Assessment of Different Conventional and Biofortified Wheat Genotypes Based on Biology and Damage Pattern of and .

The lesser grain borer, (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) and khapra beetle, E. (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) are primary stored-grain insect pests.

Evaluation of the Sterile Insect Technique for the Control of the Melon Fly () Under Laboratory and Semi-Field Conditions in Sri Lanka.

The melon fly, , poses a severe threat to the country's agricultural productivity, particularly in the cultivation of cucurbitaceous crops. This study was conducted to determine the ideal irradiation dose to be used to set up a Sterile Insect Technique (SIT)-based strategy to control outbreaks in Sri Lanka. A colony was established and maintained under standard laboratory conditions.

Temperature-Related Bioclimatic Variables Play a Greater Role in the Spatial Distribution of Bumblebee Species in Northern Pakistan.

Bumblebee species are vital wild pollinators, providing essential pollination services for various crops, fruits, and vegetables. However, their biodiversity is vulnerable to decline due to climate change, particularly in regions like northern Pakistan. Despite this, no research has yet been conducted on the distribution patterns of bumblebee species in this region.

Insulin Receptor Substrate-2 Regulates the Secretion of Growth Factors in Response to Amino Acid Deprivation.

Insulin receptor substrates (IRSs) are well-known mediators of the insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I signaling pathways. We previously reported that the protein levels of IRS-2, a molecular species of IRS, were upregulated in the livers of rats fed a protein-restricted diet. This study aimed to elucidate the physiological role of IRS-2, whose level increases in response to protein restriction in cultured hepatocyte models.

Differential Cytotoxicity and Inflammatory Responses to Particulate Matter Components in Airway Structural Cells.

Particulate matter (PM) is a major component of ambient air pollution. PM exposure is linked to numerous adverse health effects, including chronic lung diseases. Air quality guidelines designed to regulate levels of ambient PM are currently based on the mass concentration of different particle sizes, independent of their origin and chemical composition.

The Role of Nutrition, Oxidative Stress, and Trace Elements in the Pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction, alongside repetitive behaviors, and atypical sensory-motor patterns. The growing prevalence of ASD has driven substantial advancements in research aimed at understanding its etiology, preventing its onset, and mitigating its impact. This ongoing effort necessitates continuous updates to the body of knowledge and the identification of previously unexplored factors.

The Glycosylation of Serum IgG Antibodies in Post-COVID-19 and Post-Vaccination Patients.

The signature of human serum IgG glycosylation is critical in the defense against pathogens. Alterations of IgG N-glycome were associated with COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) severity, although knowledge on the response to vaccination is limited. IgG N-glycome was analyzed in this study in post-COVID-19 and post-vaccination patients to reveal potential glycosylation-based alterations using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC-UPLC) with fluorescence (FLR) and mass-spectrometric (MS) detection.

Exosomal Liquid Biopsy in Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review of Biomarkers for Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment Response.

Prostate cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among men, often presents challenges in accurate diagnosis and effective monitoring. This systematic review explores the potential of exosomal biomolecules as noninvasive biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response of prostate cancer. A thorough systematic literature search through online public databases (Medline via PubMed, Scopus, and Web of science) using structured search terms and screening using predefined eligibility criteria resulted in 137 studies that we analyzed in this systematic review.

Fabrication of Hard Tissue Constructs from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Exploring Mechanisms of Hereditary Tooth/Skeletal Dysplasia.

Tooth/skeletal dysplasia, such as hypophosphatasia (HPP), has been extensively studied. However, there are few definitive treatments for these diseases owing to the lack of an in vitro disease model. Cells differentiated from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) demonstrate a pathological phenotype.

Nicking Activity of M13 Bacteriophage Protein 2.

Gene II Protein (Gp2/P2) is a nicking enzyme of the M13 bacteriophage that plays a role in the DNA replication of the viral genome. P2 recognizes a specific sequence at the f1 replication origin and nicks one of the strands and starts replication. This study was conducted to address the limitations of previous experiments, improve methodologies, and precisely determine the biochemical activity conditions of the P2 enzyme in vitro.

In Vitro Insights into Bacteriocin-Mediated Modulation of Chicken Cecal Microbiota.

Reducing the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry is essential to limit the spread of resistance. A promising alternative to antibiotics resides in bacteriocins, which are antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria showing a great diversity in terms of spectrum of activity, structure, and mechanism of action. In this study, the effects of diverse bacteriocins on the composition and metabolic activity of chicken cecal microbiota were examined in vitro, in comparison with antibiotics.

Intermediates of Hydrogen Peroxide-Assisted Photooxidation of Salicylic Acid: Their Degradation Rates and Ecotoxicological Assessment.

Accelerated photooxidation of salicylic acid (SA) was performed using UV radiation and hydrogen peroxide. HPLC-MS analysis showed that the primary intermediates are 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid, pyrocatechol, and phenol. Deeper oxidation leads to low molecular weight aliphatic acids, such as maleic, fumaric, and glyoxylic.

Pharmacological Properties of Extracts-A Plant Used to Treat and Manage Elephantiasis.

