Effect of zinc and iron oxide nanoparticles on plant physiology, seed quality and microbial community structure in a rice-soil-microbial ecosystem.

In this study, we assessed the impact of zinc oxide (ZnO) and iron oxide (FeO) (<36 nm) nanoparticles (NPs) as well as their sulphate salt (bulk) counterpart (0, 25, 100 mg/kg) on rice growth and seed quality as well as the microbial community in the rhizosphere environment of rice. During the rice growing season 2021-22, all experiments were conducted in a greenhouse (temperature: day 30 °C; night 20 °C; relative humidity: 70%; light period: 16 h/8 h, day/night) in rice field soil. Results showed that low concentrations of FeO and ZnO NPs (25 mg/kg) promoted rice growth (height (29%, 16%), pigment content (2%, 3%)) and grain quality parameters such as grains per spike (8%, 9%), dry weight of grains (12%, 14%) respectively. As compared to the control group, the Zn (2%) and Fe (5%) accumulations at their respective low concentrations of NP treatments showed stimulation. Interestingly, our results showed that at low concentration of both the NPs the soil microbes had more diversity and richness than those in the bulk treated and control soil group. Although a number of phyla were affected by the presence of NPs, the strongest effects were observed for change in the abundance of the three phyla for Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Planctomycetes. The rhizosphere environment was notably enriched with potential streptomycin producers, carbon and nitrogen fixers, and lignin degraders with regard to functional groups of microorganisms. However, microbial communities mainly responsible for chitin degradation, ammonia oxidation, and nitrite reduction were found to be decreased. The results from this study highlight significant changes in several plant-based endpoints, as well as the rhizosphere soil microorganisms. It further adds information to our understanding of the nanoscale-specific impacts of important micronutrient oxides on both rice and its associated soil microbiome.

Transcriptomic landscape of early age onset of colorectal cancer identifies novel genes and pathways in Indian CRC patients.

Past decades of the current millennium have witnessed an unprecedented rise in Early age Onset of Colo Rectal Cancer (EOCRC) cases in India as well as across the globe. Unfortunately, EOCRCs are diagnosed at a more advanced stage of cancer. Moreover, the aetiology of EOCRC is not fully explored and still remains obscure. This study is aimed towards the identification of genes and pathways implicated in the EOCRC. In the present study, we performed high throughput RNA sequencing of colorectal tumor tissues for four EOCRC (median age 43.5 years) samples with adjacent mucosa and performed subsequent bioinformatics analysis to identify novel deregulated pathways and genes. Our integrated analysis identifies 17 hub genes (INSR, TNS1, IL1RAP, CD22, FCRLA, CXCL3, HGF, MS4A1, CD79B, CXCR2, IL1A, PTPN11, IRS1, IL1B, MET, TCL1A, and IL1R1). Pathway analysis of identified genes revealed that they were involved in the MAPK signaling pathway, hematopoietic cell lineage, cytokine-cytokine receptor pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Survival and stage plot analysis identified four genes CXCL3, IL1B, MET and TNS1 genes (p = 0.015, 0.038, 0.049 and 0.011 respectively), significantly associated with overall survival. Further, differential expression of TNS1 and MET were confirmed on the validation cohort of the 5 EOCRCs (median age < 50 years and sporadic origin). This is the first approach to find early age onset biomarkers in Indian CRC patients. Among these TNS1 and MET are novel for EOCRC and may serve as potential biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets in future.

Nanopriming with phytosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles for promoting germination and starch metabolism in rice seeds.

The application of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in agricultural field is emerging and relatively new. In this work, a simple, cost-efficient, non-toxic and eco-friendly method for the green synthesis of ZnO NPs by Senna occidentalis leaf extract has been described. Techniques used to characterize nanoparticles (NPs) were X-ray diffractometer (XRD), UV visible spectroscopy, Particle size analyzer (PSA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In this study, green synthesized ZnO NPs at 20-40 mg/l solution was used to prime aged seeds of early flowering homozygous mutant (BM6) of Pusa basmati (Oryza sativa), which enhanced germination performance and seedling vigor significantly as compared to zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) priming and conventional hydropriming. The effect of treatment was analyzed by measuring biophysical and biochemical parameter of germinating rice seeds. The seeds treated with ZnO NPs of 20 mg/l concentration showed more than 50 % stimulation in dry weight, relative water uptake of seeds and radicle length of seedling in comparison to other priming solution and control (hydro-primed). Significant growth was also observed in plumule length and fresh weight of seeds in ZnO NPs at 20 mg/l concentration in comparison to control and other priming treatments. At the same concentration of ZnO NPs, there was 23 % stimulation reported in total soluble sugar content and 45 % stimulation in amylase activity. There was also a substantial increase in antioxidant enzymes i.e. superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity. Seed priming represents an innovative user-friendly approach to enhance the germination rate, starch metabolic process and triggered zinc acquisition of rice aged seed as an alternative to the conventional priming method.

