Comparative nutritional and phytochemical profiles of some exotic and local berries for health boosting effects

This study investigated the comparative nutritional and phytochemical profiles of exotic berry species like strawberries, blueberry, and local ones such as phalsa, and rasbhari. The study included qualitative and quantitative analyses of sugars, proteins, vitamin C, phytochemicals, and protein profiling using SDS-PAGE. All four berries exhibited a rich array of nutrients, including significant levels of sugars, proteins, and vitamin C. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, and saponins in all the berries. Strawberry and phalsa demonstrated high levels of vitamin C (0.102 mg mL and 0.208 mg mL), while phalsa exhibited the highest protein content (6 mg mL). All berries exhibited strong antioxidant activity. Protein profiling using SDS-PAGE revealed distinct protein band patterns for each species, suggesting unique protein compositions. These findings suggest that these berries possess valuable nutritional and functional properties, and their incorporation into a balanced diet may contribute to improved human health. Further research is warranted to investigate the bioavailability and potential health benefits of the identified bioactive compounds in humans

Molecular analysis coupling of some amino-derivatives with WRN exonuclease using a theoretical model

Studies indicate that some types of cancer have been associated with Werner syndrome (WR), which is characterized by premature aging. Some WR inhibitors, such as camptothecin, HRO761, VVD-133214, and KWR05, have been used to treat this clinical pathology; however, the interaction of these drugs with some biomolecule related with WR is not clear. For this reason, in this study, the coupling of amino derivatives (compounds 1-25) with WRN exonuclease was determined using 2fbt protein, HOR761, NSC19630, NSC617145, and NCS drugs as theoretical tools in the DockingServer program. Besides, physicochemical parameters, such as HOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital), LUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital), MR (molecular refractivity), and MV (molar volume), involved in the chemical structure of amino derivatives 1-25 were determined. The results showed differences in HOMO-LUMO, MR, and MV values for compounds 1-25. This data suggests that the reactivity of each compound depends on different functional groups involved in their chemical structure. Other data indicate that inhibition constant involved in the coupling of amino derivatives with 2fbt protein for compounds 3 (1.30), 6 (1.20), 7 (1.46), 8 (1.03), 14 (1.04), 15 (1.02), and 21 (2.57) was lower in comparison with the controls. These data indicate that these amino derivatives have higher affinity for the 2fbt protein surface, which may translate as changes in the biological activity of the WRN exonuclease and induce changes in cancer cell growth

Formulation and evaluation of Syzygium aromaticum essential oil nanoemulsion: Effects on Tribolium castaneum, wheat growth, and molecular docking for pest control

The nanoemulsion was prepared using ethanol (3%), the biosurfactant Tween 80 (5%), and water (80%), which together constituted 20% (v/v) of the nanoemulsion. The toxicity of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) essential oil nanoemulsion was evaluated against the population of Tribolium castaneum in terms of LC50 (lethal concentration), which was determined to be 112.93 ppm. The impact of the clove essential oil nanoemulsion formulated at LC50 on wheat germination and seedling growth was assessed using a pot test. Results showed that the treatment inhibited wheat seedling growth and reduced the overall growth rate. Additionally, the metabolites of adult T. castaneum beetles were analyzed following exposure to a sub-lethal concentration (LC20) of the clove oil nanoemulsion. The sub-lethal dose significantly decreased glycogen and glucose levels in all adult beetles while increasing invertase activity and total protein in resistant populations throughout the exposure period. These metabolic changes highlight the biochemical impact of the nanoemulsion. A molecular docking study was conducted to predict the mode of action of the major components of the essential oil and nanoemulsion, namely eugenol and α-humulene, at the binding site of the enzyme alkaline acid phosphatase of Tribolium castaneum. The results provide insights into the molecular interactions between insect-plant compounds and their effects at the biochemical level. These findings suggest the potential of clove essential oil nanoemulsion as a natural, eco-friendly solution for sustainable pesticide management in stored grain facilities. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the need to understand the side effects on both animals and humans to ensure safe applications

Integrative machine learning reveals potential signature genes using transcriptomics in colon cancer

