Agents In Management Research Articles

MiRNA Dynamics for Pest Management: Implications in Insecticide Resistance.

Utilizing chemical agents in pest management in modern agricultural practices has been the predominant approach since the advent of synthetic insecticides. However, insecticide resistance is an emerging issue, as pest populations evolve to survive exposure to chemicals that were once effective in controlling them, underlining the need for advanced and innovative approaches to managing pests. In insects, microRNAs (miRNAs) serve as key regulators of a wide range of biological functions, characterized by their dynamic expression patterns and the ability to target genes. Recent studies are increasingly attributed to the significance of miRNAs in contributing to the evolution of insecticide resistance in numerous insect species. Abundant miRNAs have been discovered in insects using RNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis and are known to play vital roles in regulation at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Globally, there is growing research interest in the characterization and application of miRNAs, especially for their potential role in managing insecticide resistance. This review focuses on how miRNAs contribute to regulating insecticide resistance across various insect species. Furthermore, we discuss the gain and loss of functions of miRNAs and the techniques for delivering miRNAs into the insect system. The review emphasizes the application of miRNA-based strategies to studying their role in diminishing insecticide resistance, offering a more efficient and lasting approach to insect management.

Effects of L-Type Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel (LTCC) Inhibition on Hippocampal Neuronal Death after Pilocarpine-Induced Seizure.

Epilepsy, marked by abnormal and excessive brain neuronal activity, is linked to the activation of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (LTCCs) in neuronal membranes. LTCCs facilitate the entry of calcium (Ca2+) and other metal ions, such as zinc (Zn2+) and magnesium (Mg2+), into the cytosol. This Ca2+ influx at the presynaptic terminal triggers the release of Zn2+ and glutamate to the postsynaptic terminal. Zn2+ is then transported to the postsynaptic neuron via LTCCs. The resulting Zn2+ accumulation in neurons significantly increases the expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase subunits, contributing to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and neuronal death. Amlodipine (AML), typically used for hypertension and coronary artery disease, works by inhibiting LTCCs. We explored whether AML could mitigate Zn2+ translocation and accumulation in neurons, potentially offering protection against seizure-induced hippocampal neuronal death. We tested this by establishing a rat epilepsy model with pilocarpine and administering AML (10 mg/kg, orally, daily for 7 days) post-epilepsy onset. We assessed cognitive function through behavioral tests and conducted histological analyses for Zn2+ accumulation, oxidative stress, and neuronal death. Our findings show that AML's LTCC inhibition decreased excessive Zn2+ accumulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and hippocampal neuronal death following seizures. These results suggest amlodipine's potential as a therapeutic agent in seizure management and mitigating seizures' detrimental effects.

Abstract 7170: Pharmacokinetic profiling of Re-Phenformin in vivo: A novel approach in pancreatic cancer therapy