Molecular subtypes of colorectal cancer: An emerging therapeutic opportunity for personalized medicine.

Molecular subtypes-based therapies offer new potential framework for desired and precise outcome in clinical settings. Current treatment strategies in colorectal cancer are largely 'one drug fit all' model for patients that display same pathological conditions. However, CRC is a very heterogenous set of malignancy that does not support for above criteria. Each subtype displays different pathological and genetic signatures. Based on these features, therapeutic stratification for individual patients may be designed, which may ultimately lead to improved therapeutic outcomes. In this comprehensive review, we have attempted to briefly outline major CRC pathways. A detailed overview of molecular subtypes and their clinical significance has been discussed. Present and future methods, governing CRC subtyping in the era of personalized therapy with a special emphasis on CMS subtypes of CRC has been reviewed. Together, discovery and validation of new CRC patient stratification methods, screening for novel therapeutic targets, and enhanced diagnosis of CRC may improve the treatment outcome.

Eco-friendly synthesis of phytochemical-capped iron oxide nanoparticles as nano-priming agent for boosting seed germination in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Recently the applications of engineered nanoparticles in the agricultural sector is increased as nano-pesticides, nano-fertilizers, nanocarrier for macro- or micronutrients, nano-sensors, etc. In this study, biocompatible iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO NPs) have been synthesized through an environment-friendly route using Cassia occidentalis L. flower extract to act as nano-priming agent for promoting germination of Pusa basmati rice seeds. Different characterization methods, viz. X-ray diffraction, particle size analyser, zeta potential and scanning electron microscopy, were used to show efficacious synthesis of FeO NPs capped with phytochemicals. Rice seeds primed with FeO NPs at 20 and 40 mg/L efficiently enhanced germination and seedling vigour compared to ferrous sulphate (FeSO4) priming and hydro-primed control. The seeds primed with 20 mg/L FeO NPs showed up to 50% stimulation in biophysical parameters such as root length and dry weight. Substantial stimulation of sugar and amylase content was also reported at the same concentration. The antioxidant enzyme activity was significantly increased as compared to FeSO4 priming and control. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) study was also done for analysis of Fe, Zn, K, Ca, and Mn concentration in seeds. The seed priming technique signifies a comprehensible and innovative approach that could enhance α-amylase activity, iron acquisition, and ROS production, ensuing elevated soluble sugar levels for supporting seedling growth and enhancing seed germination rate, respectively. In this report, phytochemical-capped FeO NPs are presented as a capable nano-priming agent for stimulating the germination of naturally aged rice seeds.

Bioactivity of novel transition metal complexes of N'-[(4-methoxy)thiobenzoyl]benzoic acid hydrazide.

Cu(II), Fe(III), and Mn(II) complexes of a novel ligand N'-[(4-methoxy)thiobenzoyl]benzoic acid hydrazide (H(2)mtbh) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV-vis, NMR, mass, EPR and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The results suggest a square planar structure for [Cu(Hmtbh)Cl] and [Cu(mtbh)] whereas an octahedral structure for [Mn(Hmtbh)(2)] and [Fe(Hmtbh)(mtbh)]. Mn(II) and Fe(III) complexes were found to inhibit proliferation of HT29 cells. [Mn(Hmtbh)(2)] and [Fe(Hmtbh)(mtbh)] inhibited proliferation of HT29 cells with half maximal inhibition (IC(50)) of 8.15+/-0.87 and 68.1+/-4.8 microM, respectively, whereas H(2)mtbh showed growth inhibition with IC(50) of 90.9+/-7.8 microM and were able to inhibit NMT activity in vitro. Mn(II) and Fe(III) complexes inhibited NMT activity in a dose dependent manner with IC(50) values of 20+/-2.2 and 60+/-7.2 microM, respectively, whereas ligand (H(2)mtbh) displayed IC(50) of 3.2+/-0.5 mM.

Copper(II) and manganese(III) complexes of N'-[(2-hydroxy phenyl) carbonothioyl] pyridine-2-carbohydrazide: novel therapeutic agents for cancer.

c-Src is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase which plays a significant role in the growth mediated signaling pathway impacting cellular proliferation, differentiation, mobility, survival and transformation. Myristoylation of pp60(c-src) leads to its membrane association and activation, a process catalyzed by N-myristoyltransferase (NMT). We have shown earlier increased NMT activity in the early stages of colon cancer. A novel sulfur nitrogen donor ligand and its Cu(II) and Mn(III) complexes have been prepared and characterized using various physicochemical analyses. These Cu(II) and Mn(III) complexes showed cytotoxicity against the colon cancer cell line HT29. The IC(50) for Cu(II) and Mn(III) complexes were 12.2 and 16.1 microM, respectively. HT29 cells treated with Cu(II) and Mn(III) complexes induced apoptosis and inhibited endogenous NMT activity. Furthermore, they induced higher levels of hsc70 and inhibited the expression of c-Src. Inhibition of endogenous NMT activity by metal complexes was demonstrated for the first time. This study also suggested that NMT activity is crucial for cell survival and demonstrated that cessation in activity results in apoptosis. These metal complexes may prove to be novel therapeutic agents for cancer targeting NMT.

