds as source of bioactive compounds for their use in food, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals.

Enset (Ensete ventricosum) is a main food crop in Ethiopia on which about 20% population depends. Understanding the fermentation process is critical for optimum enset use because ‘kocho’, an important enset product, is consumed as a key energy source and serves as a staple and co-staple diet for many people. Fermented kocho is frequently stored in pits lined with enset leaves. During fermentation process, a piece of kocho can be withdrawn for consumption or sale at any moment, so it is always susceptible to contamination by a variety of microorganisms. The rotting microbes of this fermented food are little understood. The present study was aimed to identify spoilage fungi of ten kocho samples collected from various farm and market sites in Gurage zone of Ethiopia. The samples, packed in sterile Falcon tubes covered with ice, were transported to Wolkite University's Biotechnology Molecular Laboratory for morpho-biochemical characterization, as well as DNA isolation and PCR amplification of internal transcribed spacer region of genes at MRCET's Molecular Advanced Laboratory, Addis Ababa (Ethiopia). PCR results were sequenced, and each fungal isolate identified using an automated DNA sequencer. Twenty-two fungal species were identified. Molecular sequence analysis revealed that of the 22 fungal isolates identified 4 belonged to genus Alternaria, three to Penicillium, two each to Gliotricum, Schizophyllum and Aspergillus, and one each to Galactomyces and Agaricus. Further research on identified fungi is needed to determine the most damaging and deteriorating strains in order to properly control and manage kocho spoilage fungi.

Datura metel, a well-known medicinal herb, exhibits poisonous and therapeutic attributes, showcasing its significant pharmacological potential. The present study focused on phytochemical screening of D. metel through TLC and LC-MS, antimicrobial assay and in-vitro callus inuction of D. metel through leaf and stem explants. The bioactive compounds from leaf and stem were extracted in ethyl acetate, methanol, and distilled water. Antibacterial activity of D. metel against pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was performed. The leaf and stem explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 30 g L-1 sucrose, 8 g L-1 agar, and varying combinations of 2,4-D, BAP, kinetin, IAA, and NAA to explore their effects on callus induction. LC-MS analysis of D. metel confirmed the presence of three alkaloids viz., choline, atropine, and ambelline in its extract. Antimicrobial assay revealed maximum zone of inhibition in ethyl acetate leaf extract (10 mm), with methanolic and aqueous leaf extracts showing minimum zone of inhibition (9 and 8 mm) against S. aureus. The MS basal medium supplemented with 2, 4-D + kinetin + IAA (1.5:2:1 mg L-1) combination resulted in early callus initiation on 15th day after inoculation.

Suaeda maritima (L.) Dumort., an annual halophyte herb belonging to the family Chenopodiaceae, grows gregariously along the Southeast coast of India. This salt marsh species is regularly used by locals as food and for curing many diseases. Earlier works reported the presence of phenotypic plasticity and morpho anatomical variations amongst the individuals of the species (Milic et al., 2009). Cytological studies were undertaken to characterize the individuals of the species with respect to their karyotype. The diploid chromosome number of S. maritima was determined as 2n = 18 from the root tips of species. The average length of metaphase chromosomes was 0.74 ± 0.16 μm with total haploid chromosome length of 6.68 ± 0.28 μm. The average arm ratio was 1.13 ± 0.14 with average centromeric index of 0.46 ± 0.12. All the 9 pairs of chromosomes were metacentric and out of 18 chromosomes 4 chromosomes contained NOR. The values of symmetry index (S%) and the degree of karyotype asymmetry was 51.51 ± 3.05 and 0.05 ± 0.01, respectively. Intra-chromosomal asymmetry index and inter-chromosomal asymmetry index were 0.10 ± 0.02 and 0.22 ± 0.02, respectively.

