Phytoremediation of heavy metals spiked soil by Celosia argentea L.: effect on plant growth and metal stabilization.

Soil contaminated with heavy metals cause serious threat to the soil quality, biota, and human. The removal or stabilization of heavy metals through plants is an environment friendly approach. The aim of study was to assess the potential of Celosia argentea L. for the phytoremediation of heavy metals contaminated soil. Soil was spiked with different levels (0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg) of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and Zn (Zn). Experiment was carried out in greenhouse and impact of heavy metals was evaluated on plant by assessing the germination rate and plant growth. To evaluate either plant has potential to extract/stabilize the heavy metals, concentration in roots and shoot, translocation factor (TF), bioconcentration factor (BCF), and bioaccumulation factor (BAF) were determined. Application of heavy metals significantly affected the germination rate and minimum (26.6%) was observed in Cr spiked soil (400 mg/kg). Moreover, the biomass of C. argentea was also affected by the application of heavy metals. However, the concentration of heavy metals in roots and shoots were low. The BCF and BAF of C. argentea was lower than 1 except at lower levels of Pb and Zn, but the TF was greater than 1. The TF showed that plants have capability to transfer heavy metals to shoots once they are taken up by roots. However, based on the BCF and concentrations of heavy metals in shoots, it is evident that plant could play important role in the phytostabilization of heavy metals polluted soil.

Teeth Lesion Detection Using Deep Learning and the Internet of Things Post-COVID-19.

With a view of the post-COVID-19 world and probable future pandemics, this paper presents an Internet of Things (IoT)-based automated healthcare diagnosis model that employs a mixed approach using data augmentation, transfer learning, and deep learning techniques and does not require physical interaction between the patient and physician. Through a user-friendly graphic user interface and availability of suitable computing power on smart devices, the embedded artificial intelligence allows the proposed model to be effectively used by a layperson without the need for a dental expert by indicating any issues with the teeth and subsequent treatment options. The proposed method involves multiple processes, including data acquisition using IoT devices, data preprocessing, deep learning-based feature extraction, and classification through an unsupervised neural network. The dataset contains multiple periapical X-rays of five different types of lesions obtained through an IoT device mounted within the mouth guard. A pretrained AlexNet, a fast GPU implementation of a convolutional neural network (CNN), is fine-tuned using data augmentation and transfer learning and employed to extract the suitable feature set. The data augmentation avoids overtraining, whereas accuracy is improved by transfer learning. Later, support vector machine (SVM) and the K-nearest neighbors (KNN) classifiers are trained for lesion classification. It was found that the proposed automated model based on the AlexNet extraction mechanism followed by the SVM classifier achieved an accuracy of 98%, showing the effectiveness of the presented approach.

Assessment of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in Cirrhinus mrigala induced by trypan blue - An azo dye.

Cytotoxicity in freshwater fishes induced by industrial effluents and dyes is a global issue. Trypan blue dye has many applications in different sectors, including laboratories and industries. This study determines to detect the cytotoxic effects of trypan blue dye in vivo. The objective of this study was to estimate the sub-lethal effects of azodye in fish. Cirrhinus mrigala, a freshwater fish, was exposed to three different grading concentrations of dye 5 mg/L, 10 mg/L, and 20 mg/L in a glass aquarium. Significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the weight of fish was observed as 0.728 ± 0.14 g and 2.232 ± 0.24 g, respectively, in the trial groups exposed to 10 and 20 mg/L of dye in a week. After exposure to trypan blue dye, fishes were dissected to remove liver and kidney tissues. Histopathological assessments determined hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity induced by trypan blue through the paraffin wax method. This dye induces mild alterations in the liver such as congestion, hemolysis, dilated sinusoids, ruptured hepatocytes, vacuolization, edema of hepatocytes, necrosis, degeneration, aggregation, and inflammation. This dye not only alters liver tissue, also induces an acute level of tissue alterations in the kidneys, such as degeneration of epithelial cells of renal tubules, shrinkage of the glomerulus, congestion, reduced lumen, degeneration of glomerulus, absence of space of bowmen, glomerulonephritis, necrosis in hematopoietic interstitial tissues and glomerulus, reduced lumen, vacuolar degeneration of renal tubules, increased per tubular space. The current study concludes that trypan blue dye released even in small amounts is found to be associated with a high incidence of cytotoxicity. Such tissue alterations in this species could be used as biomarkers for azo dyes.

Cross-Kingdom Regulation by Plant microRNAs Provides Novel Insight into Gene Regulation.

microRNAs (miRNAs) are well known as major players in mammalian and plant genetic systems that act by regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. These tiny molecules can regulate target genes (mRNAs) through either cleavage or translational inhibition. Recently, the discovery of plant-derived miRNAs showing cross-kingdom abilities to regulate mammalian gene expression has prompted exciting discussions among researchers. After being acquired orally through the diet, plant miRNAs can survive in the digestive tract, enter the circulatory system, and regulate endogenous mRNAs. Here, we review current knowledge regarding the cross-kingdom mechanisms of plant miRNAs, related controversies, and potential applications of these miRNAs in dietary therapy, which will provide new insights for plant miRNA investigations related to health issues in humans.

