Dormancy-associated MADS-box genes and microRNAs jointly control dormancy transition in pear (Pyrus pyrifolia white pear group) flower bud.

Bud dormancy in perennial plants is indispensable to survival over winter and to regrowth and development in the following year. However, the molecular pathways of endo-dormancy induction, maintenance, and release are still unclear, especially in fruit crops. To identify genes with roles in regulating endo-dormancy, 30 MIKC(C)-type MADS-box genes were identified in the pear genome and characterized. The 30 genes were analysed to determine their phylogenetic relationships with homologous genes, genome locations, gene structure, tissue-specific transcript profiles, and transcriptional patterns during flower bud dormancy in 'Suli' pear (Pyrus pyrifolia white pear group). The roles in regulating bud dormancy varied among the MIKC gene family members. Yeast one-hybrid and transient assays showed that PpCBF enhanced PpDAM1 and PpDAM3 transcriptional activity during the induction of dormancy, probably by binding to the C-repeat/DRE binding site, while DAM proteins inhibited the transcriptional activity of PpFT2 during dormancy release. In the small RNA-seq analysis, 185 conserved, 24 less-conserved, and 32 pear-specific miRNAs with distinct expression patterns during bud dormancy were identified. Joint analyses of miRNAs and MIKC genes together with degradome data showed that miR6390 targeted PpDAM transcripts and degraded them to release PpFT2. Our data show that cross-talk among PpCBF, PpDAM, PpFT2, and miR6390 played important roles in regulating endo-dormancy. A model for the molecular mechanism of dormancy transition is proposed: short-term chilling in autumn activates the accumulation of CBF, which directly promotes DAM expression; DAM subsequently inhibits FT expression to induce endo-dormancy, and miR6390 degrades DAM genes to release endo-dormancy.

The use of PCR technique in the identification of Mycobacterium species responsible for bovine tuberculosis in cattle and buffaloes in Pakistan.

Bovine tuberculosis is one of the important diseases of dairy and wild animals. The disease is prevalent all over the world, though developed countries have tremendously reduced the prevalence through eradication campaigns. The prevalence of disease in Pakistan on the basis of tuberculin testing or culture isolation of the organism has been reported previously. It is, however, important to use the latest diagnostic tools, i.e. PCR to confirm the type of Mycobacterium infecting the animals in Pakistan. Therefore, the present study was carried out to assess the utility of direct PCR on milk samples and nasal swabs to confirm the type of Mycobacterium infecting the animals. This study was carried out on 215 cattle and buffaloes of more than 2 years of age present at two livestock farms. The tuberculin results showed 22.5% prevalence at one farm and 25.9% at the other with an overall prevalence of 24.7%. The 92.5% of milk samples and/or nasal swabs showed positive PCR for Mycobacterium genus, 86.8% for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and 77.4% for Mycobacterium bovis. The M. bovis by PCR was detected in 13.2% of milk samples, 24.5% of nasal swabs and 39.6% of both milk samples + nasal swabs. The results suggested that there are 60% higher chance for a nasal swab to yield a positive PCR for M. bovis than the milk sample. It can be concluded from the present study that tuberculin testing is a useful method in studying the prevalence of disease as the PCR for Mycobacterium genus was positive in 92.5%, M. tuberculosis complex in 86.8% and Mycobacterium bovis in 77.4% cases.

