International Journal of Life Sciences

Microbiota-Based Biomarkers in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Evidence, Limitations, and Translational Readiness

Acia Al-Ali , Asiya Nazir — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is now classified as disorders of gut-brain interaction, is diagnosed mainly through the symptom-based Rome criteria. While gut microbiota dysbiosis has been repeatedly linked to IBS pathophysiology, no reproducible microbiota based diagnostic signature has been established yet for universal clinical application. This mini review critically evaluates microbiota associated biomarker research in IBS studies, distinguishing discovery stage microbial associations from clinically relevant biomarkers. Evidence was assessed across taxonomic signatures, microbiome diversity measurements, short-chain fatty acids, bile acid metabolism, tryptophan related metabolites, immune-associated markers, and multi-omics approaches. Current findings suggest that taxonomic markers alone remain inconsistent and greatly impacted by cohort, diet, geography, sequencing method, and analytical pipeline. Functional and multi-marker approaches, specifically the integration of metabolomic and host-response data appear more mechanistically plausible but remain limited by small cohorts, cross-sectional designs, incomplete external validation and lack of methodological standardisation. Commercial and research profiling platforms including dysbiosis testing approaches showcase translational potential but should not yet be considered validated diagnostic replacements for the Rome based clinical diagnosis. Overall, microbiota-based biomarkers are best understood as potential future adjuncts for patient stratification, mechanism-based subtyping, and treatment response prediction rather than singular diagnostic tools. Progress towards clinical implementation will need longitudinal, multi-center, standardised, and externally validated studies supporting the integration of microbial composition, function, individual host factors and patient level clinical data for adequate application

Evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the muscle extracts of Chrysochir aureus and Otolithes ruberfrom Kakinada Harbour, Andhra Pradesh, India

Gummalla Devadanam, Kanikaram Sunita — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Marine fish are important sources of bioactive compounds with potential pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. This study evaluated the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of muscle extracts from Chrysochir aureus and Otolithes ruber. Muscle tissues were extracted using organic solvents and analyzed for antioxidant activity through standard in vitro assays, including free radical scavenging and reducing power tests. Antimicrobial activity was assessed against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungal pathogens, using the agar well diffusion method, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determined where applicable. Both fish muscle extracts exhibited concentration-dependent antioxidant activity, with Chrysochir aureus demonstrating greater free radical scavenging potential than Otolithes ruber. The extracts also showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, producing varying degrees of inhibition against the tested microorganisms. These bioactivities are likely associated with naturally occurring bioactive peptides, proteins, and other antioxidant constituents present in the muscle tissue. The findings indicate that muscle extracts of Chrysochir aureus and Otolithes ruber are promising natural sources of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds with potential applications in food preservation, pharmaceuticals, and functional foods. Further studies focusing on the isolation, characterization, and in vivo evaluation of these bioactive compounds are needed to confirm their therapeutic potential and elucidate their mechanisms of action.

Quantifying Ionic Imbalances and Salinity Risks in Semi-Arid Soils of Daund Taluka: Village-Level Geochemical Study

Hanumant Karpe — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Soil Science Soil salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses limiting agricultural productivity worldwide. Excess accumulation of soluble salts adversely affects soil physicochemical properties, resulting in osmotic stress, ion toxicity, nutrient imbalance, and deterioration of soil structure. Elevated concentrations of sodium and chloride ions reduce water uptake, impair soil permeability, and negatively influence plant growth and crop yield. Therefore, assessment of ionic composition and salinity status of agricultural soils is essential for developing effective reclamation and sustainable soil management strategies.

Saline soil samples collected from Dapodi, Nangaon, Pargaon, and Amoni Mal villages of Daund Taluka, Pune District, Maharashtra, were analyzed for major cations and anions. Carbonate ions were absent in all samples, whereas bicarbonate and sulphate concentrations were recorded at 6.5 meq/L and 104 meq/L, respectively. Chloride concentration was markedly high (191 meq/L), indicating severe salt accumulation. Among the cations, sodium was dominant with an exceptionally high concentration of 1434.75 meq/L, followed by calcium (475 meq/L) and magnesium (220 meq/L), while potassium content remained comparatively low (3.2 meq/L). The predominance of sodium and chloride ions revealed severe ionic imbalance and high salinity stress, which may adversely affect soil aggregation, hydraulic conductivity, and nutrient availability.

The present investigation demonstrated that the studied soils are severely affected by salinity, primarily due to excessive sodium and chloride accumulation. Such ionic dominance may lead to soil structural degradation, reduced permeability, and restricted crop productivity. The findings highlight the urgent need for integrated soil reclamation strategies, including gypsum amendment, leaching practices, improved drainage systems, and cultivation of salt-tolerant crop varieties. Adoption of these management approaches may contribute to restoration of soil fertility, enhancement of agricultural sustainability, and long-term productivity of salt-affected soils.

