Benefits Of Diversity Research Articles

Oak regeneration facing deer browsing: Can competition between saplings offset the diversion effect? A simulation experiment

The constraint caused by wild ungulates on forest regeneration is increasing worldwide. Hypotheses for plant association effects predict that species susceptible to herbivory can gain protection from other neighbouring plant species. In theory, such interactions could help limit the impact of browsing on the regeneration of specific tree species. However, the presence of neighbouring species can also result in increasing competition for resources between species. The resultant effects on forest regeneration of these interactions, both positive (protection against herbivores) and negative (inter-specific competition) are still unclear.To gain insight, we coupled models of browsing by roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and of forest dynamics to simulate trajectories of oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) regeneration admixed with species of contrasted palatability and growth rate under different scenarios of browsing pressure and initial sapling density. We also investigated how releasing oak saplings from all or specific neighbours during the simulation affect regeneration.We found that admixed species composition had a relatively weak effect on the density of oak recruits, but a strong effect on the duration of the regeneration phase. Oak regenerated faster when admixed with species of intermediate growth and low palatability (Fagus sylvatica) than with species of fast growth and high palatability (Carpinus betulus L.), except at intermediate sapling density and high browsing pressure where we found the opposite. Releasing oak from all competitors was most effective in promoting oak regeneration when admixed with both species together, although the benefit of competition release was much weaker at high browsing pressure. Lastly, we found that at low initial sapling density (i.e., 10 saplings/m2), oak regeneration was driven only by browsing and the effect of admixing species became negligible.Our study showed that admixing oak with palatable neighbours impedes rather than improves oak regeneration due to increased competition for resources. As such, we suggest that the benefits of herbivore diversion can be off-set by increased inter-specific competition.

Curcumin and Ferroptosis: a Promising Target for Disease Prevention and Treatment.

Ferroptosis is a recently identified form of cell death characterized by iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. Unlike apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy, ferroptosis operates through a distinct molecular pathway. Curcumin, derived from turmeric rhizomes, is a natural compound with diverse therapeutic benefits, including neuroprotective, anti-metabolic syndrome, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Growing evidence suggests that curcumin possesses both pro-oxidant and antioxidant properties, which can vary depending on the cell type. In this review, we explore the relationship between the effects of curcumin and the molecular mechanisms underlying the ferroptosis signaling pathway, drawing from current in vivo and in vitro research. Curcumin has been found to induce ferroptosis in cancer cells while acting as an inhibitor of ferroptosis in tissue injuries. Notably, curcumin treatment leads to alterations in key ferroptosis markers, underscoring its significant impact on this process. Nonetheless, further research focused on elucidating this important attribute of turmeric is crucial for advancing disease treatment.

The Epistemic Benefits of Ideological Diversity

The Epistemic Benefits of Ideological Diversity

Pre-treatment with β-hydroxybutyrate mitigates cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury

β-Hydroxybutyrate (β-HB), the primary circulating ketone body, plays a dual role as both a metabolic fuel and an endogenous signaling molecule, offering diverse systemic benefits. Recent studies have highlighted the renoprotective effects of exogenous β-HB therapy in various animal models of kidney disease. In this investigation, our goal was to assess whether pre-treatment with exogenous β-HB could alleviate kidney damage in a mouse model of cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Prior to cisplatin administration, intraperitoneal administration of β-HB was carried out, and the groups were classified into four: Sham, β-HB, cisplatin, and β-HB + cisplatin. The tubular damage score and serum creatinine levels were significantly lower in the β-HB + cisplatin group compared to the cisplatin group. Furthermore, the expression of phosphorylated NF-κB, inflammatory cytokines, and the quantity of F4/80-positive macrophages in the β-HB + cisplatin group were reduced compared to those in the cisplatin group. Additionally, oxidative stress markers for DNA, protein, and lipid in the β-HB + cisplatin group were markedly diminished compared to those in the cisplatin group. The number of TUNEL-positive and cleaved caspase 3-positive tubular cells in the β-HB + cisplatin group was lower than in the cisplatin group. Pre-treating with exogenous β-HB effectively mitigated kidney damage by suppressing inflammation, oxidative stress, and tubular apoptosis in cisplatin-induced AKI. Therefore, exogenous β-HB as a pre-treatment emerges as a promising and novel strategy for preventing cisplatin-induced AKI.

