Scientifica最新文献

{"title":"Drought Tolerant Index and Heterosis Level of Soybean {<i>Glycine max</i> (L.) Merrill} Genotypes.","authors":"Made J Mejaya, Suhartina Suhartina, Purwantoro Purwantoro, Rudy Soehendi, Trustinah Trustinah, Febria C Indriani, Gatut W A Susanto, Yuliantoro Baliadi, Apri Sulistyo, Sholihin Sholihin, I Gkd Arsana, Ratna W Arief, Robet Asnawi, Arief Harsono","doi":"10.1155/sci5/1213004","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/1213004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Drought stress on soybean crops in some areas becomes more severe due to climate change. The objective of this study was to estimate the drought stress tolerant index (STI) and heterosis level of soybean genotypes derived from crosses of Grobogan (G) and Dering 1 (D) varieties. Field research was conducted in Probolinggo, East Java, Indonesia, during late dry season of 2016. A total of 17 soybean genotypes consisted of 15 lines derived from crosses of G × D varieties, and two check varieties (Grobogan and Dering 1) were tested using a randomized block design and repeated three times. Each genotype was grown in two environments, namely, optimal irrigation condition (irrigation applied in planting until ripening pods) and drought condition in the reproductive phase (irrigation applied in planting until flowering). Results of the study showed that in drought condition, line (G/D) -99-32-14 had the highest seed weight/plant, highest STI, and highest both heterosis and heterobeltiosis value base on seed weight/plant. In drought condition, most of the soybean lines showed positive heterosis values on 100 seed weight. The cross of Dering 1 and Grobogan varieties produced one soybean line (G/D) -99-32-14 which was more tolerant to drought and had seed size (100 seed weight) higher than Dering 1 (the current drought tolerance variety). It is concluded that it is possible to obtain soybean genotype tolerant to drought having higher seed yield and medium seed size than the better parent.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2025 ","pages":"1213004"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11925607/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143670996","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"<i>Acanthamoeba castellanii</i>-Mediated Reduction of Interleukin-1β Secretion and Its Association With Macrophage Autophagy.","authors":"Rachasak Boonhok, Wilaiwan Senghoi, Suthinee Sangkanu, Chooi Ling Lim, Matsayapan Pudla, Maria de Lourdes Pereira, Polrat Wilairatana, Tooba Mahboob, Md Atiar Rahman, Pongsak Utaisincharoen, Poonsit Hiransai, Veeranoot Nissapatorn","doi":"10.1155/sci5/3430892","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/3430892","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Noncanonical autophagy including unconventional protein secretion has been extensively studied. Our work focused on a leaderless IL-1β protein secretion from human macrophage in response to <i>Acanthamoeba castellanii</i> components, <i>Acanthamoeba</i> culture supernatant (CS) and cell lysate (CL), as well as its association with macrophage autophagy. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced THP-1 macrophages were treated with <i>Acanthamoeba</i> components of pathogenic (ATCC50739) and nonpathogenic (ATCC30010) strains in vitro. The data showed that <i>Acanthamoeba</i> treatment resulted in low IL-1β secretion from macrophages. In addition, <i>Acanthamoeba</i> CL of both strains was able to upregulate autophagy-related (Atg) protein 8, an autophagy marker, whereas <i>Acanthamoeba</i> CS downregulated Atg8 expression. We further manipulated autophagy and found that autophagy induction by starvation diminished IL-1β secretion while autophagy inhibition by 3-methyladenine (3MA) increased IL-1β secretion. Interestingly, in the presence of <i>Acanthamoeba</i> components either under starvation or 3MA treatment, IL-1β secretion was significantly reduced. Transcriptional expression of other ATG genes, i.e., ATG6, ATG7, and ATG5, were investigated and showed that their mRNA expression was maintained at the basal level under <i>A. castellanii</i> CS or CL treatment. Inflammasome-related genes, NLRP3 and CASPASE1, were upregulated following <i>A. castellanii</i> 50739 CS treatment but not in <i>A. castellanii</i> 50739 CL-treated condition. However, both conditions were able to increase IL-1β mRNA expression. TEM micrographs revealed that 3MA treatment induced the formation of large vacuoles and accumulation of autophagosome at the edge of THP-1 macrophages. However, the number and size of their structures were declined in the presence of <i>A. castellanii</i> 50739 CS with 3MA. Furthermore, immunofluorescence staining demonstrated the association between Atg8/LC3 and IL-1β expression, where downregulation of Atg8 by <i>A. castellanii</i> 50739 CS led to the upregulation of IL-1β. Altogether, the data indicate that <i>Acanthamoeba</i> can manipulate macrophage autophagy, thereby controlling low IL-1β secretion. The expression of autophagy- and inflammasome-related genes also indicates multiple mechanisms in IL-1β secretion in response to <i>Acanthamoeba</i> components. However, further characterization of Atg proteins and investigations into other intracellular pathways or defense mechanisms are needed to fully understand the unconventional secretion of IL-1β in macrophages. This knowledge could eventually lead to the development of innovative therapeutic strategies against <i>Acanthamoeba</i> infection by modulating autophagy or macrophage responses.