Abstract Phenformin, a biguanide medication, has long been utilized in the treatment of diabetes. Recent research indicates that phenformin may also serve as an effective anticancer agent. This study introduces the synthesis and evaluation of Re tricarbonyl phenformin complex (Re-(CO)3-Phenformin, Re-Phen), as a derivative of Phenformin and novel anticancer agent for pancreatic cancer treatment. Re-Phen was synthesized, purified, and characterized through preparative HPLC, NMR, mass spectrometry, and FT-IR. Subsequent in vitro studies, utilizing the MTS assay, assessed its cytotoxicity against pancreatic cancer cell lines, including Kras* murine PDAC and MiaPaca-2 human PDAC. Notably, Re-Phen exhibited significantly higher cytotoxic effects in MiaPaca-2 cells (IC50= 0.755 mM) and Kras* cells (IC50= 0.410 mM) compared to Phenformin treatment (IC50= 4.02 mM and 2.36 mM, respectively). These results highlight Re-Phen's enhanced anticancer activity, outperforming Phenformin in potency. Further investigation into the pharmacokinetics of Re-Phen involved an in vivo study with rats intravenously administered 2 mg/kg of Re-Phenformin. Blood samples were collected at intervals (10 min to 24 h post-dose) and were analyzed by validated LC-MS/MS. The pharmacokinetic profile of Re-Phen was best described by a 2-compartment model, using Phoenix® WinNonlin (version 8.0), with a particular focus on comparing the profiles of Phenformin and Re-Phen. The study revealed that Re-Phen has a significantly extended half-life compared to Phenformin (9.13 hr vs 2.11 hr), indicating prolonged systemic retention. Additionally, Re-Phen demonstrated an increased area under the curve (AUC), suggesting greater systemic exposure at equivalent dosing (90.55 hr*ng/ml vs 7.13 hr*ng/ml). This could imply enhanced bioavailability or altered metabolic clearance of Re-Phen compared to its parent compound. The two-Compartment of Re-Phe, provide a deeper understanding of its pharmacokinetic characteristics. In conclusion, Re-Phen not only demonstrates superior anticancer efficacy in vitro but also exhibits a more favorable pharmacokinetic profile in vivo. The extended half-life and increased AUC of Re-Phen suggest the potential of offering improved therapeutic efficacy in pancreatic cancer treatment. These promising findings warrant further investigation and could position Re-Phen as a promising therapeutic agent for the pharmacological management of pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: Amir Mohammad Gholizadeh, Lu Dai, Fatima Dagher, Chiyi Xiong, Chun Li, Diana S-L Chow. Pharmacokinetic profiling of Re-Phenformin in vivo: A novel approach in pancreatic cancer therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 7170.

Comparision between 3% Hypertonic Saline and 20% Mannitol in the Management of Raised Intracranial Pressure in Children

Background Osmotic agents like mannitol and hypertonic saline are the mainstay of management of raised intracranial pressure (ICP) along with non-pharmacological measures like head elevation, hyperventilation, and hypothermia and CSF drainage. Several recent studies have shown hypertonic saline relatively superior to mannitol however, both are being used commonly. So, this study was done to compare the efficacy of mannitol and hypertonic saline in management of raised ICP in children. Methods This was a prospective randomized comparative study done among 40 children aged 1-5 years admitted in department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, BPKIHS, Dharan with clinical signs and symptoms of raised ICP They were divided into two groups based on consecutive sampling with group 1 receiving 20% mannitol and group 2 receiving 3% hypertonic saline. Results Both the groups were comparable for age distribution, gender and baseline characteristics. Pretreatment mean MAP was higher in group 2 as compared to group 1 while decrease in MAP was present in both groups at 24, 36-, 48-, 56- and 60-hours post-treatment; however, this was not statistically significant. 78.9% cases improved with mannitol while 90.5% improved with 3% hypertonic saline but this was not statistically significant. Conclusion Hypertonic saline can be an equally effective agent for management of raised ICP in children but larger and multi-centric study may help in determining which one is better.

Isolation, characterization and application of noble bacteriophages targeting potato common scab pathogen Streptomyces stelliscabiei

