International Journal of Life Sciences

Manoeuvring through tumours of the head and neck

2024-07-28T11:24:46+00:00

This overview provides basic information on the types and subtypes of head and neck tumours, emphasising the importance of early detection and treatment, it explores possible reconstruction options following surgical excision by offering insight into risk factors, symptoms, and reconstructive procedures, this overview enhances awareness and understanding of head and neck tumour management.

Discovery of Small Molecule TLR4 Inhibitors as Potential Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease

2024-08-17T08:50:24+00:00

Alzheimer’s is a potent neurodegenerative disease that causes cognitive decline. Microglia are phagocytes in the brain that can play a role in cell death and neuroinflammation, leading to Alzheimer’s. Microglia have surface receptors that activate them when ligated, and one such receptor is toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) which this research focuses on inhibiting. By identifying compounds that obstruct the pathway between TLR4 and microglia, the neuroinflammatory response associated with microglial activation in neurodegenerative diseases will be reduced. Although experiments targeting TLR4 inhibition have been performed, this paper employs a novel approach by using a database of 20 million compounds for virtual screening to identify a suitable target compound, overcoming limitations in past studies. To execute the drug discovery process, TLR4’s binding sites were identified using a geometric, energetic, and machine-learning approach. Then, pharmacophore maps were created and virtual screening was conducted to identify 20 compounds that could inhibit TLR4. The 10 molecules with the most favorable Gibbs Free Energy were selected and their absorption and toxicity were tested. This process yielded one promising compound as a TLR4 and Alzheimer’s antagonist.

Optimizing the Biosynthesis of Selenium Nanoparticles from Sodium Selenite via Vibrio Natriegens as a Microbial Factory to Solve Semiconductor Shortages

2024-04-12T01:28:39+00:00

This research project aims to optimize the biosynthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using Vibrio natriegens as a microbial factory. SeNPs have shown great potential in various applications, such as biomedicine, electronics, and environmental remediation. Selenium is an essential trace element that plays a vital role in many biological processes, including antioxidant defense and immune system function. Selenium deficiency has been associated with various health problems, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and thyroid dysfunction. SeNPs have emerged as a promising candidate for selenium supplementation due to their enhanced bioavailability and antioxidant activity. The Biosynthesis of SeNPs using microorganisms is an eco-friendly and cost-effective method. In this study, Vibrio natriegens, a fast-growing marine bacterium, was utilized for the biosynthesis of SeNPs from sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃). The primary parameter affecting SeNP biosynthesis, the concentration of Na₂SeO₃, was optimized to maximize Selenium production while minimizing Na₂SeO₃toxicity. The biosynthesis of SeNPs was monitored using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The optimized conditions for SeNP biosynthesis were found to be 60 mM Na₂SeO₃. The optimized biosynthesis method presented in this study offers a potential avenue for the large-scale production of SeNPs using Vibrio natriegens as a microbial factory. The eco-friendly nature and low cost of this biosynthesis method make it an attractive alternative to conventional chemical synthesis methods.

Nitrogen Concentrations in Surface Water and Bottom Water of Tolo Harbour, Hong Kong, & Its Potential Effect on Marine Life

2024-07-30T04:13:29+00:00

The industrialization of Hong Kong has caused eutrophication in water systems. Specifically, Tolo Harbor, Hong Kong, located just one km from industrial and wastewater treatment facilities, such as the Tai Po Sewage Treatment Works, makes it highly vulnerable to pollution. The sewage facilities can introduce nitrogen-rich effluent into the ocean, and because Tolo is an enclosed harbor, limited mixing occurs, and pollutants tend to concentrate (Environmental Protection Department, 2022). As a result, the eutrophication present in Tolo Harbor could lead to hypoxic conditions, or oxygen deficiency, in its water. Through monthly sampling at five different locations within Tolo Harbor, the study asks the question: what are the trends between surface and bottom water NO2 and NO3 concentrations near the coast, and farther from the coast in Tolo Harbour? The findings of this study not only allow us to understand nitrogen dynamics in Tolo Harbour, but the final part of the study will present different species of marine organisms in Tolo Harbour such as corals, bivalves, fish, and echinoderms, and go into depth on how they are negatively affected by hypoxic conditions.

