Root Cultures Research Articles

Engineering Gypsophila elegans hairy root cultures to produce endosomal escape-enhancing saponins.

The limited cytosolic delivery of DNA and protein-based therapeutics due to endosomal entrapment reduces drug efficacy, increasing treatment costs and possible side effects in human and veterinary medicine as a consequence of higher administered dosages. Plant-derived triterpenoid saponins, specifically those with endosomal escape-enhancing (EEE) properties, have shown promise in overcoming this limitation by disrupting endosomal membranes. QS-21, a well-known EEE saponin, has been used as an adjuvant in vaccines, and recent studies have elucidated its biosynthetic pathway. However, EEE saponins are typically present as minor compounds in plants, posing challenges for their large-scale production and purification. Here we investigated the possibility of engineering SO1861 production, an EEE saponin from Saponaria officinalis, using heterologous gene expression in Gypsophila elegans hairy roots, a plant species known to synthesize structurally related saponins. Via S. officinalis transcriptomics, we identified jasmonate-responsive saponin biosynthetic genes, and three cytochrome P450s (CYP450s) involved in C23, C28 and C16 oxidations were characterised. Heterologous expression of these CYP450s in G. elegans hairy roots successfully altered the saponin profile, with notable increases in SO1861 precursors in lines expressing the C23-oxidases SoCYP72A984 and SoCYP72A1003. Interestingly, expression of only SoCYP72A1003, a non-canonical C23 oxidase, resulted in the accumulation of a compound matching the SO1861 standard, suggesting the activation of a potentially latent pathway and of silent enzymes in a novel combination. This work underscores the potential of engineering strategies in heterologous plant systems to steer triterpenoid saponin biosynthetic pathways and suggests new avenues for producing high-value EEE saponins.

Literature and thinking about the world in the post-pandemic era: An interview with Tabish Khair

ABSTRACT This interview explores Tabish Khair’s literary works from 2000, which grapple with complex social conflicts relating to identity crises, violence, migration, diaspora, global capital, and fundamentalism. Khair discusses his novel The Body by the Shore, depicting how anti-immigration sentiment is influenced by neo-liberal capitalism and the unequal distribution of wealth and power. As an Indian writer living permanently outside India, for Khair, this includes an examination of belonging in a globalized world and the question of why national and cultural roots conflict with the routes open to those who migrate. Khair also discusses how issues of identity and belonging have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and how he perceives Islamic fundamentalism in the post-pandemic world. Finally, he reflects on the possible consequences of artificial intelligence, the relationship between capital and xenophobia, and how western critical acclaim (through, for example, the Booker Prize) can become self-limiting for Indian English fiction.

The Flavours of Migration: Mother-Daughter Culinary Experiences in Preethi Nair’s 100 Shades of White

The concept of resilience in diasporic contexts emphasises how individuals and groups deploy cultural traditions and adaptive tactics to confront hurdles and retain their identities in the backdrop of relocation. Masten underscores the power of endurance in adjusting to notable challenges. In a transnational environment, food functions as an important emblem of resilience, where it connects diasporic individuals to their cultural roots and promises a sense of continuity in a landscape of displacement. This paper primarily explores migrant mothers and their daughters’ culinary attitudes towards traditional foods in diasporic settings, focusing on the mother-daughter conflict in Preethi Nair's 100 Shades of White. Our analysis is guided by Masten’s notion of resilience and McCartney and Gill’s framework of Cultural Freeze, Convergence, and Compromise/Adaptation, offering novel perspectives in investigating Nalini and her daughter Maya’s interactions with traditional cuisines across cultural and geographic divides, addressing a lacuna in British South Asian women's literature. The novel compellingly displays the power of embracing forgiveness in culinary practices enabling the protagonists to incorporate English ingredients and habits, thus facilitating their assimilation into unfamiliar life in Britain. This paper endeavours to uncover how migrant mothers' and daughters’ food attitudes endure, adapt, and achieve equilibrium that values both their cultural traditions and the unique culinary traditions they find in foreign settings.

