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Bioactive Extracts from the Fruit Rind of Limonia acidissima L. Exhibit Neuro-Modulatory Properties in a Thiopental-Sodium Sleep Model in Swiss Albino Mice: Implications for Neuro-Pharmacological Interventions
No full textBackground: Anxiety, stress, depression, and psychosis are conditions related to mental illnesses which interfere with the quality of life. Conventional interest in the preventive and therapeutic potential of natural products or nutraceuticals in disease management has escalated in recent years due to their relatively high safety index and affordability. Natural products with anxiolytic properties are essential central nervous system (CNS) modulators, which can reduce symptoms of anxiety and other associated psychological factors. This study investigated the neurotherapeutic effects of bioactive components of extracted in the methanol and acetone fractions of Limonia acidissima L. fruit rind in Swiss albino mice. Methods: The bioactive properties reflecting neurotherapeutic activity were examined with standard protocols that included open field, hole board, hole cross, and sleeping time tests induced by thiopental sodium. The experimental design included 140 Swiss albino mice, randomly subdivided into twenty-eight groups (n = 5) and distributed into blocks for different in vivo protocols. Results: Results of the thiopental sodium-mediated sleeping time test demonstrated that both extracts showed substantial (p < 0.001) reductions in sleep onset time while concomitantly increasing sleep duration time. The hole cross (p < 0.001) and open-field (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001) studies showed noteworthy reductions in spontaneous locomotor and experimental behaviours. The administration of the extracts significantly reduced the frequency of head dips during the hole-board testing (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings show that the methanol and acetone fruit rind extracts from Limonia acidissima (L. acidissima) are potentially active in vivo. The study indicates that the fruits rind exhibits potent CNS functions regarding its hypnotic and anti-depressant effects
Genetic Variability of Untypable Hepatitis C Virus Isolates Based on 5′-Untranslated Region
No full textBackground: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a single-stranded enveloped virus with a ribonucleic acid (RNA) genome of approximately 9.6 kb that predominantly infects the liver. The main objective of the current research was to determine the unknown HCV genotypes by analyzing the 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR) to identify different genotypes and classify them by their phylogenetic relationships. Methods: Serum samples (104) were taken from untyped chronic HCV isolates, and cDNA was synthesized using reverse transcriptase enzyme. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the 5′-UTR followed by agarose gel electrophoresis. The 5′-UTR amplified products were sequenced by the Sanger method. Evolutionary analysis was performed using Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis Version 7 (MEGA7) software. Results: 104 untyped chronic HCV patients were studied, representing the higher frequency of males (62%). Out of the total, nine samples of 5′-UTR products were sequenced for genotype confirmation. In the phylogenetic analysis, genotype 3 was reported to be 89% (3a 77%, 3b 11%) and 11% unknown genotype. Overall, in the phylogenetic tree, the 5′-UTR sequences were successfully clustered in a clad with the reference sequences of genotype 3a, and 3b, while one sequence showed an unknown genotype. Conclusions: The study concludes that genotype 3 is predominant, and identification of genotypes by this procedure is an accurate and alternative method
Chloride Intracellular Channel 1 (CLIC1) as a Prospective Prognostic Biomarker in Pan-cancer: An Integrative Immunoassay and Clinical Value
No full textBackground: The chloride intracellular channel 1 (CLIC1) plays a pivotal role in the progression of various cancers as a significant anion channel within the human body. With the rising global cancer incidence, this study aims to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of CLIC1 to prognosis, the tumor immune microenvironment, and immunotherapy. Methods: We acquired expression matrices and corresponding clinicopathological data for pan-cancer from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and UCSC Xena databases. To thoroughly investigate the significance of CLIC1 in pan-cancer, we conducted analyses encompassing genetic information, mutations, and the distribution of CLIC1. Subsequently, we validated differential expression of CLIC1 through experimental methods. Prognostic evaluation was performed using univariate cyclooxygenase (COX) regression, Kaplan-Meier curves, and two primary algorithms. Employing the median CLIC1 expression level as a grouping criterion, we explored biological pathways associated with CLIC1 expression, conducted single-cell transcriptome sequencing, examined immune-infiltrating cells, and investigated immunotherapy. Additionally, we utilized the Connectivity Map (CAMP) to identify potential drugs targeting CLIC1. Results: CLIC1 is overexpressed in a majority of tumors, with specific validation in stomach and thyroid cancers. Notably, a significant correlation between CLIC1 and immune checkpoints, tumor mutational burden, and high-frequency microsatellite stability was observed in certain patients (p < 0.001), indicating potential for CLIC1 in immunotherapy. Moreover, CLIC1 serves as a significant predictor of poor prognosis across various malignant tumors, impacting overall survival, disease-specific survival, disease-free interval, and progression-free interval. Based on CLIC1s expression profile, it was found to be prominently expressed in immunometabolic and biosynthetic pathways. Furthermore, high expression levels of CLIC1 were identified in monocytes, macrophages, and malignant cells, suggesting its potential as a specific marker for these cell types. Notably, a strong correlation was observed between CLIC1 expression levels and immune cell infiltration (p < 0.001). Lastly, a drug database screened for small-molecule drugs related to CLIC1, highlighting potential anticancer applications. Conclusion: This study represents the inaugural demonstration of CLIC1 as a prognostic factor across numerous cancers. Furthermore, it elucidates CLIC1s regulatory role in biological pathways, single-cell landscapes, and the tumor immune microenvironment within pan-cancer contexts. Hence, CLIC1 emerges as a potential biomarker for cancer immunotherapy