Bacteriophages have emerged as promising alternatives to pesticides for controlling bacterial pathogens in crops. Among these pathogens, Streptomyces stelliscabiei (syn. S. stelliscabiei) is a primary causative agent of potato common scab (PCS), resulting in substantial global economic losses. The traditional management methods for PCS face numerous challenges, highlighting the need for effective and environmentally friendly control strategies. In this study, we successfully isolated three novel bacteriophages, namely Psst1, Psst2, and Psst4, which exhibited a broad host range encompassing seven S. stelliscabiei strains. Morphological analysis revealed their distinct features, including an icosahedral head and a non-contractile tail. These phages demonstrated stability across a broad range of temperatures (20–50°C), pH (pH 3–11), and UV exposure time (80 min). Genome sequencing revealed double-stranded DNA phage with open reading frames encoding genes for phage structure, DNA packaging and replication, host lysis and other essential functions. These phages lacked genes for antibiotic resistance, virulence, and toxicity. Average nucleotide identity, phylogenetic, and comparative genomic analyses classified the three phages as members of the Rimavirus genus, with Psst1 and Psst2 representing novel species. All three phages efficiently lysed S. stelliscabiei in the liquid medium and alleviated scab symptom development and reduced pathogen abundance on potato slices. Furthermore, phage treatments of radish seedlings alleviated the growth inhibition caused by S. stelliscabiei with no disease symptoms. In soil potted experiments, phages significantly reduced disease incidence by 40%. This decrease is attributed to a reduction in pathogen density and the selection of S. stelliscabiei strains with reduced virulence and slower growth rates in natural environments. Our study is the first to report the isolation of three novel phages that infect S. stelliscabiei as a host bacterium. These phages exhibit a broad host range, and demonstrate stability under a variety of environmental conditions. Additionally, they demonstrate biocontrol efficacy against bacterial infections in potato slices, radish seedlings, and potted experiments, underscoring their significant potential as biocontrol agents for the effective management of PCS.

PDE5 inhibitors against cancer via mediating immune cells in tumor microenvironment: AI‐based approach for future drug repurposing exploration

AbstractPhosphodiesterase‐5 (PDE5) inhibitors are used clinically for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and other urological diseases. Emerging evidences have suggested the therapeutic capacity of PDE5 inhibitors as the repurposed drugs in oncology. However, the essential immune function of PDE5 inhibitors against cancer in tumor microenvironment (TME) remains unclear. This review aimed to summarize the recent advances regarding the repurposing of PDE5 inhibitors as anti‐cancer agents for cancer management to enhance the anti‐tumor immune response by mediating various immune cells, which included the myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, macrophages, T cells, fibroblasts, and natural killer cells in TME. Moreover, artificial intelligence (AI), as a new approach, is composed of traditional machine learning and deep learning methods and could be potentially used to identify the targets of immune cells in TME and predict the efficacy for repurposed drug toward malignancies. In summary, these endeavors provide novel insights into the comprehensive strategies for PDE5 inhibitors mediating immune cells against cancer and AI‐based approach for future drug repurposing exploration.

Ginsenoside Rg5 Activates the LKB1/AMPK/mTOR Signaling Pathway and Modifies the Gut Microbiota to Alleviate Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Induced by a High-Fat Diet.

The primary objective of this investigation was to elucidate the manner in which ginsenoside Rg5 (Rg5) ameliorates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) via the modulation of the gut microbiota milieu. We administered either a standard diet (ND) or a high-fat diet (HFD), coupled with 12-week treatment employing two distinct doses of Rg5 (50 and 100 mg/kg/d), to male C57BL/6J mice. In comparison to the HFD cohort, the Rg5-treated group demonstrated significant enhancements in biochemical parameters, exemplified by a substantial decrease in lipid concentrations, as well as the reduced expression of markers indicative of oxidative stress and liver injury. This signifies a mitigation of hepatic dysfunction induced by an HFD. Simultaneously, Rg5 demonstrates the capacity to activate the LKB1/AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway, instigating energy metabolism and consequently hindering the progression of NAFLD. Furthermore, we underscored the role of Rg5 in the treatment of NAFLD within the gut-microbiota-liver axis. Analysis via 16S rRNA sequencing unveiled that Rg5 intervention induced alterations in gut microbiota composition, fostering an increase in beneficial bacteria, such as Bacteroides and Akkermansia, while concurrently reducing the relative abundance of detrimental bacteria, exemplified by Olsenella. Furthermore, employing fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiments, we observed analogous outcomes in mice subjected to fecal bacterial transplants, providing additional verification of the capacity of Rg5 to mitigate NAFLD in mice by actively participating in the restoration of gut microbiota via FMT. Drawing from these data, the regulation of the gut microbiota is recognized as an innovative strategy for treating or preventing NAFLD and metabolic syndrome. Consequently, these research findings suggest that Rg5 holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for NAFLD management.

