Effect of chemical mutagen (Ethyl methane sulfonate) on Money plant (Epipremnum aureum)

Epipremnum aureum, commonly known as pothos, is a hardy indoor foliage ornamental crop. Mutation breeding in Golden pothos is needed to meet the demand for more valuable and highly sought-after cultivars. The present  study aimed to exploit variability on various parameters viz. new leaf emergence, survival percentage, plant height, length and width of leaves. The experiment was set up using a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with 8 treatments and 3 replications. Rooted cuttings of Golden pothos were treated with varying concentrations of Ethyl Methane Sulfonate (EMS) for 4 hours, and a control treatment was included. The results showed that all the treated cuttings with EMS delays the new leaf emergence period compared to the control. Compared to the control, the minimum number of new leaf emergences was found in EMS-treated plants. The maximum survival percentage (100%) was recorded in 0.1%, 0.5% and control treatment. The lowest plant height (15.3 cm ) was observed in treatment T4 (1.5 % EMS) treated plants. However, maximum plant height was observed in the control treatment at 150 days of interval. In comparison to the control, EMS decreased the length and width of leaves at higher dosages. The minimum leaf length and width, i.e. 2.40 cm and 1.20 cm, were recorded in plants treated with EMS at 2%, while maximum length and width were observed in control and low EMS-treated plants.   The  study showed that ethyl methane sulfonate affected plant development characteristics and showed some dwarfness of money plants.  This appears to be the first report of EMS treatment on pothos.

Impact of Interleukin-37 and Vitamin D on children with Streptococcus pyogenes sore throat in Salah al-Din Governorate, Iraq

Sore throat is a common presentation in pediatric office settings and emergency departments. Bacterial infection due to Streptococcus pyogenes represented about 25% of sore throat in children. The study aimed to find a relationship between interleukin-37 and vitamin D levels in children with sore throat infection by S. pyogenes bacteria from Salah Al-din General Hospital and Samarra General Hospital in Salah al-Din Governorate, Iraq. The number of sore throat patients in the present study was 317, aged between 5 and 17 years old. The control group included 80 healthy individuals. Throat swabs from children were collected and aseptically inoculated on Petri plate media. Blood samples were collected from patients and control children for determination of Vitamin D and IL-37 by ELISA.  The study showed that 30.28% (96 of 317) of the children studied were infected with S. pyogenes bacteria. The results revealed a significant elevation in the mean IL-37 level among children with S. pyogenes infection (96.9±12.2 pg/ml) compared to the control group (62.5±11.3 pg/ml) (p-value = 0.0001).  Furthermore, children with S. pyogenes infection had a significantly lower mean vitamin D level (22.3±6.1 pg/ml) compared to the control group (52.8±3.08 pg/ml) (p-value = 0.0001). In conclusion, this study provides evidence of significant alterations in immune markers, including IL-37,   and vitamin D levels, in children with S. pyogenes infection compared to the control group. These findings suggest the involvement of these immune markers in the pathogenesis of S. pyogenes infection.

Isolation and extraction of gallic acid from Hylocereus undatus and a biochemical and histological study on laboratory Wistar albino rats with induced rheumatoid arthritis

The herb Hylocereus undatus, which is rich in phytochemicals and thought to contain antioxidants comparable to those in its peel, has a lot of promise for use in the food field. The presented study aimed to study the protective effect of the aqueous extrac and the active compounds (gallic acid) isolated from the dragon fruit (H. undates) to lessen the impact of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) induced by Freund's Complete Adjuvant (CFA)) by studying some of the changes in biochemical and histochemical parameters. The Wistar albino rats (male)  were divided into four groups viz.,  Group I : A negative control group, dosed only with plain water orally, Group II : Induced for RA by CFA, a positive control group; Group III: dosed with aqueous extract of the fruit of H. undatus (kg/500 mg); and Group IV: dosed with gallic acid isolated from this fruit (kg/mg20). The results showed a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), platelet, interleukin 6 ( IL-6), and RF in rats treated with CFA and a significant decrease in Hb compared to the negative control group. There was a significant decrease of MDA, Platelet, IL-6, and RF in the groups treated with aqueous extract and a significant increase in Hb compared with the positive control group while there was a significant decrease in each of MDA, platelets, IL-6, and RF. Based on a histological analysis, the study group's liver and kidneys had smaller lesions and different abnormalities than the control . Thus, the fruit plant's gallic acid extracts were protective in reducing RA damage caused by CFA and improving kidney and liver tissue

