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Scouring is a major concern affecting the overall stability and safety of a bridge. The current research investigated the effectiveness of the various artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, such as artificial neural networks (ANNs), the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), and random forest (RF), for scouring depth prediction around a bridge abutment. This study attempted to make a comparative analysis between these AI models and empirical equations developed by various researchers. The current research paper utilized a dataset of water depth (Y), flow velocity (V), discharge (Q), and sediment particle diameter (d50) from a controlled laboratory setting. An efficient optimization tool (MATLAB Optimization Tool (version R2023a)) was used to develop a scour estimation formula around bridge abutments. The findings of the current investigation demonstrated the superior performance of the AI models, especially the ANFIS model, over empirical equations by precisely capturing the non-linear and complex interactions between these parameters. Moreover, the result of the sensitivity analysis demonstrated flow velocity and discharge to be the most influencing parameters affecting the scouring depth around a bridge abutment. The results of the current research highlight the precise and accurate prediction of the scouring depth around a bridge abutment using AI models. However, the empirical equation (Equation 2) demonstrated better performance with a higher R-value of 0.90 and a lower MSE value of 0.0012 compared to other empirical equations. The findings revealed that ANFIS, when combined with neural networks and fuzzy logic systems, produced highly accurate and precise results compared to the ANN models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study focused on identifying the potential of irisin in mammalian reproduction. The established role of irisin, a proteolytic product of FNDC5, in adipose tissue browning, energy metabolism, and thermogenesis suggests its role in reproductive health, often disturbed by metabolic imbalances. Various studies on mice demonstrated irisin′s role in improving spermatogenesis, sperm count, and testosterone levels by influencing the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal axis. Moreover, in females, there is a fluctuation in levels of irisin during critical reproductive stages, including menstrual cycles, puberty, and pregnancy. Conditions like pregnancy complications, precocious puberty, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are found to have an association with abnormal irisin levels. The potential role of irisin in endometrial receptivity and preventing endometritis is also discussed in this review. Overall, the influence of irisin on female and male reproduction is evident from various studies. However, further research is needed to elucidate irisin mechanism in reproduction and its potential as a therapeutic or diagnostic tool for reproductive dysfunctions and infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometritis is a common inflammatory condition of the uterine endometrial lining that primarily affects perinatal dairy animals and causes significant economic losses in agriculture. It is usually triggered by pathogenic bacteria and is associated with chronic postpartum reproductive tract infections. Bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) are known to increase levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress and inflammation through the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and the inhibition of Nrf2 nuclear translocation, which regulates antioxidant response elements (AREs). The effectiveness of the conventional management strategy involving antibiotics is decreasing due to resistance and residual concerns. This review explores the potential therapeutic benefits of targeting the Nrf2/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/NF-κB signaling pathway to alleviate LPS-induced endometritis. We discuss recent advancements in veterinary medicine that utilize exogenous antioxidants to modulate these pathways, thereby reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in endometrial cells. This review highlights the efficacy of several bioactive compounds that enhance Nrf2 signaling and suppress NF-κB activation, offering protective effects against oxidative damage and inflammation. By examining various in vitro studies, this review emphasizes the emerging role of these signaling pathways in developing new therapeutic strategies that could potentially replace or supplement traditional treatments and mitigate the economic impacts of endometritis in livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sundarbans is the world's largest contiguous mangrove forest with an area of about 10,000 square kilometers and shared between Bangladesh and India. This world-renowned mangrove forest, located on the lower Ganges floodplain and facing the Bay of Bengal, has long served as a crucial barrier, shielding southern coastal Bangladesh from cyclone hazards. However, the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem is now increasingly threatened by climate-induced hazards, particularly tropical cyclones originating from the Indian Ocean. To assess the cyclone vulnerability of this unique ecosystem, using geospatial techniques, we analyzed the damage caused by past cyclones and the subsequent recovery across three salinity zones, i.e., Oligohaline, Mesohaline, and Polyhaline. Our study also examined the relationship between cyclone intensity with the extent of damage and forest recovery. The findings of our study indicate that the Polyhaline zone, the largest in terms of area and with the lowest elevation, suffered the most significant