Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences
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From Meals to Menarche: The Influence of Nutrition and Lifestyle on Early Menarche in Indian Girls
Get PDFAdolescence is a crucial stage of physical, mental, and emotional development, characterized by significant changes in an individual's body composition, hormone levels, and overall health, marking the transition to adulthood. The onset of early puberty and menarche at increasingly younger ages has become a significant public health concern, with serious implications for physical, psychological, and social wellbeing. Early menarche onset (EMO) refers to menarche before age 12. Various factors, including genetics, nutrition, and lifestyle, influence this phenomenon. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1,300 school and college girls aged 10 to 22 from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and personal interviews, covering demographics, dietary patterns, lifestyle habits, and menstrual history. A pilot test with 37 students helped refine the survey tool. The findings reveal a strong correlation between EMO and the frequent consumption of packaged foods, dairy products, fats, and sugars, as well as sedentary behaviors. The average age at menarche (AAM) has declined from 12.8 years to 11.3 years between 2002 and 2012. Notably, 29.8% of girls, particularly those born after 2010, have reported experiencing EMO. This marks a significant shift over the past decade. The study emphasizes the need to promote awareness of healthy diets and active lifestyles to address the rising rates of EMO and its long-term effects
Impacts of sand dune fixation on the plant biodiversity restoration and fodder production in the village of Tangodé in Diffa region, Niger Republic
Get PDFThis study was conducted in the village of Tangode, where mechanical stabilization of sand dunes using the doumpalmrachis method was implemented. The main objective of this study is to assess the impact of these operations on the restoration of plant biodiversity and the production of fodder. The research methodology included phytosociological surveys, forest inventory, site productivity characterization, and carrying capacity estimation. Data processing enabled us to determine specific species contributions, diversity indices, Pielou's evenness index, biological and phytogeographical types, and dendrometric parameters. The results revealed 25 plant species across 22 genera and 13 families. The family Poaceae was the most represented, accounting for 63.48% of the specific contributions. The species richness was 15 and 23 species at the sites treated 1 and 7 years ago, respectively, compared to only 8 species at the control site. Among the available biological types, therophytes and microphanerophytes were the dominant categories. The most represented phytogeographical types were Guinea-Congolese, Soudano-Zambesian, and Saharo-Sindian species. The Shannon-Weaver diversity index was 2.84 for the site treated one year ago and 3.35 for the site treated seven years ago, while it was 2.21 for the control site. The equitability index indicates moderate stability on the site treated seven years ago. Average biomass production across the treated sites remained low, resulting in equally low annual carrying capacities. Dendrometric parameters were generally better on the site treated seven years ago. These results demonstrate that sand dune stabilization enables the restoration of plant biodiversity over time, which, in turn, supports the return of animal biodiversity
Soil erosion assessment in the Ranganadi watershed of Lakhimpur district, Assam, using GIS techniques and Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation model
Get PDFThe loss of soil due to erosion is one of the most critical land degradation issues globally, representing a vital asset for both the economy and the environment. To effectively manage and regulate such a global issue, it is imperative to estimate the loss. With technological advancements, methodologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) are crucial in addressing these difficulties. The primary objective of this study was to employ the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model inside a GIS framework to quantify soil loss in the Ranganadi river basin of Assam, providing a more rapid and accurate estimate. Three distinct physiographic units, i.e., Piedmont Plain, Alluvial Plain, and Flood Plain, were delineated. Collected 60 GPS-based soil samples from distinct physiographic units were collected and analyzed for different soil physico-chemical properties, in addition to taking into account a variety of criteria, such as rainfall erosivity factor (R), soil erodibility