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Present study assessed the growth of two plant species and ion uptake by them grown on different proportion of industrial solid waste and garden soil. The industrial waste having high concentration of chemicals were used with garden soil at different proportion i.e. 0% (T0), 5% (T1), 10% (T2), 15% (T3) and 20% (T4). Two species namely Conocarpus erectus (alien plant) and Dodonaea viscosa (indigenous) were used as test plants in pot study. Different parameters including growth, physiology, and anatomy of plants and concentration of cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+) in the plant shoot and root were measured at different time duration (initial, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th month). The key objective of the study was to use these plants to establish their plantations on the barren lands where industrial solid wastes were being disposed of. C. erectus showed better growth than D. viscosa, as well as more uptake of ions. A significant increase in plant growth was observed in fourth month in T1, where plant height reached 24.5% and 46% for C. erectus and D. viscosa, respectively. At harvest, in C. erectus, no significant difference in the fresh (65-78 g) and dry weight (24-30 g) of the shoot was observed across treatments compared to the control. In D. viscosa, at the time of harvest, the fresh and dry weights of the root and shoot showed a strong, significantly decreasing pattern across T1, T2, and T3, leading to the death of the plant at T3 and T4. Further, optimum ratio of waste soil to garden soil was found as 10:90 and 20:80 to establish the plantations of D. viscosa and C. erectus, respectively in areas where such solid waste from industries are disposed. Findings can be used for the restoration of such solid waste for the sustainable management of industrial areas and their associated ecosystems.

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The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the potential of promising summer maize genotypes and optimal stage of harvesting these genotypes for ensiling in terms of dry matter (DM), starch, and crude protein (CP) yields, silage fermentation quality, nutrients profile, total digestible nutrients, metabolizable energy (ME) content, Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) carbohydrate (CHO) subfractions composition, in vitro DM digestibility (DMD) and in situ starch degradation characteristics. Six maize genotypes were chosen for the study: DK9108 from Monsanto, P30Y87, P3939 from Pioneer, QPM-300 (quality protein maize) and W94 from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), and a local cultivar, Afgoii, from the Cereal Research Institute (Persabaq, KP). A total of 72 plots (8 m × 10 m) were blocked in three replicate fields, and within each field, each genotype was sown in four replicate plots according to a randomized complete block design. For the data analysis, the Proc-Mixed procedure of Statistical Analysis System with repeated measure analysis of variance was used. The DM yield was strongly influenced (P < 0.001) by maize genotypes, varying from 12.6 to 17.0 tons/ha. Except for total CHO and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), the contents of all measured chemical components varied (P < 0.001) among the genotypes. Further comparison revealed that, genotype P3939 had a higher (P < 0.05) content of CP (7.27 vs. 6.92%), starch (36.7 vs. 27.9%), DMD (65.4 vs. 60.0%), ME (2.51 vs. 2.30 Mcal/kg) and lactic acid (5.32 vs. 4.83%) and lowest content of NDF (37.3 vs. 43.1%), pH (3.7 vs. 4.10) compared to the local cultivar (Afgoii). Advancement of post-flowering maturity from 25 to 35% DM (23 to 41 days after flowering (DAF)) increased (P < 0.05) the DM yield (10.4 to 17.8 tons/ha), starch content (29.1 to 35.0%), DMD (65.3 to 67.3%) and ME (2.34 to 2.47 Mcal/kg), and decreased (P < 0.001) the contents of CP (7.42-6.73%), NDF (48.8-38.5%), pH (4.10 to 3.60), NH3-N (8.93-7.80%N) and effective degradability of starch (95.4 to 89.4). Results showed that for higher yields and silage nutritional and fermentation quality, maize crops should be harvested at whole crop DM content of 30-35% (34 to 41 DAF). It was further concluded that genotype P3939 is the most suitable summer maize genotype for silage production in terms of yields and silage nutritional and fermentation quality under the hot environmental conditions of the tropics.

