Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences
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An overview of betulin: botanical source, derivatives and biological potential: Mini Review
Get PDFThis review aims to provide insight into and summarize the potential of betulin and its derivatives as important pharmaceutical molecules, including their underlying mechanisms of action. This investigation compiles comprehensive scientific data regarding betulin as a botanical raw material for industrial and pharmaceutical applications. Betulin, a natural pentacyclic lupane-triterpenoid, exhibits diverse biological activities, addressing metabolic dysfunctions, infectious diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and carcinogenic activity. The extraction of betulin from natural sources, mainly birch bark, is relatively simple and cost-effective, making it an attractive compound for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. This study lists 93 plant sources of betulin and explores its repurposing as an effective therapeutic agent. It highlights its potential as an antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and hepatoprotective compound, emphasizing the benefits of derivatizing betulin with various groups or moieties, such as imidazole carboxylic ester, hemisuccinate, hemiphthalate, nicotinate, acetylbetulin-28-o-triphenylphosphonium, succinyl, and 3-substituted glutaryl. The information gathered comes from various sources, including plant databases, Google Scholar, PubMed, ethnobotanical references, and classical texts
The Ecological Footprint of AI: Informing Sustainable Development in Agriculture
Get PDFThe increasing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into global economic activities raises significant questions about its environmental impact, particularly in resource-intensive sectors such as agriculture. This study utilized an Environmental Cost-Benefit Analysis (ECBA) framework to assess whether the economic benefits of leading AI models outweigh their ecological costs. We quantified energy consumption, carbon emissions, and water use based on real-world data from state-of-the-art models, monetizing these impacts using global externality values. Our analysis revealed significant differences in environmental efficiency: smaller models demonstrate clear net benefits, whereas large-scale models, such as Grok-3, incur extremely high ecological costs, justifiable only by exceptional economic returns. These findings suggest that the rapid expansion of AI is not compatible with sustainable development. Focusing on agriculture, where resource constraints are severe but AI holds the potential for increased productivity and resilience, we argue that implementing smaller, energy-efficient, domain-specific AI models can facilitate digital transformation without exacerbating environmental pressures. This research underscores the crucial need to integrate robust sustainability principles into AI design, deployment, and policy, particularly in ecologically sensitive sectors such as agriculture. This alignment is crucial to ensure that technological innovation and environmental responsibility work in tandem for a sustainable AI future
RT-qPCR Cycle Thresholds and Their Association with COVID-19 Severity and Mortality in Northern Peru
Get PDFThe objective of this research was to evaluate the relationship between RT-qPCR cycle threshold values (CT) and the severity and mortality of COVID-19 at the "Hospital Regional Docente de Trujillo" in La Libertad, Peru. This analytical observational study was conducted from January to July 2021. Data regarding sex, age group (young adults, adults, older adults), comorbidities, disease severity (mild, moderate, severe), and mortality (deceased or survivor) were extracted from a sample of 260 records. The RT-qPCR test was performed at the Regional Reference Laboratory of La Libertad, and CT values were categorized as low (CT ≤ 25) or high (CT > 25). Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and the Pearson chi-square (χ²) test in RStudio. The overall mean age of the patients was 57.5 years, with 62.3% being male and 49.6% presenting comorbidities. Disease severity ranged from mild (1.5%) and moderate (25.8%) to severe (72.6%), resulting in a mortality rate of 39.6%. Low CT values were observed in 75.8% of patients and were significantly associated with both mortality (p = 0.004) and severity (p = 0.002). However, no significant associations were found with sex (p = 0.41), comorbidity (p = 0.61), or age group (p = 0.82). These findings suggest that lower CT values may be associated with an increased risk of severe disease and death, independent of demographic factors or comorbidities. Therefore, CT values could serve as an accessible prognostic marker for early management of COVID-19. Nonetheless, it is important to consider limitations related to sampling timing, assay variability, and the cross-sectional study design
Nutritional Values of Raw and Ripe Fruits of Two Commercially Viable Banana Cultivars ‘Grand Nain’ and ‘Sabri’: Exploring for Value Addition
Get PDFBananas are a significant agricultural commodity valued for their delicacy and nutritional benefits. However, approximately 30% of bananas are wasted, underscoring the need for strategies to add value to this fruit. Additionally, bananas have the potential to help address a global issue: micronutrient deficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional and nutraceutical values of different parts (peel and pulp) of green and ripe bananas from two cultivars, Grand Nain and Sabri. We analyzed various nutritional and nutraceutical parameters, including ash content, crude fat, fiber, carbohydrates, protein, polyphenols, antioxidant activity, and Vitamin A content. The findings revealed that unripe banana pulps contained the highest carbohydrate content, while ripe banana peels demonstrated greater overall nutrient richness in terms of fiber, protein, minerals, and antioxidants, all of which are essential for the human body. This study highlights the potential for utilizing different parts of the banana, particularly the peels, to develop value-added products