factor (K), topography factor (LS), cover and management factor (C), and conservation practices factor (P), the RUSLE approach is based on the evaluation of soil loss per unit area. Five basic RUSLE factors, viz., R factor, K factor, LS factor, C factor, and P factor, were used to determine soil erosion. Further, erosion ratio, dispersion ratio, and erosion index are the basic examples of erodibility indicators that were taken into consideration while used to evaluating the erodibility of the soil. The anticipated soil erosion in the above-said area varied from minimal to severe, with values between 0.01 and 27.38 t ha-1 yr-1. Among the physiographic units, alluvial plain soils had the greatest mean soil erosion value of 8.52 t ha-1 yr-1, whereas floodplain landscapes indicated the lowest average value of 3.39 t ha-1 yr-1. The dispersion ratio varied between 0.08 and 0.33, with soils exhibiting a dispersion ratio exceeding 0.15, signifying their vulnerability to erosion. The erosion ratio varied between 0.04 and 0.61, whereas the erosion index fluctuated from 0.06 to 0.84. As a result, this model is particularly useful in anticipating soil loss in an area, allowing community members, legislatures, and other linked agencies to plan ahead of time for future efforts to mitigate the degradation
Influence of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on the Productivity, Mineral Element Accumulation, and Fruit Quality of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Get PDFFoliar application of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) is a promising strategy in modern agriculture. This method has shown significant potential in enhancing tomato yields, improving fruit quality, and increasing nutrient uptake. An experiment was conducted in cocopeat media under glasshouse conditions at Ladang 15, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in 2020 to evaluate the effectiveness of various doses of ZnO-NPs on plant growth, yield, nutrient uptake, and fruit quality in terms of profitability. A total of ten treatments were evaluated, consisting of five levels of ZnO-NPs (0 ppm, 25 ppm, 50 ppm, 75 ppm, and 100 ppm) and two tomato varieties (MARDI Tomato 1 and MARDI Tomato 3). The experiment utilized a split-plot design with four replications. The results indicated that the application of 100 ppm ZnO-NPs produced the maximum measures of plant growth and fruit quality, including the highest number of primary branches per plant (27.75), leaf area (27.80 cm²), photosynthetic rate (33.05 µmol/m²/s), stomatal conductance (1.01 mol/m²/s), fruit length (4.55 cm), fruit diameter (4.33 cm), number of fruits per plant (52.75), fruit yield (53.85 t/ha), ascorbic acid content (26.13 mg/100 g), zinc content in fruits (52.25 mg/kg), total zinc uptake (102.34 mg/plant), and a benefit-cost ratio of 3.39. Moreover, among the tested varieties, MT3 outperformed MT1. Therefore, a foliar application of 100 ppm ZnO-NPs is recommended as the optimal dose for tomato cultivation. This approach promotes healthier plants and superior fruit quality and supports more sustainable and productive agricultural practices while minimizing environmental harm. Additionally, further research is necessary to explore higher dosages of ZnO-NPs in tomato production to establish the best dose for optimizing output
Exosomal loading of Silymarin to inhibit U87MG glioma cells proliferation: In vitro and in Silico Study
Get PDFThe flavonolignan phytochemical silymarin, found in the plant Silybum marianum, has demonstrated promising antioxidant and anticancer effects. However, its poor bioavailability and limited cellular uptake hinder its therapeutic efficacy. Exosomes, which are nanosized lipid bilayer extracellular vesicles, are known for their biocompatibility and effectiveness as drug delivery vehicles. This research explores the potential of exosomes to enhance Silymarin's anticancer effects in glioma cells. Dynamic Light Scattering and Nanoparticle tracking analysis were used to examine exosomes extracted from cancer cells. Silymarin was efficiently loaded into exosomes via sonication, and the formulation was assessed for cytotoxicity against U87MG glioma cells using the MTT assay at concentrations of 20-100 µg/mL. Additionally, in silico molecular docking analysis of Silymarin was conducted against Protein Kinase B, PI3K, and BCL-2. The molecular docking results indicated binding affinities ranging from -7.5 to -8.8 kcal/mol. Significant reductions in cell viability were observed in silymarin-loaded exosome-treated groups compared with free silymarin-treated groups, suggesting improved therapeutic efficacy. These findings indicate that exosome-based cellular treatment systems can enhance the anti-glioma effects of natural compounds like Silymarin, providing a novel approach to brain cancer treatment