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In the last few decades, researchers have thoroughly studied the use of plants in Palestine, one of them is Cyclamen persicum Mill. (C. persicum). Cyclamen persicum has been historically cultivated since the 1700s due to its tuber. The tuber is known to stimulate the nasal receptors, thus triggering the sensory neurons. Cyclamen persicum has anti-inflammatory effects, reduces cholesterol levels, treats diabetes, and inhibits tumor growth. In this respect, in-vitro examination of antibacterial and anticancer activities and antioxidative potency of C. persicum ethanolic extract were evaluated. The antioxidative potency of the extracted plant material was determined spectrophotometrically using the DPPH free radical scavenging method and the HPLC-PDA method to evaluate its total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The experimental results revealed weak antibacterial activity of C. persicum extract against both gram negative (E. coli) and gram positive (Streptococcus aureus and S. aureus) bacterial strains, with the zones of inhibition found to be less than 8 mm. On the other hand, powerful activity against MCF7 breast cancer as well as HT29 colon cancer cell lines was obtained. The findings also revealed potent inhibition of free radicals and the presence of maximal levels of natural products such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which supportits biological activities and powerful ability to scavenge free radicals. HPLC results showed the presence of numerous flavonoid and phenolic compounds such as rutin, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, trans-cinnamic acid, quercetin, sinapic acid, and p-coumaric acid.

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Background: Ulcerative colitis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory bowel disease that involves inflammation and ulcers of the colon and rectum. To date, no definite cure for this disease is available. Objective: The objective of the current study was to assess the effect of Calliandra haematocephala on inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress markers for the exploration of its anti-ulcerative colitis activity in rat models of acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis. Methods: Methanolic and n-hexane extracts of areal parts of the plant were prepared by cold extraction method. Phytochemical analysis of both extracts was performed by qualitative analysis, quantitative methods, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Prednisone at 2 mg/kg dose and plant extracts at 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg doses were given to Wistar rats for 11 days, which were given acetic acid on 8th day through the trans-rectal route for the induction of ulcerative colitis. A comparison of treatment groups was done with a normal control group and a colitis control group. To evaluate the anti-ulcerative colitis activity of Calliandra haematocephala, different parameters such as colon macroscopic damage, ulcer index, oxidative stress markers, histopathological examination, and mRNA expression of pro and anti-inflammatory mediators were evaluated. mRNA expression analysis was carried out by reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results: The phytochemical evaluation revealed polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and sterols in both extracts of the plant. Results of the present study exhibited that both extracts attenuated the large bowel inflammation and prevented colon ulceration at all tested doses. Macroscopic damage and ulcer scoreswere significantly decreased by both extracts. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and nitrite/nitrate concentrations in colon tissues were returned to normal levels while superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly improved by all doses. Histopathological examination exhibited that both extracts prevented the inflammatory changes, cellular infiltration, and colon thickening. Gene expression analysis by RT-qPCR revealed the downregulation of pro-inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) whereas the anti-inflammatory cytokines including Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and Interleukin-10 (IL-10) were found to be upregulated in treated rats. Conclusion: It was concluded based on study outcomes that methanolic and n-hexane extracts of Calliandra haematocephala exhibited anti-ulcerative colitis activity through modulation of antioxidant defense mechanisms and the immune system. In this context, C. haematocephala can be considered as a potential therapeutic approach for cure of ulcerative colitis after bioassay-directed isolation of bioactive phytochemicals and clinical evaluation.