Correction to: Regulation of terpenoid biosynthesis by miRNA in Persicaria minor induced by Fusarium oxysporum.

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors reported a number of errors, which are listed in this Correction article. The corrections are marked in bold.

Regulation of terpenoid biosynthesis by miRNA in Persicaria minor induced by Fusarium oxysporum.

BACKGROUND: Persicaria minor (kesum) is an herbaceous plant with a high level of secondary metabolite compounds, particularly terpenoids. These terpenoid compounds have well-established roles in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Although the terpenoids of P. minor have been studied thoroughly, the involvement of microRNA (miRNA) in terpenoid regulation remains poorly understood and needs to be explored. In this study, P. minor plants were inoculated with the pathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum for terpenoid induction. RESULT: SPME GC-MS analysis showed the highest terpenoid accumulation on the 6th day post-inoculation (dpi) compared to the other treatment time points (0 dpi, 3 dpi, and 9 dpi). Among the increased terpenoid compounds, α-cedrene, valencene and ß-bisabolene were prominent. P. minor inoculated for 6 days was selected for miRNA library construction using next generation sequencing. Differential gene expression analysis showed that 58 miRNAs belonging to 30 families had significantly altered regulation. Among these 58 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 27 [corrected] miRNAs were upregulated, whereas 31 [corrected] miRNAs were downregulated. Two putative novel pre-miRNAs were identified and validated through reverse transcriptase PCR. Prediction of target transcripts potentially involved in the mevalonate pathway (MVA) was carried out by psRobot software, resulting in four miRNAs: pmi-miR530, pmi-miR6173, pmi-miR6300 and a novel miRNA, pmi-Nov_13. In addition, two miRNAs, miR396a and miR398f/g, were predicted to have their target transcripts in the non-mevalonate pathway (MEP). In addition, a novel miRNA, pmi-Nov_12, was identified to have a target gene involved in green leaf volatile (GLV) biosynthesis. RT-qPCR analysis showed that pmi-miR6173, pmi-miR6300 and pmi-nov_13 were downregulated, while miR396a and miR398f/g were upregulated. Pmi-miR530 showed upregulation at 9 dpi, and dynamic expression was observed for pmi-nov_12. Pmi-6300 and pmi-miR396a cleavage sites were detected through degradome sequence analysis. Furthermore, the relationship between miRNA metabolites and mRNA metabolites was validated using correlation analysis. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that six studied miRNAs post-transcriptionally regulate terpenoid biosynthesis in P. minor. This regulatory behaviour of miRNAs has potential as a genetic tool to regulate terpenoid biosynthesis in P. minor.

Hepaotoprotective and nephroprotective activities of Pistacia integerrima fruit extract in paracetamol intoxicated male rabbits with effect on blood cells count.

The beneficial effects of Pistacia integerrima (PI) fruit methanol extract on some liver and kidney related parameters and blood cells count of paracetamol (PCM) intoxicated male rabbits were studied. Paracetamol intoxication caused remarkable increase in the serum ALT, AST and ALP levels. The PCM intoxicated rabbits that received PI extract orally at doses of 200 mg and 400 mg/kg b.w. /oral/day for 16 days showed significant reduction in serum ALT, AST and ALP levels (P<0.05). Liver microsections from PCM intoxicated rabbits treated with PI fruit methanol extract showed improvement in the liver histoarchitecture. The urine output of PCM intoxicated control rabbits group was significantly lower (P<0.05). The PCM intoxicated rabbits that received PI extract showed significant increase in urine output (P<0.05). The PCM intoxicated rabbits treated with PI extract also showed significant reduction in the levels of serum urea and creatinine (P<0.05). The renal creatinine clearance of PCM rabbits treated with PI extract improved significantly (P<0.05). Microsections of kidneys from PCM intoxicated rabbits treated with PI fruit methanol extract showed improvement in renal histoarchitecture. During this study, PI extract caused no improvement in the RBC count of PCM intoxicated rabbits. However, the extract caused significant increase in WBC and platelets count (P < 0.05) of PCM intoxicated rabbits. From the findings of the present research, it was concluded that oral administration of P. integerrima fruit methanol extract is beneficial for the liver and kidney related biochemical parameters and blood cells count of paracetamol intoxicated male rabbits.

Data on degradome sequencing and analysis from mock-inoculated and Fusarium oxysporum treated leaves samples in Persicaria minor.

