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Background: Millions of people around the globe are affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD). This crippling condition has no treatment despite intensive studies. Some phytocompounds have been shown to protect against Alzheimer's in recent studies. Methods: Thus, this work aimed to examine Bacopa monnieri phytocompounds' synergistic effects on neurodegeneration, antioxidant activity, and cognition in the scopolamine-induced AD mice model. The toxicity study of two phytocompounds: quercetin and bacopaside X revealed an LD50 of more than 2000 mg/kg since no deaths occurred. Results: The neuroprotection experiment consists of 6 groups i.e., control (saline), scopolamine (1 mg/kg), donepezil (5 mg/kg), Q (25 mg/kg), BX (20 mg/kg), and Q + BX (25 mg/kg + 20 mg/kg). Visual behavioral assessment using the Morris water maze showed that animals in the diseased model group (scopolamine) moved more slowly toward the platform and exhibited greater thigmotaxis behavior than the treatment and control groups. Likewise, the concentration of biochemical NO, GSH, and MDA improved in treatment groups concerning the diseased group. mRNA levels of different marker genes including ChAT, IL-1α, IL-1 β, TNF α, tau, and β secretase (BACE1) improved in treatment groups with respect to the disease group. Conclusion: Both bacopaside X and quercetin synergistically have shown promising results in neuroprotection. Therefore, it is suggested that Q and BX may work synergistically due to their antioxidant and neuroprotective property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Tibetan Plateau grassland ecosystems, nitrogen (N) availability is rising dramatically; however, the influence of higher N on the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) might impact on plant competitive interactions. Therefore, understanding the part played by AMF in the competition between Vicia faba and Brassica napus and its dependence on the N-addition status is necessary. To address this, a glasshouse experiment was conducted to examine whether the grassland AMF community's inocula (AMF and NAMF) and N-addition levels (N-0 and N-15) alter plant competition between V. faba and B. napus. Two harvests took day 45 (1st harvest) and day 90 (2nd harvest), respectively. The findings showed that compared to B. napus, AMF inoculation significantly improved the competitive potential of the V. faba. In the occurrence of AMF, V. faba was the strongest competitor being facilitated by B. napus in both harvests. While under N-15, AMF significantly enhanced tissue N:P ratio in B. napus mixed-culture at 1st harvest, the opposite trend was observed in 2nd harvest. The mycorrhizal growth dependency slightly negatively affected mixed-culture compared to monoculture under both N-addition treatments. The aggressivity index of AMF plants was higher than NAMF plants with both N-addition and harvests. Our observation highlights that mycorrhizal associations might facilitate host plant species in mixed-culture with non-host plant species. Additionally, interacting with N-addition, AMF could impact the competitive ability of the host plant not only directly but also indirectly, thereby changing the growth and nutrient uptake of competing plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential and toxic metal that accumulates in plant's tissues and diminishes plant growth and productivity. In the present study, differential root transcriptomic analysis was carried out to identify Cd stress-responsive gene networks and functional annotation under Cd stress in wheat seedlings. For this purpose, the Yannong 0428 wheat cultivar was incubated with 40 µm/L of CdCl2·2.5H2O for 6 h at three different seedling growth days. After the quality screening, using the Illumina Hiseq 2000 platform, more than 2482 million clean reads were retrieved. Following this, 84.8% to 89.3% of the clean reads at three time points under normal conditions and 86.5% to 89.1% of the reads from the Cd stress condition were mapped onto the wheat reference genome. In contrast, at three separate seedling growth days, the data analysis revealed a total of 6221 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 1543 (24.8%) up-regulated genes and 4678 (75.8%) down-regulated genes. In total, 120 DEGs were co-expressed throughout all the growth days, whereas 1096, 1088, and 2265 DEGs were found to be selectively up-/down-regulated at 7d, 14d, and 30d, respectively. However, the clustering of DEGs, through utilizing the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), revealed that the DEGs in the metabolic category were frequently annotated for phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. In comparison, a considerable number of DEGs were linked to protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum under the process of genetic information processing. Similarly, in categories in organismal systems and cellular processes, DEGs were found in plant hormone signal transduction pathways, and DEGs were identified in the plant–pathogen interaction pathway, respectively. However, DEGs in "endocytosis pathways" were enriched in environmental information processing. In addition, in-depth annotations of roughly specific heavy metal stress-response genes and pathways were also mined, and the expression patterns of eight DEGs were studied using quantitative real-time PCR. The results were congruent with the findings of RNA sequencing regarding transcript abundance in the studied wheat cultivar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The bacterial mechanisms responsible for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging have been well-reported, yet little is known about how bacteria isolated from cold-environments respond to H2O2 stress. Therefore, we investigated the transcriptional profiling of the Planomicrobium strain AX6 strain isolated from the cold-desert ecosystem in the Qaidam Basin, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China, in response to H2O2 stress aiming to uncover the molecular mechanisms associated with H2O2 scavenging potential. Methods: We investigated the H2O2-scavenging potential of the bacterial Planomicrobium strain AX6 isolated from the cold-desert ecosystem in the Qaidam Basin, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China. Furthermore, we used high-throughput RNA-sequencing to unravel the molecular aspects associated with the H2O2 scavenging potential of the Planomicrobium strain AX6 isolate. Results: In total, 3,427 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in Planomicrobium strain AX6 isolate in response to 4 h of H2O2 (1.5 mM) exposure. Besides, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway and Gene Ontology analyses revealed the down- and/or up-regulated pathways following H2O2 treatment. Our study not only identified the H2O2 scavenging capability of the strain nevertheless also a range of mechanisms to cope with the toxic effect of H2O2 through genes involved in oxidative stress response. Compared to control, several genes coding for antioxidant proteins, including glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), Coproporphyrinogen III oxidase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were relatively up-regulated in Planomicrobium strain AX6, when exposed to H2O2. Conclusions: Overall, the results suggest that the up-regulated genes responsible for antioxidant defense pathways serve as essential regulatory mechanisms for removing H2O2 in Planomicrobium strain AX6. The DEGs identified here could provide a competitive advantage for the existence of Planomicrobium strain AX6 in H2O2-polluted environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The bacterial mechanisms responsible for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging have been well-reported, yet little is known about how bacteria isolated from cold-environments respond to H2O2 stress. Therefore, we investigated the transcriptional profiling of the Planomicrobium strain AX6 strain isolated from the cold-desert ecosystem in the Qaidam Basin, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China, in response to H2O2 stress aiming to uncover the molecular mechanisms associated with H2O2 scavenging potential. Methods: We investigated the H2O2-scavenging potential of the bacterial Planomicrobium strain AX6 isolated from the cold-desert ecosystem in the Qaidam Basin, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China. Furthermore, we used high-throughput RNA-sequencing to unravel the molecular aspects associated with the H2O2 scavenging potential of the Planomicrobium strain AX6 isolate. Results: In total, 3,427 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in Planomicrobium strain AX6 isolate in response to 4 h of H2O2 (1.5 mM) exposure. Besides, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway and Gene Ontology analyses revealed the down- and/or up-regulated pathways following H2O2 treatment. Our study not only identified the H2O2 scavenging capability of the strain nevertheless also a range of mechanisms to cope with the toxic effect of H2O2 through genes involved in oxidative stress response. Compared to control, several genes coding for antioxidant proteins, including glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), Coproporphyrinogen III oxidase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were relatively up-regulated in Planomicrobium strain AX6, when exposed to H2O2. Conclusions: Overall, the results suggest that the up-regulated genes responsible for antioxidant defense pathways serve as essential regulatory