The Role of Individual Moral Cognition in Accounting Integrity: A Study on Ethical Decision-Making in China's Evolving Economy

Against the backdrop of China's economy transitioning towards stable and high-quality development, the importance of accounting integrity as a cornerstone trait has become increasingly prominent. This study delves into the complex dynamics of accounting and individual moral cognition, aiming to uncover the deeper societal, economic, and cultural roots behind decision-making in accounting practices and maintaining ethical standards. In this mixed methods approach, the data were gathered through quantitative survey and interviews and the data were analyzed using ANOVA and thematic analysis. The study findings reveal that the lack of accounting integrity is a multifaceted issue deeply rooted in the intricate interplay of societal norms, economic pressures, and individual ethics. Moreover, the results show that the level of individual moral cognitive development has an impact on accounting ethical decision-making. In conclusion, the findings of the study advocate for establishing a comprehensive governance system that addresses the underlying reasons for accounting integrity lapses, reshaping the accounting landscape by fostering a national climate of integrity and emphasizing ethical behavior in accounting practices to rebuild trust within the financial ecosystem.

Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth: potential of hairy root cultures for bioactive metabolic principles

Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth: potential of hairy root cultures for bioactive metabolic principles

The effects of LED Spectra on synthesis of antiparasitic bioactive compound in Eurycoma longifolia hairy root culture against Blastocystis Sp

Eurycoma longifolia (also known as Tongkat Ali) is one of the valuable medicinal plants frequently used as traditional medicine in Malaysia. Its alkaloids and quassinoids reportedly confers antiparasitic activities. The effect of different Light Emitting Diode (LED) spectra treatments on E. longifolia hairy root cultures (ELHRCs) on alkaloid synthesis remains unexplored and its consequent antiparasitic effect on Blastocystis sp., a common intestinal protozoan parasite, is still unknown. In this study, the ELHRCs were irradiated to white, blue, red, blue plus red (1:1) and mint green LED illumination in vitro. The variation of alkaloids was assessed by using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and employed to quantify 9-hydroxycanthin-6-one and 9-methoxycanthin-6-one. Subsequently, antiparasitic effect on Blastocystis sp. was assessed in in vitro parasite culture and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC90) was measured. Results showed the yields of high-value 9-hydroxycanthin-6-one in hairy roots increased by 1.17-fold, 2.74-fold, and 1.91-fold after 8, 10, and 12 weeks of culture under white, mint green, and blue lights relative to dark (control), respectively. In addition, 9-methoxycanthin-6-one yield in hairy roots increase by 1.07-fold and 1.34-fold after 8 and 12 weeks of culture under white light than in dark. Moreover, the ELHRCs crude extraction exhibited the highest anti-protozoal activity at 0.1 mg/ml against Blastocystis sp, ST3 compared to Metronidazole (MTZ). These results indicate that LED treatments alters alkaloid composition and are promising for obtaining higher yields of antiparasitic agents from the ELHRCs and thus can be considered a potential complementary and alternative antimicrobial agent.

Medication overrides: Decreasing risk through process improvement in a pediatric health system.

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. Automated dispensing cabinet (ADC) medication overrides can contribute to increased risks of drug diversion, medication errors, and waste. To reduce ADC overrides, a multidisciplinary process improvement initiative was conducted over 3 years to identify, evaluate, and monitor medication overrides, with an initial goal of quarterly 5% reductions in the override rate. Lean Six Sigma process improvement methodology identified the root causes of inappropriate medication overrides. Through a series of interventions, both targeted and institution wide, the process improvement initiative addressed technological, process, and cultural root causes. The only clinical units excluded in this project were intraoperative areas. Targeted interventions included automated pharmacy dispensing of high-use as-needed medications and correction of interface errors between the ADC and electronic health record. System-wide interventions included updating ADC override reasons to align with policy, implementation of an approved medication override list, education, data transparency, and linking ADC override pulls to the medication administration record. The rate of overrides decreased from 6.18% at baseline to 4.41% during the initial phase of targeted interventions (29% reduction from baseline; P < 0.001), with continued improvements following organization-wide interventions to achieve an override rate of 2.13% by the control phase (65% reduction from baseline; P < 0.001). No preventable adverse drug events related to initiative changes were reported during the study period. Through utilization of Lean Six Sigma methodology and involvement of a multidisciplinary process improvement team, the initiative achieved a significant and sustained reduction in the rate of medication overrides.