Inhibition of PTPRE suppresses tumor progression and improves sorafenib response in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a poor prognosis, and the efficacy of current therapeutic strategies is extremely limited in advanced diseases. Our previous study reported that protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor epsilon (PTPRE) is a promoting factor in HCC progression. In this study, our objective was to evaluate the treatment effect of PTPRE inhibitors in different HCC preclinical models. Our results indicated that the PTPRE inhibitory compound 63 (Cpd-63) inhibited tumor cell proliferation, migration, and HCC organoid growth. Mechanism research revealed that Cpd-63 could inhibit the expression of MYC and MYC targets by inhibiting the activation of SRC. Additionally, we found that Cpd-63 could improve the response of sorafenib in HCC cells. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the PTPRE inhibitors represented a potential therapeutic agent for HCC management.

Independence Reconceived

What makes a director independent? Scholars, regulators, and investors have grappled for decades with the fleeting notion of director independence. Originally conceived as guardians of shareholder interests that could safeguard a corporate board’s ability to check management’s power, independent directors have become a marquee feature of modern corporate governance. But do the corporate actions of directors that are considered “independent” under current standards comport with what we think independence requires? In many cases, the answer would seem to be “no.” From a lack of observable financial impact to the unabated flow of corporate scandals, independent directors seem to keep failing at the job they were championed to do.
 This Article addresses this puzzling tension, offering a novel theoretical and practical reframing of the decades-old discourse around independent directors. The historical focus on the classical managerial agency costs paradigm emphasized that directors who lack ties to the management team can prevent managerial slack or value extraction. However, this approach overlooks the critical role directors also have in curbing managerial overzealousness. In today’s governance ecosystem, directors are not only tasked with preventing managerial slack. They are increasingly tasked with preventing managerial overreach and misconduct even when such overreach or misconduct is compatible with promoting shareholder value. This has important theoretical and practical implications.
 This Article makes two key contributions to the literature. First, it reframes the question of what makes directors independent by supplementing the focus on agency costs as the driver for independence. By identifying a need to prevent boards from rubber-stamping managerial actions—even those taken in good faith—this Article suggests that a simple lack of ties to management fails as a litmus test for independence. Second, by reconceiving independence, this Article also provides tangible credence to the value of diversity on boards, the value and perils of hedge fund activism, and to the emerging discourse regarding ESG and stakeholderism.

Unraveling the inhibitory potential of fatty acids from Cola lepidota seed against monoclonal antibody Fab fragment (9F8) (3VG0) leptin antagonism and restoration of ‘satiety’ in obesity condition: insight from quantum chemical analysis, pharmacokinetics, and molecular docking