Physiochemical, biological, and therapeutic uses of stingless bee honey

Stingless bee honey, also known as pot honey, is a unique product that differs from other honey (Apis) in terms of flavor, chemical composition, biological characteristics, and sourness. Raw and by-products made from this honey have substantial use for its diverse health benefits and human dietary requirements. The physiochemical properties of honey from stingless bee mainly rely on nectar sources, geographic locations, climate, bee species, and handling and storage conditions. The honey contains reducing sugars, water, minerals, and ash content, and its characteristic features include color, acidity, pH, electrical conductivity, and viscosity. Further, it contains several biological and therapeutic constituents such as flavonoids, antioxidants, antibacterial, wound-healing, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties, and the Maillard reaction product hydroxymethylfurfural. This review summarizes the literature on the physical and biological properties and therapeutic constituents' use of stingless bee honey. It also highlights the quality standards available worldwide and required modifications in establishing universal standards for promoting this honey.

A Report on the Keynote Address and Symposium on Research in Health Disparities in the USA

Ensuring a diverse cancer research workforce remains challenging despite national recommendations and pathway programs dedicated to this mission. A panel composed of researchers, educators, and implementation scientists convened at the Binaytara Foundation’s 2023 Summit on Cancer Health Disparities to discuss funded pathway opportunities, share case examples, and outline best practices to achieve a diverse workforce and support research in cancer health equity. The panelists highlighted existing pathway opportunities through the National Cancer Institute’s Center to Reduce Health Disparities and illustrated specific funded examples, such as the University of Utah’s Huntsman Cancer Institute’s PathMaker program, the University of Utah’s postbaccalaureate program, and NIH diversity supplement mechanisms. Programmatic examples were illustrated with success stories from the panel. The panelists concluded with the following insights for successful pathway implementation: 1) Since a diverse research workforce benefits society, investing in training and funding mechanisms is critical to promote individual and societal success in making progress towards cancer health equity; 2) A holistic, inclusive, and pathway-focused approach can successfully support, retain, and promote students, trainees, and faculty underrepresented in medicine and science; and 3) An inclusive workforce is best prepared to meet the needs of the diverse communities we serve.

Comparison of the inhibition effects of naringenin and its glycosides on LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Inflammation is intricately linked to the development of various diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Flavonoids, commonly found in plants, are known for their diverse health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds are categorized into different classes based on their chemical structure. structures. However, limited research has compared the effects of flavonoid aglycones and flavonoid glycosides. This study aims to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of naringenin and its glycosides (naringin and narirutin) in RAW264.7 macrophages. RAW264.7 cells were treated with naringenin, naringin, and narirutin, followed by stimulation with lipopolysaccharide. The levels of inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), nitric oxide (NO), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), were assessed. Additionally, the study examined nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation using western blot analysis. Among the compounds tested, narirutin exhibited the most potent anti-inflammatory effect against TNF-α, NO, and iNOS. Naringin and narirutin showed comparable inhibitory effects on IL-1β and COX-2. Both naringin and narirutin suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators by targeting different levels of the NF-κB and MAPK pathways. Naringenin demonstrated the weakest anti-inflammatory effect, primarily inhibiting NF-κB and reducing the phosphorylation levels of p38. This study suggests that the presence of glycosides on naringenin and the varied binding forms of sugars in naringenin glycosides significantly influence the anti-inflammatory effects compared with naringenin in RAW 264.7 macrophages.

A review on proteolytic fermentation of dietary protein using lactic acid bacteria for the development of novel proteolytically fermented foods

SummaryBioactive peptides generated from food proteins have gained much interest as functional foods. Recently, the application of lactic acid fermentation has developed rapidly thanks to the discovery of probiotic functions in lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Aside from converting a fermentable carbohydrate into lactic acid, many strains of LAB were found to possess proteolytic activity, which is essential for many fermentation processes. The protease enzymes produced from the proteolytic fermentation breakdown proteins in food and generate a variety of high‐value products which are discussed in this review. These substances give rise to the production of functional food that exerts diverse health benefits including antioxidant, antihypertension, antihyperglycaemic, antiinflammation, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. The effects of proteolytic fermentation on the physicochemical and functional properties, biological activities, and sensory attributes of foods are elaborated in this review article. The application of proteolytic fermentation in various food industries, mainly the dairy industry, meat industry, bakery industry, and brewing industry, improved the technological, nutritional, biological, and sensory characteristics, as well as increased the shelf life of food. Ultimately, this review summarises in‐depth knowledge of proteolytic fermentation by LAB and generates additional interest in the development of novel proteolytically fermented products.

Restriction of growth and biofilm formation of ESKAPE pathogens by caprine gut-derived probiotic bacteria.