mechanisms for removing H2O2 in Planomicrobium strain AX6. The DEGs identified here could provide a competitive advantage for the existence of Planomicrobium strain AX6 in H2O2-polluted environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, has emerged from South Africa, indicating that the pandemic will not be over anytime soon. An unimaginable amount of economic damage has resulted from the pandemic. Omicron and its economic implications are discussed in detail in this review article. It also includes statistics on occurrence, mortality, and recuperation in Pakistan and data on the country's immunization coverage. Developing countries with unstable economies, such as Pakistan, have experienced increased economic difficulties. As a result, all developed and underdeveloped countries should strictly adhere to preventive measures and improvements in diagnostic tests and vaccine development to bring the pandemic under control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild medicinal herbs have been used as folk and traditional medicines all across the world since well before recorded history. This present study was designed to test the antimicrobial activities of five different solvent extracted samples (n-hexane, n-butanol, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water) of Peganum harmala using stems and seeds. Two different strains of Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia), two Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilus and Staphylococcus aureus), and one fungal strain (Candida albicans) were used. The antimicrobial activities were measured using a disc diffusion assay. Two concentrations of the extracts (1 and 2mgDisc-1) were used. Ethyl acetate fraction was found more affective among the tested solvents and showed maximum activity (zone of inhibition) against S. aureus (65.53 and 81.10%), E. coli (46.22 and 61.29%) while n-butanol and water fractions gave maximum activity against S. aureus (78.86 and 70.00%) and K. pneumonia (57.00 and 61.39%) respectively. Water fraction showed maximum activity against C. albicans (60.00 and 81.88%). In the case of the stem, Ethyl acetate again showed more activity against B. subtilus (38.57 and 42.10%) and S. aureus (36.66 and 46.66%) while n-butanol showed maximum activity against K. pneumonia (24.55 and 32.44%) and E. coli (27.93 and 37.61%). Methanol was found more effective against C. albicans (25.71 and 43.80%). Seed extracted samples were found more effective compared to the stem. Ethyl acetate, butanol, and aqueous extracted samples showed good activity against the tested microbes, so these fractions are recommended for study their mechanism of actions and isolation of bioactive metabolites responsible for antimicrobial activities. The P. harmala should be evaluated for their bioactive compounds to be used in future studies. Our objective is to provide the framework for future study on the roles of P. harmala as traditional medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research study was conducted during 2009, 2012, 2013 and 2014 under National Cotton Varietal Trial (NCVT) for the expression profiling of Bt gene in local cotton genotypes/entries. Firstly, a total of 180 cotton lines (12, 75, 49 and 44 in years 2009, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively) were used to check the types of Bt gene(s) through immunostrip assay. Most of the entries were positive for the presence of Cry1Ac gene (Bollgard I) except CEMB-01 in 2009, DNH-105, BH-176 and CIM-573 (non Bt. Standard) in 2012, CIM-573 (non Bt. Standard) and CRIS-342 (non Bt. Standard) in 2013 and BH-185 and SLH-8 in 2014. Only a single entry (Kissan Early in 2012) was found positive for both Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab (Bollgard II). None of the entry gave positive result for Cry1F (Wide Strike event) through immunostrip assay. Later, expression level of Cry1Ac gene for all the entries were quantified through sandwich-ELISA. The expression level for twelve entries during 2009 was recorded in the range of 0.21-1.31μg/g of fresh weight leaf tissue. During 2012, the expression level for Cry1Ac was measured in the range of 0.05-0.86μg/g. All the positive entries for Cry1Ac gave the expression level less than as recommended by EPA-USA (>1.5μg/g). In 2013 and 2014, the expression level for Cry1Ac was quantified in the range of 0.03-4.17 and 0.04-4.29μg/g, respectively. Data of four years revealed that considerable gradual improvement has been made in the levels of Bt toxin in local candidate cotton lines at breeder level. There is need to sustain the attained toxin levels under farmer field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetically modified, insect-resistant Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton is cultivated extensively in Pakistan. Past