The role of microbial partners in heavy metal metabolism in plants: a review.

Heavy metal pollution threatens plant growth and development as well as ecological stability. Here, we synthesize current research on the interplay between plants and their microbial symbionts under heavy metal stress, highlighting the mechanisms employed by microbes to enhance plant tolerance and resilience. Several key strategies such as bioavailability alteration, chelation, detoxification, induced systemic tolerance, horizontal gene transfer, and methylation and demethylation, are examined, alongside the genetic and molecular basis governing these plant-microbe interactions. However, the complexity of plant-microbe interactions, coupled with our limited understanding of the associated mechanisms, presents challenges in their practical application. Thus, this review underscores the necessity of a more detailed understanding of how plants and microbes interact and the importance of using a combined approach from different scientific fields to maximize the benefits of these microbial processes. By advancing our knowledge of plant-microbe synergies in the metabolism of heavy metals, we can develop more effective bioremediation strategies to combat the contamination of soil by heavy metals.

Exploring Bacillus mycoides PM35 efficacy in enhancing rice (Oryza sativa L.) response to different types of microplastics through gene regulation and cellular fractionation.

Soil contamination with microplastics (MPs) is a persistent threat to crop production worldwide. With a wide range of MP types, including polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene (PE), contaminating our environment, it is important to understand their impact on agricultural productivity. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of different types of MPs (PS, PVC and PE) on various aspects of plant growth. Specifically, we examined growth and biomass, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange attributes, oxidative stress responses, antioxidant compound activity (both enzymatic and non-enzymatic), gene expression, proline metabolism, the AsA-GSH cycle and cellular fractionation and nutritional status, in different parts of rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings, which were also exposed to plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), i.e. Bacillus mycoides PM35, i.e. 20 µL. The research outcomes indicated that the different types of MPs in the soil notably reduced plant growth and biomass, photosynthetic pigments and gas exchange attributes. However, MP stress also induced oxidative stress in the roots and shoots of the plants by increasing malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and electrolyte leakage (EL) which also induced increased compounds of various enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and also the gene expression. Furthermore, a significant increase in proline metabolism, the AsA-GSH cycle, and the fractionations of cellular components was observed. Although the application of B. mycoides PM35 showed a significant increase in plant growth and biomass, gas exchange characteristics, enzymatic and non-enzymatic compounds and their gene expression and also decreased oxidative stress. In addition, the application of B. mycoides PM35 enhanced cellular fractionation and decreased the proline metabolism and AsA-GSH cycle in O. sativa plants. These results open new insights for sustainable agriculture practices and hold immense promise in addressing the pressing challenges of MP contamination in agricultural soils.

An Overview on Flavor Extraction, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Significance, and Production of Herbal Wines.

Wine has been utilized as a source for medicinal preparations, combined with various herbs, to treat particular ailments and disorders. By utilizing herb extracts, regular but limited consumption of these herbal wines helps to decrease the need for prescription medications to treat a variety of ailments. The diversity and the composition of the yeast micropopulation significantly contribute to the sensory characteristics of wine. A particular metabolic activity characterizes the growth of each wine yeast species, which determines the concentrations of flavor compounds in the final wine. Numerous herbs, such as tulsi, ginger, aloe vera, tea, amla, lemongrass, and peppermint, are used in the preparation of herbal wines, where either the herb or herbal blends are primarily used as the substrate. The variants provided improved accuracy, increased acceptability, and broader uses for the novel product. Herbal wines pave the way to provide nutraceuticals to consumers and protection against pathogenic microorganisms and inflammation through their richness in antioxidants. The existing herbal wines and their health advantages are discussed in this Review, along with some new directions for the herbal wine business.

Exploring the effect of different application rates of biochar on the accumulation of nutrients and growth of flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum).