Abstract Obesity represents a significant global health issue that continues to escalate in prevalence. Interestingly, there is a less explored connection between obesity and compromised leptin function. Prior studies have highlighted the limited availability of drugs to address this issue hence, the relentless struggle against obesity persists and the need to develop new therapeutic strategies becomes necessary. In the present study, fatty acids from the seed of Cola lepidota were utilized to prevent antibody Fab fragment (9F8) (3VG0), an antagonist of leptin from binding to the leptin pocket of the human obesity receptor (ObR) thereby restoring ‘satiety’. This study is the first to investigate the effect of plant derived fatty acids from C. lepidota seed for the purpose of reversing leptin resistance in obesity condition. Our research employed experimental GCMS extraction technique and theoretical FT-IR and UV–vis analysis and compared result with those reported in literature. All computational methodologies were carried out within the framework of density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory while molecular docking and pharmacokinetics studies were employed to investigate the biological activities and druglikeness of the compounds. Result shows that linoleic acid (LA), methylhexadecanoate (HXD), ocatadecanoic acid methyl ester (ODA) and Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (BISP) recorded energy gaps of 2.8216 eV, 7.4230 eV, 7.4244 eV, and 5.5849 eV respectively, suggesting that LA is the most reactive while BISP is the most stable as they recorded lowest and highest energy gaps respectively. The dipole moment (μ) result shows that LA recorded the highest dipole moment at 6.1119 Debye (D) indicating that it has the highest polarizability capacity. The order of polarizability is LA > BISP > HXD > ODA. The visualized electron localization function result shows that the red regions are electron rich, followed by yellow region then green and finally blue region. Electron density was distributed within the O and H atoms of the molecules indicating strong electronegativity nature of oxygen and hydrogen atoms of the compounds. LA, ODA and HXD absorbed light at the vacuum level UV region while BISP absorbed light at the UV visible region. The compounds exhibited C–H and C–O stretching vibrations except for ODA that lacks the C–O functional group. The compounds exhibited biological activities with the target receptor protein (leptin antagonist) with bis(-2ethylhexyl) phthalate (BISP) having a docking score of −4.4 kcal/mol and containing the highest number of favorable hydrogen bond interactions with LYS41, PRO42, GLN44, GLY43 residues along the polypeptide L chain and PRO173 along the polypeptide H chain of the receptor. These interactions predominantly induced conformational changes in the amino acid sequence of the protein, thereby disrupting its three-dimensional structure and mitigating the antagonistic effects at the leptin binding domain (LBD) of the human obesity receptor (ObR), thus, effectively reversing leptin resistance in obese condition. Importantly, the pharmacokinetics revealed favorable drug-like properties with no toxicity effects with respect to hepatotoxicity, immunotoxicity, cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity and did not also penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) or exhibit clearance delays. The therapeutic strategy presented in this study is highly thoughtful and capable of recording huge success in obesity management, thereby reducing the burden of obesity on other chronic diseases. Therefore, these compounds have positioned themselves as promising agents in leptin resistance reversal and obesity management, warranting significant interest as potential drug candidates.

Antibacterial Activity of Cell-Free Supernatants of Probiotic Lactobacillus against Bacterial Pathogens Associated with Vaginal Infections

Vaginal infections are common female disease conditions that account for the prevalence of gynecological disorders which facilitate the increasing antimicrobial resistance and failure of prevalent treatment choices. In this study, the antibacterial activity of cell free supernatants (CFS) of probiotic Lactobacillus obtained from ogi (fermented maize) was evaluated against bacterial pathogens associated with vaginal infections. Bacterial pathogens isolated from high vaginal (n=22) and endocervical swabs (n=18) were bio-typed and assayed for hemolytic activity, biofilm production, antibacterial susceptibility pattern, and the CFS antagonistic activity. The occurrence of the vaginal bacterial pathogens was 33.0% for Streptococcus spp. and 31.0% for Staphylococcus aureus, with more than 70% resistance rates to amoxicillin, cefotaxime, imipenem/cilastatin, nalidixic acid, nitrofurantoin, cefuroxime, ceftriaxone sulbactam, ampiclox, cefixime and levofloxacin. More than 30% of the isolates produced biofilms. Of the four identified probiotic strains, only CFS from L. plantarum and L. acidophilus exhibited observable antagonistic reaction, with L. plantarum showing higher antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus condimenti, and L. acidophilus against Klebsiella pneumoniae. With the results of this study revealing the antibacterial activity of probiotic Lactobacillus CFS against vaginal bacterial pathogens, probiotic Lactobacillus can be suggested for use as prophylactic and bioprotective agents in the therapeutic management of vaginal bacterial infections and preservation of the vaginal microbiota.

Biocontrol potential of endophytic Pseudomonas strain IALR1619 against two Pythium species in cucumber and hydroponic lettuce.

