The Advancing Role of Nanocomposites in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment.

The relentless pursuit of effective cancer diagnosis and treatment strategies has led to the rapidly expanding field of nanotechnology, with a specific focus on nanocomposites. Nanocomposites, a combination of nanomaterials with diverse properties, have emerged as versatile tools in oncology, offering multifunctional platforms for targeted delivery, imaging, and therapeutic interventions. Nanocomposites exhibit great potential for early detection and accurate imaging in cancer diagnosis. Integrating various imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and fluorescence imaging, into nanocomposites enables the development of contrast agents with enhanced sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, functionalizing nanocomposites with targeting ligands ensures selective accumulation in tumor tissues, facilitating precise imaging and diagnostic accuracy. On the therapeutic front, nanocomposites have revolutionized cancer treatment by overcoming traditional challenges associated with drug delivery. The controlled release of therapeutic agents from nanocomposite carriers enhances drug bioavailability, reduces systemic toxicity, and improves overall treatment efficacy. Additionally, the integration of stimuli-responsive components within nanocomposites enables site-specific drug release triggered by the unique microenvironment of the tumor. Despite the remarkable progress in the field, challenges such as biocompatibility, scalability, and long-term safety profiles remain. This article provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments, challenges, and prospects, emphasizing the transformative potential of nanocomposites in revolutionizing the landscape of cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. In Conclusion, integrating nanocomposites in cancer diagnosis and treatment heralds a new era for precision medicine.

Mitogenomic Analysis and Phylogenetic Implications for the Deltocephaline Tribe Chiasmini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae).

The grassland leafhopper tribe Chiasmini (Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) presently comprises 324 described species worldwide, with the highest species diversity occurring in the Nearctic region but a greater diversity of genera occurring in the Old World. In China, this tribe comprises 39 described species in 11 genera, but the fauna remains understudied. The complete mitogenomes of three species of this tribe have been sequenced previously. In order to better understand the phylogenetic position of Chiasmini within the subfamily Deltocephalinae and to investigate relationships among Chiasmini genera and species, we sequenced and analyzed the complete mitogenomes of 13 species belonging to seven genera from China. Comparison of the newly sequenced mitogenomes reveals a closed circular double-stranded structure containing 37 genes with a total length of 14,805 to 16,269 bp and a variable number of non-coding A + T-rich regions. The gene size, gene order, gene arrangement, base composition, codon usage, and secondary structure of tRNAs of the newly sequenced mitogenomes of these 13 species are highly conserved in Chiasmini. The ATN codon is commonly used as the start codon in protein-coding genes (PCGs), except for ND5 in Doratura sp. and ATP6 in Nephotettix nigropictus, which use the rare GTG start codon. Most protein-coding genes have TAA or TAG as the stop codon, but some genes have an incomplete T stop codon. Except for the tRNA for serine (trnS1(AGN)), the secondary structure of the other 21 tRNAs is a typical cloverleaf structure. In addition to the primary type of G-U mismatch, five other types of tRNA mismatches were observed: A-A, A-C, A-G, U-C, and U-U. Chiasmini mitochondrial genomes exhibit gene overlaps with three relatively stable regions: the overlapping sequence between trnW and trnC is AAGTCTTA, the overlapping sequence between ATP8 and ATP6 is generally ATGATTA, and the overlapping sequence between ND4 and ND4L is generally TTATCAT. The largest non-coding region is the control region, which exhibits significant length and compositional variation among species. Some Chiasmini have tandem repeat structures within their control regions. Unlike some other deltocephaline leafhoppers, the sequenced Chiasmini lack mitochondrial gene rearrangements. Phylogenetic analyses of different combinations of protein-coding and ribosomal genes using maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods under different models, using either amino acid or nucleotide sequences, are generally consistent and also agree with results of prior analyses of nuclear and partial mitochondrial gene sequence data, indicating that complete mitochondrial genomes are phylogenetically informative at different levels of divergence within Chiasmini and among leafhoppers in general. Apart from Athysanini and Opsiini, most of the deltocephaline tribes are recovered as monophyletic. The results of ML and BI analyses show that Chiasmini is a monophyletic group with seven monophyletic genera arranged as follows: ((Zahniserius + (Gurawa + (Doratura + Aconurella))) + (Leofa + (Exitianus + Nephotettix))).