Background: Biochar application has become one of the most potential tools to improve soil fertility and plant growth for sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture. However, both positive and negative effects of biochar application have been recorded on plant growth and soil fertility. Methods: This study investigated the impact of different application rates (0, 600, 900, 1200, and 1800 kg/ha) of biochar on the soil nutrient contents, accumulation of nutrients and dry matter in different plant parts, and growth of flue-cured tobacco plants under field conditions. Results: Results demonstrated that soil organic carbon pool and carbon/nitrogen ratio were increased proportionally with the increasing dosage of biochar, 25.54 g/kg and 14.07 g/kg compared with control 17 g/kg and 10.13 g/kg, respectively. The contents of soil total nitrogen were also significantly increased after biochar application in the middle (1.77 g/kg) and late-growth (1.54 g/kg) stages of flue-cured tobacco than in control (1.60 g/kg and 1.41 g/kg, respectively). The contents of soil nitrate nitrogen were also higher under low (600 and 900 kg/ha) application rates of biochar and reduced when higher (1200 and 1800 kg/ha) dosages of biochar were applied. However, it was observed that varying application rates of biochar had no impact on soil ammonium nitrogen content during the growth period of flue-cured tobacco plants. The nutrient accumulation (N, P, K) in different parts of flue-cured tobacco plants was significantly increased under a low application rate of biochar, which enhanced the soil and plant analyzer development values, effective leaves number, growth, dry matter accumulation, and leaf yield of flue-cured tobacco. In contrast, the high biochar application rate (1200 and 1800 kg/ha) negatively impacted nutrient accumulation and growth of flue-cured tobacco. Conclusion: Conclusively, the optimum application of biochar (600 and 900 kg/ha) is beneficial for plant growth, soil fertility, accumulation of nutrients, and dry matter in different plant parts. However, excessive biochar application (> 900 kg/ha) could inhibit flue-cured tobacco plant growth. This study provides a theoretical foundation for biochar application in tobacco and other crop production to obtain agricultural sustainability and economic stability.

Investigating the effects of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) in mitigating endoplasmic reticulum stress and cellular responses in Pak choi.

The accumulation of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) within plant cells due to unfavourable conditions leads to ER stress. This activates interconnected pathways involving reactive oxygen species (ROS) and unfolded protein response (UPR), which play vital roles in regulating ER stress. The aim of this study is to investigate the underlying mechanisms of tunicamycin (TM) induced ER stress and explore the potential therapeutic applications of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) in mitigating cellular responses to ER stress in Pak choi (Brassica campestris subsp. chinensis). The study revealed that ER stress in Pak choi leads to detrimental effects on plant morphology, ROS levels, cellular membrane integrity, and the antioxidant defence system. However, treatment with TUDCA in TM-induced ER stressed Pak choi improved morphological indices, pigment contents, ROS accumulation, cellular membrane integrity, and antioxidant defence system restoration. Additionally, TUDCA also modulates the transcription levels of ER stress sensors genes, ER chaperone genes, and ER-associated degradation (ERAD) genes during ER stress in Pak choi. Furthermore, TUDCA has demonstrated its ability to alleviate ER stress, stabilize the UPR, reduce oxidative stress, prevent apoptosis, and positively influence plant growth and development. These results collectively comprehend TUDCA as a promising agent for mitigating ER stress-induced damage in Pak choi plants and provide valuable insights for further research and potential applications in crop protection and stress management.

Assessing the health risks of heavy metals and seasonal minerals fluctuations in Camellia sinensis cultivars during their growth seasons.

The risk assessment of heavy metals in tea is extremely imperative for the health of tea consumers. However, the effects of varietal variations and seasonal fluctuations on heavy metals and minerals in tea plants remain unclear. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used to evaluate the contents of aluminum (Al), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), boron (B), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), sodium (Na), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and antimony (Sb) in the two categories of young leaves (YL) and mature leaves (ML) of tea (Camellia sinensis) cultivars throughout the growing seasons. The results showed significant variations in the contents of the investigated nutrients both among the different cultivars and growing seasons as well. Furthermore, the average concentrations of Al, Mn, Mg, B, Ca, Cu, Co, Fe, Na, Zn, As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Sb in YL ranged, from 671.58-2209.12, 1260.58-1902.21, 2290.56-2995.36, 91.18-164.68, 821.95-5708.20, 2.55-3.80, 3.96-25.22, 37.95-202.84, 81.79-205.05, 27.10-69.67, 0.028-0.053, 0.065-0.127, 2.40-3.73, 10.57-12.64, 0.11-0.14 mg kg-1, respectively. In ML, the concentrations were 2626.41-7834.60, 3980.82-6473.64, 3335.38-4537.48, 327.33-501.70, 9619.89-13153.68, 4.23-8.18, 17.23-34.20, 329.39-567.19, 145.36-248.69, 40.50-81.42, 0.089-0.169, 0.23-0.27, 5.24-7.89, 18.51-23.97, 0.15-0.19 mg kg-1, respectively. The contents of all analyzed nutrients were found to be higher in ML than in YL. Target hazard quotients (THQ) of As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Sb, as well as the hazard index (HI), were all less than one, suggesting no risk to human health via tea consumption. This research might provide the groundwork for essential minerals recommendations, as well as a better understanding and management of heavy metal risks in tea.

