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Using aqueous leaf extract of Givotia moluccana, we offer a bioreduction technique for phytochemical-mediated production of nanozinc oxide (N-ZnOPs) particles. Phytochemicals such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and proteins were discovered in the water extract. UV–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (X-RD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are as follows. The UV–visible spectra of synthesized N-ZnOPs revealed absorption peaks at 370 nm. The crystalline nature of ZnO was confirmed by X-RD pattern analyses. Furthermore, TEM pictures demonstrate the creation of hexagonal-shaped N-ZnOPs with diameters ranging from 20 to 50 nm, which is also confirmed by the particle size analyzer, DLS. The synthesized N-ZnOPs displayed antibacterial action as well as photocatalytic destruction of methylene blue (MB) dye, in contrast to gram +ve and gram–ve bacteria. Using the biosynthesis pathway, the current study presents a simple, ecofriendly, and uncomplicated route for the creation of N-ZnOPs. N-ZnOPs are utilized in rubber, paint, coating, and cosmetics. N-ZnOPs are attractive in biological applications due to their biocompatibility, cost, and low toxicity.

In view of Multi-Target Directed Ligand (MTDL) approach in treating Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), a series of novel quinazolinone and vanillin cyanoacetamide based acrylamide derivatives (9a-z) were designed, synthesized, and assessed for their activity against a panel of selected AD targets including acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), amyloid β protein (Aβ), and also 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and neuroprotective activities. Five of the target analogs 9e, 9h, 9 l, 9t and 9z showed elevated AChE inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 1.058 ± 0.06, 1.362 ± 0.09, 1.434 ± 0.10, 1.015 ± 0.10, 1.035 ± 0.02 µM respectively, high inhibition selectivity against AChE over BChE and good DPPH radical scavenging activity. Enzyme kinetic studies of the potent hybrids in the series disclosed their mixed inhibition approach. Active analogs were found to be non-toxic on SK-N-SH cell lines and have excellent neuroprotective effects against H2O2-induced cell death. Strong modulating affinities on Aβ aggregation process were observed for most active compounds since; they irretrievably interrupted the morphology of Aβ42 fibrils, increased the aggregates and declined the Aβ-induced toxicity in neurons. From the fluorescence emission studies, the binding constants (K) were determined as 2.5 ± 0.021x103, 2.7 ± 0.015x103, 3.7 ± 0.020x103, 2.4 ± 0.013x104, and 5.0 ± 0.033x103 M−1 and binding free energies as −5.82 ± 0.033, −6.07 ± 0.042, −6.26 ± 0.015, −7.71 ± 0.024, and −6.29 ± 0.026 kcal M−1 for complexes of AChE–9e, 9h, 9 l, 9t and 9z, respectively. Moreover, the CD analysis inferred the limited modifications in the AChE secondary structure when it binds to 9e, 9h, 9 l, 9t and 9z. On the basis of docking studies against AChE, the most active congeners were well oriented in the enzyme’s active site by interacting with both catalytic active site (CAS) and peripheral anionic site (PAS). In summary, these quinazolinone and vanillin acrylamide hybrid analogs can be used as promising molecular template to further explore their in vivo efficiency in the development of lead compound to treat AD. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Neuroblastoma (NBM) is the second leading pediatric cancer that develops from the precursors of the sympathetic nervous system. To date, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation serve as the first-line treatment against NBM in high-risk patients. However, few of these approaches have severe side effects. Recently, numerous studies have also reported that high chemotherapy doses, along with stem cell rescue, improvise event-free survival in patients. In this review, the authors attempted to discuss the pathogenesis associated with NBM and how stem cell therapy can be employed for the treatment of NBM. Stem cells are a group of multipotent, undifferentiated cells that are capable of producing all cells in a particular tissue, organ, or organism. They have an endogenous self-renewal property. This property is tightly modulated for the normal homeostasis within the body. However, the failure of this process leads to carcinogenesis, including NBM. As these properties are modulated via various intrinsic as well as extrinsic pathways, the arrest of these pathways via various drugs may help in controlling various carcinomas, including NBM. Recently, stem cells were utilized for the diagnosis and treatment of NBM. Nevertheless, most of the studies conducted to date are mainly designed on bulk-cell analysis, which in turn provides little information about the population of cells. Thus, the authors believe that, by employing single-cell RNA sequencing technologies and computational approaches, we can unmask the tumor heterogeneity in NBM in a more comprehensive way. In the near future, this information will be highly useful for the identification of biomarkers and treatment associated with NBM in humans.

Even though the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is related to SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), identifying effective and safe therapeutic strategies remains challenging. In search of finding effective treatments to eradicate the virus and improve disease symptoms, scientists are exploring possible therapies such as anti-viral, anti-malaria, immune therapy, and hormone treatments. However, the efficacy of these treatments was not validated on either SARS-CoV or MERS-CoV. In this study, we have reviewed synthetic evidence achieved through systematic and meta-analysis of therapeutics specific for SARS-CoV-2 and observed that the use of the above-mentioned therapies had no clinical benefits in coronavirus disease 2019 patients and, conversely, displayed side effects.