Lolium multiflorum Lam. (Poaceae: Poeae) from Kashmir Himalaya: First record to flora of Jammu & Kashmir.

2024-07-31T16:48:57+00:00

During recent fieldwork in Srinagar, Kashmir, we collected Lolium multiflorum Lam., commonly known as annual ryegrass, or Italian rye grass, near Dachigam National Park. This marks the first recorded instance of this species in Jammu and Kashmir. We provide a detailed description, habitat information, and illustrations of L. multiflorum Lam., along with a geo-coordinate map of the collection site. This discovery increases the number of Lolium L. taxa in Jammu and Kashmir to three, with most species commonly found in Europe.

Community Based Biodiversity Conservation in Kinnaur District, Himachal Pradesh

2024-10-19T09:07:21+00:00

This study investigates the role of community-based biodiversity conservation in the Kinnaur District of Himachal Pradesh, a region known for its rich ecological diversity and unique cultural heritage. Through a combination of ecological surveys and qualitative research, the study assesses the effectiveness of local community involvement in maintaining and enhancing biodiversity. Key ecological indicators, such as species diversity, habitat quality, and ecosystem health, are analyzed to evaluate conservation outcomes. The research also explores the traditional ecological knowledge of Kinnaur's indigenous communities and their practices in sustaining biodiversity. Findings highlight the challenges faced by these communities, including socio-economic pressures, climate change, and external developmental activities, while also identifying opportunities for enhancing conservation efforts through policy support and capacity building. The study concludes that community-based approaches are vital for long-term ecological sustainability in Kinnaur, offering valuable insights for conservation practices in similar mountainous regions.

Efficacy of Weed Vermicompost Extracts in Promoting Lepidium sativum Seedling Growth and Suppressing the Phytopathogen - Pythium ultimum

2024-10-19T08:41:29+00:00

The growing global demand for food has intensified the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, leading to significant environmental concerns. This study investigates the efficacy of weed-based vermicompost, derived from Alternanthera sessilis, animal manure, and earthworms, in promoting the growth of Lepidium sativum seedlings while suppressing the growth of the fungal pathogen Pythium ultimum in vitro. Seedling growth was assessed by measuring germination percentage, shoot and root lengths, and Seedling Vigour Index (SVI). The results revealed that specific concentrations of vermicompost extracts, particularly T7-40% and T5-30%, significantly enhanced seedling growth, with T7-40% yielding the highest SVI of 1240.8, indicating a strong correlation between extract concentration and plant vigor. Additionally, the antifungal properties of these extracts were confirmed, with Sample S2 exhibiting the highest inhibition percentage against Pythium ultimum. These findings suggest that weed-based vermicompost not only promotes plant growth but also provides effective protection against fungal pathogens, making it a promising tool for sustainable agriculture.

Evaluation of Botanicals, Fungicides, and Biocontrol Agents for the Management of Rhizoctonia solani Inciting Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck) Root Rot

2024-10-19T08:49:17+00:00

Rhizoctonia solani, a soil-borne fungal pathogen, causes severe root rot in broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica), leading to significant crop yield losses. This study evaluates the efficacy of botanical extracts, chemical fungicides, and biocontrol agents as sustainable management options for R. Solani. A laboratory experiment was conducted using the poisoned food technique to assess the antifungal activity of five botanicals (Ailanthus excelsa, Chrozophora tinctoria, Cissus quadrangularis, Argyria nervosa, and Echinops echinatus), five fungicides (SAAF, Krilaxyl, Bavistin, Blitox-50, Dithane M-45), and five Trichoderma species. Each treatment was tested for its ability to inhibit the mycelial growth of R. solani using Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium. Mycelial Growth Inhibition Percentage (MGIP) was calculated to evaluate treatment efficacy. The botanical extracts of A. excelsa and C. tinctoria showed the highest efficacy, with MGIP values of 87.82% and 90.39%, respectively. Among the fungicides, Krilaxyl exhibited the highest mycelial inhibition (95.86%), followed by Blitox-50 (92.82%). The Trichoderma isolates also performed well, with T. viride Isolate 1 achieving 85.81% inhibition. These results indicate that both botanical and biocontrol agents can serve as effective alternatives to chemical fungicides in managing R. solani. The study underscores the potential of using eco-friendly botanicals and biocontrol agents for managing R. solani in broccoli crops. Integrating these methods into existing pest management programs could reduce reliance on chemical fungicides and support sustainable agricultural practices.