Cereal sprout-based food products: Industrial application, novel extraction, consumer acceptance, antioxidant potential, sensory evaluation, and health perspective.

Cereal grains are a good source of macronutrients and micronutrients that are required for metabolic activity in the human body. Sprouts have been studied to enhance the nutrient profile. Moreover, secondary metabolites are examined as green food engineering technology that is used in the pharmaceutical, functional ingredients, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. The sprout-based food is commonly used to enhance the quality of products by softening the structure of the whole grain and increasing the phytochemicals (nutritional value and bioactive compounds). These sprouting grains can be added to a variety of products including snacks, bakery, beverage, and meat. Consuming whole grains has been shown to reduce the incidence and mortality of a variety of chronic and noncommunicable diseases. Sprouting grains have a diversity of biological functions, including antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Cereal sprout-based products are more beneficial in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and gastrointestinal tract diseases. The novel extraction techniques (microwave-existed extraction, pulse electric field, and enzyme-associated) are applied to maintain and ensure the efficiency, safety, and nutritional profile of sprout. Nutrient-dense sprouts have a low environmental impact and are widely accepted by consumers. This review explores for the first time and sheds light on the antioxidant potential, sensory evaluation, industrial applications, and health perspective of cereal sprout-based food products.

Harnessing the power of bacterial laccases for xenobiotic degradation in water: A 10-year overview.

Industrialization and population growth are leading to the production of significant amounts of sewage containing hazardous xenobiotic compounds. These compounds pose a threat to human and animal health, as well as the overall ecosystem. To combat this issue, chemical, physical, and biological techniques have been used to remove these contaminants from water bodies affected by human activity. Biotechnological methods have proven effective in utilizing microorganisms and enzymes, particularly laccases, to address this problem. Laccases possess versatile enzymatic characteristics and have shown promise in degrading different xenobiotic compounds found in municipal, industrial, and medical wastewater. Both free enzymes and crude enzyme extracts have demonstrated success in the biotransformation of these compounds. Despite these advancements, the widespread use of laccases for bioremediation and wastewater treatment faces challenges due to the complex composition, high salt concentration, and extreme pH often present in contaminated media. These factors negatively impact protein stability, recovery, and recycling processes, hindering their large-scale application. These issues can be addressed by focusing on large-scale production, resolving operation problems, and utilizing cutting-edge genetic and protein engineering techniques. Additionally, finding novel sources of laccases, understanding their biochemical properties, enhancing their catalytic activity and thermostability, and improving their production processes are crucial steps towards overcoming these limitations. By doing so, enzyme-based biological degradation processes can be improved, resulting in more efficient removal of xenobiotics from water systems. This review summarizes the latest research on bacterial laccases over the past decade. It covers the advancements in identifying their structures, characterizing their biochemical properties, exploring their modes of action, and discovering their potential applications in the biotransformation and bioremediation of xenobiotic pollutants commonly present in water sources.

Lignin developmental patterns and Casparian strip as apoplastic barriers: A review.