Research progress on branched-chain amino acid aminotransferases.

Branched-chain amino acid aminotransferases, widely present in natural organisms, catalyze bidirectional amino transfer between branched-chain amino acids and branched-chain α-ketoacids in cells. Branched-chain amino acid aminotransferases play an important role in the metabolism of branched-chain amino acids. In this paper, the interspecific evolution and biological characteristics of branched-chain amino acid aminotransferases are introduced, the related research of branched-chain amino acid aminotransferases in animals, plants, microorganisms and humans is summarized and the molecular mechanism of branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase is analyzed. It has been found that branched-chain amino acid metabolism disorders are closely related to various diseases in humans and animals and plants, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, brain diseases, neurological diseases and cancer. In particular, branched-chain amino acid aminotransferases play an important role in the development of various tumors. Branched-chain amino acid aminotransferases have been used as potential targets for various cancers. This article reviews the research on branched-chain amino acid aminotransferases, aiming to provide a reference for clinical research on targeted therapy for various diseases and different cancers.

Amyloid Fibrils Produced by Streptococcus sanguinis Contribute to Biofilm Formation and Immune Evasion.

Bacterial surface proteins assembled into amyloids contribute to biofilm formation and host immune evasion. Streptococcus sanguinis, a pioneer colonizer of teeth commonly involved in cardiovascular infections, expresses about thirty-three proteins anchored to the cell wall by sortase A. Here, we characterized the production of amyloid in S. sanguinis strains differing in biofilm and immune evasion phenotypes and investigated the role of sortase A in amyloidogenesis. Amyloid was identified in biofilms formed by nine strains, using Congo red (CR) staining and cross-polarized light microscopy. Additionally, EGCG, an amyloid inhibitor, impaired biofilm maturation in a strain-specific fashion. The amounts of amyloid-like components quantified in culture fluids of nine strains using thioflavin T and fluorimetry negatively correlated with bacterial binding to complement-activating proteins (SAP, C1q), C3b deposition and rates of opsonophagocytosis in PMNs, implying amyloid production in immune evasion. The deletion of the sortase A gene (srtA) in strain SK36 compromised amyloid production and sucrose-independent biofilm maturation. The srtA mutant further showed increased susceptibility to C3b deposition and altered interactions with PMNs as well as reduced persistence in human blood. These findings highlight the contribution of amyloids to biofilm formation and host immune evasion in S. sanguinis strains, further indicating the participation of sortase A substrates in amyloidogenesis.

A Review of Interactions between Plants and Whitefly-Transmitted Begomoviruses.

The transmission of plant viruses from infected to healthy host plants is a process in which insects play a major role, using various transmission strategies. Environmental factors have an impact on the transmission of viruses and the subsequent development of infections or diseases. When viruses are successful, plant virus diseases can reach epidemic proportions. Many plants across different regions are vulnerable to viral infections transmitted by the whitefly vector. Begomoviruses, which are transmitted by whiteflies, represent a significant threat to agriculture worldwide. The review highlights the mechanisms of virus acquisition and transmission by whiteflies and explores the factors influencing these interactions. Understanding the impacts of these changes is crucial for managing the spread of pests and mitigating damage to crops. It underscores the need for continued research to elucidate the mechanisms driving plant-insect-virus interactions and to identify new approaches for sustainable pest management.

Sustainable Pest Management in Date Palm Ecosystems: Unveiling the Ecological Dynamics of Red Palm Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Infestations.