damage from cyclones in the Sundarbans region, likely due to its proximity to the most cyclone paths. A correlation analysis revealed that cyclone damage positively correlated with wind speed and negatively correlated with the distance of landfall from the center of the Sundarbans. With the expectation of more extreme weather events in the near future, the Sundarbans mangrove forest faces a potentially devastating outlook unless both natural protection processes and human interventions are undertaken to safeguard this critical ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants play a vital role in numerous domains, including medicine, agriculture, and environmental balance. Furthermore, they contribute to the production of oxygen and the retention of carbon dioxide, both of which are necessary for living beings. Numerous researchers have conducted thorough research in the classification of plant species where certain studies have focused on limited numbers of classes, while others have employed conventional machine-learning and deep-learning models to classify them. To address these limitations, this paper introduces a novel dual-stream neural architecture embedded with a soft-attention mechanism specifically developed for accurately classifying plant species. The proposed model utilizes residual and inception blocks enhanced with dilated convolutional layers for acquiring both local and global information. Following the extraction of features, both streams are combined, and a soft-attention technique is used to improve the distinct characteristics. The efficacy of the model is shown via extensive experimentation on varied datasets, including several plant species. Moreover, we have contributed a novel dataset that comprises 48 classes of different plant species. The results demonstrate a higher level of performance when compared to current models, emphasizing the capability of the dual-stream design in improving accuracy and model generalization. The integration of a dual-stream architecture, dilated convolutions, and soft attention provides a strong and reliable foundation for the botanical community, supporting advancement in the field of plant species classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt is a potent abiotic stress that arrests plant growth by impairing their physio-biochemical and molecular processes. However, it is unknown how the ABA signaling system and vacuolar-type Na+/H+ antiporter proteins induce stress tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings. The present study aimed to identify salt-responsive proteins and signaling pathways involved in the resistance of wheat to salt stress. We explored the proteome profile, 20 amino acids, 14 carbohydrates, 8 major phytohormones, ion content, and salt tolerance genes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv.) under 200 mM NaCl with control plants for six days. The results showed that amino acids such as alanine, serine, proline, glutamine, and aspartic acid were highly expressed under salt stress compared with control plants, suggesting that amino acids are the main players in salinity tolerance. The ABA signaling system was activated in response to salinity stress through the modulation of protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) and ABA-responsive element binding factor (ABF), resulting in an ABA-mediated downstream response. Additionally, the vacuolar-type Na+/H+ antiporter was identified as a key protein in salt stress tolerance via compartmentalizing Na+ in the vacuole. Furthermore, a significant increase in the abundance of the 14-3-3 protein was noticed in salt-fed plants, suggesting that this protein plays an important role in Na+ compartmentalization. Moreover, up-regulation of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and thioredoxin-scavenged reactive oxygen species resulted in improved plant growth under salt stress. These data will help to identify salt-responsive proteins that can be used in future breeding programs to develop salt-tolerant varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a significant technological advancement that allows for seamless device integration and data flow. The development of the IoT has led to the emergence of several solutions in various sectors. However, rapid popularization also has its challenges, and one of the most serious challenges is the security of the IoT. Security is a major concern, particularly routing attacks in the core network, which may cause severe damage due to information loss. Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks (RPL), a routing protocol used for IoT devices, is faced with selective forwarding attacks. In this paper, we present a federated learning-based detection technique for detecting selective forwarding attacks, termed FL-DSFA. A lightweight model involving the IoT Routing Attack Dataset (IRAD), which comprises Hello Flood (HF), Decreased Rank (DR), and Version Number (VN), is used in this technique to increase the detection efficiency. The attacks on IoT threaten the security of the IoT system since they mainly focus on essential elements of RPL. The components include control messages, routing topologies, repair procedures, and resources within sensor networks. Binary classification approaches have been used to assess the training efficiency of the proposed model. The training step includes the implementation of machine learning algorithms, including logistic regression (LR), K-nearest neighbors (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), and naive Bayes (NB). The comparative analysis illustrates that this study, with SVM and KNN classifiers, exhibits the highest accuracy during training and achieves the most efficient runtime performance. The proposed system demonstrates exceptional