Lignin and Casparian strips are two essential components of plant cells that play critical roles in plant development regulate nutrients and water across the plants cell. Recent studies have extensively investigated lignin diversity and Casparian strip formation, providing valuable insights into plant physiology. This review presents the established lignin biosynthesis pathway, as well as the developmental patterns of lignin and Casparian strip and transcriptional network associated with Casparian strip formation. It describes the biochemical and genetic mechanisms that regulate lignin biosynthesis and deposition in different plants cell types and tissues. Additionally, the review highlights recent studies that have uncovered novel lignin biosynthesis genes and enzymatic pathways, expanding our understanding of lignin diversity. This review also discusses the developmental patterns of Casparian strip in roots and their role in regulating nutrient and water transport, focusing on recent genetic and molecular studies that have identified regulators of Casparian strip formation. Previous research has shown that lignin biosynthesis genes also play a role in Casparian strip formation, suggesting that these processes are interconnected. In conclusion, this comprehensive overview provides insights into the developmental patterns of lignin diversity and Casparian strip as apoplastic barriers. It also identifies future research directions, including the functional characterization of novel lignin biosynthesis genes and the identification of additional regulators of Casparian strip formation. Overall, this review enhances our understanding of the complex and interconnected processes that drive plant growth, pathogen defense, regulation and development.

Beyond the silence: A comprehensive exploration of long non-coding RNAs as genetic whispers and their essential regulatory functions in cardiovascular disorders.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at several levels, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translational. They have a length of more than 200 nucleotides and cannot code. Many human diseases have been linked to aberrant lncRNA expression, highlighting the need for a better knowledge of disease etiology to drive improvements in diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic methods. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. LncRNAs play an essential role in the complex process of heart formation, and their abnormalities have been associated with several CVDs. This Review article looks at the roles and relationships of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in a wide range of CVDs, such as heart failure, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, and cardiac hypertrophy. In addition, the review delves into the possible uses of lncRNAs in diagnostics, prognosis, and clinical treatments of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, it considers the field's future prospects while examining how lncRNAs might be altered and its clinical applications.

Emerging trends in wastewater treatment: Addressing microorganic pollutants and environmental impacts.

This review focuses on the challenges and advances associated with the treatment and management of microorganic pollutants, encompassing pesticides, industrial chemicals, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environment. The translocation of these contaminants across multiple media, particularly through atmospheric transport, emphasizes their pervasive nature and the subsequent ecological risks. The urgency to develop cost-effective remediation strategies for emerging organic contaminants is paramount. As such, wastewater-based epidemiology and the increasing concern over estrogenicity are explored. By incorporating conventional and innovative wastewater treatment techniques, this article highlights the integration of environmental management strategies, analytical methodologies, and the importance of renewable energy in waste treatment. The primary objective is to provide a comprehensive perspective on the current scenario, imminent threats, and future directions in mitigating the effects of these pollutants on the environment. Furthermore, the review underscores the need for international collaboration in developing standardized guidelines and policies for monitoring and controlling these microorganic pollutants. It advocates for increased investment in research and development of advanced materials and technologies that can efficiently remove or neutralize these contaminants, thereby safeguarding environmental health and promoting sustainable practice.

Unveiling the resistance of native weed communities: insights for managing invasive weed species in disturbed environments.

Weed communities influence the dynamics of ecosystems, particularly in disturbed environments where anthropogenic activities often result in higher pollution. Understanding the dynamics existing between native weed communities and invasive species in disturbed environments is crucial for effective management and normal ecosystem functioning. Recognising the potential resistance of native weed communities to invasion in disturbed environments can help identify suitable native plants for restoration operations. This review aims to investigate the adaptations exhibited by native and non-native weeds that may affect invasions within disturbed environments. Factors such as ecological characteristics, altered soil conditions, and adaptations of native weed communities that potentially confer a competitive advantage relative to non-native or invasive weeds in disturbed environments are analysed. Moreover, the roles of biotic interactions such as competition, mutualistic relationships, and allelopathy in shaping the invasion resistance of native weed communities are described. Emphasis is given to the consideration of the resistance of native weeds as a key factor in invasion dynamics that provides insights for conservation and restoration efforts in disturbed environments. Additionally, this review underscores the need for further research to unravel the underlying mechanisms and to devise targeted management strategies. These strategies aim to promote the resistance of native weed communities and mitigate the negative effects of invasive weed species in disturbed environments. By delving deeper into these insights, we can gain an understanding of the ecological dynamics within disturbed ecosystems and develop valuable insights for the management of invasive species, and to restore long-term ecosystem sustainability.

Computational analysis of bevacizumab binding with protein receptors for its potential anticancer activity.