Computational and pharmacokinetic evaluation of Distichochlamys citrea compounds for cancer treatment
No full textThe apoptosis pathway plays a crucial role in regulating cell survival and death. This regulatory mechanism involves two main groups of proteins: anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family. An imbalance that favors anti-apoptotic proteins, particularly the overexpression of Bcl-xL, is strongly associated with cancer progression across various tumor types. As a result, targeted cancer therapies focusing on Bcl-xL have been the subject of intense research in recent decades. Studies exploring natural compounds from medicinal plants present a promising complementary approach to cancer treatment alongside traditional anticancer drugs. This study examined compounds identified in Distichochlamys citrea, an endemic Vietnamese plant known for its anticancer properties. We employed molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to identify compounds from D. citrea with a strong binding affinity toward the Bcl-xL protein. Findings of the present study revealed that two molecules, i.e., Platyphyllone and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, bind stably and tightly to the hydrophobic groove of Bcl-xL, suggesting potential inhibitory effects. In-silico analyses of their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties indicate that these molecules possess anticancer, antimetastatic, anti-mitotic, and apoptosis-inducing characteristics. Furthermore, both compounds adhere well to Lipinski's rule and exhibit desirable drug-like properties, making them potential candidates for high-dose oral administration without toxicity. In addition to being present in D. citrea, Platyphyllone and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid are also found in many commonly consumed plants. These findings contribute to the scientific basis for further investigation into the molecular structure and bioactivity of Platyphyllone and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid as potential cancer treatments
Gene action of yield and its contributing traits in wide-compatible elite rice (Oryza sativa L.) restorer lines
Get PDFProfiling the genetic architecture of quantitative traits, such as yield and its contributing factors, is essential for successful breeding programs. Understanding the genetic components of variation is key to maximizing genetic gains with precision in crop improvement. This study evaluated the genetics of yield and its related traits through generation mean analysis in six generations (P1, P2, F1, F2, B1, and B2) of crosses involving elite restorer lines. Results from the scaling tests indicated that epistatic interactions were present for all traits examined, except for effective tillers per plant in crosses I (CR 22-153-1 x Lemont) and II (CR 22-153-1 x CR 22-1-5-1). The six-parameter analysis showed a combination of additive, dominance, and epistatic gene effects, although their contributions varied. In both crosses, the additive or fixable variance was consistently lower than the non-additive variance for most yield-related traits. Among the genetic effects, the dominance effect (h) and the dominance × dominance effect were significantly higher for most traits in both crosses. However, the values of these effects often exhibited opposite signs for different traits, underscoring the importance of duplicate epistasis in the inheritance and expression of these traits. The predominance of dominance, interaction effects, and duplicate epistasis across all studied traits and crosses limits the potential for early generation selection. Nevertheless, bi-parental matings between superior segregants may help disrupt undesirable linkages and produce favorable segregants with an accumulation of positive alleles for trait development
Bioremediation of tannery wastewater using Tetradesmus deserticola: A sustainable approach
Get PDFThis study aimed to evaluate the potential of Tetradesmus deserticola for the bioremediation of tannery wastewater (TWW), which contains both organic and inorganic pollutants that are harmful to the environment and human health if discharged untreated. The methodology involved culturing T. deserticola in different concentrations of TWW and assessing its ability to remove pollutants over 15 days. The physicochemical analysis of the treated TWW revealed significant reductions in key parameters, such as Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) (93.6%), total nitrogen (93.3%), phosphate (79.8%), magnesium (95.9%), and heavy metals including chromium (92.9%), zinc (82.4%), and iron (63.6%). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis confirmed the effective remediation of carcinogenic aromatic compounds, including benzene derivatives, and the transformation of complex steroids into less toxic metabolites. However, long-chain alkanes largely remained unaffected by the microalgal treatment. These findings suggest that T. deserticola can effectively remediate TWW, offering a promising and sustainable solution for wastewater treatment. Further optimization of treatment conditions may enhance the degradation of persistent compounds
Design proposal for plant-based bio-batteries using peppermint plant monitored by an open-source electronic system