The ecological risk is mostly assessed by evaluating the standard toxicological endpoints in earthworm toxicity assays, such as mortality and reproductive effects. The processes of toxic pollutants cannot comprehensively be understood by solely considering their endpoints. In this study, the usual testing by OECD, analysis of the composition of coelomic fluid, evaluation of micro- and binucleated cells, and histological studies were employed to assess the effects of industrial effluent on earthworm tissues. An additional endpoint in earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae) was used to quantify the impact of industrial effluent on stress levels. The Comet assay was performed to evaluate the genotoxicity of industrial effluent. The effluent-treated earthworms exhibited a concentration dependent increase in the number of micro- and binucleated cells, as compared to the control. It postulates that industrial pollution has an effect on cellular metabolism. Upon comparing the earthworms exposed to industrial effluent with those unexposed ones, a notable rise in DNA damage was observed. It confirmed the effectiveness of existing methods in monitoring the industrial pollution through biological means. It showed that evaluating DNA damage and levels of micro- and binucleated cells is a reliable approach. Histological studies revealed that longitudinal muscles, peritoneal epithelium, epidermis, and chloragogen cells of earthworm experienced substantial damage. The study concluded that industrial effluents pose a serious threat to earthworms, and more studies are needed to assess the acute and long-term toxicity of industrial effluent in contaminated areas and its actual influence on the environment.

The study examined the relationship between serum uric acid levels and pregnancy complications, specifically gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and subclinical hypothyroidism. Fifty non-diabetic, euthyroid pregnant women were included in the study, with their uric acid levels measured in the first trimester. The participants were then monitored throughout pregnancy, and oral glucose challenge test (OGCT), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were assessed between 24-28 weeks of gestation. The findings demonstrated a direct correlation between elevated serum uric acid levels (> 4.6 mg dL-1) and GDM (p < 0.017). The study also revealed a significant association between uric acid levels, glucose metabolism, and thyroid hormone concentrations (p < 0.0001) as pregnancy progressed. Elevated maternal serum uric acid was identified as a reliable early indicator of GDM.

Essential oils are most frequently used as natural repellents against a variety of insect pests in contrast to the synthetic repellents. Honeybees are susceptible to most of the toxic insecticides in the environment. In the present study, the repellent activity of citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) and clove bud (Syzygium aromaticum) bud oils was assessed against worker bees of Apis dorsata through electroantennogram (EAG), olfactometer by exposing bees in laboratory conditions. EAG studies showed that, the bees responded to both the essential oils and the mean antennal responses of worker bees towards citronella and clove bud oils were 0.74 ± 0.23 and 0.67 ± 0.21 mV, respectively. Comparatively, citronella showed better antennal responses than clove bud oil. The dual choice behavioural responses of bees showed 100% repellency against citronella in contrast to 80% repellency and only 20% attraction towards the clove bud oil. The field studies showed that application of citronella on the surface of the combs gradually repelled the bees. The present study concludes that citronella is a potential essential oil in repelling the A. dorsata colonies.

Vitamin D, which is either produced in the skin upon sunlight exposure or acquired through diet, plays an important role in calcium hemostasis and bone remodeling. Vitamin D deficiency is a global issue and awareness about its importance has brought a tendency to use its supplements worldwide. The present study was aimed to assess the use of vitamin D supplementation among the general population in Hail region of Saudi Arabia. The data from 377 subjects was analyzed. The study revealed that 40.31% of participants used supplements. Importantly, 18.42% individuals were using supplementation without knowing the vitamin D level. On the other hand, several participants with low level were not using supplements, while some with normal or even high level reported using supplements. A significant difference was observed for knowing vitamin D level in supplement consumers versus others at p value <0.05. Excessive supplementation is risk for development of side effects. There is a need to be cautious with artificial supplements as their long-term effects are not fully known. Thus, dietary sources and basking in sunlight should be preferred unless there is a strong clinical indication to start supplementation.

The present studies were intended to expedite in vitro conservation of a threatened orchid Aerides multiflora through asymbiotic seed germination technique. The capsules were harvested at two different stages of development. The seeds were inoculated in Murashige and Skoog, 1962 (MS) medium as source of nutrition. The effect of PGRs [6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) @ 1 mg L-1 and auxin (α-naphthalene acetic acid; NAA @ 1 mg L-1) was also assessed individually and in combination for various morphogenetic events such as seed germination percentage, morphogenetic changes and seedling development which varied with the capsule stage. The seeds obtained from undehisced light brown capsule germinated with better percentage as compared to seeds obtained from undehisced green capsule. Cent per cent seed germination was achieved in basal MS medium alone and BAP supplemented medium. Seedling with 2-3 leaves and 1-2 roots were formed with in 20.00 ± 0.20 weeks old cultures in basal medium. The growth of germinating entities remained arrested in NAA supplemented medium and resumed growth upon shift to ½ strength medium fortified with peptone (1 g L-1). BAP favoured multiplication of protocorms