A Green approach for Removal of Dyes using Biodegradable Waste

More Mansi, Kunte Nirzari, Jadhav Sanika, Deepali Karkhanis — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

One of the most affected sources of pollution is water. The textile dyeing process is one of the many factors that lead to
water pollution. Some of the compounds like dyes and other chemicals if left untreated poses significant environmental
pollution and health risk. Amongst the various existing methods adsorption technique is highly effective for removing
such substances. In this study we have investigated, using of rice husk and corn husk as an eco-friendly and sustainable
bioadsorbents for removal of dyes. Rice husk due its porous structure and active functional group, and corn husk rich in
cellulose shows promising adsorption potential.
In our study, we assessed dye removal by measuring changes in absorbance noting a significant decrease as dyes were
adsorbed. Further we analyzed the combined effect of rice husk and corn husk which enhanced adsorption with a declined
in optical density confirming their binding. The optimal bioadsorbent blend offers a sustainable solution for treatment of
textile water. This optimal bioadsorbents were further used in sample obtained from textile industry. Parameters like
COD and chromatographic technique validates the findings highlighting the broader application of agricultural based
waste in dye removal and offers viable alternative for wastewater treatment.

Metabolism of indole acetic acid within the root nodules and changes of edaphic factors in the rhizospheric area of Vigna radiata

Sisir Ghosh — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The mature root nodules of Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek (Mung bean), a pulse legume, contained significant amount of indole acetic acid (IAA) and total phenol, which were greater than non-nodulated roots. A remarkable amount of tryptophan pool both in the mature root nodules and the non-nodulated roots were found as the precursor molecule of IAA. Presence of IAA oxidase and peroxidase, the IAA metabolising enzymes, in the mature root nodules and non-nodulated roots indicated the metabolism of IAA in the nodules and roots. Metabolism of phenol by enzymes in both root nodules and roots controlled the IAA production in those tissues. Decomposition of the mature root nodules were increased the percentage of average organic carbon and total nitrogen over control as the root nodules were mixed up with the soil after decomposition. The important physiological implications of the IAA production and the changes of edaphic factors of the rhizospheric area in the light of legume-Rhizobium symbiosis were discussed.

Molecular Identification of Fungal Pathogens Isolated from Bt. Cotton Grown in Saline Soils of Akola and Buldhana Districts, Maharashtra, India

Rupali Deshmukh, Dnyansagar Bhokare, Yash Sharma — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is one of the world’s most important fiber crops, but its productivity is severely affected by soil salinity and fungal diseases, particularly in the saline–sodic cotton-growing regions of Akola and Buldhana districts in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. The present study aims to isolate and identify fungal phytopathogens associated with Bt cotton grown in saline soils. The 32 samples were collected from infected cotton plants from saline-affected fields, and fungal pathogens were isolated on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Three fungal pathogens were identified on the basis of morphological and microscopic examination and molecular characterization. The most frequently recovered species were Aspergillus niger (52%) Fusarium oxysporum (26%), Rhizopus arrhizus (22%).

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How do Glioblastoma Stem Cells Manipulate the Immune System to Benefit Tumor Growth?

Pallavi Ravikumar ravikumar — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Brain tumors are difficult cancers to treat because of their aggressiveness, intratumoral heterogeneity, and resistance to therapy. Glioblastomas (GBM) are the most aggressive and deadly brain tumors in adults. Although there have been advances in surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, the survival rates are still low which highlights the need for different approaches to therapies. Glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) initiate growth, drive recurrence, and therapeutic resistance. These cells play an active role in shaping the tumor's immune microenvironment. Here, we will discuss the way GSCs interact and manipulate the immune system in this review article. The suppression of anti-tumor responses, immune evasive signaling, and progression are all key factors in the intensity of GBM. It is important to understand these processes because they can help to inform better and more effective therapies for GBM. This paper reviews the major ways glioblastoma stem cells suppress immune responses, including immune cell reprogramming, epigenetic silencing, and inhibition of immunotherapy.

Phytochemical Profiling and Biological Evaluation of Selected Terminalia Species: A Review

Nisha K. Chavhan, Kailash S. Sontakke — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Plants of the genus Terminalia are amongst the most widely used plants for traditional medicinal purposes world-wide. Many Terminalia species have significant roles in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda and other Asian medicinal systems, due to their diverse pharmacological properties. This review focuses on the published evidence concerning phytochemical profiles, antioxidant potential and biological efficacy of six selected Terminalia species: Terminalia arjuna, T. chebula, T. bellirica, T. catappa, T. elliptica and T. pendula. Particular attention is given to phenolics, flavonoids and tannins, commonly used antioxidant assays such as DPPH, ABTS and reducing power assays, and reported antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, wound healing and cytotoxic activities. T. arjuna is widely recognized for its cardioprotective potential and is rich in tannins and triterpenoids. T. chebula and T. bellirica, two important components of the Ayurvedic formulation Triphala are characterized by high phenolic content and diverse reported biological activities. T. catappa, commonly known as tropical almond, is a pantropical tree associated with antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. T. elliptica and T. pendula have also been investigated for their phytochemical constituents, antioxidant potential and selected biological properties, although the available literature is comparatively limited. Various plant parts, including leaves, bark, stems, fruits and flowers, have been reported to possess bioactive constituents and biological potential. This review provides a comparative synthesis of published literature on the phytochemical composition, antioxidant properties and biological efficacy of selected Terminalia species and highlights existing research gaps and future research perspectives.