Search Results (46,153)

Soil contamination, including in rice fields, arises from a variety of natural processes and anthropogenic activities, leading to an accumulation of heavy metals. While extensive research has addressed the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in rice, only limited systematic reviews have examined their specific impact on the morpho-physiological traits of rice plants. This review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of current studies detailing the rice cultivars, types of heavy metals investigated, study designs, sampling locations, and experimental sites while systematically analyzing the morphological and physiological responses of rice cultivars to heavy metal stress. Studies show that morphological traits generally exhibit a decline under heavy metal exposure. Physiologically, rice cultivars tend to show decreased total chlorophyll and carotenoid levels, along with increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and proline. These findings suggest that plant genotype, type of heavy metal, and intensity of stress significantly modulate the morphological and physiological responses of rice, highlighting critical areas for further research in heavy metal stress tolerance in rice cultivars. Full article

Cranberries are a distinctive source of bioactive compounds, containing polyphenols such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and triterpenoids. Cranberries are often associated with potential health benefits for the urinary tract and digestive system due to their high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties. Cranberry induces the production of antioxidant enzymes, suppresses lipid peroxidation, reduces inflammatory cytokines, modulates immune cells, maintains gut microbiota, and inhibits bacterial adhesion and growth. Cranberry polyphenols also have metal-binding motifs that bind with metals, particularly zinc and iron. The combination of cranberry polyphenols and metals displays increased biological activity. In this review, an attempt is made to describe the physiological properties and health benefits of cranberries for livestock, including poultry, swine, canine, feline, and ruminant animals, as either feed/food or as supplements. Cranberry, and/or its components, has the capability to potentially control infectious diseases like diarrhea, urinary tract infection, gut integrity, and intestinal probiotic health. Moreover, cranberries show efficacy in suppressing the growth of pathogenic microorganisms such as Salmonella species, Campylobacter species, Streptococcus species, and Enterococcus species bacteria. Thus, cranberry could be considered as a potential natural feed additive or food supplement for animal health improvement. Full article

Background and Objectives: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe form of acute lung injury with high mortality, characterized by hypoxemic respiratory failure and diffuse lung damage. Despite advancements in care, no definitive biomarkers have been established for ARDS diagnosis and prognostic stratification. Soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE), a marker of alveolar epithelial injury, has shown promise as a prognostic indicator in ARDS. This study evaluates sRAGE’s utility in predicting 28-day mortality. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care ICU in Serbia from January 2021 to June 2023. Adult patients meeting the Berlin definition of ARDS were included. Exclusion criteria included pre-existing chronic respiratory diseases and prolonged mechanical ventilation before diagnosis. Serum sRAGE levels were measured within 48 h of ARDS diagnosis using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clinical severity scores, laboratory markers, and ventilatory parameters were recorded. Logistic regression and survival analyses were used to assess the prognostic value of sRAGE for 28-day mortality. Results: A cohort of 121 patients (mean age 55.5 years; 63.6% male) was analyzed. Non-survivors exhibited higher median sRAGE levels than survivors (5852 vs. 4479 pg/mL, p = 0.084). The optimal sRAGE cut-off for predicting mortality was >16,500 pg/mL (sensitivity 30.4%, specificity 86.9%). Elevated sRAGE levels were associated with greater disease severity and an increased risk of 28-day mortality in ARDS patients, highlighting its potential as a prognostic biomarker. The main findings, while indicative of a trend toward higher sRAGE levels in non-survivors, did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: The main findings, while indicative of a trend toward higher sRAGE levels in non-survivors, did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.084). sRAGE demonstrates potential as a prognostic biomarker in ARDS and has moderate correlation with 28-day mortality. Integrating sRAGE with other biomarkers could enhance risk stratification and guide therapeutic decisions. The retrospective design limits the ability to establish causation, underscoring the need for multicenter prospective studies. Full article

The aim of this study was to improve understanding of the impacts of low-light stress induced by branch-bagged shading on photosynthetic physiology and biochemical composition. Eight-year-old ‘Tieton’ sweet cherry leaves and white parchment bags with a 23% shading rate were selected to cover ten 50 cm long branches for 10 d, 20 d, and 30 d followed by 10 d light restoring. The results indicated that when shading for 30 d, the net photosynthetic rate (P_N) of the leaves, including stomatal conductance (g_s), transpiration rate (E), intercellular CO₂ concentration (C_i), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxide (POD), catalase (CAT), starch, and sugar contents were lower, whereas chlorophyll (Chl) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were higher than those in CK leaves. After 10-10 treatments, leaf parameters including SOD, POD, CAT, starch, and sugar levels were almost the same as those in control (CK; no shading) leaves; the opposite was true for Chl and MDA. However, after 10 d of no bag following 20 and 30 d of shading, the P_N, C_i, E, and SOD, CAT, glucose, sorbitol, sucrose and starch levels were lower than those in CK leaves, whereas MDA levels were higher. At 20-10, there was no difference in leaf fructose levels compared to those in CK leaves; the Chl levels were higher. At 30-10, leaf fructose levels were reduced compared with those in CK leaves; Chl levels showed no difference. Therefore, sweet cherry leaves have robust recovery abilities; however, prolonged low-light stress can impede physiological restoration. Full article