Degradome sequencing referred as parallel analysis of RNA ends (PARE) by modifying 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) with deep sequencing method. Deep sequencing of 5' products allow the determination of cleavage sites through the mapping of degradome fragments against small RNAs (miRNA or siRNA) on a large scale. Here, we carried out degradome sequencing in medicinal plant, Persicaria minor, to identify cleavage sites in small RNA libraries in control (mock-inoculated) and Fusarium oxysporum treated plants. The degradome library consisted of both control and treated samples which were pooled together during library preparation and named as D4. The D4 dataset have been deposited at GenBank under accession number SRX3921398, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sra/SRX3921398.

Small RNA-seq analysis in response to methyl jasmonate and abscisic acid treatment in Persicaria minor.

Persicaria minor (Kesum) is an important medicinal plant with high level of secondary metabolite contents, especially, terpenoids and flavonoids. Previous studies have revealed that application of exogenous phytohormone could increase secondary metabolite contents of the plant. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs that play important regulatory roles in various biological processes. In order to explore the possible role of miRNA in the regulation of these phytohormones signaling pathway and uncovering their potential correlation, we, for the first time, have generated the smallRNA library of Kesum plant. The library was developed in response to methyl jasmonate (MJ) and abscisic acid (ABA) treatment by using next-generation sequencing technology. Raw reads have been deposited to SRA database with the accession numbers, SRX2655642 and SRX2655643 (MJ-treated), SRXSRX2655644 and SRX2655645 (ABA-treated) and SRX2655646and SRX2655647 (Control).

Small RNA sequencing for secondary metabolite analysis in Persicaria minor.

Persicaria minor (kesum) is an important medicinal plant and commonly found in southeast countries; Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. This plant is enriched with a variety of secondary metabolites (SMs), and among these SMs, terpenoids are in high abundance. Terpenoids are comprised of many valuable biomolecules which have well-established role in agriculture and pharmaceutical industry. In P. minor, for the first time, we have generated small RNAs data sets, which can be used as tool in deciphering their roles in terpenoid biosynthesis pathways. Fungal pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum was used as elicitor to trigger SMs biosynthesis in P. minor. Raw reads and small RNA analysis data have already been deposited at GenBank under the accessions; SRX2645684 (Fusarium-treated), SRX2645685 (Fusarium-treated), SRX2645686 (mock-infected), and SRX2645687 (mock-infected).

MicroRNA and Transcription Factor: Key Players in Plant Regulatory Network.

Recent achievements in plant microRNA (miRNA), a large class of small and non-coding RNAs, are very exciting. A wide array of techniques involving forward genetic, molecular cloning, bioinformatic analysis, and the latest technology, deep sequencing have greatly advanced miRNA discovery. A tiny miRNA sequence has the ability to target single/multiple mRNA targets. Most of the miRNA targets are transcription factors (TFs) which have paramount importance in regulating the plant growth and development. Various families of TFs, which have regulated a range of regulatory networks, may assist plants to grow under normal and stress environmental conditions. This present review focuses on the regulatory relationships between miRNAs and different families of TFs like; NF-Y, MYB, AP2, TCP, WRKY, NAC, GRF, and SPL. For instance NF-Y play important role during drought tolerance and flower development, MYB are involved in signal transduction and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, AP2 regulate the floral development and nodule formation, TCP direct leaf development and growth hormones signaling. WRKY have known roles in multiple stress tolerances, NAC regulate lateral root formation, GRF are involved in root growth, flower, and seed development, and SPL regulate plant transition from juvenile to adult. We also studied the relation between miRNAs and TFs by consolidating the research findings from different plant species which will help plant scientists in understanding the mechanism of action and interaction between these regulators in the plant growth and development under normal and stress environmental conditions.

Phytoremediation of heavy metals--concepts and applications.

The mobilization of heavy metals by man through extraction from ores and processing for different applications has led to the release of these elements into the environment. Since heavy metals are nonbiodegradable, they accumulate in the environment and subsequently contaminate the food chain. This contamination poses a risk to environmental and human health. Some heavy metals are carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic and endocrine disruptors while others cause neurological and behavioral changes especially in children. Thus remediation of heavy metal pollution deserves due attention. Different physical and chemical methods used for this purpose suffer from serious limitations like high cost, intensive labor, alteration of soil properties and disturbance of soil native microflora. In contrast, phytoremediation is a better solution to the problem. Phytoremediation is the use of plants and associated soil microbes to reduce the concentrations or toxic effects of contaminants in the environments. It is a relatively recent technology and is perceived as cost-effective, efficient, novel, eco-friendly, and solar-driven technology with good public acceptance. Phytoremediation is an area of active current research. New efficient metal hyperaccumulators are being explored for applications in phytoremediation and phytomining. Molecular tools are being used to better understand the mechanisms of metal uptake, translocation, sequestration and tolerance in plants. This review article comprehensively discusses the background, concepts and future trends in phytoremediation of heavy metals.