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2025 ","pages":"3430892"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11922611/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143664398","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Spatial Distribution and Potential Health Risks of Arsenic (As) and Associated Metals (Fe and Mn) in the Coastal Accreted Land of Meghna River Estuary and Their Implication on the Agricultural Aspects.","authors":"Tabarok Bhuiyan, Fahmida Akter, Yeasmin Nahar Jolly, Md Jamiul Kabir, Mohammad Abdul Momin Siddique","doi":"10.1155/sci5/8891363","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/sci5/8891363","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Arsenic (As),iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) pollution in the coastal areas of Bangladesh are severe problems.<i>Irrigation</i> by shallow wells in the agricultural lands is the primary source of these metals. Being a part of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna (GBM) Delta, the coastal accreted land of the Meghna River estuary has experienced a series of erosion and accretion phenomena and deposited a vast amount of sediments along with potentially toxic elements. This study investigated the spatial distribution, source, fate, and potential environmental and human health risks of As, Fe, and Mn from 25 sites across the coastal accreted land in the lower Meghna River estuary, Bay of Bengal. The mean concentration of As, Fe, and Mn in the surface soil samples ranged from 0.1-5.16, 12,000-23,810, and 50.6-1025.12 mg/kg, respectively, where high concentrations of metals were found in the southern belt of the estuary. A high As concentration (> 2 mg/kg) was observed at stations 3-4, 15, and 17. Igeo values of As, Fe, and Mn were estimated as -1.05, -0.50, and -0.55, respectively. The Igeo values analyzed in the sediments were below zero for all the metals, suggesting no contamination from these metals. The pollution load index (PLI) for As, Fe, and Mn was lower than the contamination level, indicating that contamination levels remain below harmful thresholds but require regular monitoring. Potential ecological risk index (PERI) values (1.32-10.75) showed low ecological risks in the studied area. Moreover, \"no risk\" to \"low level\" of carcinogenic risk was identified. According to the threshold values, except in the southern belt (stations 3-4, 15, and 17), most of the accreted agricultural land can be considered adequately safe for food production. This study suggests that plant analyses be incorporated into future research; however, it would be more impactful to emphasize bioavailability studies and their relevance to agricultural safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2025 ","pages":"8891363"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11986922/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144061718","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unveiling Pharmacological Promise of <i>Mangifera indica</i> (Haribhanga) Peel Extract: Exploring an Untapped Cultivar Through Biochemical and Computational Approaches.","authors":"Mst Hajera Khatun, Saad Ahmed Sami, Farhana Sultana Mim, Pappu Kumar, Ariful Islam, Injamam Al Mahamud Rian, Md Ashikur Rahman, Sharmin Islam Riya, Md Lokman, Al Mamun, Md Anwarul Haque, Mst Sarmina Yeasmin, G M Masud Rana, Jaytirmoy Barmon","doi":"10.1155/sci5/6516268","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/sci5/6516268","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Haribhanga is one of the most renowned varieties of mango native to the Rangpur region of Bangladesh. The study aimed to explore the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological potentialities of the methanolic extract of <i>Mangifera indica</i> (Haribhanga) (MEMI) peel. The antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiarthritic activities of MEMI peel were conducted by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, disc diffusion, and protein denaturation assays, respectively. The extract was administered to STZ-induced diabetic mice for 7 days for the observation of blood glucose, body weight, lipid profile, and liver enzyme levels. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was performed to identify phytochemicals in the extract. Subsequently, molecular docking was conducted to predict the binding affinity of the identified compounds. The MEMI peel exhibited notable antioxidant potentiality with an IC₅₀ value of 4.43 ± 0.68 μg/mL and antimicrobial activity against <i>Bacillus cereus</i> with a zone of inhibition of 20.67 ± 1.52 mm. Furthermore, MEMI peel demonstrated substantial antiarthritic activity, with the highest inhibition of denaturation of protein (88%) observed at the highest dose (500 μg/mL). In the in vivo experiments, MEMI peel led to a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (<i>p</i> < 0.001, <i>p</i> < 0.05), with a significant decrease in blood glucose (<i>p</i> < 0.001), triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (<i>p</i> < 0.0001) in STZ-induced diabetic mice. Comparing the diabetic control mice, the MEMI peel substantially decreased (<i>p</i> < 0.001) the high serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. Moreover, the extract significantly improved the body weight (<i>p</i> < 0.001) of diabetic mice after 7 days of treatment. GC-MS analysis identified 28 bioactive compounds, primarily fatty acid esters in the MEMI peel. Di-n-octyl phthalate, terpinen-4-ol, 8,11,14-docosatrienoic acid methyl ester, and phenol, 2-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)-acetate exhibited the most favorable binding potential in molecular docking studies. The results suggest that MEMI peel possesses antimicrobial, antiarthritic, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, and liver enzyme protective activities as a promising antioxidant.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2025 ","pages":"6516268"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11986926/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144061789","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enset Landraces: Conservation, Distribution, and Use in an Enset-Based Agricultural System.","authors":"Tafesse Kibatu, Tileye Feyissa, Sebsebe Demissew, Diriba Muleta","doi":"10.1155/sci5/7440580","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/sci5/7440580","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Enset is a unique food security crop for more than 25% of the population in Ethiopia and serves as a food, animal feed, medicine, and fiber source, with significant resilience and environmental adaptability. Enset growing zones harbor several landraces, resulting from differences in natural selection, human selection, and cultural management practices. Understanding landrace propagation, selection, and in situ conservation practices is crucial. These practices are essential for crop improvement, management, conservation, and enhancement of genetic resources. This study investigates the utilization and in situ conservation practices of enset landraces and draws insights from farmers and agricultural experts through in-depth interviews, surveys, group discussions, and field observations. Representatives from the enset-growing areas of Hadiya, Gedeo, Gurage, and Kembata Tembaro zones and Basketo Special Woreda were selected due to their diverse sociocultural practices, geographic landscapes and distribution, altitude variations, enset farming systems, and rainfall patterns. Purposive sampling was employed to select 19 representatives from woredas based on traditional enset culture practices. Subsequently, 31 kebeles were chosen based on their altitude differences. A total of 406 household units were then selected. The relative density determined the abundance of individual landraces. The distribution and richness of landraces across sites were analyzed using Simpson's diversity, Shannon-Wiener, and Margalef's indices. A total of 274 vernacular names for enset landraces were recorded, but only 106 (39%) were cultivated in the sampled households. Despite this, analysis of diversity indices (Shannon-Wiener, Simpson, and Margalef) revealed no significant differences between the study sites. The analysis also revealed moderate to high enset landrace diversity across the studied sites. The study highlights a rich and diverse collection of landraces adapted to various ecological conditions and fulfilling various purposes (food, feed, fiber, and medicine). Notably, food value emerged as the primary driver of landrace selection and abundance. Promoting sustainable enset agriculture should, therefore, prioritize maintaining landrace diversity and supporting traditional knowledge to enhance resilience and food security.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2025 ","pages":"7440580"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11986960/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144046729","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"EGCG and Taxifolin Modulate Secretory Activity and Expression of Dentinogenesis Markers in Odontoblast-Like Cells.","authors":"Cristiane Duque, Rafaela Laruzo Rabelo, Gabriela Pacheco de Almeida Braga, Igor Paulino Mendes Soares, Maria Eduarda de Souza, Daniela Alvim Chrisostomo, Josimeri Hebling, Carlos Alberto de Souza Costa, Anuradha Prakki, Luís Octavio Regasini","doi":"10.1155/sci5/3233536","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/sci5/3233536","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Odontoblasts are cells specialized in dentin matrix deposition and the first line of defense when the dentin-pulp complex is injured by pathological processes, such as dental caries and trauma. Natural compounds, such as flavonoids, could be useful to stimulate odontoblast activity and reparative dentinogenesis in vital pulp therapies, especially in immature permanent teeth. This study evaluated the effect of flavonoids on odontoblast secretory activity and the expression of dentinogenesis markers. The effect of flavonoids was evaluated on phenotypic mineralization markers (alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralized nodule deposition) by colorimetric assays and on the expression of <i>Alpl</i>, <i>Mmp2</i>, <i>Mmp9</i>, <i>Dmp1</i>, and <i>Dspp</i> genes in odontoblast-like cells by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Most of the flavonoids did not show toxicity between 100 and 25 μM. In distinct concentrations, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), taxifolin, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol stimulated the activity of ALP and increased mineralized nodule deposition. However, the highest effect on those phenotypic markers was observed after EGCG and taxifolin treatments. Then, they were selected for evaluation of gene expression. mRNA levels of <i>Dmp1</i> and <i>Dspp</i> highly increased with taxifolin treatment, and <i>Alpl</i> expression was increased for both taxifolin and EGCG groups, without difference between them. <i>Mmp2</i> and <i>Mmp9</i> expression was not affected by these flavonoids. In conclusion, EGCG and taxifolin positively affect phenotypic mineralization markers; in particular, taxifolin highly stimulates early- and late-stage dentinogenesis genes.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2025 ","pages":"3233536"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11986927/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144051779","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Extrarespiratory, Digestive, and Hepatic Manifestations of COVID-19 in a Moroccan Series.","authors":"Hakima Abid, Safae Karim, Nada Lahmidani, Wafae Hammoumi, Aicha Attar, Maryame El Khayari, Abdelilah Benslimane, Maria Lahlali, Asmae Lamine, Dafr Allah Benajah, Sidi Adil Ibrahimi, Mohammed El Abkari, Mohammed El Azami El Idrissi, Ikram Khoussar, Naoual Oubelkacem, Noufissa Alami Drideb, Zineb Khammar, Rhizlane Berrady, Mounia El Yousfi, Bahia Bennani","doi":"10.1155/sci5/3524776","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/sci5/3524776","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a global human health threat. While SARS-CoV-2 infection exhibits fever and respiratory symptoms, extrarespiratory manifestations were also reported in many cases. <b>Objectives:</b> This study aimed to determine the prevalence of digestive and hepatic symptoms at the onset of infection and to assess whether digestive symptoms are associated with severe disease progression. <b>Patients and Methods:</b> Prospective study was conducted during the first COVID-19 wave (from April to October 2020). It included consenting Moroccan patients diagnosed with COVID-19 based on PCR test and chest computed tomography. <b>Results:</b> A total of 211 patients participated in the study. The patients mean age was 42.3 years, with a sex ratio (F/M) of 1.7. Digestive symptoms were present in 28% of cases, with the most common being nausea or vomiting (12.8%), diarrhea (11.4%), abdominal pain (5.2%), and anorexia (16.6%). These symptoms were significantly associated with diabetes and hypertension. Patients with digestive symptoms reported a significantly higher frequency of anosmia and headache. Hepatic manifestations were present in 21.3%, and digestive symptoms were significantly associated with higher prevalence of liver function disturbances, particularly cholestasis. Nearly half of the patients with digestive symptoms (49.2%) experienced moderate COVID-19, with a higher percentage observed (61.8%) among those aged 42 years or older. However, this association was not statistically significant. <b>Conclusion:</b> Healthcare professionals need to recognize the range of gastrointestinal and hepatic symptoms to ensure timely diagnosis and effective patient management.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2025 ","pages":"3524776"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11986959/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143983647","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Bentho-Demersal Communities From Bottom Trawl Across the Moroccan Mediterranean Coast in Relation to Environmental Conditions: Implications for Fisheries Management.","authors":"Douaa Slimani, Souad Abdellaoui, Najib El Ouamari, Khaoula Kasmi, Rajae Mouedden, Imade Ouebdil, Nassir Kaddouri, Jamal Settih, Mostafa Layachi, Mohamed Fadili, Khalid Chaabane","doi":"10.1155/sci5/5574051","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/5574051","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Understanding the temporal and spatial patterns, as well as habitat preferences, of marine communities is crucial for interpreting ecosystem functioning and effectively protecting marine organisms' resources. In this paper, we investigated the changes in marine communities in the Moroccan Mediterranean (20-620 m depth) over both space and time. Using data from trawl scientific surveys conducted by the National Fisheries Research Institute from 2018 to 2021, we conducted a quantitative analysis to (1) assess the seasonal spatial patterns of bentho-demersal communities, including both economically important species and those not directly targeted by fisheries, and (2) explore the interactions between these communities and environmental factors to gain deeper insights into the dynamics of communities structure. We selected several environmental