EXPLORATION OF THE ZOMBIE MYTHS FROM VOODOO TO UNIVERSAL HORROR: A PSYCHOANALYTICAL EVOLUTION IN SELECT MOVIES

The zombie myth has changed greatly over the decades, from its origins in Haitian Voodoo, where it symbolized spiritual enslavement and colonialism, to its current status as a global icon of terror in popular culture. However, there is little psychological research examining the dynamics of this change. Most research dismisses the role those unconscious anxieties, such as losing one's humanity or identity, have had in the development of the zombie. This paper fills that gap by using psychoanalytic theory to examine how the zombie symbolizes societal anxieties, from its origins in Voodoo to its current status as a global symbol of fears. By connecting its historical and cultural roots to its modern-day representations, this research provides a deeper understanding of how the zombie has become a universal metaphor for human fears.

Growth parameter optimization of hybrid poplar (Populus tremula × Populus alba) hairy root culture for the production of antioxidant specialized metabolites

Hairy roots cultures resulting from transformation by the soil bacteria Rhizobium rhizogenes represent a biotechnological tool to produce specialized bioactive metabolites. We previously developed a protocol allowing the sustainable production of hairy roots from hybrid poplar 717-1B4 (Populus tremula × Populus alba). In the present study we assessed physicochemical parameters for the optimization of growth of hybrid poplar HP15-3 hairy root line and production of ethyl acetate extracts with antioxidant potential. The use of Woody Plant Medium (WPM) as mineral base significantly improved growth index by 2.1-fold compared to Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium and was selected even if a slight decrease in total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity could be observed (DPPH and FRAP assays). Among the different concentrations tested (15, 30 and 60 g·L−1), sucrose at 30 g·L−1 made it possible to significantly increase the growth index, without affecting the TPC and the antioxidant potential of the root extracts. Stressful conditions likely to affect the biosynthesis of specialized metabolites were also tested. The cultivation of hairy roots under LED light conditions resulted in a significant 2.45-fold increase in growth index. Antioxidant activity was also increased in relation to increased anthocyanin production. Furthermore, we demonstrated the feasibility of poplar hairy roots biomass production in temporary immersion bioreactors (RITA®) under two water and mineral supply conditions. UHPLC/HRMS analysis of the extracts allowed to identify and quantify two phenolic glycosides (tremulacin and nigracin) whose concentrations were increased during cultivation under LED light. Two flavonoids (cyanidin and cyanidin-3-glucoside) were identified in light-grown root extracts. The parameters optimized during this research work could be successfully transposed to produce root biomass in bioreactors and under light to obtain bioactive ingredients for cosmetic formulations.

Barriers in the prevention and early detection of human papillomavirus in Latin America.

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the individual, social, cultural, health system, and structural barriers related to the human papillomavirus (HPV) in women from eight Latin American countries.MethodsA prospective, relational, and analytical study was conducted from July to August 2024 in women from eight Latin American countries: Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Dominican Republic, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Spanish‐speaking adult women who had a history of having undergone cervicovaginal cytology were included. An online survey of 34 items was designed that evaluated the different barriers to HPV medical care.ResultsOverall, 1930 women were surveyed. There is a lack of education on issues related to sexual and reproductive health, as 57.3% of the participants considered HPV infection to be a sexually transmitted disease. A correlation was observed between a higher level of education and the acceptability of vaccination, as well as the taking of screening tests. It was found that 39.1% were vaccinated, which reflects the lack of resources in hospitals, where the vaccine is not available to all women, a similar situation to the screening test.ConclusionThere are still many barriers to HPV medical care due to the cultural roots that exist in the region. It is important to identify them and create strategies that allow equality and accessible medical care for all women, in order to eradicate cervical cancer, which is one of the great pending issues on the gynecologist's agenda.

Balancing acts: the intricate role of child protection officers in empowering Bedouin girls for gender equality in patriarchal families

ABSTRACT This qualitative study explores the challenges encountered by 15 Bedouin child protection officers (CPOs) tasked with the welfare of girls in traditional, patriarchal families. The findings derived from thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews illuminate the delicate dance performed by these CPOs, akin to walking a tightrope, as they strive to maintain family equilibrium while safeguarding the girls’ developmental journeys and ambitions for self-fulfillment. The article delves into three central themes: the balance between protection and empowerment, the interplay between life and quality of life – particularly concerning the delicate cultural issue of defamation of family honor – and the navigation of the intersection between patriarchal authority and the girls’ empowerment ambitions. The study sheds light on relief officials’ strategies for reconciling the dual role of upholding tradition and advocating for progressive change, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive environment for girls without alienating them from their familial and cultural roots.