Ethnobotany for food security and ecological transition: wild food plant gathering and consumption among four cultural groups in Kurram District, NW Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: In traditional food systems, especially those of rural populations around the world, wild food plants remain crucial. These resources need to be urgently documented to lay the foundations for sustainable livelihoods and food security. METHODS: In the present field study, we gathered information about wild food plants and mushrooms consumed by four ethnic groups (Turis, Khushis, Hazaras, and Christians) living in Kurram District, NW Pakistan, by conducting semi-structured interviews and holding group discussions. RESULTS: A total of 57 wild edible plants and mushrooms were reported, with the documented taxa belonging to 50 genera and 34 families. Turis reported the highest number of wild food plants (41), followed by Hazaras (37), Khushis (35), and then Christians, who reported only 11 plants. The most dominant families were Rosaceae, followed by Polygonaceae, Brassicaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Moraceae, and Plantaginaceae. The comparative analysis we conducted with the pre-existing Pakistani ethnobotanical studies revealed that 23 wild edible plants have not been previously reported as food items in the area under study, which included Fragaria nubicola, Lepidium draba, Pinus wallichiana, Podophyllum emodi, Prunus jacquemontii, Sambucus nigra, Sideroxylon mascatense, and Thymus linearis. Four wild edible mushrooms are also reported for the area for the first time: Calvatia gigantea, Morchella esculenta, Pisolithus albus, and Tulostoma squamosum. The cross-cultural analysis of wild edible plants and their uses revealed remarkable similarity between Khushis and Hazaras. The overlapping pattern of wild edible plant use among these two groups, as well as Turis, confirms the existence of cross-cultural interactions among these communities, which have shared the same environmental and socio-cultural space for several decades. Food heritage and some unique dishes are linked to wild edible plants in the area, such as Zamda, prepared by Turis, and Saba, famous among Khushis and Hazaras. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that some wild edible plants could be cultivated to protect a few threatened species from overexploitation, while the overall wild food plant heritage should be promoted and revitalized; for example, within educational platforms aimed at improving the wellbeing of local communities and the global ecological transition we must deal with.

Porous Material (Titanium Gas Diffusion Layer) in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell/Electrolyzer: Fabrication Methods & GeoDict: A Critical Review.

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is a renewable energy source rapidly approaching commercial viability. The performance is significantly affected by the transfer of fluid, charges, and heat; gas diffusion layer (GDL) is primarily concerned with the consistent transfer of these components, which are heavily influenced by the material and design. High-efficiency GDL must have excellent thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, permeability, corrosion resistance, and high mechanical characteristics. The first step in creating a high-performance GDL is selecting the appropriate material. Therefore, titanium is a suitable substitute for steel or carbon due to its high strength-to-weight and superior corrosion resistance. The second crucial parameter is the fabrication method that governs all the properties. This review seeks to comprehend numerous fabrication methods such as tape casting, 3D printing, freeze casting, phase separation technique, and lithography, along with the porosity controller in each process such as partial sintering, input design, ice structure, pore agent, etching time, and mask width. Moreover, other GDL properties are being studied, including microstructure and morphology. In the future, GeoDict simulation is highly recommended for optimizing various GDL properties, as it is frequently used for other porous materials. The approach can save time and energy compared to intensive experimental work.

Experimental and Computational Study of Optimized Gas Diffusion Layer for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Electrolyzer.

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and PEM electrolyzer are emerging technologies that produce energy with zero carbon emissions. However, the commercial feasibility of these technologies mostly relies on their efficiency, which is determined by individual parts, including the gas diffusion layer (GDL). GDL transfers fluid and charges while protecting other components form flooding and corrosion. As there is a very limited attention toward the simulation work, in this work, a novel approach was utilized that combines simulation and experimental techniques to optimize the sintering temperature of GDL. Ti64 GDL was produced through tape casting, a commercial method famous for producing precise thickness, uniform, and high-quality films and parameters such as slurry composition and rheology, casting parameters, drying, and debinding were optimized. The porosity and mechanical properties of the samples were tested experimentally at various sintering temperatures. The experimental results were compared with the simulated results achieved from the GeoDict simulation tool, showing around 96% accuracy, indicating that employing GeoDict to optimize the properties of Ti64 GDL produced via tape casting is a critical step towards the commercial feasibility of PEMFCs and electrolyzer. These findings significantly contribute to the development of sustainable energy solutions.

Binder-free cupric-ion containing zinc sulfide nanoplates-like structure for flexible energy storage devices.