characterizations including depth, sea surface temperature, bottom temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a, dissolved oxygen, pH, and bottom seabed nature. Depth was the predominant factor responsible for most of the variation observed in both ecological parameters and the composition of bentho-demersal species. The study largely confirms that bentho-demersal communities along the Moroccan Mediterranean coast respond to their environment, displaying a structural pattern shaped by an offshore to inshore environmental gradient, and exhibiting low seasonal variations. These results have significant implications for fisheries management, offering crucial insights into the parameters influencing the distribution of bentho-demersal communities. This is particularly relevant for mixed-species fisheries, just like those operating in the Moroccan Mediterranean trawl fishery.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2025 ","pages":"5574051"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11876531/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143557713","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterization of Genetic and Agromorphological Variation in 30 Soybean (<i>Glycine max</i>) Accessions in Northern and Southern Benin.","authors":"Vincent Ezin, Fatimata Bachabi, Florida Corolle Mintodè Dubogan, Wassiou Ahanchede, Gazali B T A Sanni, Mohamed Salim Moussa, Adam Ahanchede","doi":"10.1155/sci5/3449081","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/3449081","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Soybean is a highly nutritious and versatile food that is of great importance in world trade. It is a cash crop for farmers in Benin, grown almost everywhere. However, soybean production faces several challenges, including low yields and disruptions due to weather conditions. Improving soybean production could enhance food security for the population and increase farmers' incomes. A study was conducted to assess the genetic and agromorphological variability of 30 soybean accessions. The study was carried out in a three-repeat alpha lattice design at two different sites in the South of Benin (E1) and North (E2). Qualitative and quantitative traits were collected during the experiments. The qualitative characteristics showed great variability, except for cotyledon color and the presence of pubescence and petiole. The results also showed that Accessions TGm-1199, TGX 1910-14, and TGm-1588 had the best yields in E1, whereas TGX 1951-3F, TGX 1910-14F, and TGm-1253 were found with the highest yields in E2. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation for all traits, and heritability in the broad sense ranged from 20% to 100%. The genetic parameters showed that selection programs can be effective for days to flowering, plant height, hundred-seed weight, seed thickness, seed length and width, days to harvest, pod length and width, and grain yield. The high genetic variability observed within soybean accessions indicates that genotypes could be selected and used as a crop improvement tool.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2025 ","pages":"3449081"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11876527/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143557650","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"<i>Portulaca oleracea</i> L. Methanolic Extract Protects the Brain of Male Rats Against Alzheimer's Disease.","authors":"Haddad A El Rabey, Samar M Rezk, Seham A Mahmoud, Zienab Abdallah, Mennatallah Loutfy, Adel I Alalawy, Yasmene F Alenazi, Heba Sheta, Nadia Bakry","doi":"10.1155/sci5/7701263","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/sci5/7701263","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Alzheimer's disease (AD) occurs as a result of a chronic neurodegenerative disorder that is most frequently linked to a decline in cognitive function and memory. Twenty-four male rats were divided into four groups (<i>n</i> = 6); Group I was the negative control, Group II was the AlCl₃-positive control, and Group III and Group IV were treated with 100 mg and 200 mg/kg of <i>Portulaca oleracea</i> methanolic extract, respectively. Aluminum chloride intoxication in Group II increased lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant parameters and affected interleukin-6 (IL-6), the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and amyloid beta (Aβ), which lead to the induction of AD through injuring brain cells of AD rats. Treating the AD rats in Group III (GIII) and Group IV (GIV) with <i>P. oleracea</i> ameliorated the altered parameters in the AD rats. It also increased folic acid and vitamin B12 levels. <i>P. oleracea</i> modulated the physiological, biochemical, and histological changes brought on by AlCl₃ intoxication in rats via oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways. The dose of <i>P. oleracea</i> in GIV successfully modified the behavioral changes brought on by AlCl₃ in the AD rats more than that of GIII.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2025 ","pages":"7701263"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11871972/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143543366","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}