Antitumor effect of some 3d-metal complexes of N-isonicotinoyl-N'-o-hydroxythiobenzhydrazide.

A new ligand, N-isonicotinoyl-N'-o-hydroxythiobenzhydrazide (H(2)Iotbh), forms complexes [Co(Iotbh)(H(2)O)(2)], [M(Iotbh)] [M Ni(II) Cu(II) and Zn(ll)] and [M(Iotbh-H)(H(2)O)(2)] [M Mn(III), Fe(III)], which were characterized by various physico-chemical techniques. DMSO solution of metal complexes was observed to inhibit the growth of tumor in vitro, whereas the ligand did not. In vivo administration of these complexes resulted in prolongation of survival of tumor-bearing mice. Tumor-bearing mice administered with the solution of metal complexes showed reversal of tumor growth associated induction of apoptosis in lymphocytes. The paper discusses the possible mechanisms and therapeutic implications of the H(2)lotbh and its metal complexes in tumor regression and tumor growth associated immunosuppression.

Synthesis, characterization and antitumor studies of transition metal complexes of o-hydroxydithiobenzoate.

o-Hydroxydithiobenzoate (o-HOdtb) forms complexes, [Ni(o-HOdtb)(o-HOdtbS)], [Cu(o-Odtb)], [Co(o-HOdtb)(3)], [Fe(2)(o-Odtb)(3)], [Bu(n)(4)N][V(o-Odtb)(3)] and [Bu(n)(4)N][Zn(o-HOdtb)(3)] which were characterized by analyses and physicochemical studies. The bonding sites of o-HOdtb and the geometry of the complexes were determined by magnetic susceptibility, IR, ESR, NMR, Mössbauer and electronic spectral data. The structure of [Bu(n)(4)N][Zn(o-HOdtb)(3)] and H(2)C(o-HOdtb)(2) were assigned by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The monomeric complex [Bu(n)(4)N][Zn(o-HOdtb)(3)] crystallizes in Pna2(1) space group. The Mössbauer spectra of [Fe(2)(o-Odtb)(3)] at 298 and 80K suggest the presence of high spin iron(III) with an S=5/2 state. All the metal complexes were observed to inhibit the growth of tumor in vitro, whereas, ligand did not. In vivo administration of these complexes resulted in prolongation of survival of tumor-bearing mice. Tumor bearing mice administered with metal complexes showed reversal of tumor growth associated induction of apoptosis in lymphocytes. The paper discusses the possible mechanisms and therapeutic implication of the ligand and its metal complexes in tumor regression and tumor growth associated immunosuppression.

Synthesis, characterization and antitumor studies of Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes of N-salicyloyl-N'-o-hydroxythiobenzhydrazide.

A new ligand N-salicyloyl-N'-o-hydroxythiobenzhydrazide (H2Sotbh) forms complexes [Mn(HSotbh)2], [Fe(Sotbh-H)(H2O)2], [M(Sotbh)] [M=Co(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)] and [Ni(Sotbh)(H(2)O)2], which were characterized by various physico-chemical techniques. Mössbauer spectrum of [Fe(Sotbh-H)(H2O)2] reveals the quantum admixture of 5/2 and 3/2 spin-states. Mn(II), Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes were observed to inhibit the growth of tumor in vitro, whereas, Fe(III), Co(II), Zn(II) complexes did not. In vivo administration of Mn(II), Cu(II) and Ni(II) resulted in prolongation of survival of tumor bearing mice. Tumor bearing mice administered with Mn(II), Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes showed reversal of tumor growth associated induction of apoptosis in lymphocytes. The paper discusses the possible mechanisms and therapeutic implication of the H2Sotbh and its metal complexes in tumor regression and tumor growth associated immunosuppression.

Antitumour and Immunomodulatory Effects of Cu(II) Complexes of Thiobenzyhdrazide.

Thiiobenzyhdrazide (Htbh) and its Cu(II) complexes, [Cu(Htbh)2Cl2] and [Cu(tbh)2] were synthesized and characterized by various physicochemical studies. In vivo and in vitro antitumour activity of Htbh, [Cu(Htbh)2Cl2] and [Cu(tbh)2] has been tested. LD50 values were calculated for all the three compounds. It was observed that the antitumour effect of [Cu(Htbh)2Cl2] is maximum. Light microscopic study of the treated tumour mass demonstrated that certain cellular degradation, such as disappearance of mitotic figures, loss in cellular compactness, distortion of nucleus and disruption of cytoplasmic boundaries, takes place in the tumour region of complex treated mice. Further, tumour bearing mice administered with Cu(II) complexes showed reversal of tumour growth associated induction of apoptosis in lymphocytes.