Researchers have been enthusiastic about developing high-performance electrode materials based on metal chalcogenides for energy storage applications. Herein, we developed cupric ion-containing zinc sulfide (ZnS:Cu) nanoplates by using a solvothermal approach. The as-synthesized ZnS:Cu nanoplates electrode was characterized and analyzed by using XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS, and XPS. The binder-free flexible ZnS:Cu nanoplates exhibited excellent specific capacitance of 545 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1. The CV and GCD measurements revealed that the specific capacitance was mainly attributed to the Faradaic redox mechanism. Further, the binder-free flexible ZnS:Cu nanoplates electrode retained 87.4% along with excellent Coulombic efficiency (99%) after 5000 cycles. The binder-free flexible ZnS:Cu nanoplates exhibited excellent conductivity, specific capacitance, and stability which are beneficial in energy storage systems. These findings will also open new horizons amongst material scientists toward the new direction of electrode development.

Salicylic acid-mitigates abiotic stress tolerance via altering defense mechanisms in Brassica napus (L.).

Under the changing climate due to global warming, various abiotic stresses including drought (D) and salinity (S) are expected to further trigger their devastating effects on the already vulnerable crop production systems. This experiment was designed to unravel and quantify the potential role of exogenous application of salicylic acid (SA) in mitigating both D and S stresses and their combination (D+S), with three replications using CRD (Completely Randomized Design). The obtained results of the current study demonstrated significant effects of all three types of stresses (D, S, and D+S) on various parameters in Brassica napus plants. Quantifying these parameters provides a more informative and precise understanding of the findings. Current results revealed that all three stress types (D, S, and D+S) resulted in a reduction in leaf area (13.65 to 21.87%), chlorophyll levels (30 to 50%), gaseous exchange rate (30 to 54%) and the concentration of mineral ions compared to non-stressed plants. However, application of SA helped in mitigating these stresses by ameliorating the negative effects of these stresses. Moreover, Malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, an indicator of lipid per-oxidation and oxidative stress, the levels of antioxidants, proline content, an osmolyte associated with stress tolerance, and sugar content in the leaves were elevated in response to all stress conditions. In addition, the ultra-structures within the leaves were negatively affected by the stresses, while an application of SA considerably minimized the deterioration of these structures thus providing protection to the brassica plants against the stresses. In a nutshell, the findings of this study suggest that SA application in S, D and S+ D stresses provides evasion to the plants by improving different physiological and growth indices. The application of Salicylic Acid (SA) mitigated the negative effects of the stresses on all the above parameters, reducing MDA contents (47%), antioxidants (11 to 20%), proline (28%), sugar contents (20.50%), and minimizing the deterioration of ultra-structures. The findings emphasize the potential mitigatory role of SA in mitigating D and S stresses and highlight the need for further research to understand the underlying mechanisms in detail and explore its practical application in farming practices.

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Technique versus Static Stretching in Patients with Pronated Dominant Foot: A Comparison in Effectiveness on Flexibility, Foot Posture, Foot Function Index, and Dynamic Balance.

BACKGROUND: Pronated foot is a deformity with various degrees of physical impact. Patients with a pronated foot experience issues such as foot pain, ankle pain, heel pain, shin splints, impaired balance, plantar fasciitis, etc. Objective: The study intended to compare the effectiveness of IASTM (instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization) and static stretching on ankle flexibility, foot posture, foot function, and balance in patients with a flexible pronated foot. METHODS: Seventy-two participants between the ages of 18-25 years with a flexible pronated foot were included and allocated into three groups: Control, stretching, and IASTM group using single-blinded randomization. Range of motion (ROM) measuring ankle flexibility, foot posture index (FPI), foot function index (FFI), and dynamic balance was measured at baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention. Soft tissue mobilization was applied on to the IASTM group, while the stretching group was directed in static stretching of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex, tibialis anterior, and Achilles tendon in addition to the foot exercises. The control group received only foot exercises for 4 weeks. RESULTS: The result shows the significant improvement of the right dominant foot in ROM plantar flexion, (F = 3.94, p = 0.03), dorsiflexion (F = 3.15, p = 0.05), inversion (F = 8.54, p = 0.001) and eversion (F = 5.93, p = 0.005), FFI (control vs. IASTM, mean difference (MD) = 5.9, p < 0.001), FPI (right foot, control vs. IASTM MD = 0.88, p = 0.004), and in dynamic balance of the right-leg stance (anterior, pre vs. post = 88.55 ± 2.28 vs. 94.65 ± 2.28; anteromedial, pre vs. post = 80.65 ± 2.3 vs. 85.55 ± 2.93; posterior, pre vs. post = 83 ± 3.52 vs. 87 ± 2.99 and lateral, pre vs. post = 73.2 ± 5.02 vs. 78.05 ± 4.29) in the IASTM group. The FFI was increased remarkably in the stretching group as compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Myofascial release technique, i.e., IASTM with foot exercises, significantly improves flexibility, foot posture, foot function, and dynamic balance as compared to stretching, making it a choice of treatment for patients with a flexible pronated foot.

