Gut-Thyroid axis: How gut microbial dysbiosis associated with euthyroid thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer in humans has a fast-growing prevalence, with the most common lethal endocrine malignancy for unknown reasons. The current study was aimed to perform qualitative and quantitative investigation and characterization of the gut bacterial composition of euthyroid thyroid cancer patients. The fecal samples were collected from sixteen euthyroid thyroid cancer patients and ten from healthy subjects. The PCR-DGGE was conducted by targetting the V3 region of 16S rRNA gene, as well as real-time PCR for Bacteroides vulgatus, E.coli Bifidobacterium, Clostridium leptum and Lactobacillus were carried. High-throughput sequencing of V3+V4 region of 16S rRNA gene was performed on Hiseq 2500 platform on 20 (10 healthy & 10 diseased subjects) randomly selected fecal samples. The richness indices and comparative diversity analysis showed significant gut microbial modification in euthyroid thyroid cancer than control. At phylum level, there was significant enrichment of Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobia, while a significant decrease in Bacteroidetes was detected in the experimental group. At family statistics, significant high levels of Ruminococcaceae and Verrucomicrobiaceae, while the significant lower abundance of Bacteroidaceae, Prevotellaceae, Porphyromonadaceae, and Alcaligenaceae was after observed. It also found that the significantly raised level of Escherichia-Shigella, Akkermansia [Eubacterium]_coprostanoligenes, Dorea, Subdoligranulum, and Ruminococcus_2 genera, while significantly lowered genera of the patient group were Prevotella_9, Bacteroides and Klebsiella. The species-level gut microbial composition showed a significantly raised level of Escherichia coli in euthyroid thyroid cancer. Thus, this study reveals that euthyroid thyroid cancer patients have significant gut microbial dysbiosis. Moreover, Statistics (P<0.05) of each gut microbial taxa were significantly changed in euthyroid thyroid cancer patients. Therefore, the current study may propose new approaches to understanding thyroid cancer patients' disease pathways, mechanisms, and treatment

Estimation of radiological parameters from seasonal observations of primordial natural radionuclides in sediments of Darbandikhan Lake water resources at Kurdistan region, Northeastern Iraq

In this study, sediments from different resources of Darbandikhan Lake were studied through 100 samples taken from spring, stream, and lake during the four seasons. The specific activity of (238U, 232Th and 40K) natural radionuclides have been measured using the Gamma Spectrometry analysis with HPGe detector. The measured average activity concentration of these radionuclides in the studied samples were (11.9 ± 1.00, 7.80 ± 1.08 and 211 ± 3.41) Bq/kg in spring; (9.23 ± 1.19, 7.66 ± 0.977 and 181 ± 3.06) Bq/kg in summer; (12.7 ± 1.52, 8.16 ± 1.04 and 188 ± 3.10) Bq/kg in autumn; (11.91 ± 1.55, 9.13 ± 1.03 and 219 ± 3.04) Bq/kg in winter. The radiological hazard indices of radium equivalent activities (Raeq), outdoor absorbed dose rate (Dout), outdoor annual effective dose equivalent (Eout), activity utilization index (AUI), external hazard index (Hex), internal hazard index (Hin), annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE), and excess life time cancer (ELCR) were calculated. All of these radiological parameters were below the international recommended values, and hence the usage of these sediments is considered safe regarding their radioactivity

The global trend of nanomaterial usage to control the important agricultural arthropod pests: A comprehensive review

Global warming and climate change have favored the resurgence of arthropod pests and their short lifecycle. The massive use of synthetic chemicals for insect pest control has indirectly favored global warming, ecotoxicity, and insecticide resistance in agricultural arthropod pests. Additionally, the increasing population of the world required more food, and a significant proportion of the agricultural produced is deteriorated by arthropod pests and other biotic and abiotic factors. Recently, nanotechnology has revolutionized the agricultural industries in the current era. Extremely small size and physio-morphic properties of nanomaterials have attracted the interest of researchers to develop nano-fertilizers, nano-pesticides, and nano-herbicides that have overwhelmed the aforementioned problems and increase crop productivity. Micronutrient based nano-pesticides like Ag, ZnO, TiO2, Cu, and SiO2 have not only enhanced the arthropod pest's biogenicity but also boost-up crop productivity. There are some apprehensions regarding nanomaterial synthesis and usage as nano-pesticides but the physio-morphic characteristics of nanostructured metals offers a cheap and excellent solution for pest control. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the global trend in nanomaterial usage for controlling important agricultural arthropod pests. A bibliometric analysis was conducted to evaluate the research landscape and identify key trends in this field. The review encompasses various aspects, including the emergence of chemical pesticides, the fate of pesticides in arthropod pest management, and the detrimental effects of pesticides on the ecosystem. The role of nanotechnology in agroecosystems is discussed, specifically focusing on the utilization of nanomaterials in arthropod pest management. The review provides an in-depth analysis of the role of silver, zinc, copper, titanium, gold, iron, silica, and aluminum nanoparticles in pest control, highlighting their efficacy and mechanisms of action. The findings underscore the importance of continued research and responsible implementation to overcome the limitations and harness the full potential of nanomaterials in arthropod pest management for the benefit of sustainable agriculture

Antioxidant, carbonic anhydrase inhibition and diuretic activity of Leptadenia pyrotechnica Forssk. Decne