The wide application of fungicides in agriculture and human medicines have raised environmental concerns and potential impact on aquatic ecosystem. Tebuconazole is a broad-spectrum fungicide used as curative and protective against several fungal pathogens. However, owing to its environmental persistence, it can have long term adverse effects. The present study was aimed to assess the toxic effects of tebuconazole on the digestive system of fish carp Cyprinus carpio. The fish were exposed to 6.47 and 8.09 µL L-1 concentrations of tebuconazole for 30 days. Biochemical parameters viz., lipid peroxidation, protein content, glutathione-s-transferase and phosphatases were determined in the liver and intestine of carp on exposure to tebuconazole. Histopathological analysis was also performed. Reduction in protein and glutathione-s-transferase was observed in time- and dose-dependent manner which may cause rise in lipid peroxides and oxidative stress. Acid and alkaline phosphatase showed elevated activity during the entire exposure time. Significant alterations in the histology of hepatic and intestinal tissues were observed including nuclear alteration, vacuolation and cytoplasmic degeneration in hepatocytes and mucosal alterations in intestine. The result revealed that tebuconazole not only altered the enzymatic activity but also caused oxidative stress and cellular damage. The results confirm the severe damage to fish organs due to tebuconazole, thereby revealing potential impact on aquatic environment.

Mesenchymal stem cells are multipotent cells derived from various tissues, with potential to differentiate into various cell types. They possess immuno modulatory properties and hold promise for therapeutic applications in neuro degenerative diseases and autoimmune disorders. Homeopathic remedies like Plumbum metallicum (Plumb-met), Zincum metallicum (Zinc-met), and Agaricus muscarius (Agari-musc), are used to treat neuralgic pains and central nervous system disorders, However, the precise pathophysiological mechanisms underlying their actions remain unestablished. This study was aimed to assess the efficacy of homoeopathic medicines Plumb-met, Zinc-met, and Agari-musc on umblical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) and assess their cytotoxicity and potential in neuronal differentiation evident by highest morphological transition into neuronal-like cells evident by exhibition of fine neurite extensions. UCMSCs were isolated and cultured. MTT assays were performed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of Plumb-met, Zinc-met, and Agari-musc at various potencies (6C, 12C, 30C, 200C, and 1M) and concentrations (2, 1, and 0.5%) over a 9-day induction period. Neuronal differentiation was induced, and the resulting neuronal cells were compared to a positive control. MTT assay showed the mean percent cytotoxicity was -180.3 ± 52.28 for Plumb-met, -201.4 ± 72.29 for Zinc-met, -174.1 ± 69.18 for Agar-musc (mean ± SEM; n = 5). There was no cytotoxicity due to 0.5% concentration of Plumb-met 6C, Zinc-met 6C and Agari-musc 6C when correlated with control. Notably, Zinc-met 6C @ 1, 0.5, and 2% exhibited a significant increase in neuronal cells and extensive synapse formation. Plumb-met 6C and Agari-musc 6C also demonstrated neuronal differentiation and synapse formation, albeit to a lesser extent compared to Zinc met in the 6C potency. This study indicated that Zinc-met (6C) has the potential to enhance neuronal differentiation in UCMSCs.

Greater duckweed (Spirodela polyrrhiza (L.) Schleid. are known to propagate excessively in stagnant eutrophic water bodies resulting in the contamination of daughter fronds which can affect their secondary metabolite profile. The present study was aimed in establish organogenic callus from the fronds of greater duckweeds; to optimize a protocol by utilizing different plant growth regulators for future use and to screen the antimicrobially potent metabolites present in callus. The induction of callus was successful using sterile fronds of Spirodela polyrrhiza (L.) Schleid as explants in MS, B5 and SH media fortified with plant growth regulators namely IBA and BAP. SH basal medium fortified with IBA and BA in 2:1 ratio was most effective in callus induction. B5 medium fortified with 2.0 µM IBA + 4.0 µM BAP showed highest callus induction in S. polyrrhiza with lower days to callus induction as reflective in their overall biomass. The callus extract showed efficient antimicrobial effect on Pseudomonas aeroginosa (MTCC accession No. 3451) with ampicillin and chloramphenicol as reference antibiotics. Presence of flavonoids like orientin, genistin and apigetrin were indicated in the LC-MS data which might be responsible for antimicrobial activity in a synergistic manner.