The use of fungicides to manage disease has led to multiple environmental externalities, including resistance development, pollution, and non-target mortality. Growers have limited options as legacy chemistry is withdrawn from the market. Moreover, fungicides are generally labeled for traditional soil-based production, and not for liquid culture systems. Biocontrol agents for disease management are a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional agroprotectants. Pythium ultimum is a soil borne oomycete plant pathogen with a broad taxonomic host range exceeding 300 plants. Cucumber seedlings exposed to P. ultimum 1 day after a protective inoculation with bacterial endophyte accession IALR1619 (Pseudomonas sp.) recorded 59% survival; with the control assessed at 18%. When the pathogen was added 5 days post endophyte inoculation, 74% of the seedlings treated survived, compared to 36% of the control, indicating a longer-term effect of IALR1619. Under hydroponic conditions, IALR1619 treated leaf type lettuce cv. 'Cristabel' and Romaine cv. 'Red Rosie' showed 29% and 42% higher shoot fresh weight compared to their controls, respectively. Similar results with less growth decline were observed for a repeat experiment with IALR1619. Additionally, an experiment on hydroponic lettuce in pots with perlite was carried out with a mixture of P. ultimum and P. dissotocum after IALR1619 inoculation. The endophyte treated 'Cristabel' showed fresh weight gain, but the second cultivar 'Pensacola' yielded no increase. In summary, the endophyte IALR1619 provided short term as well as medium-term protection against Pythium blight in cucumber seedlings and may be used as an alternative to conventional fungicides in a greenhouse setting. This study also demonstrated the potential of ALR1619 as a biocontrol agent against Pythium blight in hydroponic lettuce.

Postoperative pain management using an intravenous combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen compared with acetaminophen alone after thyroidectomy: A prospective randomized controlled trial.

Multiple medications are more effective than single agents for postoperative pain management. We investigated the analgesic effects of an intravenous combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen immediately after thyroidectomy. In this double-blind clinical trial, 62 patients who underwent thyroidectomies were randomized to either the treatment (1000 mg acetaminophen, 300 mg ibuprofen) or control (1000 mg acetaminophen) group. Postoperative pain intensity was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) 0, 15, and 30 min after recovery room admission. Opioid rescue consumption was also recorded. The VAS scores were significantly lower in the treatment than in the control group 15 [3 (2-4.3) vs. 5 (3-6); p = 0.015] and 30 [3 (2-4.3) vs. 4 (3-5); p = 0.018] min after recovery room admission, as were the opioid rescue dose requirements (p = 0.033). Combined intravenous acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be better than acetaminophen alone for immediately acute postoperative pain after thyroidectomy.

N6-methyladenosine-modified circ_104797 sustains cisplatin resistance in bladder cancer through acting as RNA sponges

BackgroundBladder cancer (BCa) ranks among the predominant malignancies affecting the urinary system. Cisplatin (CDDP) remains a cornerstone therapeutic agent for BCa management. Recent insights suggest pivotal roles of circular RNA (circRNA) and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in modulating CDDP resistance in BCa, emphasizing the importance of elucidating these pathways to optimize cisplatin-based treatments.MethodsComprehensive bioinformatics assessments were undertaken to discern circ_104797 expression patterns, its specific interaction domains, and m6A motifs. These findings were subsequently corroborated through experimental validations. To ascertain the functional implications of circ_104797 in BCa metastasis, in vivo assays employing CRISPR/dCas13b-ALKBH5 were conducted. Techniques, such as RNA immunoprecipitation, biotin pull-down, RNA pull-down, luciferase reporter assays, and western blotting, were employed to delineate the underlying molecular intricacies.ResultsOur investigations revealed an elevated expression of circ_104797 in CDDP-resistant BCa cells, underscoring its pivotal role in sustaining cisplatin resistance. Remarkably, demethylation of circ_104797 markedly augmented the potency of cisplatin-mediated apoptosis. The amplification of circ_104797 in CDDP-resistant cells was attributed to enhanced RNA stability, stemming from an augmented m6A level at a distinct adenosine within circ_104797. Delving deeper, we discerned that circ_104797 functioned as a microRNA reservoir, specifically sequestering miR-103a and miR-660-3p, thereby potentiating cisplatin resistance.ConclusionsOur findings unveil a previously uncharted mechanism underpinning cisplatin resistance and advocate the potential therapeutic targeting of circ_104797 in cisplatin-administered patients with BCa, offering a promising avenue for advanced BCa management.