This article comments on:Nisler J, Kopečný D, Pěkná Z, Končitíková R, Koprna R, Murvanidze N, Werbrouck SPO, Havlíček L, De Diego N, Wimmer Z, Briozzo P, Moréra S, Zalabák D, Spíchal L, Strnad M. 2021. Diphenylurea-derived cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase inhibitors for biotechnology and agriculture. Journal of Experimental Botany 72, 355–370.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stands third among cancer-related deaths globally. Owing to its high incidence and linked mortality, early diagnosis is alarming for patient survival and the management of patients with developing HCC requires immediate attention. Advances in the knowledge of cancer biology and recognizing unique molecular candidates, including genomic and proteomic profiles, substantiate our understanding about several biological signatures connected with HCC. Precise identification and differential diagnosis of early HCC can remarkably improve patient survival. Currently, detection of HCC in clinical practice is performed by diagnostic imaging and noninvasive methods such as evaluation of serum biomarkers, growth factors, and the like. In this review, we discuss recent developments in targeting biomarkers for HCC.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an ongoing, rapidly spreading pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV2). Among all the infected countries around the globe as of now (June 15, 2020), the total confirmed positive cases reported are 7,805,148, with the death of 431,192. At present, no specialized treatments evolved to cure COVID-19. Its treatment is symptomatic. Though huge efforts are being made to produce potential therapies to scuffle COVID-19, no drug has been discovered so far. Objective: Natural products have been playing a significant role in disease control since ancient days. These products serve as templates for designing new anti-microbial agents with a different mechanism of action and also open a door for investigation of effective anti-viral drugs to combat COVID-19. By focusing on this, the authors have narrated the basic structure, infection, and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV2 virus in humans and also reported various natural products or plant-based extracts/bioactive compounds tested against coronaviruses like SARS and MERS, as these viruses are structurally similar to SARS-CoV2 and can be used in designing novel drug against this virus. Conclusions: The natural products having the potential to combat SARS, MERS, and other viruses reviewed in this review article might have anti-viral activities against the SARS-CoV2 virus and can be used directly for further preclinical studies. Therefore, all efforts should be focused on overcoming this serious problem to save many people's lives all over the world.

Continuous rise in the human population has resulted in an upsurge in food demand, which in turn demand grain yield enhancement of cereal crops, including rice. Rice yield is estimated via the number of tillers, grain number per panicles, and the number of spikes present per panicle. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) serve as one of the best ways to introduce QTLs/gene associated with yield in the rice plant. MAS has also been employed effectively in dissecting several other complex agricultural traits, for instance, drought, cold tolerance, salinity, etc. in rice plants. Thus, in this review, authors attempted to collect information about various genes/QTLs associated with high yield, including grain number, in rice and how different scheme of MAS can be employed to introduce them in rice (Oryza sativa L.) plant, which in turn will enhance rice yield. Information obtained to date suggest that, numerous QTLs, e.g., Gn1a, Dep1, associated with grain number and yield-related traits, have been identified either via mapping or cloning approaches. These QTLs have been successfully introduced into rice plants using various schemes of MAS for grain yield enhancement in rice. However, sometimes, MAS does not perform well in breeding, which might be due to lack of resources, skilled labors, reliable markers, and high costs associated with MAS. Thus, by overcoming these problems, we can enhance the application of MAS in plant breeding, which, in turn, may help us in increasing yield, which subsequently may help in bridging the gap between demand and supply of food for the continuously growing population.

Background: Neuroblastoma (NB) is the second leading extracranial solid tumors of early childhood and clinically characterized by the presence of round, small, monomorphic cells with excess nuclear pigmentation (hyperchromasia).Owing to a lack of definitive treatment against NB and less survival rate in high-risk patients, there is an urgent requirement to understand molecular mechanisms associated with NB in a better way, which in turn can be utilized for developing drugs towards the treatment of NB in human. Objectives: In this review, an approach was adopted to understand major risk factors, pathophysiology, the molecular mechanism associated with NB, and various therapeutic agents that can serve as drugs towards the treatment of NB in humans. Conclusions: Numerous genetic (e.g., MYCN amplification), perinatal, and gestational factors are responsible for developing NB. However, no definite environmental or parental exposures responsible for causing NB have been confirmed to date. Though intensive multimodal treatment approaches, namely, chemotherapy, surgery &radiation, may help in improving the survival rate in children, these approaches have several side effects and do not work efficiently in high-risk patients. However, recent studies suggested that numerous phytochemicals, namely, vincristine, and matrine have a minimal side effect in the human body and may serve as a therapeutic drug during the treatment of NB. Most of these phytochemicals work in a dose-dependent manner and hence must be prescribed very cautiously. The information discussed in the present review will be useful in the drug discovery process as well as treatment and prevention on NB in humans.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks second for incidence in females (third in males). Currently, a broad spectrum of treatment options exists for the treatment of colorectal tumors. However, existing therapeutic options often lead to trauma, side effects, and high cost. Hence, there is an ongoing quest to detect novel approaches for the treatment of colon cancer. Recently, multiple studies have reported that consuming functional foods that are loaded with natural compounds can prevent the risk of CRC. In this review, the authors have attempted to collect information about the best possible foods and their active ingredients that may be used in treatment. Information retrieved through research reveals that all functional foods have aroma, taste, and nutritive value along with active ingredients that are beneficial for human health. For instance, the consumption of red meat increases CRC risk; on the other hand, the consumption of fresh vegetables diminishes such risk. Additionally, plant-based diets comprise fibers, bioactive compounds, and micronutrients, which are reported to have antioxidant as well as anticancer properties. Bioactively rich functional foods have been reported to provide protection against CRC. However, few active components like curcumin work in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, the involvement of medical practitioners during a clinical trial is highly recommended. In general, these active dietary components may aid in improving the health and well-being of patients as well as in managing the risk associated with cancer in a more comprehensive way.