Evaluation of anticancer effect of Cladophora glomerata algae extract

Cladophora glomerata has numerous biologically active properties and is considered one of the most essential medicinal algae. The purpose of this research was to investigate the anticancer efficacy of Cladophora glomerata algae extract against human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), human cervical carcinoma (HeLa), and normal mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cell lines. The needed algae was found in the Hassan Al-Hamoud River , Baquba, Iraq. The chemical detection of some chemical components of the ethanolic extract of C. glomerata revealed that the extract contains a group of active compounds. The study showed significant variation (p<0.05) among inhibition percentages of cancer cell line HepG2, Hella, and MEF cell lines that were treated with different concentrations (15.1, 31.2, 62.5, 125, 250, 500, and 1000) μg/ml of C. glomerata extract. The outcomes showed that increased inhibition percentages of the above cell line were associated with increased concentrations. The inhibition percentage of HepG2, Hella, and  MEF cell lines were  1.6 ± 30.88, 1.7 ± 14.10, and 1.2 ± 2.31 at concentration 15.1 (mg/ml), and was 3.8 ± 84.90, 3.6 ± 88.29, and 3.9 ± 23.2, respectively at concentration 1000 (mg/ml). The study concluded that the C. glomerata extract with different concentrations significantly inhibited cancer cell lines (HepG2 and Hela) and ME because they have antiproliferative and antioxidant activity against cancers. The extract's inhibitory impact begins at low doses and increases with increasing concentration. The study would be beneficial to use macroalgae as new and sustainable sources of bioactive compounds against cancer.

Detection of Bacteroides fragilis LuxR gene, involved in quorum sensing, among colitis patients in Mosul, Iraq

Bacteroides fragilis is the most anaerobic bacteria that infect humans, particularly in the abdominal cavity. Its pathogenesis is linked to numerous virulence factors. Understanding these factors and exploring alternative options for the use of antibiotics in the treatment of this bacterium, molecular techniques offer several advantages over traditional culture techniques because they are easier and more specific. The present study aimed to  use specific primers for the 16sRNA and LuxR genes to identify B. fragilis. Genetic identification of the B. fragilis isolates was performed using the 16SrRNA gene, and the obtained sequences were submitted to National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) with accession numbers (OQ448827, OQ448828). Each strain was assigned a unique strain name, AS. AWB94 and AS. AWB79. From the total of all samples, it was found that the growth of various types of bacteria constituted ( 76%), and the samples that did not have growth formed (24%). It was noted that Bacteroidetes constituted only two isolates (2.7%), and these two isolates possessed the gene for quorum sensing (luxR gene), while the results confirmed that they do not possess the sialidase (nanH) enzyme gene. Both isolates possessed the quorum sensing gene (LuxR) out of one hundred samples. This suggests that the isolates have a quorum-sensing mechanism responsible for cell-to-cell communication, multidrug resistance, and biofilm formation.

Efficiency of Bacillus mucilaginosus isolated from the soil in dissolving potassium in its microenvironment

Soil bacteria have an effective role in dissolving soil potassium. Bacillus mucilaginosus plays an effective role in dissolving potassium in the soil so that the plant may absorb it easily. The present study aimed to test the efficiency of bacteria in dissolving potassium present in the soil surrounding the roots of crops. B. mucilaginosus was isolated and diagnosed from the rhizosphere soil of Celery, Wheat, Basil and Alfalfa plants. The diagnosis included studying the isolates' culture, microscopic and biochemical characteristics. The laboratory study also included testing the efficiency of these bacterial isolates in dissolving potassium compounds in Modified Aleksandrov agar medium and estimating the dissolution coefficient. The results of isolation and identification of bacteria isolated from 19 out of 50 soil samples planted with different crops (Celery, Wheat, Basil and Alfalfa) showed that 8 isolates could dissolve potassium. The results of the microscopic examination of these eight isolates showed that they were sticky in shape, positive for Gram-staining, forming spores and the capsule, while the movement examination showed that they were positive for these tests (movement test). The biochemical tests and cultural characteristics showed that the eight isolates bear the characteristics of B. mucilaginosus. The results showed that the dissolution coefficient of potassium for the different isolates ranged between 2.28 and 1.14, while the type of sugar added to the culture medium increased the efficiency of bacterial isolates for potassium solubility. The study demonstrated the bacteria's efficiency in the rhizosphere region in dissolving potassium, which helps the plant use it easily.

Dissecting the biochemical and hormonal changes of thidiazuron on defoliation of cotton CO17 (Gossypium hirsutum) to enhance mechanical harvest efficiency

Using chemical defoliants to remove cotton leaves represents a groundbreaking shift in cotton cultivation. The mechanization of cotton harvest is increasing, but a substantial amount of foliage that remains on the plant even at maturity is the major barrier for mechanical harvest. Properly completing mechanical and manual harvests requires artificial leaf detachment through defoliants. Still there is no proper defoliant concentration, application times and mechanism of action available. Therefore, the present study aimed to find an effective defoliant and application time to enhance mechanical harvest efficiency, along with a clear description of the mechanism of actions in cotton CO17 (Gossypium hirsutum). The field experiment was conducted during the year 2019-20 and used five concentrations of Thidiazuron defoliant (100, 150, 200, 250 and 300ppm) and [email protected]% (T2) in cotton variety CO17 to study the physiological, biochemical and hormonal responses at 120, 127 and 134 days after sowing. As a result, the concentrations of plant growth hormones, indole-3 acetic acid (4.9 fold), zeatin (32.7%) and gibberellic acid (7 fold) reduced. In contrast, abscisic acid (48.6%), jasmonic acid (34.9%), salicylic acid (2.15 fold) increased in the T7- Thidiazuron + Diuron (300 ppm) treatment followed by T5-Thidiazuron + Diuron (200 ppm). Additionally, the antioxidant enzymes ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, cellulase in leaves, petiole and bolls were decreased due to defoliant T5- Thidiazuron + Diuron (200 ppm) followed by T7-Thidiazuron + Diuron (300 ppm), indicating that the hormone concentration, antioxidative and hydrolytic enzymes are ruled out and forces the defoliation process.