Effects of feeding maize hydroponic fodder on growth performance, nitrogen balance, nutrient digestibility, hematology, and blood metabolites of water buffalo calves.

Background: A hydroponic feeding system enables more effective utilization of the entire plant than typical grazing, which only consumes the plant's shoot. Aim: This study evaluated the effects of feeding maize hydroponic fodder on growth performance, nitrogen balance, nutrient digestibility, hematology, and blood metabolites of buffalo calves. Methods: Twelve water buffalo calves, weighing an average of 112 ± 1.18 kg and between 8 and 10 months old, were divided into three treatments, each with four calves. Each group received one of the treatment diets: T1: the basal diet (BD) at 100%; T2: the BD plus hydroponic feed meal (HFM) at 80%: 20%; and T3: the BD plus HFM at 60%: 40%. For 100 days, each animal was fed ad libitum; the first ten days were used for nutritional adaptation, and the final ten days were used for collection. In addition to their BD, each animal received 200 g/day of a normal concentrate mixture to meet their maintenance needs. The BD included Green Hay (Lucerne) 80% and Wheat straw 20%. Each animal's daily feed consumption was noted. Calves were weighed biweekly to track growth. Upon completion of the experiment, blood samples were obtained. Results: The amount of dry matter (DM) consumed by ruminants fed diets, including hydroponic fodder, was considerably higher (p < 0.05). Similar trends were seen in crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber intake. Ingesting of CP was highest in animals fed T3. Animals fed diets comprising BD 60% + HFM 40% had the highest levels of DM and CP digestibility. Animals fed the T3 diet (BD 60% + HFM 40%) showed the best feed conversion values (p ˂ 0.05). Blood metabolites like blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and glucose showed non-significant variations in all experimental animals. In hematology, a similar trend was seen. Conclusion: Therefore, it can be said that supplementing the diet with more HFM helped growing buffalo calves gain weight, have a lower feed consumption ratio, and digest their food more efficiently.

Transcriptomic analysis of 'Suli' pear (Pyrus pyrifolia white pear group) buds during the dormancy by RNA-Seq.

BACKGROUND: Bud dormancy is a critical developmental process that allows perennial plants to survive unfavorable environmental conditions. Pear is one of the most important deciduous fruit trees in the world, but the mechanisms regulating bud dormancy in this species are unknown. Because genomic information for pear is currently unavailable, transcriptome and digital gene expression data for this species would be valuable resources to better understand the molecular and biological mechanisms regulating its bud dormancy. RESULTS: We performed de novo transcriptome assembly and digital gene expression (DGE) profiling analyses of 'Suli' pear (Pyrus pyrifolia white pear group) using the Illumina RNA-seq system. RNA-Seq generated approximately 100 M high-quality reads that were assembled into 69,393 unigenes (mean length = 853 bp), including 14,531 clusters and 34,194 singletons. A total of 51,448 (74.1%) unigenes were annotated using public protein databases with a cut-off E-value above 10-5. We mainly compared gene expression levels at four time-points during bud dormancy. Between Nov. 15 and Dec. 15, Dec. 15 and Jan. 15, and Jan. 15 and Feb. 15, 1,978, 1,024, and 3,468 genes were differentially expressed, respectively. Hierarchical clustering analysis arranged 190 significantly differentially-expressed genes into seven groups. Seven genes were randomly selected to confirm their expression levels using quantitative real-time PCR. CONCLUSIONS: The new transcriptomes offer comprehensive sequence and DGE profiling data for a dynamic view of transcriptomic variation during bud dormancy in pear. These data provided a basis for future studies of metabolism during bud dormancy in non-model but economically-important perennial species.