Breast cancer poses a significant global challenge, prompting researchers to explore novel approaches for potential treatments. In this study, we investigated the binding free energy (ΔG) of bevacizumab, an anti-cancer therapy targeting angiogenesis through the inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), with various proto-oncogenes including CDK4, EGFR, frizzled, IGFR, OmoMYC, and KIT. Our in-silico investigation revealed that hydrogen bonding is pivotal in inducing conformational changes within the DNA structure, impeding its replication and preventing cell death. Molecular docking results revealed the presence of crucial hydrogen bonds and supported the formation of stable bevacizumab complexes. The molecular docking scores for the tested complexes were CDK4 (Score = -7.2 kcal/mol), EGFR (Score = -8.5 kcal/mol), frizzled (Score = -6.9 kcal/mol), IGFR (Score = -7.8 kcal/mol), KIT (Score = -6.5 kcal/mol), and MYC (Score = -8.3 kcal/mol). The binding mode demonstrated vital hydrogen bonds correlated with the observed energy gap. Notably, the calculated binding free energies of the tested compounds are as follows: CDK4 (ΔG = 24275.195 ± 6411.293 kJ/mol), EGFR (ΔG = 363273.625 ± 8731.466 kJ/mol), frizzled (ΔG = 181751.990 ± 28438.515 kJ/mol), IGFR (ΔG = 162414.725 ± 10728.367 kJ/mol), KIT (ΔG = 40162.585 ± 4331.017 kJ/mol), and MYC (ΔG = 434783.463 ± 53989.676 kJ/mol). Furthermore, through extensive 100 ns MD simulations, we observed the formation of a stable bevacizumab complex structure. The simulations confirmed the stability of the bevacizumab complex with the proto-oncogenes. The results of this study highlight the potential of bevacizumab complex as a promising candidate for anticancer treatment. The identification of hydrogen bonding, along with the calculated binding free energies and molecular docking scores, provides valuable insights into the molecular interactions and stability of the bevacizumab complexes. These findings and the extensive MD simulations open new avenues for future research and development of bevacizumab as a targeted therapy for breast cancer and other related malignancies.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Multifunctional role of nanoparticles for the diagnosis and therapeutics of cardiovascular diseases.

The increasing burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains responsible for morbidity and mortality worldwide; their effective diagnostic or treatment methods are of great interest to researchers. The use of NPs and nanocarriers in cardiology has drawn much interest. The present comprehensive review provides deep insights into the use of current and innovative approaches in CVD diagnostics to offer practical ways to utilize nanotechnological interventions and the critical elements in the CVD diagnosis, associated risk factors, and management strategies of patients with chronic CVDs. We proposed a decision tree-based solution by discussing the emerging applications of NPs for the higher number of rules to increase efficiency in treating CVDs. This review-based study explores the screening methods, tests, and toxicity to provide a unique way of creating a multi-parametric feature that includes cutting-edge techniques for identifying cardiovascular problems and their treatments. We discussed the benefits and drawbacks of various NPs in the context of cost, space, time and complexity that have been previously suggested in the literature for the diagnosis of CVDs risk factors. Also, we highlighted the advances in using NPs for targeted and improved drug delivery and discussed the evolution toward the nano-cardiovascular potential for medical science. Finally, we also examined the mixed-based diagnostic approaches crucial for treating cardiovascular disorders, broad applications and the potential future applications of nanotechnology in medical sciences.

Aluminum phytotoxicity in acidic environments: A comprehensive review of plant tolerance and adaptation strategies.