studies, however, have raised concerns about the prevalence of Bt cotton varieties possessing weak or nonperforming insect-resistance traits conferred by the cry gene. We examine this issue using data drawn from a representative sample of cotton-growing households that were surveyed in six agroclimatic zones spanning 28 districts in Pakistan in 2013, as well as measurements of Cry protein levels in cotton tissue samples collected from the sampled households’ main fields. The resultant dataset combines information from 593 sampled households with corresponding plant tissue diagnostics from 70 days after sowing, as well as information from 589 sampled households with corresponding diagnostics from 120 days after sowing. Our analysis indicates that 11 percent of farmers believed they were cultivating Bt cotton when, in fact, the Cry toxin was not present in the tested tissue at 70 days after sowing (i.e., a Type I error). The analysis further indicates that 5 percent of farmers believed they were cultivating non-Bt cotton when, in fact, the Cry toxin was present in the tested tissue (i.e., a Type II error). In addition, 17 percent of all sampled farmers were uncertain whether or not they were cultivating Bt cotton. Overall, 33 percent of farmers either did not know or were mistaken in their beliefs about the presence of the cry gene in the cotton they cultivated. Results also indicate that toxic protein levels in the plant tissue samples occurred below threshold levels for lethality in a significant percentage of cases, although these measurements may also be affected by factors related to tissue sample collection, handling, storage, and testing procedures. Nonetheless, results strongly suggest wide variability both in farmers’ beliefs and in gene expression. Such variability has implications for policy and regulation in Pakistan’s transgenic cotton seed market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Establishment of an efficient and reproducible regeneration system in three different rice cultivars, IRRI-6, IRRI-9 and KSK-282 remained obscured. In the present study regeneration system was developed for all three recalcitrant cultivars and resultant putative transgenic plants were analyzed for expreöion by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Cultivars responded to a particular concentration of 2, 4-D ranging from 2 to 4mg L-1for calli initiation and induction. Two types of calli with different frequencies were observed on both N6 and N6 supplemented with proline, glycine and MES. N6 media produced more number of type II calli while N6 supplemented favored type I calli in all three cultivars. Type I calli were found as yellowish, smaller in size and globular shape and better explants for transformation. GUS histochemical aöay showed that 11, 13 and 14 days older type I calli of KSK-282, IRRI-6 and IRRI-9were suitable for transformation respectively. Fifteen minutes infection time and 2 days co-cultivation period showed the highest GUS positive expreöion in calli of all three cultivars. KSK-282 and IRRI-9 showed best regeneration response on 0.5 mg L-1 kinetin, 1 mg L-1NAA and 3 mg L-1 BAP, while the IRRI-6 showed the highest regeneration at 0.5 mg L-1 kinetin, 1mg L-1 NAA and 2 mg L-1 BAP. Using optimized protocol for each cultivar GUS reporter gene has been succeöfully incorporated in the genome of all three cultivars. Transgene expreöion in resultant lines was confirmed at transcriptional level through reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). © 2014 Friends Science Publishers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expression of Bt gene in cotton is affected by various environmental factors. The objective of the current study was the detection and quantification of Bt endo-toxins in local Pakistani cotton genotypes in various plants under different salt stress levels in various plant parts. Detection of Bt gene type was performed by immune strip analysis while, quantification of Bt toxin was carried out by commercially available ELISA kits. Ten transgenic cotton genotypes of local origin were assessed for the detection of Cry1Ac, Cry1F and Cry2Ab genes. Immunostrip analysis for all Bt cotton genotypes revealed the presence of only Cry1Ac gene. PCR result confirmed the presence of only Mon531 (non-patented) event of 346 base pair amplicon size and ruled out the presence of any other patented event in Pakistani Bt cotton varieties. The toxin value show highly significant differences under different salt stress levels. Bt toxin values were inversely affected by the increase in salinity levels. Bt toxin values tend to decrease after 90 days of sowing in all treatments. Moreover, higher values on fresh weight basis were noted in leaf tissues followed by square tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]