Background: Leptadenia pyrotechnica Forssk. Decne is a member of family Apocynaceae and locally known as ‘Khipp’. It is found in dry, sandy habitat of Pakistan and in several other regions around the world including Asia, Tropical Africa, Western Gulf and Mediterranean countries. It has nutritional value, containing 4 % lipids, 23 % proteins, 28 % carbohydrates, 4 % fibers, vitamin E and several minerals. Traditionally, this plant has been used by several communities for pain, different inflammatory and kidney disorders. Ethno-botanical studies have reported the use of L. pyrotechnica in nephrolithiasis, kidney disorders and induction of diuresis, which requires a detailed pharmacological study to validate the folkloric use of L. pyrotechnica as diuretic. Methods: The 70 % methanolic L. pyrotechnica (Lp.Cr) extract was prepared and qualitatively checked for the presence of various phytochemicals. Phenolic, flavonoid, tannin and saponin contents were quantified. GC-MS analysis of Lp.Cr was also performed. Antioxidant potential of Lp.Cr was evaluated by DPPH, ABTS and nitrite radical scavenging assays. CUPRAC and FRAP assay described the reducing potential of Lp.Cr. Diuretic activity was performed in both acute and prolonged models at different doses followed by the estimation of electrolytes, urea and creatinine levels. The mechanism of diuresis was described by pre-treatment with atropine, l-NAME, indomethacin and carbonic anhydrase inhibition. Results: Lp.Cr. indicated high phenolic and flavonoid contents which correlated with good antioxidant activity. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of 104 compounds from different phytochemical classes. Diuretic activity was performed at 10–300 mg/kg concentrations where the dose of 100 and 300 mg/kg showed good diuretic and saluretic activity comparable to furosemide. Lp.Cr exhibited diuresis both in acute and prolonged study protocols which can be attributed to carbonic anhydrase inhibition, effect on prostaglandins and cholinergic pathways. Conclusion: L. pyrotechnica contained several phytochemicals and exhibited good antioxidant activity. It induced diuresis and saluretic activity which was comparable to furosemide at higher doses. Diuretic activity can be attributed to carbonic anhydrase inhibition, prostaglandin synthesis and cholinergic pathways

Distribution of mosquito species in various agro-ecological zones of Punjab

Background: The presence and behavior of mosquitoes in various agro-ecological zones of Punjab are influenced by a combination of seasonal and topographical patterns, cropping schemes, and human settlement. These modifications have a significant impact on the occurrence of diseases. Therefore, determining the distribution of these species could help in halting their spread and disease outbreaks. Methods: Under these prevailing conditions, surveillance studies were carried out at six zones of Punjab, to know the distribution of mosquitoes. Samples were collected in various seasons (once in winter and rainy seasons, and twice in summer), from all possible habitats, having stagnant water. Results: Out of twenty-four (24) recorded species, three were included in Anophelinae and Culicinae, eleven from tribe Aedini, eight from Culicini and one each from Ficulbiini and Mansoniini. Sampling was done from 91 m (Ahmed Pur East) elevation to 1759 m (Fort Monroe). High and diversified population was recorded during rainy season. The Anopheline mosquitoes were found in rural as well as urban habitats, including rainfed, wet mountains and irrigated plains whereas Aedine species were confined to northern irrigated plains and mostly recorded from Changa Manga National Forest. Culicine species were more diversified and abundant, in all seasons. However, M. chamberlaini was collected from urban (rainfed lands) and rural (northern irrigated plains) settings. C. crassipes was recorded only from rainfed lands. Conclusion: Twenty-four mosquito species from the Anophelinae and Culicinae subfamilies were observed in the current investigation. Anophelinae subfamily contained three species. Eleven species of Culicinae belonged to the tribe Aedini, eight to the Culicini, and one each to the Mansoniini and Ficalbiini

Phytochemical Profiling, In Vitro Biological Activities, and In-Silico Studies of Ficus vasta Forssk.: An Unexplored Plant

Ficus vasta Forssk. (Moraceae family) is an important medicinal plant that has not been previously investigated for its phytochemical and biological potential. Phytochemical screening, total bioactive content, and GCMS analysis were used to determine its phytoconstituents profile. Antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-viral, cytotoxicity, thrombolytic, and enzyme inhibition activities were examined for biological evaluation. The plant extract exhibited the maximum total phenolic (89.47 &plusmn; 3.21 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid contents (129.2 &plusmn; 4.14 mg QE/g), which may be related to the higher antioxidant potential of the extract. The extract showed strong &alpha;-amylase (IC50 5 &plusmn; 0.21 &micro;g/mL) and &alpha;-glucosidase inhibition activity (IC50 5 &plusmn; 0.32 &micro;g/mL). Significant results were observed in the case of antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-viral activities. The F. vasta extract inhibited the growth of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The GCMS analysis of the extract provided the preliminary identification of 28 phytocompounds. In addition, the compounds identified by GCMS were subjected to in silico molecular docking analysis in order to identify any interactions between the compounds and enzymes (&alpha;-amylase and &alpha;-glucosidase). After that, the best-docked compounds were subjected to ADMET studies which provide information on pharmacokinetics, drug-likeness, physicochemical properties, and toxicity. The present study highlighted that the ethanol extract of F. vasta has antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-viral, and anti-cancer potentials that can be further explored for novel drug development