Integrated analysis of potential microbial consortia, soil nutritional status, and agro-climatic datasets to modulate P nutrient uptake and yield effectiveness of wheat under climate change resilience.

Climate change has a devastating effect on wheat production; therefore, crop production might decline by 2030. Phosphorus (P) nutrient deficiency is another main limiting factor of reduced yield. Hence, there is a dire need to judiciously consider wheat yield, so that human requirements and nutrition balance can be sustained efficiently. Despite the great significance of biostimulants in sustainable agriculture, there is still a lack of integrated technology encompassing the successful competitiveness of inoculated phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) in agricultural systems in the context of climatic conditions/meteorological factors and soil nutritional status. Therefore, the present study reveals the modulation of an integrated P nutrient management approach to develop potential PSB consortia for recommended wheat varieties by considering the respective soil health and agro-climatic conditions. The designed consortia were found to maintain adequate viability for up to 9 months, verified through field emission scanning electron microscopy and viable count. Furthermore, a significant increase in grain yield (5%-8%) and seed P (4%) content was observed in consortia-inoculated wheat plants with 20% reduced Diammonium phosphate (DAP) application under net house conditions. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of roots and amplification of the gcd gene of Ochrobactrum sp. SSR indicated the survival and rhizosphere competency of the inoculated PSB. Categorical principal component analysis (CAT-PCA) showed a positive correlation of inoculated field-grown wheat varieties in native soils to grain yield, soil P content, and precipitation for sites belonging to irrigated plains and seed P content, soil organic matter, and number of tillers for sites belonging to Northern dry mountains. However, the impact of inoculation at sites belonging to the Indus delta was found significantly correlated to soil potassium (K) content, electrical conductivity (EC), and temperature. Additionally, a significant increase in grain yield (15%) and seed P (14%) content was observed in inoculated wheat plants. Thus, the present study demonstrates for the first time the need to integrate soil biological health and agro-climatic conditions for consistent performance of augmented PSB and enhanced P nutrient uptake to curtail soil pollution caused by the extensive use of agrochemicals. This study provides innovative insights and identifies key questions for future research on PSB to promote its successful implementation in agriculture.

Does regional integration matter for sustainable economic growth? Fostering the role of FDI, trade openness, IT exports, and capital formation in BRI countries.

IT exports, capital formation, FDI, and trade openness are the key elements to bring sustainable economic growth to any country, since these act as a lifeline to bring sustainability to countries. This study aims to estimate the impact of IT exports, gross capital formation, FDI, and trade openness on sustainable economic growth with regional integration of BRI countries using the annual panel data from 2013 to 2018. Moderating variable is regional integration, while the trade freedom index, investment freedom index, real interest rate, and inflation are control variables. The two-step system GMM technique is applied to the sample as the number of moment conditions is greater than the number of parameters. The results suggest that FDI and gross capital formation have a substantial positive impact on economic growth, whereas IT exports and trade openness have a negative, insignificant impact. The overall results suggest that China's outward FDI has boosted the economic growth in countries while trade openness has a negligible since most developing countries need to invest in industrialization and encourage exports based growth.

A Growing Two-Decade-Old True Left Ventricular Aneurysm: A Case Report.