Colon cancer is a significant health burden in the world and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment, identifying potential biomarkers for early detection and therapeutic targets remains challenging. This study used an integrative approach combining transcriptomics and machine learning to identify signature genes and pathways associated with colon cancer. RNA-Seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas- Colon Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-COAD) project, comprising 485 samples, were analyzed in this study. Differential gene expression analysis revealed 657 upregulated and 8,566 downregulated genes. Notably, EPB41L3, TSPAN7, and ABI3BP were identified as highly upregulated, while LYVE1, PLPP1, and NFE2L3 were significantly downregulated in tumor samples. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) identified dysregulated pathways, including E2F targets, MYC targets, and G2M checkpoints, underscoring cell cycle regulation and metabolic reprogramming alterations in colon cancer. Machine learning models-Random Forest, Neural Networks, and Logistic Regression-achieved high classification accuracy (97–99%). Key genes consistently identified across these models highlight their potential translational relevance as biomarkers. This study integrates differential expression analysis, pathway enrichment, and machine learning to uncover critical insights into colon cancer biology. The study lays the groundwork for developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, with the identified genes and pathways serving as potential candidates for further validation and clinical applications. This approach exemplifies the potential of precision medicine to advance colon cancer research and improve patient outcomes

Solidago species in grasslands of Paraguay and their relationship to hepatic photosensitivity in cattle

Paraguayan livestock production uses forage grasses as a basic diet. Many species of weeds grow in these pastures, and some of them, like the Solidago genus, are toxic to the animals. This genus is reported to cause hepatic photosensitivity in cattle due to the toxic compound, saponins, contained mainly in the leaves. Saponins induce liver damage because they hamper the breakdown of photodynamic metabolites like phylloerythrin, formed from chlorophyll metabolism. Some species of Solidago are recognized in South America, but only two species are reported in Paraguay, and have been a cause of confusion in their identification and distribution due to the great morphological similarity they have. In the past, Solidago chilensis was the only species recorded in Paraguay and was related to causing hepatic photosensitivity in cattle. However, recent studies of the genus have demonstrated that Solidago microglossa is the dominant species of the genus Solidago in Paraguay, widely distributed across these grasslands. Therefore, the objective of this research is to define the dominant species of Solidago in Paraguay and as the primary cause behind photosensitive health disorders in cattle

In silico evaluation of twenty-five amino derivatives as potential nitric oxide synthase inhibitors

There are studies indicating that nitric oxide synthase can be involved in cancer cell growth. It is important to mention that some inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase can produce changes in cancer cell growth. However, there is little information on the interaction of some amino derivatives with nitric oxide synthase surface.  The aim of this research was to determine the theoretical interaction of amino derivatives (compounds 1-25) with nitric oxide synthase using the 4d1o protein as a tool. Besides, L-NAME, ONO1714, and N-(3-(aminomethyl)benzyl)acetamidine drugs were used as controls in the DockingServer program. The results showed differences in the number of aminoacid residues and energy levels involved in the interaction of amino derivatives with the 4d1o protein surface compared with the controls. Furthermore, the inhibition constants for amino derivatives 4, 15, 20, 24, and 25 were lower compared to L-NAME and ONO1714 drugs. In conclusion, these theoretical results indicate that compounds 4, 15, 20, 24, and 25 have a higher affinity for the 4d1o protein surface. This data indicates that amino derivatives 4, 15, 20, 24, and 25 can exert changes in the biological activity of nitric oxide synthase. This phenomenon could translate into a decrease in cancer cell growth; however, to validate this hypothesis, it is necessary to perform different experiments in a biological model

Geotechnical challenges in crystalline basement terrain: mapping subsurface conditions with electrical resistivity tomography in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Subsoil investigation constitutes a critical step in the planning and execution of any construction project. It is a prerequisite for the design and construction of safe, stable, and sustainable structures. Subsoil investigation using Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) was carried out in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria to assess the integrity of foundation soils/near-subsurface geomaterials. The study area is underlain by the crystalline basement terrain of southwestern Nigeria. The study delineated low resistivity zones having as low as 63 Ωm at a depth of about 10 m, localized pockets of clay intercalated by lateritic soil, a stretch of geomaterials of high resistivity values over 10000 Ωm observed at a depth of 6 m, and a structural feature diagnostic of fractured zone with intense weathering at depths stretching beyond 25 m. The presence of an underground water channel within the fractured basement rock is significant. The geological variations along the traverses confirm the heterogeneity of the basement complex rocks, even over short distances. This is crucial for foundation design. A gross assumption of uniformity could be hazardous to the stability of the structure. Geophysics remains a very fundamental tool that can be applied in civil engineering work. Use of integrated geophysical methods would reduce ambiguities and enhance site characterization for construction purposes.