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Karonda is an indigenous berry fruit known for its unique sour taste and high nutritional value. The lack of awareness portrays the fruit as undervalued and neglected, despite its vast nutritional benefits. The study aimed to explore the physicochemical properties of fresh and dried karonda fruit and its application in formulating a jam product. The physicochemical parameters, including pH, acidity, reducing sugars, moisture content, ash content, and others, were analyzed for both fresh and dried fruits. The phytochemical characteristics, such as vitamin C, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, flavonoids, and anthocyanin content, were examined. The fruit extract was also subjected to antibacterial test using the well plate method. The fresh karonda berries have the highest levels of vitamin C, total phenolic, and anthocyanin contents, which can enhance the immune system and improve overall health. Jam formulations were created using varying proportions of karonda and apple pulp. These formulations were subsequently analyzed for their physicochemical, phytochemical, and sensory quality attributes. The results indicated that the pH, moisture content, ash content, ascorbic acid content, total phenolics, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of the jams fell within the acceptable range as outlined by the Codex Alimentarius. Furthermore, the inclusion of apple pulp can enhance the taste and color of the jam while preserving its nutritional value. The sensory evaluation results revealed that T3, consisting of 50% karonda and 50% apple, followed by T4, comprising 25% karonda and 75% apple, were favored in terms of taste and color. This research offers significant insights for both the food industry and consumers, emphasizing the karonda fruit's potential as a valuable source of phytochemical compounds and its possible utilization in the creation of jams and other food products. This discovery promotes the consumption of this indigenous fruit due to its nutritional value and potential health benefits.

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The study aimed at investigating the phytochemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of essential oils (EOs) of Origanum grossii and Thymus pallidus. The selection of these plants for the study was driven by a comprehensive survey conducted in the Ribat Elkheir region of Morocco, where these plants are widely utilized. The results reflect the valorization of these plants based on the findings of the regional survey. The GC-MS phytochemical analysis revealed that the main constituents of the essential oil were carvacrol and thymol for O. grossii and T. pallidus respectively. Quantitative assays demonstrated that O. grossii exhibited higher levels of polyphenols (0.136 mg AGE/mg EO) and flavonoids (0.207 mg QE/mg EO) compared to T. pallidus. The DPPH assay indicated that O. grossii EOs possessed approximately twice the antiradical activity of T. pallidus, with IC50 values of approximately 0.073 mg/mL and 0.131 mg/mL, respectively. The antibacterial activity tests showed that both essential oils exhibited significant inhibition zones ranging from 26 to 42 mm against all tested bacterial strains. The MIC values varied among the bacteria, generally falling within the range of 0.31 to 2.44 µg/mL, demonstrating the potency of the EOs to serve as antibacterial. Molecular docking revealed that O. grossii and T. pallidus essential oils interact with antibacterial and antioxidant proteins (1AJ6 and 6QME). Key compounds in O. grossii include p-cymene, eucalyptol, and carvacrol, while T. pallidus contains potent chemicals like p-cymene, ɤ-maaliene, valencene, α-terpinene, caryophyllene, himachalene, and thymol. Notably, the most potent chemicals in Origanum grossii are p-cymene, eucalyptol, and carvacrol, while the most potent chemicals in Thymus pallidus are p-cymene, α-terpinene, and thymol. These findings suggest that these plant EOs could be used to develop new natural products with antibacterial and antioxidant activity.

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The present study deals with the advanced in-silico analyses of several Apigenin derivatives to explore human papillomavirus-associated cervical cancer and DNA polymerase theta inhibitor properties by molecular docking, molecular dynamics, QSAR, drug-likeness, PCA, a dynamic cross-correlation matrix and quantum calculation properties. The initial literature study revealed the potent antimicrobial and anticancer properties of Apigenin, prompting the selection of its potential derivatives to investigate their abilities as inhibitors of human papillomavirus-associated cervical cancer and DNA polymerase theta. In silico molecular docking was employed to streamline the findings, revealing promising energy-binding interactions between all Apigenin derivatives and the targeted proteins. Notably, Apigenin 4'-O-Rhamnoside and Apigenin-4'-Alpha-L-Rhamnoside demonstrated higher potency against the HPV45 oncoprotein E7 (PDB ID 2EWL), while Apigenin and Apigenin 5-O-Beta-D-Glucopyranoside exhibited significant binding energy against the L1 protein in humans. Similarly, a binding affinity range of - 7.5 kcal/mol to - 8.8 kcal/mol was achieved against DNA polymerase theta, indicating the potential of Apigenin derivatives to inhibit this enzyme (PDB ID 8E23). This finding was further validated through molecular dynamic simulation for 100 ns, analyzing parameters such as RMSD, RMSF, SASA, H-bond, and RoG profiles. The results demonstrated the stability of the selected compounds during the simulation. After passing the stability testing, the compounds underwent screening for ADMET, pharmacokinetics, and drug-likeness properties, fulfilling all the necessary criteria. QSAR, PCA, dynamic cross-correlation matrix, and quantum calculations were conducted, yielding satisfactory outcomes. Since this study utilized in silico computational approaches and obtained outstanding results, further validation is crucial. Therefore, additional wet-lab experiments should be conducted under in vivo and in vitro conditions to confirm the findings.

