Ethiopia is a key maize producer in Africa. Over the previous two decades, Ethiopia's maize sector has seen tremendous development. Farmers in Ethiopia demand a continual supply of novel and improved varieties to satisfy their ever-changing production and marketing difficulties. Breeders can no longer function without the analysis of multi-environment trials (MET) for varietal evaluation. To reliably choose better varieties that boost agricultural production, efficient statistical methods for maize variety evaluation must be used. This study used multiplicative mixed models to analyze data from multi-environment trials in order to identify outstanding maize varieties based on yield performance. In this study, 32 maize varieties, including four checks, were sown across seven major maize growing areas in Ethiopia using RCB design, with three replications during the main cropping season in 2020. The findings showed that factor analytic models were a successful approach for maize MET data analysis under the linear mixed model. The examined FA models have better data fitting, which significantly improves heritability. SXM1910008 and SXM1910007 showed good yield performance over correlated locations, including Ambo, Bako, Hawasa, and Wondogenet, and were therefore identified as potentially useful stable genotypes with a wide range of adaptability. This is because the improved analysis technique we used here showed that correlated locations were the basis for genotype selection. Data from multi-environment trials can be analyzed to provide a more reliable framework for evaluating maize varieties, giving breeders more confidence to select superior varieties for a wide range of environments. This can be done by using more efficient statistical models. In order to improve the selection of better varieties in the maize breeding program, it is vital to increase the usage of this efficient analysis technique.
Microalgae offer a sustainable approach for removing heavy metals from industrial effluents. This study evaluated the ability of Chlorella minutissima to tolerate and remove Cd²⁺, Cr⁶⁺, Pb²⁺, and Zn²⁺ from synthetic wastewater under optimized growth conditions (27 ± 1 °C, pH 7.5, 14:10 h light: dark cycle, 2000–2500 lux, 100 mgL⁻¹ glucose, initial density ≥10⁶ cells mL⁻¹). Growth responses and metal uptake were assessed across concentrations of 0.5–10 mgL⁻¹. Results showed strong variability among metals. At 0.5 mgL⁻¹, the highest removal percentage was recorded for Zn²⁺ (98.63%), followed by Pb²⁺ (93.15%), Cr⁶⁺ (85.69%), and Cd²⁺ (40.49%). However, Pb²⁺ exhibited the highest absolute uptake amount (6.86 µg per 100 mL) at 3 mgL⁻¹, while Cr⁶⁺ underwent significant intracellular reduction to Cr³⁺. Growth inhibition was most pronounced under Cd²⁺ exposure, followed by Cr⁶⁺, Pb²⁺, and Zn²⁺. Negative controls confirmed normal growth in the absence of metals. These findings indicate that C. minutissima is an effective biosorbent for low concentrations of Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Cr⁶⁺ under laboratory conditions. While the results highlight its potential for wastewater treatment, further studies using real effluents and pilot-scale systems are necessary to establish practical applicability.
One of the main causes of death for women is breast cancer. Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are common forms of treatment, and they have a number of adverse effects. Sulforaphane (SFP) is a naturally occurring isothiocyanate that can be found in cauliflower, broccoli, and other vegetables. It exhibits potential anticancer activity against breast, pancreatic, bladder, hepatic, prostate, osteosarcoma, melanoma. In order to demonstrate its targeted medication delivery utilizing a magnetic field, magnetic nanoparticles are essential. This study's primary objective was to investigate how magnetic nanoparticles can improve bioavailability, stability, and dissolution. By encapsulating a herbal medication called SFP in iron salts, the magnetic nanoparticles were developed. They were then characterized using FTIR, XRD, SEM, TGA, drug loading efficiency, zeta potential, VSM, and stability studies. In-vitro dissolution and in-vitro anticancer activity were conducted to determine which formulation was the best among them using MDA-MB-231 cells. According to HRSEM data, the average particle size of MNPs 100–250 nm following loading with sulforaphane had a consistent spherical shape. At pH 6, the zeta potential value was determined to be 15 mv and -9 mv, respectively. According to in-vitro dissolution studies, pH has an impact on the amount of drug release. that all four varieties of magnetic nanoparticles exhibit adequate magnetic response for drug targeting in the presence of an external magnetic field, have a good size range, a high surface area, and a sufficient percentage of elements on their particle surface. SFP/MCM-41MNP (F2) shown more cytotoxicity on MDA-MB-231 cells than other positive control groups and pure SFP, according to the MTT-assay. The IC50 of F2 was close to that of standard Doxorubicin. Hence it was considered as best formulation, useful for the effective management of breast cancer.
Plasmodesmata are microscopic channels that connect adjacent plant cells, enabling direct symplastic transport of molecules, including photoassimilates. They play a crucial role in intercellular communication and the regulation of assimilate translocation from source to sink tissues. The structure, frequency, and permeability of plasmodesmata influence the efficiency of sucrose and other carbohydrate movement, impacting plant growth and yield. This review explores the ultrastructure of plasmodesmata, the molecular mechanisms governing their regulation, and their role in assimilate partitioning under normal and stress conditions. Emphasis is placed on recent advances in imaging techniques, molecular gating, and the integration of plasmodesmal function with phloem loading and unloading strategies. Understanding these pathways offers insights for improving crop productivity through targeted manipulation of assimilate transport mechanisms.
Dietary intervention is gaining attention as a preventive measure for common and major health problems that are related to diet, such as obesity, diabetes, heart problems, and even cancer. In this case, cereals are an unavoidable part of the world's nutrition; therefore, the development of cereal grains as a source of nutritional and health benefits is a major concern. Among the cereals, rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the most cultivars cereal and is the basic food for more than half of the population; it also serves these people as their primary carbohydrate source and thus plays a major role in meeting their energy requirement and nutrient intake. Since rice is the main staple food for humans, increasing its resistant starch, slow digestible starch and reducing the fraction of rapidly digestible starch content leads to reduced glycemic index to manage the diabetes and its related health complications.