Media Composition Effects on Hairy Root Biomass and Tetrandrine Production in Stephania tetrandra.

Stephania tetrandra S. MOORE, a medicinal plant, is recognized for tetrandrine production, which is extensively accepted for its therapeutic benefits. However, the slow growth of S. tetrandra limits tetrandrine's availability, which can be addressed by in vitro hairy root cultivation using Rhizobium rhizogenes and optimization of medium components. The present study attempted the three-step optimization of three components of woody plant medium (ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, and sucrose), including two-level factorial design, path of steepest ascent (PSA), and central composite design (CCD) to obtain high hairy root biomass and tetrandrine production. The CCD-based optimization for enhanced hairy root biomass resulted in a hairy root biomass of 9.75 g dw/L at optimal concentrations of ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2), and sucrose of 631.96 mg/L, 651 mg/L, and 41.35 g/L, respectively. The optimal concentration of 550.31 mg/L, 862.88 mg/L, and 25.89 g/L for NH4NO3, Ca(NO3)2, and sucrose, respectively, obtained after CCD analysis for enhanced tetrandrine production led to the maximum tetrandrine of 70.48 mg/L. Medium optimization resulted in a 1.47-fold increase in hairy root biomass and a 1.37-fold increase in tetrandrine production under individually optimized conditions. The present study findings confirmed the important role of process optimization for enhanced product yield.

Celebrating Khun Craftsmanship From Loom to Lifestyle

Khan cloth, a unique textile from the Kolhapur and Ichalkaranji districts of Maharashtra, is renowned for its vivid hues, elaborate designs, and soft texture. This fabric, used for blouses and saree borders, reflects the area's rich weaving tradition and expert craftsmanship. The fabric represents the skill of regional weavers and encourages sustainability by supporting traditional craftspeople. Once a symbol of vibrant elegance and cultural pride in traditional Maharashtrian sarees, khan fabric has gradually faded from prominence as modern trends have taken center stage. To revive this timeless heritage, reimagining of khan fabric through innovative and contemporary creations is a must . By transforming it into versatile accessories and lifestyle products, to make it relevant for today's audience while preserving its traditional charm. This initiative is not just about honouring the legacy of khan fabric but also about reinventing it, ensuring it continues to thrive in a modern context while celebrating its rich cultural roots The collection honors the rich tradition of khan fabric, highlighting its vivid colors, elaborate designs, and enduring charm. These adaptable lifestyle accessories serve practical purposes and exemplify high-quality craftsmanship, merging tradition with contemporary style.

History of Muslim Minorities in Myanmar Revisited

This research aims to analyze the historical development of Islam as a minority religion in Myanmar, focusing on the role of the Muslim community, which has existed since the 9th century through maritime trade routes. The method employed is a literature study by collecting relevant books and academic writings. The research follows four steps: heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. The findings reveal that Islam was introduced to Myanmar by Arab, Persian, and Bengali traders who settled in the Arakan coastal region (now Rakhine State). The Muslim community comprises various ethnic groups, including Bamar, Kamein, Panthay, Malay, and Rohingya. The historical relationship between the Arakan Kingdom and the Bengal Sultanate in the 15th century significantly strengthened Islamic influence in the region and shaped the Rohingya identity as a community with deep cultural and historical roots. Although the Muslim population assimilated into local culture, they faced escalating challenges post-Myanmar’s independence in 1948 due to restrictive citizenship laws. The situation deteriorated with acts of violence in 2012 and 2017, leading to a humanitarian crisis as thousands of Rohingya sought refuge in Bangladesh. This research contributes a historical perspective on the social and political dynamics influencing Myanmar’s Muslim minority and highlights the complexities of the Rohingya crisis.