Exploring Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. Phytochemicals as Potential GLUT1 Regulators: In Silico and HT29 Cell Line Approaches to Understand Stunting Mechanisms
Get PDFStunting, a common form of chronic undernutrition, is associated with impaired nutrient absorption and glucose transport. Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. (roselle) contains bioactive flavonoids and anthocyanins that have the potential to regulate glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1). This study aimed to examine the effect of H. sabdariffa phytochemicals on GLUT1 regulation in the intestine, using the HT29 cell line as a model. An integrated approach combining in silico docking and in vitro validation was employed. Seven key phytochemicals were docked to GLUT1 using AutoDock Vina. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay, and GLUT1 mRNA expression was analyzed by qPCR after treatment with sub-cytotoxic concentrations (≤ IC₅₀ = 17.2 µg/mL) for 24 and 48 hours. The results of the study revealed that among the isolated chemicals, Delphinidin-3-sambubioside and cyanidin-3-sambubioside showed the highest affinities (–10.3 and –9.8 kcal/mol, respectively). Treatment with H. sabdariffa resulted in a significant downregulation of GLUT1 expression to 0.68 ± 0.09-fold (p < 0.05) after 24 hours and 0.42 ± 0.07-fold (p < 0.01) after 48 hours. These findings indicate that H. sabdariffa phytochemicals have the potential to modulate intestinal glucose transport by suppressing GLUT1 expression. This research provides initial insights into the regulation of nutrient uptake through phytochemicals, which may be relevant to the mechanisms underlying stunting
Biological Performance of Laying Quail Supplemented with Alphitobius diaperinus Larval Meal
Get PDFThe lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) is an insect pest that can potentially serve as an important protein source in poultry diets. The high protein content of A. diaperinus larvae makes them a viable alternative for inclusion in quail feed during rearing. This study analyzed quail performance when their diet is supplemented with A. diaperinus larval meal in the rearing phase. This experiment utilized a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replications. The treatments involved replacing fish meal in the diet with A. diaperinus larval meal at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%. The results revealed that substituting A. diaperinus larval meal did not significantly affect (p>0.05) daily feed consumption, egg weight, or shell thickness. However, it significantly influenced body weight gain (p<0.05). While the weight gains at 10% and 15% larval meal inclusion were not substantially different, both were greater than those of the control group. Overall, substituting up to 15% of A. diaperinus larval meal in quail diets had no adverse effects on feed consumption, growth, egg weight, or shell thickness. Therefore, A. diaperinus larval meal may be a suitable alternative to fish meal in quail diets, offering economic benefits and opportunities for sustainable A. diaperinus larval culture
Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking of Taxus Wallichiana Compounds for Colorectal Cancer Intervention
Get PDFColorectal cancer remains a prevalent and life-threatening disease worldwide, emphasizing the need for innovative therapeutic approaches. This study utilized a combination of network pharmacology and molecular docking to examine natural bioactive compounds from Taxus wallichiana, including Eugenol, 2-Pentylfuran, Anethole, Levomenol, and (-)-Globulol. These compounds show promise in modulating key targets related to colorectal cancer (CRC), such as NFKB1, MAPK1, and TP53. The bioactive compounds from T. wallichiana were screened based on their drug-likeness and ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion) characteristics. Protein targets were predicted using Super-PRED and mapped with STRING, while genes associated with colorectal cancer were sourced from Gene Cards. Overlapping targets were studied using STRING and Cytoscape for protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and hub gene identification, respectively. Molecular docking was performed with CB-Dock2 to assess the binding interactions between key proteins and bioactive molecules. To validate the drug-target interactions, three out of five hub genes were shortlisted based on their MCC (Mean Correlation Coefficient) scores: NFKB1, TP53, and MAPK1. The findings indicated that Levomenol and (-)-Globulol displayed the strongest binding affinities with MAPK1 and TP53, suggesting they could interfere in pathways linked to tumor progression. Eugenol and Anethole showed moderate binding to these proteins, while 2-Pentylfuran exhibited weak binding. Targeting NFKB1 could be beneficial in reducing chronic inflammation and metastasis. Inhibition of MAPK1 may suppress tumor growth and progression, while restoring TP53 function is crucial for boosting antitumor activity by preventing uncontrolled cell proliferation. In summary, this study suggests that these natural compounds have therapeutic potential for the treatment of colorectal cancer and warrant further experimental validation and clinical exploration