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Tick-borne Babesiosis is a parasitic infection caused by Babesia microti that can infect both animals and humans and may spread by tick, blood transfusions, and organ transplantation. The current therapeutic options for B. microti are limited, and drug resistance is a concern. This study proposes using computational drug design approaches to find and design an effective drug against B. microti. The study investigated the potentiality of nine natural compounds against the pathogenic human B. microti parasite and identified Vasicinone and Evodiamine as the most promising drugs. The ligand structures were optimized using density functional theory, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, quantum mechanics such as HOMO-LUMO, drug-likeness and theoretical absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET), and pharmacokinetics characteristics performed. The results showed that Vasicinone (-8.6 kcal/mol and -7.8 kcal/mol) and Evodiamine (-8.7 kcal/mol and -8.5 kcal/mol) had the highest binding energy and anti-parasitic activity against B. microti lactate dehydrogenase and B. microti lactate dehydrogenase apo form. The strongest binding energy was reported by Vasicinone and Evodiamine; the compounds were evaluated through molecular dynamics simulation at 100 ns, and their stability when they form complexes with the targeted receptors was determined. Finally, the pkCSM web server is employed to predict the ADMET qualities of specific molecules, which can help prevent negative effects that arise from taking the treatment. The SwissADME web server is used to assess the Lipinski rule of five and drug-likeness properties including topological polar surface area and bioavailability. The Lipinski rule is used to estimate significant drug-likeness. The theoretical pharmacokinetics analysis and drug-likeness of the selected compounds are confirmed to be accepted by the Lipinski rule and have better ADMET features. Thus, to confirm their experimental value, these mentioned molecules should be suggested to carry out in wet lab, pre-clinical, and clinical levels.

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Carissa spinarum L. belongs to the family Apocynaceae. It is a native shrub of Asia, locally known as Karonda or Karanda, and is an underutilized crop throughout the Asian region. The Karonda fruit is a rich source of vitamin C, minerals, phenolics, antioxidants, flavonoids, and other biofunctional compounds. The lack of awareness and knowledge among the community results in the wastage of fruits. Therefore, the present research was designed to formulate an easy-to-prepare beverage drink using C. spinarum fruit to evaluate the nutritional potential of the undervalued Karonda fruit. A beverage drink was formulated with three pulp concentrations: 20, 30, and 40%, each having 12, 14, and 16 °Brix, respectively. A total of nine treatments were prepared and stored for up to 10 weeks in refrigerated storage. The physicochemical parameters, such as pH, titratable acidity, vitamin C, total sugars, anthocyanin, total phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidants, were measured at two-week intervals from 0 to 10 weeks. Additionally, a sensory assessment of the beverage was conducted. A decreasing trend in titratable acidity was exhibited among all the treatments (from treatment 1 to treatment 9), with the values decreasing from 0.815 to 0.556 as the fruit concentration increased. On the other hand, an increasing trend was observed for pH (from 3.04 to 3.37), vitamin C (from 22.2 to 31.48), reducing and non-reducing sugars, anthocyanin (from 31.95 to 110), total phenolics (from 19.86 to 32.16), flavonoids (from 0.64 to 0.77), and antioxidants (from 48.8 to 67.6) from treatment 1 to treatment 9, respectively. The sensory studies of the beverage formulations revealed that treatment 9, which consisted of a 40% fruit base and 16 °Brix, was the most acceptable for further development of the beverage at a commercial scale. This study represents a novel scientific contribution toward the utilization of the undervalued fruit of C. spinarum L. for the development of a beverage product. Ultimately, it has the potential to address food insecurity issues worldwide while offering its associated health benefits.