performance, achieving a prediction precision of 97.50%, an accuracy of 95%, a recall rate of 98.33%, and an F1 score of 97.01%. It outperforms the current leading research in this field, with its classification results, scalability, and enhanced privacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Repurposing the diabetes drug dapagliflozin and the natural agent silymarin, this study tackled the liver damage caused by the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. Thirty female Wistar rats were treated with cisplatin alone, silymarin, dapagliflozin, or their combination for 45 days. The results were promising; cisplatin-induced liver damage, marked by elevated ALT, AST, and TB levels, and decreased TP and albumin levels, was significantly mitigated by dapagliflozin and silymarin. The combination of both showed promising results as well, restoring the liver enzyme levels and tissue structure. This novel approach not only highlights the powerful hepatoprotective effects of dapagliflozin and silymarin but also opens new avenues for safer chemotherapy treatments. Further mechanistic research could turn these findings into clinical practice, offering new hope for cancer patients undergoing cisplatin-based therapy. Recognizing the challenges posed by chemotherapy, specifically the hepatotoxic effects of drugs like cisplatin, this study aimed to examine the hepatoprotective potential of dapagliflozin to mitigate cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity in a rat model. This study focused on repurposing drugs such as dapagliflozin and natural agents like silymarin as potential interventions to address cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity. Thirty adult female Wistar rats were distributed into five groups and treated with cisplatin alone, silymarin, dapagliflozin, or a combination of dapagliflozin and silymarin accordingly for 45 days. Body weight, fasting blood glucose levels, liver function tests, and histopathological analysis were conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects. Cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity significantly (p < 0.05) increased the serum levels of ALT, AST, TB, and reduced the TP and albumin levels. Dapagliflozin administration led to significant reductions in ALT, AST, TB, and increased albumin levels. Silymarin demonstrated comparable effects. Combining dapagliflozin and silymarin showed synergistic effects, further reducing the liver enzymes and improving albumin levels. Histopathological examination supported these findings, revealing the restoration of liver structure with dapagliflozin and silymarin treatment. Dapagliflozin and silymarin exhibited substantial hepatoprotective benefits against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The combination therapy demonstrated synergistic effects, highlighting a potential therapeutic approach for mitigating chemotherapy-induced liver damage. Further research into molecular mechanisms and clinical translation is warranted, offering hope for improved clinical outcomes in cancer patients undergoing cisplatin-based chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abutment scour is a major cause of bridge failures worldwide, leading to disruptions, economic losses, and loss of life. The present experimental study examines countermeasures against abutment scour using hooked-collar protections on vertical-wall and wing-wall abutments (at 45° and 60°) under different flow conditions. All 60 experiments were performed under sub-critical flow conditions by investigating scour around an abutment 20 cm long, 20 cm wide, and 25 cm tall. Two distinct values of the Froude number, 0.154 and 0.179, and a sediment particle diameter (d50) of 0.88 mm were used throughout the experimental phase. The resulting equilibrium scour around the abutments was compared to those with collar and hooked-collar protections. It was determined that the maximum abutment scour depth reduction was 83.89% when hooked collars were placed on vertical wall abutments beneath the bed surface level, and for wing-wall abutments at 45° and 60°, it was 74.2% and 73.5%, respectively, at the bed surface level. Regression analysis was conducted to assess the non-dimensional scour depth (Ds/Yf) and scour reduction (RDs/Yf), with a high enough coefficient of determination (R2 values of 0.96 and 0.93, respectively), indicating high confidence in the analysis. The sensitivity analysis findings demonstrate that the width of the collar (Wc) and La are the most influencing factors affecting Ds/Yf and RDs/Yf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Uterine carcinosarcoma is an aggressive gynecologic malignancy that accounts for 5% of all gynecological malignancies. There is a disproportion in its incidence and mortality among different races. This study describes demographic and clinicopathological factors and racial disparities affecting the survival of patients with uterine carcinosarcoma. Methods: Data on uterine carcinosarcoma patients were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2000 to 2020. Results: Of the 11,338 patients identified, the median age at diagnosis was 68 years, and the five-year cause-specific survival (CSS) rate was 38.7%. for all races. Compared with Asian patients (39.5%, 95% CI, 36.0–43.4%), Hispanic patients (39.4%, 95% CI, 36.5–42.5%), and White patients (37.9%, 95% CI, 36.7–39.2%), Black patients accounted for 21% of the patients and had a significantly lower 5-year CSS (95% CI, 27.2–31.2%). The CSS rates were 84.4% (95% CI, 83.3–85.6%) for localized tumors, 68.5% (95% CI, 66.9–70.1%) for regional tumors, and 39.0% (95% CI, 36.9–41.2%) for distant tumors. Multimodal treatment involving chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation improved the overall one- and five-year survival rates