The red palm weevil (RPW) poses a significant threat to date palm ecosystems, highlighting the necessity of sustainable pest management strategies that carefully consider the delicate ecological balance within these environments. This comprehensive review delves into innovative approaches to sustainable pest management, specifically focusing on date palm, and seeks to unravel the intricate ecological dynamics underlying RPW infestations. We thoroughly analyze biocontrol methods, eco-friendly chemical interventions, and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, aiming to minimize the ecological impact while effectively addressing RPW infestations. By emphasizing the interplay of both living organisms (biotic) and environmental factors (abiotic) in shaping RPW dynamics, we advocate for a holistic and sustainable management approach that ensures the long-term resilience of date palm ecosystems. This review aims to contribute to an ecologically sound framework for pest management, promoting the sustainability and vitality of date palm ecosystems amidst the challenges posed by the RPW.

PepO and CppA modulate Streptococcus sanguinis susceptibility to complement immunity and virulence.

Streptococcus sanguinis is a ubiquitous commensal species of the oral cavity commonly involved as an opportunistic pathogen in cardiovascular infections. In this study, we investigated the functions of endopeptidase O (PepO) and a C3-degrading protease (CppA) in the systemic virulence of S. sanguinis. Isogenic mutants of pepO and cppA obtained in strain SK36 showed increased susceptibility to C3b deposition and to opsonophagocytosis by human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN). These mutants differ, however, in their profiles of binding to serum amyloid P component (SAP) and C1q, whereas both showed reduced interaction with C4b-binding protein (C4BP) and/or factor H (FH) regulators as compared to SK36. The two mutants showed defects in ex vivo persistence in human blood, serum-mediated invasion of HCAEC endothelial cells, and virulence in a Galleria mellonella infection model. The transcriptional activities of pepO and cppA, assessed by RT-qPCR in nine wild-type strains, further indicated strain-specific profiles of pepO/cppA expression. Moreover, non-conserved amino acid substitutions were detected among the strains, mostly in CppA. Phylogenetic comparisons with homologues of streptococcal species of the oral and oropharyngeal sites suggested that S. sanguinis PepO and CppA have independent ancestralities. Thus, this study showed that PepO and CppA are complement evasion proteins expressed by S. sanguinis in a strain-specific manner, which are required for multiple functions associated with cardiovascular virulence.

Review of the leafhopper tribe Deltocephalini Dallas, 1870 (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Deltocephalinae) in Pakistan with description of a new species of Paramesodes.

A review of the leafhopper tribe Deltocephalini in Pakistan is provided, including comprehensive illustrated keys to all genera and species, along with their diagnosis and distribution. A new species of Paramesodes is described, P.dirensissp. nov., which was discovered in the Upper Dir District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A detailed description of this new species is provided together with photographs for visual reference. This tribe now has three genera and 13 species from Pakistan. The genus Deltocephalus Burmeister includes two species, and Maiestas Distant has nine species; Paramesodes Ishihara is now represented with two species.

A new species in the grassland leafhopper genus Stirellus Osborn amp; Ball (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Stenometopiini) from Pakistan.

A new leafhopper species Stirellus pakistanicus Shah Duan sp. n. is described from Attock region of the Punjab province of Pakistan. Habitus photos and illustrations of male genitalia of the new species are provided. An updated checklist and a distribution map of the known species of Stirellus from Pakistan are also given.

MicroRNAs Mediated Plant Responses to Salt Stress.

One of the most damaging issues to cultivatable land is soil salinity. While salt stress influences plant growth and yields at low to moderate levels, severe salt stress is harmful to plant growth. Mineral shortages and toxicities frequently exacerbate the problem of salinity. The growth of many plants is quantitatively reduced by various levels of salt stress depending on the stage of development and duration of stress. Plants have developed various mechanisms to withstand salt stress. One of the key strategies is the utilization of microRNAs (miRNAs) that can influence gene regulation at the post-transcriptional stage under different environmental conditions, including salinity. Here, we have reviewed the miRNA-mediated adaptations of various plant species to salt stress and other abiotic variables. Moreover, salt responsive (SR)-miRNAs, their targets, and corresponding pathways have also been discussed. The review article concludes by suggesting that the utilization of miRNAs may be a vital strategy to generate salt tolerant crops ensuring food security in the future.