Food security is a significant challenge for emerging and underdeveloped countries all over the world. The world’s population is growing tremendously; therefore, more food will be required to fulfill their needs. As a result, farmers and breeders put more pressure on agricultural land to produce more food grains. Rice is a primary food crop for 1.3 billion people globally, with Asia contributing for 90% of rice production and consumption. In undeveloped nations, the majority of farmers rely on traditional farming methods, which are insufficient to meet rising food grain demand. Their poor farming methods must be wreaking havoc on the land by utilizing more harmful pesticides and chemical fertilizers. As a result, a destructive impact on soil microfauna and flora affects soil nutritional quality, agricultural practices, and the soil becomes barren with the loss of fertility. In the future, agriculture automation is a big concern for all countries to feed and provide food security to their population. This book chapter focuses on evaluating and exploring a variety of published solutions, methods, and perspectives on “artificial intelligence (AI),” “machinelearning”, “big data applications”, and “high-performance computing,” which have opened up new avenues for data-intensive research (ML) in multidisciplinary agro-technology. Thus, there is an immediate need for various automation methods to decode rice and other crop cultivation problems, farm management, agricultural practices, irrigation, fertilization, weeding, harvesting, marketing, food distributions, toxic pesticides, regulated drainage, emissions regulation, and environmental impact. The automation of farming activities will help to improve soil benefits and strengthening soil fertility. Therefore, the advancing practical application and solutions pave the way for a modern data-centric age of agriculture exploration.

High-throughput methods are rapidly becoming prevalent in biological sciences and clinical studies. Thus, more rigorous statistical techniques are required to accurately predict the resulting big datasets. In this chapter, the authors attempted to understand how statisticians develop and employ various strategies to investigate and analyze these big datasets. Results obtained revealed that, to date, several statistical methods have been developed for analyzing large-scale biological data, like multiple testing, unsupervised learning and data visualization, clustering, and bootstrapping. However, a larger dataset analysis often faces various challenges, like multiple comparisons, high dimensionality, small n and large p problem, noise, and heterogeneous information. Additionally, while statisticians play an essential role in numerous bioinformatics studies, most of them are only interested in obtained and preprocessed data. Few researchers have proposed that statistician participation in the initial data collection and preprocessing phase will minimize errors and contribute to more critical scientific conclusions.

Rice is considered as a model crop plant to study phylogeny and genetic diversity. By improving the various sequencing techniques of whole genome it is possible to find out the region of both nuclear and mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes that are mainly involved in evolution. In rice evolution, many genes present in the chloroplast and mitochondrial genome play a role in plant evolution. As compared to the mitochondrial genome, the chloroplast genome contains a highly conserved sequence that makes researchers find out the genetic variation that led to a new evolution in the plant. The mitochondrial genome contains genes that are mainly involved in cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in rice. Due to the decoding of whole genome it is possible to detect genes and improvement of crops through genetic engineering and editing or repairing. Various stress resistances, such as herbicide resistance plants, are developed through the decoding of extrachromosomal DNA (eccDNA) in rice.

Rice is considered as a model plant to map the complete genome and identify the genes in the genome for various traits. Recent advance in molecular biology and statistical analysis techniques could boost the plant breeder to gain knowledge on rice genome and find out the function and expression of rice genes. Near the genes, several quantitative trait loci (QTLs) have been mapped and identified with genetic markers to find out its location in chromosome. With the popularity of computational approach, it is easy to find out the QTLs position in the genome and introgress these QTLs into the popular rice genotypes to study the expression and its effect with trait used in MAS breeding program. Several models and QTL mapping methods are used to detect the QTL position between marker interval. QTL mapping is a highly efficient way of determining genetic interactions in plant disease resistance. The QTL mapping was carried in F2, RILs, NILs, backcrossing populations, and double haploids (DH) in rice to study the performance of respective QTLs and its genetic basis of expression in grain yield and other traits as well as other parameters of yield like biotic and disease resistance. Various studies have been reported for QTL mapping and its function in phenotypic variation found in rice. This fine mapping and detection of QTL position provide a new way to improve the rice plant against various theft of decreasing yield.