(Thunb.) Less. has recently become a plant species of interest to researchers due to its biological activities and less toxic effects.

AJCR4: A Potential Probiotic in the Fight Against Oral spp. Biofilms.

Oral candidiasis is one of the most common infections in the immunocompromised. Biofilms of species can make treatments difficult, leading to oral infection recurrence. This research aimed to isolate a with anti- effects from the oral cavity.

Conditional Split Inteins: Adaptable Tools for Programming Protein Functions.

Split inteins are biological mechanisms for the operation of the spatiotemporal control of protein activities. They function through protein -splicing, in which their N- and C-terminal fragments are expressed contiguously with two protein halves. The subsequent self-excision upon recognition of the complimentary fragment yields a mature, complete, and functional protein.

Enhancing the Solubility and Dissolution of Apigenin: Solid Dispersions Approach.

Apigenin (APG), a bioactive flavonoid with promising therapeutic potential, suffers from poor water solubility, which limits its bioavailability. To address this, solid dispersions of APG were prepared using ball milling with sodium alginate (SA), Pluronic F-68 (PLU68), Pluronic F-127 (PLU127), PVP K30, and PVP VA64 as polymeric excipients. These dispersions were screened for apparent solubility in water and buffers with pH 1.

A Comparative Kinetic and Thermodynamic Adsorption Study of Methylene Blue and Its Analogue Dye on Filter Paper.

A comparative adsorption study was carried out for methylene blue (MB) and its 3,7-bis(N,N-(2-hydroxyethyl)amino)-phenothiazinium dye analog (MBI). Batch experiments employed aqueous solutions and commercial filter paper. Out of seven kinetic models tested by means of four quality statistical indicators, the pseudo-second-order, the double-exponential, and the bi-linear Weber-Morris equations were best fits.

Emerging Strategies in Cartilage Repair and Joint Preservation.

Cartilage repair remains a critical challenge in orthopaedic medicine due to the tissue's limited self-healing ability, contributing to degenerative joint conditions such as osteoarthritis (OA). In response, regenerative medicine has developed advanced therapeutic strategies, including cell-based therapies, gene editing, and bioengineered scaffolds, to promote cartilage regeneration and restore joint function. This narrative review aims to explore the latest developments in cartilage repair techniques, focusing on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy, gene-based interventions, and biomaterial innovations.

Challenges and Innovations in Alveolar Bone Regeneration: A Narrative Review on Materials, Techniques, Clinical Outcomes, and Future Directions.

This review explores the recent advancements and ongoing challenges in regenerating alveolar bone, which is essential for dental implants and periodontal health. It examines traditional techniques like guided bone regeneration and bone grafting, alongside newer methods such as stem cell therapy, gene therapy, and 3D bioprinting. Each approach is considered for its strengths in supporting bone growth and integration, especially in cases where complex bone defects make regeneration difficult.

Comparative Analysis of and Virulence Among Foodborne and Clinical Strains.

is one of the most important foodborne pathogens that can cause invasive listeriosis. In this study, the virulence levels of 26 strains of isolated from food and clinical samples in Shanghai, China, between 2020 and 2022 were analyzed. There were significant differences among isolates in terms of their mortality rate in , cytotoxicity to JEG-3 cells, hemolytic activity, and expression of important virulence genes.

Enhanced MICP for Soil Improvement and Heavy Metal Remediation: Insights from Landfill Leachate-Derived Ureolytic Bacterial Consortium.

This study investigates the potential of microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) for soil stabilization and heavy metal immobilization, utilizing landfill leachate-derived ureolytic consortium. Experimental conditions identified yeast extract-based media as most effective for bacterial growth, urease activity, and calcite formation compared to nutrient broth and brown sugar media. Optimal MICP conditions, at pH 8-9 and 30 °C, supported the most efficient biomineralization.

Microbial Contamination and Food Safety Aspects of Cassava Roasted Flour ("Rale") in Mozambique.

Cassava is an important staple food that contributes to the food security of small-scale Mozambican farmers. In southern Mozambique, cassava roots are usually processed into cassava roasted flour, locally known as "rale". The handling and processing practices connected to "rale" production may introduce microbial contamination.

Aquatic Invertebrate Antimicrobial Peptides in the Fight Against Aquaculture Pathogens.

The intensification of aquaculture has escalated disease outbreaks and overuse of antibiotics, driving the global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) provide a promising alternative due to their rapid, broad-spectrum activity, low AMR risk, and additional bioactivities, including immunomodulatory, anticancer, and antifouling properties. AMPs derived from aquatic invertebrates, particularly marine-derived, are well-suited for aquaculture, offering enhanced stability in high-salinity environments.

Biocontrol Potential of Rhizospheric Bacillus Strains Against Jagger Causing Lettuce Drop.

Phytopathogenic Jagger causes lettuce drop, a destructive soil-borne disease. As potential biocontrol agents for this disease, 2 of 31 bacterial strains isolated from soil samples from fields containing Jagger were identified using in vitro antagonistic assays against Jagger. Bioactivity experiments showed that Bac20 had higher inhibitory activity against Jagger than Bac45.