High Erythroferrone Expression as an Independent Predictor of Poor Prognosis in Patients with Colorectal Cancer
No full textBackground: Colorectal cancer, an invasive tumor originating in the mucosal lining of the large intestine and rectum, represents a prevalent form of gastrointestinal malignancy. Although extensive investigations have been conducted on colorectal cancer, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this neoplasm remain uncharacterized. Alterations in the genetic material have been linked to colorectal cancer progression. To analyze the prognosis of individuals with colorectal cancer, it is crucial to identify new biomarkers. Using integrated bioinformatics analysis, this study successfully identified and confirmed the fundamental gene linked to colorectal cancer. Methods: Bioinformatics software tools were employed to assess the mRNA expression level of Erythroferrone (ERFE) by analyzing the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, which included 647 tumor samples and 51 control samples. In order to verify the findings, a comparison was conducted with data available on the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). In order to determine the clinical significance and expression level of ERFE, a bioinformatics investigation was carried out using logistic regression analysis. To assess survival rates in both high- and low-expression ERFE groups, univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model (Cox) regression analyses were conducted. To validate the expression of ERFE at both the gene and protein levels in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells (HCT116 and Lovo) and normal epithelial cells, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot experiments were performed. The knock-down efficiency of ERFE in HCT116 and LoVo cell lines was assessed using western blot experiments. The effect of ERFE gene function was compared and analyzed through various assays such as cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), Transwell, and scratch tests before and after ERFE knock-down in HCT116 and LoVo cell lines. Results: An analysis of data obtained from TCGA and GEO databases unveiled a remarkable increase in the expression of ERFE mRNA in CRC tissue compared to both normal and paracancerous tissues (p < 0.001). Furthermore, it was discovered that the overexpression of ERFE was linked to an unfavorable prognosis and had the potential to act as an independent prognostic indicator for predicting overall survival (OS), progression-free interval (PFI), and disease-specific survival (DSS) among colorectal cancer patients. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between heightened ERFE expression, infiltration of numerous immune cells, and levels of immune checkpoint molecules. Experimental evaluations, including the CCK-8 assay, scratch assay, and transwell assay, provided compelling evidence demonstrating a significant reduction in the proliferative, migratory, and invasive capabilities of colorectal cancer cells upon knocking down ERFE. Conclusions: In summary, ERFE, functioning as a pro-oncogene in CRC, is linked to the initiation and advancement of cancer, and can serve as a standalone marker for unfavorable prognosis among CRC patients
Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Importance of Bioactive Metabolites from Macrofungi
No full textMushrooms emerge as fascinating organisms within the vast expense of the natural world. They have been rapidly expanding in demand due to their popularity among consumers for their delightful taste, distinctive odor, and nutritional value. They are regarded as functional foods, that confer nutritional benefits and enhance health. Macrofungi exhibit a diverse array of bioactive compounds, categorized as secondary metabolites. Mushrooms are the richest source of proteins, polysaccharides, polysaccharide-protein complexes, phenolic compounds, sterols, triterpenes, triterpenoids, and vitamins. Mushroom extracts have great medicinal uses for human well-being as they possess numerous properties such as anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antiobesity, antilipidemic, antiaging, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective properties. This review highlights the nutraceutical and therapeutic potential of various macrofungi. Furthermore, it serves as a valuable resource for researchers, enabling them to access existing knowledge on the ethnopharmacological activities of bioactive compounds extracted from macrofungi and other useful compounds that could be the source for the discovering novel drugs with better pharmaceutical and therapeutic properties
Impact of Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Microenvironment on Colon Cancer Progression
No full textBackground: Malignant tumor cells can directly affect the biological behavior of the cells through the interaction with the surrounding microenvironment. This study aimed to investigate the effects of adipose-derived stem cell microenvironment (ADSCM) on the growth of colon cancer (CC) and the expression of malignant surface markers and abnormal pathways in the cells. Method: Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were extracted using collagenase digestion, followed by culture and identification. A three-dimensional stem cell microenvironment was established and co-cultured with CC cell lines. Furthermore, clonogenic assays were conducted to assess cell proliferation. Annexin V staining was employed to detect cell apoptosis and an invasion assay was performed to study cell migration capabilities. Moreover, immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were employed to assess the expression levels of surface markers in CC cells, and WB analysis was used to determine the levels of signaling pathway proteins. A CC model was established by subcutaneous injection of ADSCs and CC cells into Balb/c mice. Additionally, western blot (WB) was performed to investigate changes in inflammatory factors within tumor tissues. Result: After introducing CC cell lines into the ADSCM, a significant decrease in cell proliferation and invasion capability was observed, accompanied by a substantial increase in apoptosis rate. Furthermore, CC cells grown within the microenvironment exhibited reduced malignant phenotypic features, and the expression levels of common cancer signaling pathways were also diminished. Additionally, there was a decrease in the content of inflammatory factors within CC tissues. Conclusion: ADSCM can inhibit the growth of colon cancer, reduce the malignant markers and abnormal pathways in cancer cells and hinder the progression of CC