by 88.2% (95% CI, 87.0–89.5%) and 52.8% (95% CI, 50.7–55.1%), respectively, across all disease stages. Multivariate analysis identified age >60 years, Black race, tumor size >4 cm, and distant metastases as independent risk factors for mortality (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: This large database study presents the most up-to-date epidemiological information regarding cases of uterine carcinosarcoma. The findings suggest that a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation may be most efficacious in treating this malignancy, especially in patients with distant disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blockchain is recognized for its robust security features, and its integration with Internet of Things (IoT) systems presents scalability and operational challenges. Deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) within blockchain environments raises concerns about balancing rigorous security requirements with computational efficiency. The prime motivation resides in integrating AI with blockchain to strengthen IoT security and withstand multiple variants of lethal threats. With the increasing number of IoT devices, there has also been a spontaneous increase in security vulnerabilities. While conventional security methods are inadequate for the diversification of IoT devices, adopting AI can assist in identifying and mitigating such threats in real time, whereas integrating AI with blockchain can offer more intelligent decentralized security measures. The paper contributes to a three-layered architecture encompassing the device/sensory, edge, and cloud layers. This structure supports a novel method for assessing legitimacy scores and serves as an initial security measure. The proposed scheme also enhances the architecture by introducing an Ethereum-based data repositioning framework as a potential trapdoor function, ensuring maximal secrecy. To complement this, a simplified consensus module generates a conclusive evidence matrix, bolstering accountability. The model also incorporates an innovative AI-based security optimization utilizing an unconventional neural network model that operates faster and is enhanced with metaheuristic algorithms. Comparative benchmarks demonstrate that our approach results in a 48.5% improvement in threat detection accuracy and a 23.5% reduction in processing time relative to existing systems, marking significant advancements in IoT security for smart cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of gender diversity in the positions of board commissioners, executive directors, and audit committee members on the financial performance of firms experiencing financial trouble. It also evaluates whether the presence of a CEO with multiple responsibilities moderates this relationship. The analysis encompassed 224 publicly traded companies from the non-financial sector, spanning the years 2012 to 2021. The study employed the dynamic panel model system GMM to address issues of endogeneity, simultaneity, and heterogeneity in the data. The findings indicate that the presence of women on supervisory boards and in senior positions has a substantial impact. Companies with a higher number of female board members have reduced financial hardship among Malaysian listed enterprises. Female directors exhibit a greater level of caution and risk aversion while participating in management choices, which is a significant conclusion. Research indicates that the majority of financial variables are inherently endogenous, so dynamic models are better suited for analyzing the interaction between these variables. This study also presents the notable correlation between gender diversity on boards of management, CEO duality, and financial difficulty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decarbonization of transportation plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change, and biodiesel has emerged as a promising solution due to its renewable and eco-friendly nature. However, in order to maintain the momentum of the "green trend" and ensure energy security, an ecologically friendly pathway is important to produce efficient biodiesel. In this work, activated carbon (AC) obtained from rice husk (RH) is hydrothermally prepared and modified through cobalt transition metal for catalyst support for the transesterification process. The physicochemical characteristics of the synthesized catalysts are examined using XRD, FTIR, SEM and EDS, TGA, and BET, while the produced biodiesel is also characterized using Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS). To optimize the transesterification process, Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) are produced by the conversion of waste cooking oil. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is used to validate temperature (75 °C), the methanol-to-oil molar ratio (1:9), catalyst weight percentage (2 wt.%), and retention time (52.5 min). The highest conversion rate of waste cooking oil (WCO) to biodiesel was recorded at 96.3% and tested as per American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Based on the results, it is clear that cobalt-loaded rice husk-based green catalyst (RHAC-Co) enhanced catalytic activity and yield for biodiesel production. Further research should focus on engine performance evaluation and scaling up of the catalyst by optimizing it for the industrial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our whole-genome sequencing analysis of sixteen uropathogenic E. coli isolates revealed a concerning picture of multidrug resistance and potentially virulent bacteria. All isolates belonged to four distinct clonal groups, with the highly prevalent ST131 lineage being associated with extensive antibiotic resistance and virulence factors. Notably, all isolates