Antibacterial and anticancer activity of green synthesised silver nanoparticles using polysaccharides extracted from the marine alga Portieria hornemannii

The increasing incidence of cancer cases and multi-drug-resistant bacteria, which are major threats to humankind, forces the research world to innovate new molecules to deal with them.  The main aim of the present work is to prepare silver nanoparticles using macroalgal polysaccharides and to study biological activities. The silver nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared using polysaccharides extracted from the marine macro alga Portieria hornemannii by stirring them with 1 mM silver nitrate after 24 h at 90 ºC. The formed silver nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis, selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. UV-visible spectrum analysis revealed a surface plasmon peak at 380 nm, showing the development of silver nanoparticles. The nanoparticle size varied between 40 and 50 nm and the functional group was analyzed using FT-IR spectrum. The broadband was observed at 3304 cm-1 (hydroxyl and amino group) and the narrow band was observed at 2907 cm-1 (C–H stretching vibration), 1657 cm-1 (stretching of carbonyl groups), and 1001 cm-1 (C–O stretching vibration). The crystalline nature of silver NPs was confirmed by SAED. EDX analysis reveals the purity and the chemical composition of silver NPs. Nanoparticles were highly effective against Proteus mirabilis (24 mm zone of inhibition) and Bacillus substilis (24 mm zone of inhibition). The anticancer activity of the silver nanoparticles tested against colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines increased at increasing concentrations of nanoparticles

Evaluation of Spatio-temporal dynamics in agriculture in arid and semiarid region of Rajasthan, India-A statistical approach

The aridity of the arid and semiarid  region of Rajasthan, India is considered  as a great challenge for the growth of the crops due to lack of precipitation and high range of temperature. The present study focused on evaluating agricultural dynamics of the arid and semi-arid region of Rajasthan for the period of 2008-09 and 2021-22. The study comprised seven districts of Rajasthan: Barmer, Bikaner, Churu, Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. Indices like crop combinations, crop diversity and agricultural efficiency of crops were taken into consideration. Hanumangarh showed 8 crop combinations to 4 from past to recent years viz. Bajra (Pennisetum glaucum), Guar seed (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), Kharif pulses (Without Arhar) and Moth (Vigna aconitifolia), while in Jaisalmer, it was 3 crop combinations in the past while it is 6 in the recent years viz. Bajra, Guar seed , Moth , Mustard (Brassica), Mung (Vigna radiata) and Groundnut(Arachis hypogaea). A small percentage of Seasamum (Sesamum indicum) and  Cotton (LINT)(Gossypium) was in the past previous years, but now, it is almost negligible. Wheat (Triticum) was observed in a lower to moderate percentage share throughout the period. There was no change in the dominant crops except in Ganganagar and Churu district. All the districts had higher crop diversification in recent years except Barmer. The result of agricultural efficiency showed that Ganganagar, Jodhpur, Hanumangarh had higher agricultural efficiency (> 100), while Barmer had the least value (< 50). Agricultural Indices efficiently visualized temporal agriculture trends in arid and semiarid regions of Rajasthan

Salt stress and its impact on rice physiology with special reference to India- A review

With the increasing population, by 2030, the population of India will have seen an unprecedented rise of 1.43 billion and require food grains of around 311 million tones. Of the total area, nearly 5% of the area in India is affected by soil salinity. It is said that about 10% of soil is salinized every year. At this rate, 50% of the land area will be salinized by 2050.These repercussions challenge us to expand the area under cultivation or to increase the yield per unit area to maintain food security and sustainability. In order to meet the growing demands of the increased population, two major approaches can be met. Firstly, the available area under cultivation must be increased, which can be done by the reclamation of various problematic soils and making them suitable for cultivation. The second and holistic approach is to employ various biotechnological and breeding aspects in the development of resistant varieties surviving the harsh and unfavourable environment and showing no subsequent reduction in the yield parameters. For this, one must understand the various physiological aspects of tolerance for screening the elite varieties suited for a particular ecosystem or environment. Thus, the present study vividly explains the various physiological aspects of salt stress on rice. Employing these techniques, one can screen superior genotypes resistant to various stresses, thus keeping the Malthus predictions at bay