Aluminum (Al), a non-essential metal for plant growth, exerts significant phytotoxic effects, particularly on root growth. Anthropogenic activities would intensify Al's toxic effects by releasing Al3+ into the soil solution, especially in acidic soils with a pH lower than 5.5 and rich mineral content. The severity of Al-induced phytotoxicity varies based on factors such as Al concentration, ionic form, plant species, and growth stages. Al toxicity leads to inhibited root and shoot growth, reduced plant biomass, disrupted water uptake causing nutritional imbalance, and adverse alterations in physiological, biochemical, and molecular processes. These effects collectively lead to diminished plant yield and quality, along with reduced soil fertility. Plants employ various mechanisms to counter Al toxicity under stress conditions, including sequestering Al in vacuoles, exuding organic acids (OAs) like citrate, oxalate, and malate from root tip cells to form Al-complexes, activating antioxidative enzymes, and overexpressing Al-stress regulatory genes. Recent advancements focus on enhancing the exudation of OAs to prevent Al from entering the plant, and developing Al-tolerant varieties. Gene transporter families, such as ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC), Aluminum-activated Malate Transporter (ALMT), Natural resistance-associated macrophage protein (Nramp), Multidrug and Toxic compounds Extrusion (MATE), and aquaporin, play a crucial role in regulating Al toxicity. This comprehensive review examined recent progress in understanding the cytotoxic impact of Al on plants at the cellular and molecular levels. Diverse strategies developed by both plants and scientists to mitigate Al-induced phytotoxicity were discussed. Furthermore, the review explored recent genomic developments, identifying candidate genes responsible for OAs exudation, and delved into genome-mediated breeding initiatives, isolating transgenic and advanced breeding lines to cultivate Al-tolerant plants.

Glucose input profit soil organic carbon mineralization and nitrogen dynamics in relation to nitrogen amended soils.

Exogenous carbon (C) inputs stimulate soil organic carbon (SOC) decomposition, strongly influencing atmospheric concentrations and climate dynamics. The direction and magnitude of C decomposition depend on the C and nitrogen (N) addition, types and pattern. Despite the importance of decomposition, it remains unclear whether organic C input affects the SOC decomposition under different N-types (Ammonium Nitrate; AN, Urea; U and Ammonium Sulfate; AS). Therefore, we conducted an incubation experiment to assess glucose impact on N-treated soils at various levels (High N; HN: 50 mg/m2, Low N; LN: 05 mg/m2). The glucose input increased SOC mineralization by 38% and 35% under HN and LN, respectively. Moreover, it suppressed the concentration of NO3--N by 35% and NH4+-N by 15% in response to HN and LN soils, respectively. Results indicated higher respiration in Urea-treated soils and elevated net total nitrogen content (TN) in AS-treated soils. AN-amended soil exhibited no notable rise in C mineralization and TN content compared to other N-type soils. Microbial biomass carbon (MBC) was higher in glucose treated soils under LN conditions than control. This could result that high N suppressed microbial N mining and enhancing SOM stability by directing microbes towards accessible C sources. Our results suggest that glucose accelerated SOC mineralization in urea-added soils and TN contents in AS-amended soils, while HN levels suppressed C release and increased TN contents in all soil types except glucose-treated soils. Thus, different N-types and levels play a key role in modulating the stability of SOC over C input.

Co-metabolic degradation and metabolite detection of hexabromocyclododecane by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1.

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is a widely used brominated flame retardant; however, it is a persistent organic pollutant as well as affects the human thyroid hormones and causes cancer. However, the degradation of HBCD has received little attention from researchers. Due to its bioaccumulative and hazardous properties, an appropriate strategy for its remediation is required. In this study, we investigated the biodegradation of HBCD using Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 under optimized conditions. The Box-Behnken design (BBD) was implemented for the optimization of the physical degradation parameters of HBCD. S. oneidensis MR-1 showed the best degradation performance at a temperature of 30 °C, pH 7, and agitation speed of 115 rpm, with an HBCD concentration of 1125 µg/L in mineral salt medium (MSM). The strain tolerated up to 2000 µg/L HBCD. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified three intermediates, including 2-bromo dodecane, 2,7,10-trimethyldodecane, and 4-methyl-1-decene. The results provide an insightful understanding of the biodegradation of HBCD by S. oneidensis MR-1 under optimized conditions and could pave the way for further eco-friendly applications. KEY POINTS: • HBCD biodegradation by Shewanella oneidensis • Optimization of HBCD biodegradation by the Box-Behnken analysis • Identification of useful metabolites from HBCD degradation.

Rotating MHD Williamson nanofluid flow in 3D over exponentially stretching sheet with variable thermal conductivity and diffusivity.