The accelerated rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health risk, necessitating the exploration of alternative strategies to combat pathogenic infections. Biofilm-related infections that are unresponsive to standard antibiotics often require the use of higher-order antimicrobials with toxic side effects and the potential to disrupt the microbiome. Probiotic therapy, with its diverse benefits and inherent safety, is emerging as a promising approach to prevent and treat various infections, and as an alternative to antibiotic therapy. In this study, we isolated novel probiotic bacteria from the gut of domestic goats (Capra hircus) and evaluated their antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities against the 'ESKAPE' group of pathogens. We performed comprehensive microbiological, biochemical, and molecular characterizations, including analysis of the 16S-rRNA gene V1-V3 region and the 16S-23S ISR region, on 20 caprine gut-derived lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Among these, six selected Lactobacillus isolates demonstrated substantial biofilm formation under anaerobic conditions and exhibited robust cell surface hydrophobicity and autoaggregation, and epithelial cell adhesion properties highlighting their superior enteric colonization capability. Notably, these Lactobacillus isolates exhibited broad-spectrum growth inhibitory and anti-biofilm properties against 'ESKAPE' pathogens. Additionally, the Lactobacillus isolates were susceptible to antibiotics listed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) within the prescribed Minimum Inhibitory Concentration limits, suggesting their safety as feed additives. The remarkable probiotic characteristics exhibited by the caprine gut-derived Lactobacillus isolates in this study strongly endorse their potential as compelling alternatives to antibiotics and direct-fed microbial (DFM) feed supplements in the livestock industry, addressing the escalating need for antibiotic-free animal products.

PHARMACOLOGICAL BENEFITS AND CONSERVATION STRATEGIES OF RHODODENDRON ARBORETUM SM.: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Rhododendron arboreum, an evergreen shrub native to the Himalayan region, is renowned for its vibrant red flowers and significant medicinal properties. This review explores the diverse pharmacological benefits of R. arboreum, which is integral to traditional medicine in the Himalayas. The plant contains bioactive compounds likeflavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenolic acids, contributing to its therapeutic potential. Extensive research indicates that R. arboreum exhibits hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-diarrheal properties. The hepatoprotective effects are evident from studies showing its ability to mitigate carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage and normalize liver enzymes. Its antimicrobial efficacy, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria, is attributed to the bioactive compounds identified in the methanolic extracts of leaves and flowers. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties are prominent in the bark extracts, providing potential treatments for chronic inflammation and pain. Additionally, antioxidant studies reveal that R. arboreum extracts reduce oxidative stress and free radical production. Anti-diabetic activities have been demonstrated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic models, showing improved blood glucose levels and lipid profiles. The plant's anti-diarrheal efficacy is supported by animal models indicating reduced gastrointestinal motility and enhanced absorption of water and electrolytes. R. arboreum faces threats from climate change, habitat destruction, and overexploitation, necessitating effective conservation strategies. Genetic studies reveal significant diversity within the species, essential for its adaptation and long-term survival, and offer opportunities for breeding programs. Comprehensive conservation efforts, including habitat protection, sustainable use practices, and the integration of traditional knowledge with scientific research, are imperative. This review highlights the need for sustainable conservation strategies and further research to fully harness the medicinal potential of R. arboreum, ensuring its availability for future therapeutic applications.

Silica nanoparticle conjugation with gallic acid towards enhanced free radical scavenging capacity and activity on osteosarcoma cells in vitro.

Gallic acid (GA), derived from land plants, possesses diverse physiological benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects, making it valuable for biomedical applications. In this study, GA was used to modify the surface of dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DMSNs) via carbamate (DMSN-NCO-GA) or amide (DMSN-NH-GA) bonds, using a post-grafting technique. To explore GA-conjugated materials' potential in modulating cancer cell redox status, three variants of osteosarcoma cells (U2-OS) were used. These variants comprised the wild-type cells (NEO), the cells overexpressing the wild-type human Golgi anti-apoptotic protein (hGAAP), and the null mutant of hGAAP (Ct-mut), as this protein was previously demonstrated to play a role in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and cell migration. In the absence of external ROS triggers, non-modified DMSNs increased intracellular ROS in Ct-mut and NEO cells, while GA-conjugated materials, particularly DMSN-NH-GA, significantly reduced ROS levels, especially pronounced with higher GA concentrations and notably in hGAAP cells with inherently higher ROS levels. Additionaly, NH-GA conjugates were less cytotoxic, more effective in reducing cell migration, and had higher ROS buffering capacity compared to DMSN-NCO-GA materials. However, in the presence of the external stressor tert-butyl-hydroperoxide (TBHP), NCO-GA conjugates showed more efficient reduction of intracellular ROS. These findings suggest that varying chemical decoration strategies of nanomaterials, along with the accessibility of functional groups to the cellular environment, significantly influence the biological response in osteosarcoma cells. Highlighting this, GA-conjugation is a promising method for implementing antioxidant properties and inhibiting cancer cell migration, warranting further research in anticancer treatment and drug development.