Tourism, industrialization, and sustainable economic growth
Get PDFThe coordination between tourism and other industries contributes to the tourism sustainability as well as the sustainable economic growth. This study comprehensively examines the effect of the relationship between tourism development and industrialization on sustainable economic growth based on provincial data of China. By using the coupling coordination degree model and instrumental variable regression method, we found the following: (1) Tourism-industrialization coordination exerts positive and significant effects on sustainable economic growth. Additional robustness checks show that the results are reliable. (2) Economic development, tourism development, and manufacturing innovation moderate the effect of tourism-industrialization coordination on sustainable economic growth. (3) The sustainable economic growth effect of tourism is nonlinear and affected by tourism-industrialization coordination, and industrialization is important for tourism-led sustainable growth. The findings broaden the understanding of the relationship between tourism and economic sustainability from the perspective of industrial coordination. It may contribute to building a sustainable economic development path in developing countries
Methodology and results of surface water quality monitoring in Georgia
Get PDFThe article reviews the existing methodology and results of monitoring the quality of surface waters in Georgia. It also discusses improving the existing monitoring network and its approximation to the EU Water Framework Directive. The monitoring results are related to water quality indicators (chemical analysis) and pollution assessment. Georgia stands out worldwide for its biological and landscape diversity, features of an ecologically clean natural environment, water resources and a history of agricultural development of several thousand years. Despite this, the indicators of chemical and biological pollution of water bodies are still high. In Georgia, the quality of water bodies is monitored in several dozen locations (points). The monitoring results are the subject of constant attention and discussion. The importance of water quality monitoring is increasing even more against climate change trends when the demand for both water resources and their quality is constantly growing
A study on the green transformation path of industrial heritage from the perspective of user experience: A case study of Jiangsu Garden Expo Park
Get PDFWith the advancement of economic structural transformation and urban renewal, the green transformation of industrial heritage sites is increasingly recognized as one of the key strategies for promoting sustainable urban development. Taking Jiangsu Garden Expo Park as an example, this study thoroughly explores the impact of the green transformation of industrial heritage sites on user experience and the relationship between user value perception, satisfaction, and behavioral intention. Based on the experience economy theory, the study classifies user experiences into four types: education, aesthetics, entertainment, and escapism, and examines how these experiences affect users’ functional perceived value, emotional perceived value, satisfaction, and behavioral intention. The results of the study show that educational, aesthetic, and escapist experiences have a significant positive effect on users’ emotional perceived value, while functional perceived value has a stronger effect on satisfaction than emotional perceived value. User satisfaction has a significant positive effect on behavioral intention, which suggests that enhancing user experience play a greater role in promoting positive user behaviour towards green transformation of industrial heritage sites. This study also provides recommendations for developing public participation, improving infrastructure development, cultivating spiritual connotations, and promoting cultural innovation to help the green transformation and tourism development of industrial heritage sites. The findings of this study provide certain theoretical basis and practical guidance for the green transformation of industrial heritage sites, explain the importance of optimising the development of industrial heritage sites from the perspective of user experience, and hopefully provide constructive suggestions for enhancing the attractiveness and sustainability of industrial heritage sites
Overcoming the problems facing cassava processing industry in Nigeria
Get PDFThis paper takes a look at overcoming the problems faced by processors of cassava in Nigeria and how important the processing of cassava is to the Nigerian economy. The importance of the cassava processing industry cannot be overemphasized. Apart from providing food security, provision of employment opportunities for the ever-teeming population, it serves as a foreign exchange earner to boost the economy and provide raw materials for industries such as textile, pharmaceutical and alcohol. The roots and leaves of cassava are also source of medicine, it is also used in the production of biofuel. The paper also looked at the myriad of problems associated with the processing operations and delved into the challenges of the cassava processing industry which includes: a lack of basic infrastructural facilities, lack of access to finance the industry, excessive cost of processing equipment, poor market accessibility and limited government support. The paper proffer solutions as ways forward in taking the cassava processing industry in Nigeria to the next level