Plant responses to metals stress: microRNAs in focus.

Metal toxicity can largely affect the growth and yield of numerous plant species. Plants have developed specific mechanisms to withstand the varying amounts of metals. One approach involves utilization of microRNAs (miRNAs) that are known for cleaving transcripts or inhibiting translation to mediate post-transcriptional control. Use of transcription factors (TFs) or gene regulation in metal detoxification largely depends on metal-responsive miRNAs. Moreover, systemic signals and physiological processes for plants response to metal toxicities are likewise controlled by miRNAs. Therefore, it is necessary to understand miRNAs and their regulatory networks in relation to metal stress. The miRNA-based approach can be important to produce metal-tolerant plant species. Here, we have reviewed the importance of plant miRNAs and their role in mitigating metal toxicities. The current review also discusses the specific advances that have occurred as a result of the identification and validation of several metal stress-responsive miRNAs.

Taxonomic review of the grassland leafhopper genus Maiestas Distant (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Deltocephalini) from Pakistan with description of a new species and two new records.

The grassland leafhopper genus Maiestas Distant is reviewed from Pakistan with the description and illustrations of one new species, Maiestas sinuata Shah Duan sp. n., and two new records, i.e., Maiestas maculata n. rec. and Maiestas trispinosa n. rec. A checklist of the known species of Maiestas from Pakistan is also given together with a key for their separation (males).

Insect-fungal-interactions: A detailed review on entomopathogenic fungi pathogenicity to combat insect pests.

Global food security is threatened by insect pests of economically important crops. Chemical pesticides have been used frequently for the last few decades to manage insect pests throughout the world. However, these chemicals are hazardous for human health as well as the ecosystem. In addition, several pests have evolved resistance to many chemicals. Finding environment friendly alternatives lead the researchers to introduce biocontrol agents such as entomopathogenic fungi (EPF). These fungi include various genera that can infect and kill insects efficiently. Moreover, EPFs have considerable host specificity with a mild effect on non-target organisms and can be produced in bulk quantity quickly. However, insights into the biology of EPF and mechanism of action are of prime significance for their efficient utilization as a biocontrol agent. This review focuses on EPF-mediated insect management by explaining particular EPF strains and their general mode of action. We have comprehensively discussed which criteria should be used for the selection of pertinent EPF, and which aspects can impact the EPF efficiency. Finally, we have outlined various advantages of EPF and their limitations. The article summarizes the prospects related to EPF utilization as biocontrol agents. We hope that future strategies for the management of insects will be safer for our planet.

Checklist and keys to Deltocephalinae leafhoppers (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae) from Pakistan.

Keys to all levels of the subfamily Deltocephalinae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) of Pakistan are provided based on published records and original data from recent research. Checklists to the genera and species of Deltocephalinae are also given. A total of 49 genera with more than 100 species are now known from Pakistan. Two new synonyms are proposed, i.e., Cicadulinastriata Ahmed, 1986 a junior synonym of Cicadulinachinai Ghauri, 1965, syn. nov. and Macrostelesparafalcatus Naveed & Zhang, 2018 a new junior synonym of Macrostelesindrina (Pruthi, 1930), syn. nov.

Taxonomic study of the genus Unkanodes (Hemiptera, Fulgoroidea, Delphacidae) from Pakistan, with description of a new species.

Unkanodes (Kwonianella) malamjabbensissp. nov. (Hemiptera, Delphacidae) is described and illustrated and U. latespinosa (Dlabola, 1957) is newly recorded from Malamjabbah, Swat, Pakistan. These two species represent the first records of the genus Unkanodes Fennah, 1956 from Pakistan. A key to the world's species of the genus Unkanodes is provided.