Study on distribution pattern of Zooplankton community structure in Thane Creek, Maharashtra, India.

2024-10-24T18:06:47+00:00

Estuaries and creeks are important ecological systems because the combination of freshwater and saltwater provides distinct habitats that sustain a variety of marine life. This study, conducted between January and April 2023, assessed spatiotemporal variation of microzooplankton and mesozooplankton diversity and distribution along Thane Creek, west coast of India. The tidal action influences the ecosystem known for its importance as a breeding ground for commercially valuable fish and crustaceans. According to the findings, there may be indications of eutrophication in the area, as zooplankton population is inversely related to nutrient and chlorophyll-a concentrations. Microzooplankton and Mesozooplankton abundance increased from the higher creek (Sampling Station S1) to the lower creek (Sampling Station S8), demonstrating the relevance of these habitats for zooplankton communities. While diversity varied across both extremes, mesozooplankton and microzooplankton abundance increased from high chlorophyll-a stations to high salinity gradient sites. Copepod groups predominated throughout the research, with Oithona sp. present at all sampling points. The majority of the biomass is composed of copepods, chaetognaths, polychaetes, hydrozoans, decapods, and Acetes sp. These findings give information on the geographical dynamics of Thane Creek's zooplankton groups and their response towards environmental changes, particularly eutrophication. Understanding these trends is critical for effective management and conservation efforts aimed at protecting the biodiversity and ecological health of this significant estuarine ecosystem.

Variations in behaviour of freshwater fish Garra mullya caused by the effects of mercuric chloride

2024-11-09T08:10:25+00:00

An organism changes its response according to change in its environment. These changes are directed actions and are known as behaviour. Behaviour represents an integrated response of the organism, impairment in the functioning of any one of the body systems results in behavioral change. It is usually a very complicated phenomenon through which the animal is able to adjust to changes according in the environment. Behavioural patterns are also modified within limits which vary according to environmental stimuli, fast and slow movement, colour changes, etc. Any alteration in the chemical composition of a natural aquatic environment by pollution usually induces changed in the behaviour of the inhabitant, particularly fishes. When a toxic compound is administered, some changes occur from the normal behavior, and they can be observed externally. These behavioral changes would be caused by the changes in the nervous system caused directly or through metabolic or physiological activities. Due to the toxicity of heavy metals the physiological & behavioural changes occur. So the present investigation is to observe behavioral changes of Garra mullya exposed to lethal and sublethal concentration of mercuric chloride.

Leafing, flowering, fruiting and leaf fall pattern of family: Fabaceae from Yavatmal District Maharashtra, India

2024-11-09T08:16:39+00:00

Phenological study is useful to understand regularities in the course of life of plants depending on external conditions of the environment. It is a valuable source of information for the onset and duration of growing seasons in various climatic regions. The present investigation provides the information regarding the Phenological events of family Fabaceae found in Yavatmal district of Maharashtra, India. The Phenological Characters such as Leafing, flowering, fruiting and leaf fall activities were studied. From this study the peak period of leafing was found to be Jul-Aug (35%), the peak period of flowering shows Aug-Oct (22.5%), the peak period of fruiting activity was found to be Nov-Dec (20%), and the peak period of leaf fall activity was found to be Dec-Jan (22.5%). The peak period was followed variedly in other species. Such observation will be useful to the students, researcher and people of this region.