Left ventricular aneurysms (LVA) occur after an infarcted area of the myocardium necrotizes, fibroses, and expands, forming a dyskinetic cavity. Most ventricular aneurysms are asymptomatic and go unrecognized unless found incidentally. Symptoms commonly reported include angina, heart failure, syncope, and even sudden cardiac death. Late complications from left ventricular aneurysms are infrequently reported. This case reports an elderly woman who presented with new-onset angina from an expanding 18-year-old true left ventricular aneurysm that was successfully treated with surgical repair.

Supraventricular tachycardia with the use of phentermine: case report and review of literature.

Case: A 34-year-old woman with no significant past medical history presented to the hospital with sudden onset of palpitations with associated dyspnea and chest discomfort. She denied any similar previous episodes. Initial electrocardiogram (EKG) was consistent with a short R-P interval supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Her transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) revealed no structural abnormalities, TSH levels were normal, and urine drug screen was negative for any recreational drugs. However, the patient had been taking phentermine for weight loss.Discussion: The exact mechanism is not clear; however, we postulate that the sympathomimetic effects of phentermine likely contribute to SVT induction through enhanced AV nodal conduction or increased atrial ectopy. Conclusions: The only medication she was taking at home was phentermine, and the palpitations did not recur after discontinuation of the drug during follow-up. It is important to collect a thorough medication history when patients present with AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) or other SVT.

Escitalopram Induced Torsade de Pointes and Cardiac Arrest in a Patient With Surgically Treated Mitral Valve Prolapse.

A 54-year-old female, with a history of prosthetic mitral valve replacement due to mitral valve prolapse one year prior, was admitted after suffering a cardiopulmonary arrest. Her initial rhythm demonstrated Torsade de Pointes with the initial electrocardiogram (ECG) showing a prolonged QT interval. Laboratory test results were normal including potassium and magnesium serum levels, and imaging did not show significant abnormalities. A review of patients' medicines showed that the patient started taking escitalopram one month prior to the presentation for major depressive disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are widely prescribed and continue to be a mainstay of treatment for multiple psychiatric conditions. It is important to keep the potential cardiovascular side effects of SSRIs in mind when prescribing. Consideration of underlying cardiac conditions is vital to decrease the likelihood of poor outcomes.

Gut inflammation exacerbates hepatic injury in C57BL/6J mice via gut-vascular barrier dysfunction with high-fat-incorporated meat protein diets.

AIM: Meat and its derivatives provide nutrients essential for human health. However, meat consumption, along with excessive fat intake, has been associated with gut inflammation, intestinal barrier dysfunction and alterations in gut microbiota. Herein, we investigated whether and how these changes in the intestinal barrier system affect the gut liver axis and hepatic injury and eventually lead to the progression of liver syndrome such as NAFLD. METHODS: Mice were fed with high fat (60% kcal) or low fat (12% kcal) along with soybean (control), chicken and pork proteins (HFCH, HFP, LFCH, and LFP) for 12 weeks. The biomarkers for liver injury were investigated after meat protein intake along with the high fat. FINDINGS: Greater amount of fat vacuoles visible in the H&E staining increased the inflammatory cell infiltration and disorganized liver structures were observed in the HFP-fed mice. Oil Red O staining revealed that the HFP-fed and HFCH-fed mice showed more lipid droplets, confirming the increased hepatic lipid accumulation. Potential serum markers for NAFLD, ALT and AST were increased in the HF meat diet groups. Key genes responsible for hepatic inflammation and lipogenesis, such as MCP-1, IL1-ß and TNF-α were upregulated. HF meat protein diet-fed mice exhibited signs of compromised liver with increased levels of endotoxin in the liver and its binding protein in serum, upregulation of TLRs in the liver, and significant increase in TG, TC, LDL-C and HDL-C concentrations. SIGNIFICANCE: Intestinal inflammation and barrier dysfunction aggravate liver injury and fibrosis due to the intake of HF meat protein diets in mice, which may contribute to the progress of liver injury and associated complications. Gut inflammation may directly contribute to the development of NAFLD, especially of the gut vascular barricade dysfunction.