COVID-19-Induced Hepatic Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background The current pandemic of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a global health challenge. Pulmonary dysfunction is the main outcome of COVID-19 infection. In critically ill patients, however, liver complications have also been reported. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to draw generalized conclusions regarding impaired liver biochemistry and its potential relationship with COVID-19 disease severity. Materials and Methods We searched the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for all the related literature published up to June 20, 2020. The data were analyzed using R statistical software. A random-effects model was employed for pooling the data. The risk of bias and quality of included studies was assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for cohort studies. Results The present meta-analysis comprises 10 retrospective and two prospective studies (6,976 COVID-19 patients). The serum analysis revealed significantly higher levels of alanine aminotransferases and aspartate aminotransferases and significantly lower albumin levels. Moreover, insignificant increases in serum levels of total bilirubin were observed. Upon subgroup analysis of six studies (severe cases, n=131; non-severe cases, n=334) stratified on the basis of disease severity, we found that these abnormalities were relatively higher in severe cases of COVID-19 (albumin [weighted mean difference (WMD), 34.03 g/L; 95% CI, 27.42 to 40.63; p<0.0001; I2=96.83%); alanine transaminase (ALT) [WMD, 31.66 U/L; 95% CI, 25.07 to 38.25; p<0.0001; I2=55.64%]; aspartate aminotransferase (AST) [WMD, 41.79 U/L; 95% CI, 32.85 to 50.72; p<0.0001; I2=51.43%]; total bilirubin [WMD, 9.97 µmol/L; 95% CI, 8.46 to 11.48; p<0.0001; I2=98%]) than in non-severe cases. Conclusion Deranged liver enzymes serve as prognostic factors to assess the severity of COVID-19. Liver markers should, therefore, be observed and monitored continuously.

A Comprehensive Review of Pharmaceutical and Surgical Interventions of Prostate Cancer.

As the second most common cause of death amongst men in the United States, prostate cancer is a type of cancer that is known to develop and originate in the prostate gland. The main function of the prostate gland is to produce seminal fluid in which the sperm bathes. The seminal fluids are necessary for allowing the sperm to move easily through the urethra and also allows successful fertilization by providing an alkaline environment for the sperm in the acidic nature of the vagina. The seminal vesicles are two smaller glands that are attached to either side of the prostate gland and in radical prostatectomies, can get removed. In the event that the seminal vesicles are removed during a radical prostatectomy, the individual is unable to produce any seminal fluids and thus, becoming infertile. Prostate cancer is most commonly seen in patients over the age of 66 years, however, in the presence of predisposing risk factors, may occur as early as in the late 40s. Certain risk factors may speed the presentation of prostate cancer in individuals and thus, mandatory screening is recommended around the age of 45. If no risk factors are present, screening is recommended to begin after the age of 50 years. Screening for prostate cancer is focused on looking for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in a blood test, though this may not be the most reliable method. The method of diagnosis stems from further testing done following an abnormal PSA test. A digital rectal examination and ultrasonography may also be used to assist with the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Though there are several different types of pharmaceutical interventions currently present in the eradication of prostate cancer, with androgen deprivation therapy being the most commonly used, surgical interventions may be utilized to completely resect cancer from an individual. Different radical prostatectomies are used; the appropriate approach utilized is dependent on the extensiveness of cancer and the type of cancer that is present.

First report of the Old World leafhopper genus Olidiana McKamey (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Coelidiinae) from Pakistan with description of a new species.

The genus Olidiana McKamey, 2006 is reported for the first time from Pakistan based on the new species Olidiana pakistanica sp. nov. Photographic illustrations and a description are provided for the habitus and male genitalia of this new species. A partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene (COI) sequence is also provided.

A review of the leafhopper genus Pseudosubhimalus Ghauri (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) with description of a new species from Pakistan.

A new species of the leafhopper genus Pseudosubhimalus Ghauri (Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Cicadulini), Pseudosubhimalus pakistanicus sp. n., is described from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. Figures for habitus and genitalic characters are given for this new species and newly recorded species from Pakistan. A key to all the known species of the genus Pseudosubhimalus is provided.

Newly reported genus Batracomorphus Lewis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Iassinae) from Pakistan with description of a new species.

The leafhopper genus Batracomorphus Lewis, 1834 is reported for the first time from Pakistan. A new species Batracomorphus pakistanicus sp. nov. is described with photographic illustrations.