Survey on Ethno-medicinal Plants from Ambabarwa Forest, District Buldhana (M.S), India

2024-06-21T17:53:57+00:00

Ambabarwa forest in Maharashtra is geographically located between 21°13′20.3″ North latitudes and 76°38′55.2″ East longitudes in the Satpuda ranges. The region is rich in various plants used by the area's residents. Traditional knowledge about the use of ethnomedicinal plants has a significant effect on the health of residents. However, the documentation of the said knowledge is obscure. In present investigation through survey of the Ambabarwa region, along with interviews with the tribal community, about 52 medicinal plant species are listed, which used as remedies against diseases like diabetes, cold cough, Arthritis, fever, leucoderma, etc. Notable plant species in the region are Butea monosperma, Dolichandrone falcata, Hemidesmus indicus, Pergulariadaemia, Argemone mexicana, Acorus calamus, and Ficus religiosa etc.

Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: Chronic Neuropsychiatric Outcomes and Modern Therapeutic Interventions

2024-09-04T02:02:40+00:00

Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the primary cause of disability and mortality among children and adolescents. This review examines the pathophysiology of pediatric TBI and assesses current diagnostic techniques, treatment strategies, and rehabilitation measures. By focusing on primary and secondary injuries, the paper elucidates the processes induced by TBI that must be targeted for effective treatment and rehabilitation. The review is structured around three key aspects of comprehensive TBI management. First, it compares the different medical imaging modalities used in the diagnosis of TBI. Second, it evaluates surgical treatments, specifically decompressive craniotomy and decompressive craniectomy, and pharmacological treatments, including sedatives and analgesics, detailing their advantages and risks. Third, it addresses potential psychiatric consequences of TBI, such as ADHD and depression, and explores the role of neuroplasticity in recovery, discussing therapeutic options that leverage this aspect of the developing brain. Due to the current challenges in managing long-term neurological deficits, this review emphasizes a holistic approach to pediatric TBI treatment. It proposes the implementation of personalized recovery plans, advanced MRI techniques, and neuroplasticity-driven rehabilitation strategies to enhance developmental trajectories and long-term outcomes.

The Neuroscience of Music: How Music Can Influence Brain Health And Functioning

2024-08-03T20:08:46+00:00

(this has been added to the article text document as well)

Abstract

Music is a form of entertainment that has been instrumental in human culture. This literature review aims to highlight the additional aspects music impacts in modern-day life from its biological effects on brain health and functioning. Many studies cite music’s wide range of effects to promote mental well-being for various ailments and induce neuroplasticity in individuals who are musically trained. These discoveries have brought about the fields of music medicine and music therapy for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and depression. These interventions can additionally work with neurodivergent populations to improve abilities, such as verbal communication for individuals with autism. Medical imaging studies have revealed neuroplastic changes in musically trained individuals, providing them with enhanced auditory and speech processing. Future studies are encouraged to examine the greater relationship between music and human productivity and vitalize the integration of music into various societal sectors to bring positive change to them. Music is truly an asset to human functioning, one that is yet to be fully explored and used for its full value.

Keywords: neuroscience, audition, musical processing, musical interventions, neuroplasticity

The Role of Telomerase in Celular Aging, Cancer, and Developmental disorders: Mechanisms and Regulation.

2024-07-24T08:51:02+00:00

Telomeres are a structure found at the end of chromosomes that act as a cap to protect the genetic code. Every time cells divide; the length of telomeres decreases. This initiates the aging process, as when telomeres reach critical length cells perform apoptosis (programmed cell death). Telomerase is the enzyme responsible for preserving telomere length, however, it has not been found active in somatic cells; its levels of detection are limited to certain types of stem cells and are prevalent in most cancers. This review will address the potential effects the deregulation of telomerase may have in a human organism. To do so, the role and regulatory mechanisms involved in controlling telomerase expression including histone deacetylation and DNA methylation will be described. Additionally, the effects of various genes implicated in these regulatory processes are discussed as well.

Comprehensive Guidelines for the Safe Administration of Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) in Surgical and Critically Ill Patients

2024-07-18T08:47:51+00:00

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) is a vital therapeutic intervention for patients who cannot achieve adequate nutrition enterally. This paper provides comprehensive guidelines for the initiation, advancement, and monitoring of TPN, aiming to minimise complications such as hyper glycaemia, infections, and metabolic disturbances. The guidelines are based on an extensive review of current literature and clinical best practices, offering a structured approach to optimise patient outcomes through meticulous planning and proactive management.