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Background: The alarming increase in tick-borne pathogens such as human Babesia microti is an existential threat to global public health. It is a protozoan parasitic infection transmitted by numerous species of the genus Babesia. Second, monkeypox has recently emerged as a public health crisis, and the virus has spread around the world in the post-COVID-19 period with a very rapid transmission rate. These two novel pathogens are a new concern for human health globally and have become a significant obstacle to the development of modern medicine and the economy of the whole world. Currently, there are no approved drugs for the treatment of this disease. So, this research gap encourages us to find a potential inhibitor from a natural source. Methods and materials: In this study, a series of natural plant-based biomolecules were subjected to in-depth computational investigation to find the most potent inhibitors targeting major pathogenic proteins responsible for the diseases caused by these two pathogens. Results: Among them, most of the selected natural compounds are predicted to bind tightly to the targeted proteins that are crucial for the replication of these novel pathogens. Moreover, all the molecules have outstanding ADMET properties such as high aqueous solubility, a higher human gastrointestinal absorption rate, and a lack of any carcinogenic or hepatotoxic effects; most of them followed Lipinski's rule. Finally, the stability of the compounds was determined by molecular dynamics simulations (MDs) for 100 ns. During MDs, we observed that the mentioned compounds have exceptional stability against selected pathogens. Conclusion: These advanced computational strategies reported that 11 lead compounds, including dieckol and amentoflavone, exhibited high potency, excellent drug-like properties, and no toxicity. These compounds demonstrated strong binding affinities to the target enzymes, especially dieckol, which displayed superior stability during molecular dynamics simulations. The MM/PBSA method confirmed the favorable binding energies of amentoflavone and dieckol. However, further in vitro and in vivo studies are necessary to validate their efficacy. Our research highlights the role of Dieckol and Amentoflavone as promising candidates for inhibiting both monkeypox and Babesia microti, demonstrating their multifaceted roles in the control of these pathogens.

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Cancer is among the top causes of death, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018, it appeared that approximately 500,000 people die from cancer in the United States alone annually. The SHP2 plays a major role in regulation of cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation, and functional upregulation of this enzyme is linked to oncogenesis and developmental disorders. SHP2 activity has been linked to several cancer types for which no drugs are currently available. In our study, we aimed to design peptide inhibitors against the SHP2 mutant. The crystal structure of the human Src SH2-PQpYEEIPI peptide mutant was downloaded from the protein databank. We generated several peptides from the native wild peptide using an in silico mutagenesis method, which showed that changes (P302W, Y304F, E306Q, and Q303A) might boost the peptide's affinity for binding to SHP2. Furthermore, the dynamical stability and binding affinities of the mutated peptide were confirmed using Molecular dynamics simulation and Molecular Mechanics with Generalized Born and Surface Area Solvation free energy calculations. The proposed substitution greatly enhanced the binding affinity at the residue level, according to a study that decomposed energy into its component residues. Our proposed peptide may prevent the spread of cancer by inhibiting SHP2, according to our detailed analyses of binding affinities.