Left Atrial Myxoma Associated with Malignant Anomalous Course of Right Coronary Artery: A Rare Concurrent Incidence of Two Rare Diseases.

Cardiac atrial myxoma is a primary cardiac tumor with a prevalence of 0.0017-0.19% at autopsy. Anomalous origin of right coronary artery (ARCA) from opposite sinus of Valsalva is considered the second most common cause of sudden cardiac death among young athletes with an incidence of 0.09%-0.92% and mortality risk of 0-57%. We present a case of symptomatic left atrial myxoma in the presence of ARCA from the opposite sinus of valsalva. The myxoma was excised and the anomalous right coronary artery was re-implanted during the same operative session.

Prevalence of Human Papilloma Virus Sub Genotypes following Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas in Asian Continent, A Systematic Review Article.

OBJECTIVES: In current era of blue brain intelligence and technology access at ease, standardization of disease etiology demands extensive research to drop-down human papilloma virus associated head and neck squamous cell carcinomas impact at large. Present retrospection aims to estimate comparative association of human papilloma virus sub-genotypes in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, critical analysis of existing research gap, treatment progress, co-infection, gender association, national status and challenges following Human papilloma virus led head and neck squamous cell carcinomas among world largest continent. BACKGROUND: Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas are not just like malignancies of uterine cervix, lymph nodes and breast cancers. Human papilloma virus led head and neck squamous cell carcinomas treatment directly impact Central nervous system in humans. Intriguingly, human papilloma virus mediated immune response increases patient survival, which indirectly transmit human papilloma virus in future generations and act as a potential threat developing neurogenic disorders. METHODS: An objective based search strategy, following comprehensive and specific search approaches were made to retrieve recent 12 years research data from five different NCBI databases. Out of 300 shortlisted articles, only 24 principal studies met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Highest human papilloma virus prevalence (10.42 %) was found in South Asia, 5.8 % in South East Asia, 5.7 % East Asia, 2.5% in west Asia and no relevant updated data was found from central Asian continent. Highest prevalence (10%) of HPV genotype-16 was recorded in Asia among 3, 710 enrolled cases including 2201 males, 1149 females and 360 cases of unknown gender. While undifferentiated multiple HPV genotype prevalence was 5.5 % (204 cases). Lowest percentage of HPV sub-types 68, 72, 57, 39 were recorded respectively. Pakistan ranked top reporting highest number of HPV-16 cases, Taiwan HPV-18, India HPV-31, Japan HPV-35 and Singapore in HPV-16 and HPV-18 co-infection rates respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Exact prevalence of HPV associated head and neck squamous cell carcinomas among Asian population is still debatable. Due to higher heterogeneity (P< 0.00001), I2 = 81-88% at 95 % confidence interval), non-availability and limitations of reported studies from Asian sub-continents especially central Asia, western Asia and from south and south east Asia demand large scale collaborative research culture to standardize head and neck squamous cell carcinomas aetiology.
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Licochalcone A from licorice root, an inhibitor of human hepatoma cell growth via induction of cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.

We investigated the anti-cancer activity of Licochalcone A (LCA), extracted from licorice root. LCA inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells with IC50 (65.96 µM) for 24 h and IC50 (44.13 µM) for 48 h and caused significant morphological changes and also led to intracellular ROS generation. LCA affected HepG2 cell growth by terminating cell cycle development at G2/M transition and further induced the apoptosis process. The mRNA expression of genes involved in cell cycles such as Survivin, Cyclin B1, and CDK1 were reduced; while, Weel, P21, Cyclin D1, and JNK1 showed increased mRNA expression. Two pathways consisting of internal and external factors were responsible for LCA -induced apoptosis. The anti-cancer action involved increased mRNA expression of DR3, DR5, caspases-3, caspases-8, caspases-10, Fas, Bad, Bax, Bcl-2, Bak, and PUMA; besides, decreased level of PKCε, p70S6K, and Akt. This study provides mechanistic explanation for anti-cancer activity of LCA and also suggests its potential role in the treatment of hepatoma cancer.