Strategies and Outcomes in Bee Conservation: Evaluating Impact on Pollination Ecosystems

Pollination stands as a crucial process vital for ecosystem maintenance, with pollinators serving as pivotal vectors. Approximately 80% of pollination relies on insects, with bees emerging as primary contributors. Their significant role in ecosystem services and economic value cannot be overstated, given that approximately 30% of food sources directly or indirectly rely on honeybee pollination. Additionally, honeybees provide essential products such as honey, propolis, beeswax, and venom. However, the alarming decline in honeybee populations due to various threats, including habitat loss from land use intensification, pesticides, climate change, pathogens, parasites, diseases, invasive species, and nutritional deficiencies, poses a grave concern. To ensure the conservation of honeybees and sustain pollination for future generations, a multifaceted approach is imperative. Key strategies include promoting beekeeping in urban areas to provide alternative habitats, implementing pesticide bans to mitigate harmful effects, fostering genetic resistance to combat diseases, establishing wildflower strips to enhance foraging resources, employing biocontrol agents for pest management, ensuring proper nutrition through diverse floral resources, and implementing effective sterilization techniques. Evaluating the impact of these conservation efforts on pollination ecosystems is paramount for assessing their efficacy and guiding future conservation initiatives.

Anti-papillary thyroid carcinoma effects of dioscorea bulbifera L. through ferroptosis and the PI3K/AKT pathway based on network pharmacology and experimental validation

Ethnopharmacological relevancePapillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the predominant form of thyroid cancer with a rising global incidence. Despite favorable prognoses, a significant recurrence rate persists. Dioscorea bulbifera L. (DBL), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been historically used for thyroid-related disorders. However, its therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action on PTC remain unclear. Aim of the studyTo explore the potential therapeutic effects, principal active components, and molecular mechanisms of DBL in the treatment of PTC through network pharmacology and molecular docking, with experimental validation conducted to corroborate these findings. Materials and methodsThe Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database (TCMSP) was utilized as a systematic tool for collecting and screening the phytochemical components of DBL, and for establishing associations between these components and molecular targets. Based on this, network data was visually processed using Cytoscape software (version 3.8.0). Concurrently, precise molecular docking studies of the principal active components of DBL and their corresponding targets were conducted using Autodock software. Additionally, PTC-related genes were selected through the GeneCards and GEO databases. We further employed the DAVID bioinformatics resources to conduct comprehensive Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses on the intersecting genes between DBL and PTC. These analyses aid in predicting the potential therapeutic actions of DBL on PTC and its mechanisms of action. To validate these findings, corresponding in vitro experimental studies were also conducted. ResultsIn this investigation, 14 bioactive compounds of DBL and 195 corresponding molecular targets were identified, with 127 common targets shared between DBL and PTC. Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities between major bioactive compounds and target proteins. GO enrichment analysis unveiled key processes involved in DBL's action. KEGG analysis highlighted DBL's modulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Experimental outcomes demonstrated DBL's potential in inhibiting PTC cell proliferation and migration, suppressing PI3K/AKT pathway activation, and promoting ferroptosis. ConclusionIn conclusion, DBL offers a multifaceted therapeutic approach for PTC, targeting multiple molecular entities and influencing diverse biological pathways. Network pharmacology and molecular docking shed light on DBL's potential utility in PTC treatment, substantiated by experimental validation. This study contributes valuable insights into using DBL as a promising therapeutic agent for PTC management.

Chemical Insights into Topical Agents in Intraocular Pressure Management: From Glaucoma Etiopathology to Therapeutic Approaches.