exhibited multidrug resistance, with some resistant to as many as 12 antibiotics. Fluoroquinolone resistance stemmed primarily from efflux pumps and mutations in gyrase and topoisomerase genes. Additionally, we identified genes encoding resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and various heavy metals. The presence of diverse plasmids and phages suggests the potential for horizontal gene transfer and the dissemination of virulence factors. All isolates harbored genomic islands containing virulence factors associated with adhesion, biofilm formation, and invasion. Genes essential for iron acquisition, flagella biosynthesis, secretion systems, and toxin production were also prevalent. Adding further complexity to understanding the isolates' genetic makeup, we identified CRISPR-Cas systems. This study underscores the need for continued genomic surveillance in understanding the pathogenic mechanisms and resistance profiles of uropathogenic E. coli to aid in developing targeted therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study is to identify the optimum NPK fertilization to maximize yield and productivity under local environmental constraints. To address this concern, a field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, during the rabi seasons of 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Treatments consisted of five Chinese wheat hybrids (18A-1, JM-1215, JM-1683, JM-1216, H-1) and one Australian hybrid (WS-1) with two local checks (Wadan-17 and Pirsabak-15) and two NPK levels, i.e., basal dose (120-90-60 NPK kg ha−1) and 25% higher than basal dose (150-112-75 NPK kg ha−1). The results of the two years' experimentation exhibited that wheat hybrid WS-1 produced higher tillers (444 and 423 m−2), leaf area (32.7 and 30.7 cm2), leaf area index (5.0 and 5.4), plant height (105.3 and 103.1 cm), spike length (21.9 and 21.5 cm), spikes (329 and 322 m−2), grains spike−1 (59 and 58), thousand grain weight (62.2 and 62.2 g) and biological yield (9769 and 9906 kg ha−1) as compared to local check varieties. Wheat hybrids WS-1, JM-1683, H-1 and 18A1 produced 31%, 27%, 26% and 26% higher grain yield than local check Pirsabak-15, respectively, while a higher harvest index (61 and 59%) was noted for JM-1683 in both years. Application of NPK at the rate of 150-112-75 kg ha−1 increased emergence (87 m−2), tillers (421 and 407 m−2), leaf area (23 and 20.5 cm2), leaf area index (3.3), plant height (98.2 and 96.9 cm), spike length (15.9 and 16.3 cm), spikes (317 and 314 m−2), grains spike−1 (43), thousand grain weight (56.5 and 56.3 g), biological yield (9057 and 9163 kg ha−1) and grain yield (3702 and 3778 kg ha−1) compared to the lower level of NPK (120-90-60 kg ha−1). It is concluded that Chinese wheat hybrid JM-1683 and Australian hybrid WS-1 responded better to the higher level of NPK (150-112-75 kg ha−1) in terms of grain yield and its components and are therefore recommended for the agro-climatic condition of the Peshawar valley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This retrospective study aims to examine the patient demographics, survival rates, and treatment methods for small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNEC) and large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of prostate origin while also identifying the main differences between common types of prostate cancer with comparative analysis for survival. Methods: Our analysis utilized the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (SEER), and data was collected from 2000–2020. Cox proportional hazards and chi-squared analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 718 cases of prostate small and large neuroendocrine carcinoma were identified. The median age was 71.5 years, and the median follow-up was 11.0 years (95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 9.2–12.8). Most patients were over the age of 80 years (33.8%) and Caucasian (74.4%). The overall 5-year survival was 8.0% (95% CI = 6.8–9.2). The 5-year OS for Caucasians was 7.3% (95% C.I. 6.0–8.3). For Black Americans, the 5-year OS was 11.9% (95% C.I. 7.3–16.5). For Hispanics, the 5-year OS was 12.2% (95% C.I. 7.7–16.7). The 5-year cause-specific survival (CSS) was 16.2% (95% CI = 14.3–18.1). For treatment modality, the five-year survival for each were as follows: chemotherapy, 3.5% (95% CI = 2.1–4.9); surgery, 18.2% (95% CI = 13.6–22.8); multimodality therapy (surgery and chemotherapy), 4.8% (95% CI = 1.7–7.9); and combination (chemoradiation with surgery), 5.0% (95% CI = 1.0–9.0). The prognostic nomogram created to predict patient survivability matched the findings from the statistical analysis with a statistical difference found in race, income, housing, stage, and nodal status. The nomogram also indicated a slight increase in mortality with tumors of greater size. This analysis showed a slight increase in mortality for patients of Asian race. In addition, there was a significant increase in death for patients with stage 3 tumors, as well as patients who underwent surgery and radiation. Furthermore, we performed propensity score matching for survival differences, and no survival difference was found between SCNEC and LCNEC. Conclusions: Asian patients, larger tumor size, and distant disease were associated with worse long-term clinical outcomes. By leveraging insights from registry-based studies, clinicians can better strategize treatment options, improving patient outcomes in this challenging oncology arena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder, marked by cognitive impairment. Currently, the available treatment provides only symptomatic relief and there is a great need to design and formulate new drugs to stabilize AD. In the search for a new anti-Alzheimer's drug, 3,5-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-1,3,5-thiadiazinane-2-thione (THTT), a tetrahydro-2H-1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thione derivative, was investigated against a scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's model. The selected test compound was administered intraperitoneally in three doses (15 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, and 45 mg/kg). The test compound exhibited an IC50 value of 69.41 µg/mL, indicating its ability to inhibit the acetylcholinesterase enzyme. An antioxidant DPPH assay revealed that the IC50 value of the test compound was 97.75 µg/mL, which shows that the test compound possesses antioxidant activity. The results of behavior tests including the Y-maze and elevated plus maze (EPM) show that the test compound improved short-term memory and spatial memory, respectively. Furthermore, in the Morris water maze (MWM) and light/dark model, the test compound shows improvements in learning and memory. Moreover, the results of histological studies show that the test compound can protect the brain against the harmful effects of scopolamine. Overall, the findings of our investigation suggest that our chosen test compound has disease-modifying and neuroprotective activities against the scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's model. The test compound may be beneficial, subject to further elaborate investigation for anti-amyloid disease-modifying properties in AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study explored the differential interaction between ethylene (ET) and abscisic acid (ABA) in relation to salt stress in mustard (Brassica juncea L.) plants. Significant reductions in seed germination, growth, and photosynthesis were observed with 100 mmol NaCl. Among the cultivars tested, the Pusa Vijay cultivar was noted as ET-sensitive. Pusa Vijay responded maximally to an application of 2.0 mmol ethephon (Eth; 2-chloethyl phosphonic acid-ethylene source), and exhibited the greatest growth, photosynthesis, activity of 1-aminocyclopropane carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase (ACS), and ET evolution. Notably, Eth (2.0 mmol) more significantly improved the seed germination percentage, germination and vigor index, amylase activity, and reduced H2O2 content under salt stress, while ABA (25 µmol) had negative effects. Moreover, the individual application of Eth and ABA on Pusa Vijay under both optimal and salt-stressed conditions increased the growth and photosynthetic attributes, nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) assimilation, and antioxidant defense machinery. The addition of aminoethoxyvinylglycine (0.01 µmol AVG, ET biosynthesis inhibitor) to ABA + NaCl-treated plants further added to the effects of ABA on parameters related to seed germination and resulted in less effectiveness of growth and photosynthesis. In contrast, the effects of Eth were seen with the addition of fluoridone (25 µmol Flu, ABA biosynthesis inhibitor) to Eth + NaCl. Thus, it can be suggested that ET is crucial for alleviating salt-induced inhibition in seed germination, growth, and photosynthesis, while ABA collaborated with ET to offer protection by regulating nutrient assimilation and enhancing antioxidant metabolism. These findings provide insight into the complex regulatory processes involved in ET–ABA interaction, enhancing our understanding of plant growth and development and the mitigation of salt stress in mustard. It opens pathways for developing hormonal-based strategies to improve crop productivity and resilience, ultimately benefiting agricultural practices amidst a challenging environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress, driven by reactive oxygen, nitrogen, and sulphur species (ROS, RNS, RSS), poses a significant threat to cellular integrity and human health. Generated during mitochondrial respiration, inflammation, UV exposure and pollution, these species damage cells and contribute to pathologies like cardiovascular issues, neurodegeneration, cancer, and metabolic syndromes. Lifestyle factors exert a substantial influence on oxidative stress levels, with mitochondria emerging as pivotal players in ROS generation and cellular equilibrium. Phytochemicals, abundant in plants, such as carotenoids, ascorbic acid, tocopherols and polyphenols, offer diverse antioxidant mechanisms. They scavenge free radicals, chelate metal ions, and modulate cellular signalling pathways to mitigate oxidative damage. Furthermore, plants thriving in high-altitude regions are adapted to extreme conditions, and synthesize secondary metabolites, like flavonoids and phenolic compounds in bulk quantities, which act to form a robust antioxidant defence against oxidative stress, including UV radiation and temperature fluctuations. These plants are promising sources for drug development, offering innovative strategies by which to manage oxidative stress-related ailments and enhance human health. Understanding and harnessing the antioxidant potential of phytochemicals from high-altitude plants represent crucial steps in combating oxidative stress-induced disorders and promoting overall wellbeing. This study offers a comprehensive summary of the production and physio-pathological aspects of lifestyle-induced oxidative stress disorders and explores the potential of phytochemicals as promising antioxidants. Additionally, it presents an appraisal of high-altitude medicinal plants as significant sources of antioxidants, highlighting their potential for drug development and the creation of innovative antioxidant therapeutic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces an advanced observer-based control strategy designed for fractional multi-agent systems operating in hostile environments. We take into account the dynamic nature of the agents with nonlinear delayed dynamics and consider external disturbances affecting the system. The manuscript presents an improved observation-based control approach tailored for fractional-order multi-agent systems functioning in challenging conditions. We also establish various applicable conditions governing the creation of observers and disturbance compensation controllers using the fractional Razmikhin technique, signed graph theory, and matrix transformation. Furthermore, our investigation includes observation-based control on switching networks by employing a typical Lyapunov function approach. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed strategy is demonstrated through the analysis of two simulation examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ras-related Rap1A GTPase is implicated in pancreas β-cell insulin secretion and is stimulated by the cAMP sensor Epac2, a guanine exchange factor and activator of Rap1 GTPase. In this study, we examined the differential proteomic profiles of pancreata from C57BL/6 Rap1A-deficient (Null) and control wild-type (WT) mice with nanoLC-ESI-MS/MS to assess targets of Rap1A potentially involved in insulin regulation. We identified 77 overlapping identifier proteins in both groups, with 8 distinct identifier proteins in Null versus 56 distinct identifier proteins in WT mice pancreata. Functional enrichment analysis showed four of the eight Null unique proteins, ERO1-like protein β (Ero1lβ), triosephosphate isomerase (TP1), 14-3-3 protein γ, and kallikrein-1, were exclusively involved in insulin biogenesis, with roles in insulin metabolism. Specifically, the mRNA expression of Ero1lβ and TP1 was significantly (p < 0.05) increased in Null versus WT pancreata. Rap1A deficiency significantly affected glucose tolerance during the first 15–30 min of glucose challenge but showed no impact on insulin sensitivity. Ex vivo glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) studies on isolated Null islets showed significantly impaired GSIS. Furthermore, in GSIS-impaired islets, the cAMP-Epac2-Rap1A pathway was significantly compromised compared to the WT. Altogether, these studies underscore an essential role of Rap1A GTPase in pancreas physiological function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is the most consumed crop worldwide. Zeolite application combined with good tillage practices are good combinations that provide better soil conditions for wheat crops. Zeolite also provides a good layer for carbon to be absorbed into the soil and can retain carbon for hundreds of years. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of tillage practices and zeolite treatments on soil carbon retention and wheat crop productivity. Arranging the treatments implemented according to a factorial randomized block design which includes three replications. Tillage treatments include three levels vis: T1= 6 tillage practices with the help of cultivator (farmer practice/control), T2 (minimum tillage), and T3 (2 cultivation with cultivator + Mold-board plough). The zeolite applications consist of four levels: Z1 = 0, Z2 = 5, Z3 = 10 and Z4 = 15 t ha−1. The effect of the interaction between zeolite treatments and tillage practices on various factors related to soil and crops such as emission of carbon dioxide (CO2), dissolved organic carbon, soil organic carbon, and the productivity and components of wheat productivity. Zeolite applied at 10 t ha−1 in combination with minimum tillage gave significant differences in terms of CO2 emission, dissolved organic carbon, and on soil organic carbon. The experimental results showed that minimum CO2 emission (25.43 and 31.12 (kg CO2-C ha−1 h−1), dissolved organic carbon (4.80 and 4.90 g C kg−1), soil organic carbon (7.88 and 7.97 g C kg−1), plant height (92.14 and 92.97 cm), spike length (11.88 ad 12.11 cm), number of spikelets (20.11 and 20.98), number of tillers (278.65 and 283.93) per unit area, 1000 grain weight (50.74 and 51.54 g), biological yield (8134.87 and 8187.38 kg ha−1) and grain yield (2984.28 and 3028.96 kg ha−1) and harvest index (36.69 and 37.04%) of wheat was observed in zeolite applied at 10 t ha−1 with minimum tillage practice (T2 × Z3) compared to control and other treatments for both the years, respectively. It is therefore concluded that minimum tillage should be practiced in wheat crops with the application of zeolite at 10 t ha−1 to obtain better yield and soil carbon retention under rain-fed conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Podophyllum hexandrum Royle, also known as Podophyllum emodi Wall, holds significant ecological, ornamental, and medicinal values. However, it has become endangered due to overexploitation, prolonged seed dormancy, slow natural regeneration, and climate change. This study developed an efficient in vitro protocol for callogenesis and micropropagation of P. hexandrum to conserve germplasm in in vitro conditions. Callus formation from various plant parts, including the leaf, stem, rhizome, radicle, and cotyledon, was induced using Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different plant growth regulators. The combination of benzyladenine at 1 mg L−1 and 4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid at 3 mg L−1 was optimal for biomass production, yielding 215.88 ± 0.31 mg, with growth per gram at 8.32 ± 0.32 and a growth rate of 13.62 ± 0.25 mg/day on MS medium. For shoot proliferation, benzyladenine (3.5 mg L−1) and naphthalene acetic acid (0.5 mg L−1) combined with activated charcoal showed the highest shoot induction percentage per explant. For shoot regeneration from calluses, 6-benzylaminopurine (0.5 mg L−1) and thidiazuron (2 mg L−1) were most effective, producing superior shoot length, number of regenerations, and regeneration percentage. Root induction was successful with α-naphthalene