NAVIGATING CASTE, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND IDENTITY IN CONTEMPORARY INDIA: A SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY OF KUDMI-MAHATO MIGRANTS IN NORTH BENGAL

This study examines the concept of identity and its influence on the self-esteem of the agricultural community known as Kudmi-Mahato, who migrated to Lakshmania village, which is situated in the northern part of West Bengal, from different parts of South Bihar (currently Jharkhand state) between the 1960s and the 1980s. The key focus is on the community’s adoption of higher-caste surnames, a practice linked to M.N. Srinivas’ concept of Sanskritization. However, this strategy often failed to provide real mobility within the caste hierarchy, leading some Kudmi-Mahatos to retrofiliate – a process of returning to their Indigenous identity in order to access affirmative action benefits and reassert their cultural roots. Through in-depth interviews with 40 participants aged over 65, this qualitative study uncovers the causes and effects of identity shifts among the Kudmi-Mahatos of Lakshmania to navigate the intricate socio-political landscape of caste and social mobility in contemporary India. Their experiences contribute to our understanding of identity formation, social mobility, and the evolving strategies of marginalized communities within stratified societies.

Komunikasi Pembangunan dalam Perspektif Islam Menjaga Keseimbangan Antara Modernitas dan Nilai Tradisional

Development communication has a strategic role in promoting sustainable social change, especially in Muslim societies. In an Islamic perspective, development communication serves not only as a tool for infrmation dissemination, but also as a means of maintaining harmony between modernity and traditional values. This article examines how development communication can be designed and implemented with Islamic principles in mind, as well as the challenges and opportunities faced in the era of globalization. This approach highlights the importance of balancing modern innovations with the Islamic roots of local culture and traditions.

The Occurrence, Uses, Biosynthetic Pathway, and Biotechnological Production of Plumbagin, a Potent Antitumor Naphthoquinone.

Plumbagin is an important naphthoquinone with potent anticancer properties besides multitudinous uses in healthcare. It is produced in a limited number of species and families but mostly in the roots of Plumbaginaceae family members. The biosynthetic pathway and the genes that regulate plumbagin synthesis are not completely known, but details of these are being revealed. Several species, including Plumbago, Drosera, and others, are being uprooted for the extraction of plumbagin by pharmaceutical industries, leading to the destruction of natural habitats. The pharmaceutical industry is therefore facing an acute shortage of plant material. This necessitates enhancing the accumulation of plumbagin using suspensions and hairy roots to meet market demands. Many factors, such as the aggregate size of the inoculum, stability of the culture, and the sequential effects of elicitors, immobilization, and permeabilization, have been demonstrated to act synergistically and markedly augment plumbagin accumulation. Hairy root cultures can be used for the large-scale production, growth, and plumbagin accumulation, and the exploration of their efficacy is now imperative. The secretion of compounds into the spent medium and their in situ adsorption via resin has remarkable potential, but this has not been thoroughly exploited. Improvements in the quality of biomass, selection of cell lines, and production of plumbagin in bioreactors have thus far been sporadic, and these parameters need to be further exploited. In this review, we report the advances made relating to the importance of stable cell line selection for the accumulation of compounds in long-term cultures, hairy root cultures for the accumulation of plumbagin, and its semicontinuous production via total cell recycling in different types of bioreactors. Such advances might pave the way for industrial exploitation. The steps in the biosynthetic pathway that are currently understood might also aid us in isolating the relevant genes in order to examine the effects of their overexpression or heterologous downregulation or to edit the genome using CRISPR-Cas9 technology in order to enhance the accumulation of plumbagin. Its potential as an anticancer molecule and its mode of action have been amply demonstrated, but plumbagin has not been exploited in clinics due to its insolubility in water and its highly lipophilic nature. Plumbagin-loaded nanoemulsions, plumbagin-silver, or albumin nanoparticle formulations can overcome these problems relating to its solubility and are currently being tried to improve its bioavailability and antiproliferative activities, as discussed in the current paper.

Identification and functional characterization of prolyl oligopeptidase involved in the biosynthesis of heterophyllin B in Pseudostellaria heterophylla.

Identification and functional characterization of prolyl oligopeptidase involved in the biosynthesis of heterophyllin B in Pseudostellaria heterophylla.

Establishment of in vitro root cultures and hairy roots of Dioscorea composita for diosgenin production

Establishment of in vitro root cultures and hairy roots of Dioscorea composita for diosgenin production

Progress in Oplopanax elatus research: Resources, propagation, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, quality control, and toxicity.

Progress in Oplopanax elatus research: Resources, propagation, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, quality control, and toxicity.