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Aflatoxins (AFs) are a family of mycotoxins produced by molds in agricultural products. To deal with this problem, one of the control methods is the biological solution using a non-pathogenic strain Aspergillus flavus NRRL 21882 (Afla-Guard). This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of A. flavus NRRL 21882 to control the AF contamination of corn in the field and during storage in 2018 and 2019. The experimental design consists of treatment at different vegetative stages of infested corn in the field trial. After the field has been harvested, half the corn kernels from both treated and control plots were treated with biopesticide; the other half of the kernels from each group were not treated and used as the control of the storage. Consequently, storage applications consisted of kernels: (1) not treated at all; (2) treated prior to storage; (3) field-treated; and (4) treated both in the field and prior to storage. After field trials, the AF content was very low in the treated plots, ranging from 0.50 to 1.04 µg/kg and from 0.50 to 0.73 µg/kg in 2018 and 2019, respectively, while the AF content in the control was 98.3 and 73.9 µg/kg in 2018 and 2019, respectively. After storage, corn kernels from field plots that were treated with the biopesticide (treated/control) showed low levels of AFs, even after they have been stored under conditions conducive to AF contamination. The biopesticide effect ranged from 98 to 99% and from 69 to 99% in the field and during storage, respectively. This paper has provided the first indications on AF biocontrol based on a competitive exclusion in the corn-growing region of Turkey. The data showed that spraying during the storage period did not provide any further prevention of AF contamination, and only treatment in the field had a significant effect on AFs that occurred in storage.

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The study was conducted in a historian Wonjeta St Michael Church Forest, believed to be constructed in 11th century in Northwestern Ethiopia. The composition, structure, and management of this forest is not documented. Fifty plots of 20 m × 20 m (400 m2) were laid along five-line transect for vegetation data collection. In addition, 5 m × 5 m subplots were laid within the main plot to sample seedlings and saplings. All plots were laid at a distance of 50 m along the transect lines. The diversity and population structure of woody individuals of trees and shrubs with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 2.5 cm and height ≥2 m were measured, and DBH <2.5 cm and height <2 m were counted as seedlings and saplings. All trees and shrubs recorded in the 50 plots were used for vegetation structure analysis. A total of 65 woody plant species in 53 genera and 33 families were recorded. Out of the total number of species, three were found to be endemic to Ethiopia. The family Fabaceae had the highest number of species, followed by Moraceae, and then Euphorbiaceae with 14, 6, and 4 species, respectively. The results of Shannon Wiener diversity and evenness indices of woody species were 2.8 and 0.68, respectively. Woody species densities for mature individuals were 2,202.5 stems ha-1, seedling 2419.2 stems ha-1, and sapling 1737.6 stems ha-1. Priority for conservation should be given using population structure, important value index, and regeneration status as criteria. Results of the structural analysis revealed that the Forest is highly dominated by small-sized trees and shrubs indicating that it is in the stage of secondary development and there are species that require urgent conservation measures.

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The study was conducted to determine woody plant species composition, structure, and regeneration status in Saleda Yohans Church forest, South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia. Five transect lines oriented to north-south directions at a distance of about 500 m were laid down along transects across the forest. Fifty main plots of 20 m × 20 m were laid for tree/shrub data collection. Within each main plot, 5 small quadrats of 5 m × 5 m were laid in the corners and centre for the collection of seedling and sapling data of woody species. All vegetation data within the plots were counted and recorded. Tree height and diameters at the breast height of plants were also measured and estimated. Moreover, frequency, basal area, diversity, evenness, and other vegetation data were analyzed. The result showed that this Church forest is composed of 50 woody plant species distributed in 31 families. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index and evenness values of the forest were found to be 3.82 and 0.84, respectively. Lamiaceae was the dominant family followed by Fabaceae in their species composition. The density of trees/shrubs, saplings, and seedlings was 625, 650, and 935 ha-1, respectively. Based on the result, the entire vegetation of Saleda Yohans Church forest is in good regeneration status. In conclusion, although this Church forest appears to be in a good regeneration status, its species richness is low compared to a similar study of some other vegetation. Therefore, attention should be given to the rehabilitation of this forest.