Dehydrogenase: A key soil health indicator for Thar Desert, India
Get PDFA field study was conducted to identify a potential fertility indicator for the soils of the Thar Desert. The study area included eight districts, covering a total of 156,580 km². This region experiences a wide range of climatic conditions, with annual rainfall varying from 177 mm to 409 mm and temperatures fluctuating between 8°C and 46°C. Surface soil samples (0-10 cm depth) were collected from agricultural fields across the region, representing various soil properties and cropping patterns. The soil texture varied from sandy loam to loamy sand, and the wet colour ranged from dark reddish-brown to dark yellowish-brown. The physicochemical and biological properties of the soil samples from different areas of the Thar Desert were as follows: moisture content ranged from 2.19% to 8.73%, bulk density from 1.18 to 1.33 Mg/m³, particle density from 1.82 to 4.11 Mg/m³, pore space percentage from 26.74% to 68.53%, solid space percentage from 31.47% to 73.26%, pH values from 7.69 to 8.43, and electrical conductivity from 0.12 to 0.17 dS/m. Furthermore, the soil organic carbon content ranged from 0.82% to 1.21%, while organic matter content varied between 1.41% and 2.09%. The available nitrogen was found to be between 285.69 and 365.87 kg/ha, phosphorus ranged from 19.84 to 24.77 kg/ha, potassium levels ranged from 214.29 to 314.72 kg/ha, and sulfur levels varied between 16.08 and 23.62 ppm. Additionally, nitrogenase retention time was recorded at 1.391 to 1.547 minutes, phosphatase activity ranged from 269.44 to 343.15 µg p-nitrophenol g⁻¹ h⁻¹, and dehydrogenase enzyme activity ranged from 250.33 to 309.34 µg TPF/g/24 h. The results demonstrated that soil properties varied across the Thar Desert. This study provided valuable insights into the physicochemical and biological characteristics of the soil in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, India. Notably, a significant positive correlation (r² value of 0.95) was found between dehydrogenase enzyme activity and various soil fertility parameters, suggesting that dehydrogenase could serve as a potential biological indicator of soil fertility
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of DOF transcription factor in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and its effect against developmental and stress condition
Get PDFThe transcription factor known as DNA-binding with one finger (DOF) is a plant-based regulator involved in stress responses, growth, and development. Specifically, DOFs play key roles in essential biological processes, including signal transduction, cellular morphogenesis, and reactions to environmental stress. We aim to identify and characterize the DOF transcription factors in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and examine their expression under various developmental and stress conditions. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide identification of the DOF family in tomato, which involved phylogenetic analysis, conserved motif identification, predictions of sub-cellular localization, gene structure analysis, gene expression profiling, and protein-protein interaction studies. We identified, classified, and analyzed the expression of 8 DOF genes in tomato. The sequences of these genes showed similarity to those in S. lycopersicum, including DOF5.1, DOF3.1, DOF2.4-like, DOF2.5-like, DOF3.4-like, DOF1.4, DOF3.4-like, and DOF3.1. The zf-DOF (pfam ID: pfam02701) and the zf-DOF superfamily (pfam Cl: 03664) were identified as two common superfamily domains across all eight genes. Through phylogenetic analysis, we identified two genes associated with stress response and six genes related to developmental processes. Notably, DOF1.4 was found to be expressed in both stress and developmental contexts. The distinct expression profiles of DOF genes in response to abiotic stimuli suggest their significant involvement in the plant's defense mechanisms. These findings enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying plant growth, development, and stress responses, providing valuable insights that could improve crop productivity and resilience in agricultural practices