Get PDFThis study presents the design and evaluation of a plant-based bio-battery, specifically a plant microbial fuel cell (plant-MFC), utilizing peppermint plants and monitored by an open-source electronic system. The goal was to develop a sustainable, low-cost bioenergy solution by integrating plant-MFCs into clay pots and equipping them with an Arduino-based monitoring system. This system features an OLED display, capacitive soil moisture sensors, and data logging capabilities via a microSD card. Four plant-MFCs were constructed and tested over 30 days. Voltage and soil moisture data were recorded every 10 minutes, and polarization experiments were conducted to assess power output. The results demonstrated consistent open-circuit voltages averaging 1.1 V, with peaks reaching 1.2 V. The maximum power densities achieved were 645.91 mW/m³, indicating the effectiveness of the design. The system's performance highlights the importance of soil moisture and plant health in maximizing energy generation. Its open-source nature allows for easy replication and modification, making it suitable for educational purposes and encouraging collaboration within scientific and maker communities. This interdisciplinary approach, which merges biology, electronics, and renewable energy, demonstrates the potential of plant-MFCs for off-grid power generation, environmental monitoring, and science education. The findings contribute to ongoing efforts to develop accessible and sustainable bioelectrochemical energy technologies
Phytochemical Profiling and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Peanut Shell and Skin Extracts
Get PDFBioactive substances such as flavanols and phytosterols, which are plentiful in leguminous plants like peanuts, help protect against various diseases. Commonly known as peanuts or groundnuts, Arachis hypogaea is a significant source of proteins and phytochemicals. Additionally, peanuts are rich in antioxidants that enhance health by neutralizing free radicals. The versatile use of peanut skin, particularly known for its high content of flavonoids, stilbenes (including resveratrol), and other phenolic compounds, has been the focus of extensive research over the years. This study aimed to examine the antibacterial activity and phytochemical composition of extracts derived from peanut shells and skins. The extraction was performed using three solvents: water, ethyl acetate, and methanol. A mixture of 50 ml of each solvent with 5 g of powdered skin and shell was shaken for 72 hours. Following filtration, the extracts were utilized for further analysis. Phytochemical screening revealed that most bioactive substances, including tannins, phenolphthaleins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and glycosides, were present in both the shell and skin extracts, except for coumarins and glycosides, which were absent in the shell extract. The methanolic extract of peanut skin exhibited significant antibacterial activity against opportunistic pathogens, notably Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. When evaluated against P. aeruginosa, the skin extracts in distilled water, ethyl acetate, and methanol demonstrated zones of inhibition measuring 8 mm, 9 mm, and 10 mm, respectively. The high concentration of bioactive compounds in the skin extract is responsible for its antibacterial properties. The findings highlight the potential of peanut skin as a rich source of bioactive compounds and antimicrobial agents, suggesting its application in developing natural antimicrobial formulations and contributing to the growing interest in environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions for antimicrobial research
Genetic characterization and participatory selection of Kersting's groundnut (Macrotyloma geocarpum (Harms)) cultivars for agronomic performance in their producing Zone in Burkina Faso
Get PDFKersting's groundnut (Macrotyloma geocarpum (Harms) Maréchal & Baudet) is a valuable source of essential nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, dietary fiber, and minerals. Despite its high nutritional value, the crop suffers from low yields and decreasing utilization, partly due to a lack of improved varieties and insufficient research attention. At the Farako-Bâ Research Center, twenty-six cultivars collected from western Burkina Faso were evaluated to assess genetic diversity and identify high-performing varieties in collaboration with local farmers. The experiment used an a randomized complete block design, also with three replications under rainfed conditions in 2023, with contributions from thirty farmers in the selection process and under rainfed conditions in 2023. Genetic variability was observed among the cultivars, particularly in traits such as grain yield, hundred-seed weight, plant height, and leaf number. A significant moderate phenotypic correlation was found between plant height and the number of leaves (0.48), as well as between plant height and grain yield (0.33). Cluster analysis grouped the cultivars into four categories: Cluster I (Ler27), Cluster II (Ler21, Hou28), Cluster III (Hou29, Hou30, Ken1, Ken10, Ken11, Ken12, Ken13, Ken14, Ken17, Ken9, Ler23, Ler24, Ler25), and Cluster IV (Ken16, Ken18, Ken2, Ken3, Ken4, Ken5, Ken7, Ken8, Ler19, Ler22). Among the cultivars selected by farmers, grain yield and seed size were the top priorities. The cultivars Ler21, Hou28, Ken10, Ken11, Ken13, Ken12, Ler23, Ler24, Ken14, and Hou30 were the most preferred by both farmers and researchers. Notably, Ler21 and Hou28, with their large black seeds, as well as Ken11 and Ken12, which have large white seeds, represent promising candidates for breeding programs and direct dissemination to farmers. Promoting these Kersting's groundnuts could contribute to the crop's adoption and the preservation of the species