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Adenanthera pavonina is a medicinal plant with numerous potential secondary metabolites showing a significant level of antidiabetic activity. The objective of the current study was to identify potential phytochemicals from the methanolic leaf extract of Adenanthera pavonina as therapeutic agents against diabetes mellitus using GC-MS and in silico methods. The GC-MS analysis of the leaf extract revealed a total of 17 phytochemicals. Molecular docking was performed using these phytochemicals, targeting the mutated insulin receptor tyrosine kinase (5hhw), which inhibits glucose uptake by cells. Diazoprogesterone (-9.2 kcal/mol), 2,4,4,7a-Tetramethyl-1-(3-oxobutyl)octahydro-1H-indene-2-carboxylic acid (-6.9 kcal/mol), and 2-Naphthalenemethanol, decahydro-.alpha.,.alpha.,4a-trimethyl-8-methylene-, [2R-(2.alpha.,4a.alpha.,8a.beta.)] (-6.6 kcal/mol) exhibited better binding with the target protein. The ADMET analysis was performed for the top three compounds with the best docking scores, which showed positive results with no observed toxicity in the AMES test. Furthermore, the molecular dynamics study confirmed the favorable binding of Diazoprogesterone, 2,4,4,7a-Tetramethyl-1-(3-oxobutyl)octahydro-1H-indene-2-carboxylic acid and 2-Naphthalenemethanol, decahydro-.alpha.,.alpha.,4a-trimethyl-8-methylene-, [2R-(2.alpha.,4a.alpha.,8a.beta.)] with the receptor throughout the 100 ns simulation period.

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Innovative approaches are urgently required to treat divestating bacterial diseases in the face of rising bacterial resistance rates. The current investigative work focused on hydro-distilling Tasmanian blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) to isolate the essential oil, which was then tested for bioactivity, antioxidant capacity, and antibacterial activity using in-vitro and in silico assays. The antioxidant activity was avualated against DPPH and FRAP. With results of 69.63 RSA (%) (µL/L AAE) at a concentration of 5 mL/L and 51.56 (µL/L AAE) at concentration of 90 ppm in the 2,20-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, respectively, the extracted oil indicated considerable antioxidant activity. The extracted oil demonstrated powerful antibacterial activity in in-vitro tests against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, including Bordetella bronchiseptica (21 mm), Staphylococcus epidermidis (19 mm), and Staphylococcus aureus (19 mm), with significant minimal inhibitory (MIC) and minimum bactericidal (MIB) concentrations. Additionally, GC-MS analysis of the oil from E. globulus identified several low-molecular-weight compounds, including Eucalyptol, γ-Terpinene, Shisool acetate, 1,3-trans,5-cis-Octatriene, 2,6-Dimethyl-1,3,5,7-octatetraene, E,E, Cyclohexene, 1-methyl-4-(1-methylethylidene), Benzene, 1-methyl-4-(1-methylethenyl), Butanoic acid, 3-methyl-, 3-methylbutyl ester, and 1,3,8-p-Menthatriene. Several other compounds were also identified, including Fenchol, 2-Methyl-trans-3a,4,7,7a-tetrahydroindane, (E,E,E)-2,4,6-Octatriene, 1,2,3,6-Tetrahydrobenzylalcohol, acetate, Alloaromadendrene, Phenol, 2-ethyl-4,5-dimethyl, Phenol, 2-methyl-5-(1-methylethyl)-, p-Cymen-7-ol, 1,5,5-Trimethyl-6-methylene-cyclohexene, 1,3-Cyclohexadiene, 1-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-, 2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, acetate, (Z), and more. The bioactive potential of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil against 1AJ6 and 1R4U was highlighted by molecular docking analyses, suggesting its utility as a natural source of antioxidant and antibacterial compounds with the potential to replace chemical disinfectants in a variety of applications.