SHARBAT-E-MAWEEZ FOR IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA: A REVIEW

Anemia, characterized by reduced oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood, manifests through diminished red blood cell count or decreased hemoglobin levels. According to W.H.O. standards, hemoglobin levels below 13.0 gm/dl in adult males, below 12.0 gm/dl in non-pregnant adult females, and below 11.0 gm/dl in pregnant females signify anemia. Unani physicians often refer to this condition as Soo-Ul-Qiniya, exhibiting clinical signs such as weakness of the liver (Zauf-e-Kabid), nail brittleness (Zufr-e-Talqia), abnormal temperament (Fasad-e-Mizaj), pallor and yellowish discoloration of the skin (Zardi-wa-Sufaid Jild), and headaches (Sudaa). In numerous Unani medical texts, Sharbat-e-Maweez is recommended for treating iron deficiency anemia. It serves as a potent nutrient and hemopoietic agent, offering diverse benefits such as haemopoietic stimulation (mawalid-e-dam), aphrodisiac and general body toning properties (muqavvi-ebah-wa-badan), and liver strengthening effects (muqavvi-e-meda-wajigar). Sharbat-e-Maweez represents a palatable and easily administered form of Unani medication, thus enhancing patient compliance and efficacy in managing iron deficiency anemia.

Growing green: A comprehensive study on the diverse benefits of urban nutri-gardens in sustainable urban development

Growing green: A comprehensive study on the diverse benefits of urban nutri-gardens in sustainable urban development

Dialect diversity, element agglomeration and city size —— Empirical Test Based on satellite lighting data

<p>Since the reform and opening up, China's urbanization has developed rapidly Behind the rapid urbanization is the imbalance and insufficiency of urban development From the perspective of social and cultural diversity, this paper explores the impact of the diversity of dialect types on urban scale The diversity of dialects leads to the division of trust, hinders the cross regional flow of factors, affects the agglomeration effect of factors, and then affects the expansion of urban scale Using the diversity index of regional dialect types and 2016 nppviirs urban night light index, this paper empirically studies the impact of dialect diversity on urban scale The measurement results show that: Dialect diversity has a significant negative impact on urban scale On average, the addition of one dialect category will lead to a 4.5% decline in the size of the city measured by the night light index 55%. A series of robustness tests and causal identification show that the estimation result in this paper is the causal relationship of robustnessfurther empirical research shows that dialect diversity mainly affects the expansion of urban scale by hindering the flow and agglomeration of labor, capital and technological factorsthe Enlightenment of this study: To build a diversified and inclusive modern city, we need to weigh the costs and benefits of cultural diversity and unity, break cultural barriers, eliminate cultural prejudices, improve social trust, and give full play to the complementary effects brought by multiculturalism</p>

Importance of small urban parks towards becoming low-carbon cities: Analyzing Malaysian policies and strategies for climate change mitigation

With urban expansion and densification escalating, Small Urban Parks (SUPs) have emerged as crucial components in urban landscapes, offering diverse ecosystem benefits. This paper aims to achieve two primary objectives: (i) conduct an extensive analysis of Malaysia's national climate and planning policies, evaluating their incorporation of preservation open spaces and interconnected climate change considerations, and (ii) explore sustainable strategies for SUP management, underlining their contribution to cultivating green, low-carbon urban environments. The study employs a content analysis approach to examine Malaysia's environmental policy documents, gauging their alignment with the objective of utilizing open spaces for climate change mitigation. The findings emphasize the importance of embedding SUPs in urban planning as a strategic approach to carbon sequestration and highlight the pivotal role of local authorities in realizing a carbon-neutral urban vision by 2050. Supported by robust policy frameworks and grassroots endeavors, urban green spaces, regardless of their size, can make significant strides towards a sustainable urban future.

Multi-Strain Probiotics Enhance the Bioactivity of Cascara Kombucha during Microbial Composition-Controlled Fermentation.