Glaucoma encompasses a group of optic neuropathies characterized by complex and often elusive etiopathology, involvihttng neurodegeneration of the optic nerve in conjunction with abnormal intraocular pressure (IOP). Currently, there is no cure for glaucoma, and treatment strategies primarily aim to halt disease progression by managing IOP. This review delves into the etiopathology, diagnostic methods, and treatment approaches for glaucoma, with a special focus on IOP management. We discuss a range of active pharmaceutical ingredients used in glaucoma therapy, emphasizing their chemical structure, pharmacological action, therapeutic effectiveness, and safety/tolerability profiles. Notably, most of these therapeutic agents are administered as topical formulations, a critical aspect considering patient compliance and drug delivery efficiency. The classes of glaucoma therapeutics covered in this review include prostaglandin analogs, beta blockers, alpha agonists, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, Rho kinase inhibitors, and miotic (cholinergic) agents. This comprehensive overview highlights the importance of topical administration in glaucoma treatment, offering insights into the current state and future directions of pharmacological management in glaucoma.

Expert Opinion on the Prescription Practice of Oral Hypoglycemic Agents for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in India

Background: In India, the prevalence of diabetes is constantly rising in both urban and rural settings. The innovation of newer drugs and the combination of available drugs to treat diabetes has also been increasing. So, this study aimed to understand the practice of clinicians and their perspective towards prescribing appropriate oral hypoglycemic agents for individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in India. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted among diabetologists who provided consent to participate in the survey on their prescription pattern of oral hypoglycemic agents for management of T2DM individuals. Results: Majority of physicians preferred sitagliptin and dapagliflozin fixed dose combination (FDC) (84.42%) for T2DM individuals with high-risk. The experts also mentioned the FDC reduces time in range (40.04%) when sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) FDC was given. Sitagliptin and dapagliflozin combination therapy was given majorly to newly diagnosed T2DM individuals with cardiovascular risk (CV risk) (67.07%). Sitagliptin and dapagliflozin FDC for 16 weeks reduces 1.5 to 2% of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (40.63%). Conclusion: Sitagliptin and dapagliflozin FDC was effective for T2DM individuals with high-risk and for newly diagnosed T2DM (and with CV risk). The combination also showed benefit in reducing blood pressure and weight loss when compared to SGLT2 inhibitors monotherapy. Hospitalization rate and CV risk was reduced in individuals who take sitagliptin and dapagliflozin FDC.

Quercetin-loaded nanoemulsions prevent Scopolamine-induced neurotoxicity in male rats

Quercetin (QCT) is well-known as a neuroprotective agent due to its antioxidant capacities and reinstating mitochondrial functions. Scopolamine is commonly used as a model to induce Alzheimer's disease (AD-like) symptoms. The current study develops QCT-loaded nanoemulsion (QCT-NE) accompanied by evaluating its neuro-therapeutic effectiveness against SCO-induced neurotoxicity in male rats.The QCT-NE was prepared by the spontaneous emulsification technique and characterized by using particle size, zeta potential, drug loading, in vitro drug release behavior, and stability studies. In vivo studies were done on adult Wistar rats by applying the Morris water maze (MWM) test to study spatial memory and learning. The levels of lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione were quantitatively determined to reveal the potential mechanism of SCO-induced oxidative stress. Finally, histological studies were performed using staining techniques.The QCT-NE particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), and DL were obtained at 172.4 ± 16.8 nm, -29 ± 0.26 mV, 0.3 ± 0.07, and 81.42 ± 9.14 %, respectively. The QCT and more effectively QCT-NE reduced the elevation of neurobehavioral abnormalities in the MWM test in SCO-exposed rats. The results of oxidative status showed that SCO significantly could increase the LPO and decrease the GSH levels in the rat's brain. However, QCT-NE treatment was more effective than free QCT to inhibit oxidative damage and was well correlated with histopathological findings.Taken together, QCT-NE, compared to QCT, was superior in ameliorating SCO-induced AD-like symptoms due to its better neuroprotective activity and can be considered a novel supplementary therapeutic agent in AD management.

Development of Machine Learning-Based Energy Management Agent to Control Fine Dust Concentration in Railway Stations

Development of Machine Learning-Based Energy Management Agent to Control Fine Dust Concentration in Railway Stations