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Our current study was conducted in Zijje Maryam Church Forest, Ethiopia, to explore woody species composition, structure, regeneration status, and anthropogenic disturbances inside the sacred groves. The aforementioned information for adequate conservation and management of the church forest is not well documented. Fifteen main quadrats each having an area of 625 m2 (25 m × 25 m) were used for vegetation and disturbance data collection. Determination of the sampled quadrats was based on the principle that minimum quadrats give the smallest possible area in which all species occurring in the church forest are present. All woody species with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 2.5 cm within the quadrat were identified, counted, and their height and DBH data were recorded. The criterion to start at DBH ≥ 2.5 cm was to exclude seedlings having DBH < 2.5 cm and height ≤0.6 m. Sapling and seedling data were collected using 45 saplings and 45 seedling quadrat that measured 4 m2 and 1 m2, respectively. Vegetation data analysis and ANOVA were used for statistical comparison. A total of 48 woody plant species belonging to 46 genera and 36 families were identified. Fabaceae was the dominant family containing 5 species followed by Rosaceae with 3 species. Total basal area of the church forest was 83.03 m2 ha-1. The density of seedlings, saplings, and matured woody species stem ha-1 were 15555, 3833, and 865, respectively. Talking these densities, the regeneration status of the forest was good. The Shannon diversity and evenness of woody plant species in the forest was high, 3.29 and 0.85, respectively. Juniperus procera 27.67 (9.22%) and Olea europaea were species with the highest IVI. Nearly, 22% of areas of the forest get disturbed and higher anthropogenic disturbances occurred near the edge of the forest. Gathering, clearing, and grazing are the major human disturbances that stakeholders need to tackle for conservation. Zijje Maryam Church Forest has heterogeneous species composition with varied seedlings and saplings. Therefore, local conservation policies recommended not only protect large forests, but also the small and valuable forests service to the needs of local people.

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A variety of traditional medicinal plants has been widely used by different indigenous people in Ethiopia for many human and livestock ailments. This study was conducted to investigate and document the use of medicinal plants in the Sedie Muja district. Sixteen key informants were selected purposively and 72 informants were selected randomly from 5 wards. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, group discussions, and field observation. Besides descriptive statistics, the data were analyzed using some ethnobotanical analysis tools like preference ranking, paired comparison, direct matrix ranking, informant consensus factor, and fidelity level index. A total of 89 species of medicinal plants were identified and collected with 82 genera and 44 families. Out of these, 60 species (67.42%) were used against human ailments, 10 species (11.24%) were used against livestock ailments, and 19 species (21.34%) were used to treat both human and livestock ailments. Herbs constituted the largest growth habit (40 species) followed by shrubs (33 species). The most frequently used plant part was leaves (39.9%), followed by roots (23.83%), and the condition of preparation was fresh plant materials (70.98%). The most widely used method of preparation was crushing (22.8%) followed by crushing-squeezing (11.39%). The most common route of administration was oral (49.74%) followed by dermal (30.05%). Ruta chalepensis was the predominant medicinal plant cited by most of the informants 62 (70%) followed by Ocimum lamiifolium 59 (67%). The disease category with the highest ICF value (0.90) was the evil eye. There was a high preference for Euphorbia abyssinica to treat stomachache. Ocimum lamiifolium was the most preferred species for the treatment of febrile illness. Anthropogenic factors are the major threats to medicinal plants. In general, the study area is rich in medicinal plants that have a significant role in the management of various human and livestock diseases.

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Land-use change can have profound effects on forest communities, compromising seedling recruitment and growth, and long-term persistence of forests on the landscape. Continued forest conversion to agriculture causes forest fragmentation which decreases forest size, increases edge effects and forest isolation, all of which negatively impact forest health. These fragmentation effects are magnified by human use of forests, which can compromise the continued persistence of species in these forests and the ability of the forests to support the communities that depend on them. We examined the extent and influence of human disturbance (e.g. weedy taxa, native and exotic tree plantations, clearings, buildings) on the ecological status of sacred church forests in the northern highlands of South Gondar, Ethiopia and hypothesized that disturbance would have a negative effect. We found that disturbance was high across all forests (56%) and was negatively associated with tree species richness, density, and biomass and seedling richness and density. Contrary to expectation, we found that forests < 15.5 ha show no difference in disturbance level with distance from population center. Based on our findings, we recommend that local conservation strategies not only protect large forests, but also the small and highly used forests in South Gondar which are critical to the needs of local people, including preserving large trees for seed sources, removing exotic and weedy species from forests, and reducing clearings and trails within forests.

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