Kombucha is a widely consumed fermented tea beverage with diverse health benefits. In a previous study, we demonstrated that the use of cascara as a substrate results in a special kombucha beverage with high bioactivity. Traditional kombucha fermentation using a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) can lead to inconsistent product quality because of the lack of control over microbial composition. We successfully isolated and identified yeast and bacteria, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Komagataeibacter rhaeticus, and Lactobacillus brevis that are appropriate starter cultures for cascara kombucha fermentation. We also demonstrated that a supplementation with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and a mixture of S. cerevisiae and K. rhaeticus resulted in higher total polyphenol and flavonoid content of cascara kombucha compared with the traditionally fermented product using SCOBY as the inoculum. The free radical scavenging activity, inhibitory effects on α-amylase, tyrosinase activity, and antibacterial properties of cascara kombucha were also enhanced as a result of LAB supplement. These findings provide valuable insights into the controlled microbiological composition required for the fermentation of cascara kombucha, thereby ensuring consistent quality and enhanced bioactivity of the product. Further, the use of cascara as a substrate for kombucha production not only offers various health benefits and biological effects, but also repurposes by-products from the coffee industry, which contributes to sustainable development and is eco-friendly.

Routine Childhood Immunization: Its health, developmental, economic and social benefits

Introduction: Immunization plays a pivotal role in public health. It is one of the most cost-effective inventions that have helped bring down a significant amount of burden of diseases among under-five children, some of which are now on the verge of extinction. Objective: To assess the diverse benefits of routine childhood immunization. Methodology: A literature review was conducted using electronic database to understand the broader benefits of immunization. Results: Studies have shown that routine childhood immunization have been able to reduce the incidence of influenza and other targeted diseases (diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type b, measles, mumps, polio, and rubella) by 17% and 100% respectively. Conclusion: Vaccines are known to have protective and positive health benefit which extends beyond infancy and childhood. It is therefore one of the best strategies in public health to reduce morbidity and mortality and enable child survival.

The Reality of the Usage of Extension Methods by Workers in Agricultural Extension: A review

In view of the effective variation of the extension methods, in addition to what constitutes the usage of the agricultural extension system for the multiple and various extension methods as an essential duty of his job. Through this use, the agricultural extension can win the farmers' confidence and change them. and since agricultural extension directs its message to many farmers who are different in their social and economic characteristics, ages, habits, and experiences, therefore, it is required that agricultural extension use many extension methods in order to be able to face these differences between the target farmers, and the benefit of diversity in the use of extension methods is to ensure access to each individual and influence it. This is what the current study tries to shed light on in order to achieve the needs of academic knowledge and enrich scientific research in the field of agricultural extension on the one hand and to benefit those responsible for extension work on the other hand, used under the prevailing local conditions and the most effective ones, so that they can be used as a guide when introducing the ideas and recommendations used to the farmers’ audience in a way that guarantees obtaining the highest possible response, in addition to knowing the obstacles to using the extension methods, and the ways to solve these obstacles.

Agronomic Performance and Grain Yield Stability of Elite Field Pea (Pisum Sativum L.) Genotypes Tested at Various Potential Growing Environments in Ethiopia

Field pea is a multipurpose crop. Despite its diverse benefits, its production and productivity in Ethiopia has remained low compared to its potential due to several biotic and abiotic constraints. Hence, this experiment was carried out with the objective to select best field pea genotypes in terms of yield potential, stability, pest resistance and other desirable agronomic traits for high potential production areas of the country. A total of 17 field pea genotypes including two standard checks, Burkitu and Bursa were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications over nine locations in 2019 and 2020 main cropping seasons. The computed analysis of variance showed highly significant differences (p < 0.01) among the genotypes for all studied agronomic traits. One field pea genotype, GPHA-38 found better having 4 and 5%grain yield advantage over the two checks, Bursa and Burkitu, respectively. Additionally, GPHA-38 had comparable performance on the other agronomic traits with standard checks. Moreover, this genotype was found stable in grain yield among the test entries based on GGE biplot stability analysis. However, this genotype may not fulfill the criteria to present as candidate for variety verification trial due to low grain yield advantage and other agronomic traits compared with the checks. Therefore, considering its consistent performance and relatively better yielding capacity, the line GPHA-38 can alternatively be used as a trait donor parent in the pre-breeding programs.

Residents’ Perceptions and Outcomes of Community-Based Tourism in Andro Village of Manipur

Community-based Tourism (CBT) has various impacts on local communities in terms of socio-economic conditions, cultural heritage, environmental safeguards, and overall sustainable development of tourism in the long run. Sustainable development in tourism can be achieved through the independence of local communities and their active participation in tourism activities. Aiming to examine if there is any role of CBT in reaching sustainable goals for tourism, a case study that focuses on the social, economic, environmental and quality of life of the local community of Andro village in Manipur has been taken for study.
 The result of the present study was able to indicate the occurrence of Community-Based Tourism in Andro village and it has been able to contribute to the overall sustainable development of the people and tourism activities. There have been diverse benefits to the local residents, which include job creation, local economic development, helping eco-friendly tourism development, community empowerment and preserving the unique cultural and traditional identity of the local community.