Biology, Engineering, Medicine and Science Reports

Quantifying the Expression of mucins MUC1 and MUC4 in the Respiratory System of the Iraqi Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix)

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: This study focused on the major components of mucus, known as mucins, within the mucosal epithelium of the respiratory system in Iraqi common quail. Materials and Methods: Six quail were utilized in accordance with animal ethics guidelines from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Al-Qadisiyah. Histological analysis, utilizing H&E staining, and PAS plus Alcian blue stains were performed. RT-qPCR was used to assess the gene expression levels of MUC1 and MUC4. Results: The trachea and bronchi encompassed four distinct layers; mucosa consisted of pseudostratified epithelium that transitioned into simple columnar cells toward the primary and secondary bronchioles. This transition further progressed into simple cuboidal and squamous epithelium at smaller tertiary branches of the secondary bronchioles. Notably, the bronchial tunica submucosa was thinner than the trachea. While hyaline cartilage was prominently present in the trachea, it became fragmented in the bronchi and diminished towards the lungs and secondary bronchioles. Lung tissue was characterized by numerous lobules housing alveoli connected to alveolar ducts and sacs, alongside an intricate network of blood vessels. The respiratory tissues, including the trachea, bronchi, and lungs, exhibited a strong affinity for PAS-combined Alcian blue stains, which confirmed the substantial presence of both acidic and neutral mucins within the epithelial cells and glands. Transcriptome analysis indicated the expression of both MUC1 and MUC4 genes. Importantly, MUC4 expression surpassed that of MUC1 in the trachea, bronchi, and lungs. Conclusion: This study highlights the similarity of histological structures in the trachea, bronchi, and lungs of quail and other avian species. Moreover, it underscored the substantial presence of both acidic and neutral mucins, with MUC4 being the predominant mucin, potentially playing a pivotal role in regulating mucosal barrier functions and interacting with pathogens. Nonetheless, further investigation is warranted to elucidate MUC4's role in respiratory epithelial cells.

Harnessing AI Technologies for Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Innovations in Soil Analysis and Crop Management

Utpal Mishra — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Challenges in the agriculture sector are becoming significant, with a rapidly growing population and declining agricultural productivity. Despite farmers' rigorous efforts to cultivate crops, they encounter numerous obstacles stemming from insufficient knowledge about soil characteristics, key influencing factors, and unpredictable weather patterns, compounded by inadequate access to financial resources from banks. This research highlights the transformative potential of advanced technologies in addressing these challenges, specifically Machine Learning (ML) and Computer Vision (CV). By implementing real-time soil analysis and predictive weather forecasting, farmers can gain valuable insights into soil health, nutrient composition, and moisture levels, enhancing their decision-making processes. Moreover, this study explores the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), which automate labour-intensive agricultural tasks and significantly increase crop yield and sustainability. By integrating data-driven approaches, this research aims to create an autonomous agricultural framework that reduces human labour while optimizing resource utilization. Ultimately, this work contributes to advancing agricultural practices, promoting food security, and fostering sustainable farming techniques in the face of evolving environmental and economic challenges.

Unravelling the Role of Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Signaling in Promoting Aortic Stenosis

Arun HS Kumar — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Aortic Stenosis (AS) is one of the most common life-threatening cardiovascular conditions, particularly among the aging population. AS is characterized by the progressive narrowing of the aortic valve due to calciἀc degeneration, leading to increased left ventricular workload, heart failure, and ultimately, mortality if left untreated.^1,2 Historically, AS has been considered a passive degenerative disease associated with aging and mechanical stress. However, recent research has shed light on the active molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive its progression.1,3 One such emerging pathway of interest is Sphingosine-1-Phosphate (S1P) signalling, which has been identiἀed as a crucial modulator of osteogenic diḀerentiation and valvular calciἀcation. The recent study oḀers critical insights into the mechanistic role of S1P signalling in AS and proposes a potential therapeutic avenue for intervention.³

The Heart of NavIC-Navigation with Indian Constellation

Thejesh N. Bandi — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) has become indispensable for various applications worldwide. Regional navigation satellite systems cover the regions up to 1500 km² providing the Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) solutions. Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) is such a regional system, now having its own indigenously developed space atomic clock - the Indian Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard (IRAFS) that was launched onboard NVS-01 providing services to the Indian subcontinent. This paper provides an overview of the successfully developed IRAFS technology and its performance capabilities meeting the stringent space clock requirements for NavIC, and provides directions for the future aspects that could improve the technology further.