acetic acid supplementation (0.5 to 1.5 mg L−1) in MS medium, resulting in the highest number per explant (4.08 ± 0.08), length (5.45 ± 0.15 cm), and rooting rate (87.00 ± 1.66%) of roots in plantlets. Subculturing for callus culture was performed every 28 days for up to four subcultures to prevent nutrient depletion and toxic metabolite accumulation, ensuring tissue health and viability. Continuous subculturing of callus on MS medium maintained healthy P. hexandrum germplasm in vitro. Overall, this micropropagation protocol provides a rapid system for conserving P. hexandrum germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L-tryptophan is an amino acid that significantly impacts metabolic activity in both humans and herbivorous animals. It is also known as a precursor for melatonin and serotonin, and its levels must be regulated in the human body. Therefore, there is a need to develop a cost-effective, simple, sensitive, and selective method for detecting L-tryptophan. Herein, we report the fabrication of an L-tryptophan sensor using a nickel-doped tungsten oxide ceramic-modified electrode. The Ni-WO3 was synthesized using simple strategies and characterized by various advanced techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and photoelectron X-ray spectroscopy. Furthermore, a glassy carbon electrode was modified with the synthesized Ni-WO3 and explored as the L-tryptophan (L-TRP) sensor. Cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry were used to investigate the sensing ability of the modified electrode (Ni-WO3/GC). The Ni-WO3/GC exhibited an excellent limit of detection of 0.4 µM with a good dynamic linear range. The Ni-WO3/GC also demonstrated excellent selectivity in the presence of various electroactive molecules. The Ni-WO3/GC also showed decent reproducibility, repeatability, stability, and storage stability. This work proposes the fabrication of novel Ni-WO3/GC for the sensing of L-tryptophan. So far, no report is available on the use of Ni-WO3/GC for the sensing of L-TRP. This is the first report on the use of Ni-WO3/GC for the sensing of L-TRP sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a promising class of therapeutic alternatives with broad-spectrum activity against resistant pathogens. Small AMPs like temporin-SHa (1) and its first-generation analog [G10a]-SHa (2) possess notable efficacy against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In an effort to further improve this antimicrobial activity, second-generation analogs of 1 were synthesised by replacing the natural glycine residue at position-10 of the parent molecule with atypical amino acids, such as D-Phenylalanine, D-Tyrosine and (2-Naphthyl)-D-alanine, to study the effect of hydrophobicity on antimicrobial efficacy. The resultant analogs (3–6) emerged as broad-spectrum antibacterial agents. Notably, the [G10K]-SHa analog (4), having a lysine substitution, demonstrated a 4-fold increase in activity against Gram-negative (Enterobacter cloacae DSM 30054) and Gram-positive (Enterococcus faecalis DSM 2570) bacteria relative to the parent peptide (1). Among all analogs, [G10f]-SHa peptide (3), featuring a D-Phe substitution, showed the most potent anticancer activity against lung cancer (A549), skin cancer (MNT-1), prostate cancer (PC-3), pancreatic cancer (MiaPaCa-2) and breast cancer (MCF-7) cells, achieving an IC50 value in the range of 3.6–6.8 µM; however, it was also found to be cytotoxic against normal cell lines as compared to [G10K]-SHa (4). Peptide 4 also possessed good anticancer activity but was found to be less cytotoxic against normal cell lines as compared to 1 and 3. These findings underscore the potential of second-generation temporin-SHa analogs, especially analog 4, as promising leads to develop new broad-spectrum antibacterial and anticancer agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the most important way to mitigate climate change, forest carbon storage has been the subject of extensive research. A comprehensive study was carried out to investigate the influence of elevation gradients and diameter classes on the forest growth, composition, diversity, and carbon pools of the Bagh Drush Khel Forest area. Research revealed that elevation gradients significantly influenced the composition, diversity, and carbon pools in forests. At lower elevations, Eucalyptus camaldulensis was the dominant species, with Olea ferruginea as a co-dominant species, whereas at higher elevations, Pinus roxburghii was the dominant species with Quercus incana as a co-dominant species. Regeneration was higher at higher elevations with the maximum number of saplings and seedlings of P. roxburghii. Species diversity association with elevation was negative (R2 = −0.44; p < 0.05—Shannon Index). Soil organic carbon (SOC association with elevation was non-significant while positive with DBH classes (R2 = 0.37; p < 0.05). Overall, carbon pool association with elevation and diameter at breast height (DBH) were negative (R2 = −0.73; p < 0.05) and (R2 = −0.45; p < 0.05). Litter biomass correlated positively with elevation (R2 = 0.25; p < 0.05) and DBH (R2 = 0.11; p < 0.05), while deadwood biomass correlated negatively with elevation gradients (R2 = −0.25; p < 0.05), and no effect was observed for DBH classes. The highest carbon stock (845.89 t C/ha) was calculated at low elevations, which decreased to (516.27 t C/ha) at high elevations. The overall carbon stock calculated was (2016.41 t C/ha) respectively. A total of six tree species were found at the study site. Future research is essential for forest health monitoring and understanding fine-scale impacts. This study offers a methodological framework for similar investigations in unexplored yet potentially significant forest regions worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]