Life cycle assessment of the artisanal bamboo pole (Guadua angustifolia) production in the Brazilian Amazon

The artisanal production of bamboo poles is an income alternative for small producers in countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Despite the positive impact on climate change from the use of this renewable material for construction purposes, there is a gap in knowledge about the environmental footprint of this production system. This study assessed the potential environmental impacts of the artisanal production process of bamboo poles (Guadua angustifolia) in the Brazilian Amazon. A life cycle assessment (LCA) conducted within an artisanal production unit (PU) of bamboo poles, in the municipality of Rio Branco, state of Acre, in the Brazilian Amazon, encompassed the entire production chain, from bamboo planting to the chemically treated bamboo poles. The environmental impact category that prominently emerged was Human Carcinogenic Toxicity (HCT), achieving 93% of the total impact generated. Shaving and cutting waste and discarded poles accounted for 91% of the total impact generated by the artisanal bamboo production chain. The findings highlight the need to explore alternative methods for the chemical treatment of bamboo poles and to enhance the management of solid waste, emphasizing the optimization of water usage in the treatment process. Addressing these aspects is imperative for mitigating the environmental footprint associated with the artisanal bamboo production chain and promoting the bioeconomy in the Brazilian Amazon

Theoretical interaction of muscarinic receptor antagonist with vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGF-R1, R2 and R3) as a therapeutic alternative to treat cancer

Several biomolecules have been the target of some drugs for the treatment of cancer; however, there is little information on the interaction of muscarinic antagonists with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGF-R1, R2, R3). The aim of this research was to determine the possible interaction of muscarinic antagonists such as atropine, ML381, af-dx 386, azaprophen, darifenacin, dicyclomine, PD-102807, pirenzepine, telenzepine, Zamifenacin, and cyclohexylamine with VEGF-R1, R2, and R3. The theoretical interaction of muscarinic antagonists with VEGF-R1, R2, and R3 was carried out using the 2ho4, 3hng, and 4bsj proteins as theoretical tools. Besides, cabozantinib, pazopanib, regorafenib, and sorafenib drugs were used as controls. The results showed differences in the number of aminoacid residues and energy levels involved in the interaction of muscarinic antagonists with 2ho4, 3hng, and 4bsj proteins compared with the controls. Besides, the inhibition constants (Ki) values for atropine, ML-381, zaniferacin, and dicyclomine were lower compared with some controls. In conclusion, the results suggest that atropine, ML-381, zaniferacin, and dicyclomine could act as VEGF receptor inhibitors, could result in changes in the biological activity of angiogenesis, and this phenomenon could be translated as a decrease in cancer cell growth. Therefore, these drugs could be a good therapeutic alternative to evaluate their biological activity in some cancer models

Evaluation of TFR2 rs7385804 polymorphism as a genetic marker for hemochromatosis in the pakistani population

Hemochromatosis is an autosomal recessive iron overload disorder. The TFR2 gene variant rs7385804 has been implicated in hemochromatosis, but its role in the Pakistani population remains unexplored. This study intended to examine the association of the TFR2 gene variant rs7385804 with hemochromatosis in Pakistani individuals. We employed a case-control study design, recruiting 200 hemochromatosis patients and 200 healthy controls from the Pakistani population. Deoxyribonucleic acid was isolated from blood samples using the phenol-chloroform method. Sanger sequencing and Tetra-ARMS PCR were used to identify the TFR2 genes and their variant rs7385804. Our results showed a significant association between the TFR2 gene variant rs7385804 and hemochromatosis in the Pakistani population (p < 0.001). The rate of the abnormal alleles was (35%) higher than that of the control (15%). Sanger sequencing confirmed the presence of the variant in 70% of patients, while Tetra-ARMS PCR showed 90% concordance with sequencing results. This study demonstrates the utility of Sanger sequencing and Tetra-ARMS PCR in detecting the TFR2 gene variant rs7385804 in the Pakistani population. Our findings suggest that this variant may serve as a genetic marker for hemochromatosis in this population. More research is required to validate these outcomes and discover the clinical consequences of this association