Nanofluids are a topic of great interest for researchers due to their remarkable performance in most heat transport applications. Williamson fluids have also gained importance due to their numerous uses in many fields. Exponentially stretching sheets with variable thermal conductivity and diffusivity is another topic of importance in fluid mechanics. Moreover, rotating MHD fluids have various applications in the industry. So, in particular, we would study rotating MHD Williamson nanofluid having variable diffusivity and thermal conductivity flowing above an exponentially stretching sheet. In this work, we proposed modified wavelets method to find the solutions of the developed mathematical model of the considered problem. The effectiveness of the developed scheme is certified by the help of tables and graphs. It is worthy to point out that the skin friction coefficient in x and y direction increases gradually against the selection of magnetic field effects and Williamson parameter. Tabular study presented to show that the suggested algorithm is convergent, and it can be extended to more physical models on non-Newtonian type.

Transcript-Level In Silico Analysis of Alzheimer's Disease-Related Gene Biomarkers and Their Evaluation with Bioactive Flavonoids to Explore Therapeutic Interactions.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive brain disorder that can significantly affect the quality of life. We used a variety of in silico tools to investigate the transcript-level mutational impact of exonic missense rare variations (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs) on protein function and to identify potential druggable protein cavities that correspond to potential therapeutic targets for the management of AD. According to the NIA-AA (National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association) framework, we selected three AD biomarker genes (APP, NEFL, and MAPT). We systematically screened transcript-level exonic rare SNPs from these genes with a minor allele frequency of 1% in 1KGD (1000 Genomes Project Database) and gnomAD (Genome Aggregation Database). With downstream functional effect predictions, a single variation (rs182024939: K > N) of the MAPT gene with nine transcript SNPs was identified as the most pathogenic variation from the large dataset of mutations. The machine learning consensus classifier predictor categorized these transcript-level SNPs as the most deleterious variations, resulting in a large decrease in protein structural stability (ΔΔG kcal/mol). The bioactive flavonoid library was screened for drug-likeness and toxicity risk. Virtual screening of eligible flavonoids was performed using the MAPT protein. Identification of druggable protein-binding cavities showed VAL305, GLU655, and LYS657 as consensus-interacting residues present in the MAPT-docked top-ranked flavonoid compounds. The MM/PB(GB)SA analysis indicated hesperetin (-5.64 kcal/mol), eriodictyol (-5.63 kcal/mol), and sakuranetin (-5.60 kcal/mol) as the best docked flavonoids with the near-native binding pose. The findings of this study provide important insights into the potential of hesperetin as a promising flavonoid that can be utilized for further rational drug design and lead optimization to open new gateways in the field of AD therapeutics.

Mitigation of Benzene-Induced Haematotoxicity in Sprague Dawley Rats through Plant-Extract-Loaded Silica Nanobeads.

Benzene, a potent carcinogen, is known to cause acute myeloid leukaemia. While chemotherapy is commonly used for cancer treatment, its side effects have prompted scientists to explore natural products that can mitigate the haematotoxic effects induced by chemicals. One area of interest is nano-theragnostics, which aims to enhance the therapeutic potential of natural products. This study aimed to enhance the effects of methanolic extracts from Ocimum basilicum, Rosemarinus officinalis, and Thymus vulgaris by loading them onto silica nanobeads (SNBs) for targeted delivery to mitigate the benzene-induced haematotoxic effects. The SNBs, 48 nm in diameter, were prepared using a chemical method and were then loaded with the plant extracts. The plant-extract-loaded SNBs were then coated with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The modified SNBs were characterized using various techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The developed plant-extract-loaded and CMC-modified SNBs were administered intravenously to benzene-exposed rats, and haematological and histopathological profiling was conducted. Rats exposed to benzene showed increased liver and spleen weight, which was mitigated by the plant-extract-loaded SNBs. The differential white blood cell (WBC) count was higher in rats with benzene-induced haematotoxicity, but this count decreased significantly in rats treated with plant-extract-loaded SNBs. Additionally, blast cells observed in benzene-exposed rats were not found in rats treated with plant-extract-loaded SNBs. The SNBs facilitated targeted drug delivery of the three selected medicinal herbs at low doses. These results suggest that SNBs have promising potential as targeted drug delivery agents to mitigate haematotoxic effects induced by benzene in rats.