Using Bacillus species as bioagents for environmentally sustainable and economically viable plant disease management is a viable strategy. Thus, it is important to promote their use in agriculture. In this study, two Bacillus species were isolated from the rhizosphere of tomato plants, while three fungal species were isolated from samples of tomato plants that were infected with damping-off disease. The Bacillus strains were tested in vitro for their antagonistic activity against fungal species using a dual culture technique. In a greenhouse experiment, the effectiveness of applying antagonistic bacteria with soilborne fungal disease on induced damping-off of tomato (cv. Super Strain B) plants, their physiological attributes, antioxidant enzymes, mineral content, and yield under greenhouse conditions during the 2022 and 2023 seasons were determined. The fungal isolates were identified as Fusarium oxysporum KT224063, Pythium debaryanum OP823136, and Rhizoctonia solani OP823124, while the Bacillus isolates were identified as B. subtilis OP823140 and B. amyloliquefaciens OP823147 on the basis of the rRNA gene sequences. The dual culture test revealed that B. subtilis outperformed B. amyloliquefaciens in resistance to R. solani and F. oxysporum, which were recorded as 28.33 and 33.00 mm, respectivley. In contrast, B. amyloliquefaciens caused the highest antagonistic effect against tested P. debaryanum fungus. Additionally, in a greenhouse experiment, tomato plants treated with each of these antagonistic Bacillus strains significantly suppressed fungal disease, displayed improved plant growth parameters, had an increased content of photosynthetic pigments, antioxidants enzymes, and total phenols, and an increased macronutrient content and yield during the two growing seasons. In conclusion, effective applications of B. subtilis and B. amyloliquefaciens had the potential to mitigate damping-off disease, which is caused by F. oxysporum, P. debaryanum, and R. solani in tomato plants, while simultaneously promoting growth dynamics. Full article

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) accounts for approximately 17% of all Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) infections globally. Immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV infection or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), are at an increased risk for EPTB. Previous studies have demonstrated that patients with HIV and T2DM exhibit diminished synthesis of glutathione (GSH) synthesizing enzymes. In a murine model, we showed that the diethyl maleate (DEM)-induced depletion of GSH in the lungs led to increased M.tb burden and an impaired pulmonary granulomatous response to M.tb infection. However, the effects of GSH depletion during active EPTB in the liver and spleen have yet to be elucidated. In this study, we evaluated hepatic GSH and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, as well as cytokine profiles, in untreated and DEM-treated M.tb-infected wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice. Additionally, we assessed hepatic and splenic M.tb burdens and tissue pathologies. DEM treatment resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of the reduced form of GSH and an increase in MDA, oxidized GSH, and interleukin (IL)-6 levels. Furthermore, DEM-induced GSH decrease was associated with decreased production of IL-12 and IL-17 and elevated production of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. A significant increase in M.tb growth was detected in the liver and spleen in DEM-treated M.tb-infected mice. Large, disorganized lymphocyte infiltrates were detected in the hepatic tissues of DEM-treated mice. Overall, GSH diminishment impaired the granulomatous response to M.tb in the liver and exacerbated M.tb growth in both the liver and spleen. These findings provide critical insights into the immunomodulatory role of GSH in TB pathogenesis and suggest potential therapeutic avenues for the treatment of extrapulmonary M.tb infections. Full article

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a major constraint to crop productivity in acidic soils, frequently encountered in banana-growing regions. This study investigates physiological and biochemical responses to Al stress in two Cavendish banana genotypes, Baodao and Baxi (Musa acuminata L.), which exhibit contrasting levels of Al tolerance. Banana plantlets were grown hydroponically under three AlCl₃ concentrations (0, 100, and 500 μM) for 24, 48, and 72 h. Root elongation was progressively inhibited with increasing Al concentrations, with Baodao showing greater inhibition than Baxi. Al primarily accumulated in roots and displayed genotype-specific distribution patterns: Baodao concentrated more Al in root tips, suggesting lower exclusion efficiency. In contrast, Baxi, the Al-tolerant genotype, translocated Al from roots to shoots more effectively, indicating potential sequestration mechanisms in less sensitive tissues. Al stress influenced enzyme activities, with Baxi exhibiting higher phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and citrate synthase activities at 100 µM Al, while both genotypes showed similar reductions at 500 µM. Baodao experienced more pronounced reductions in H⁺-ATPase activity. At 100 µM Al, Baxi retained higher levels of key nutrients (P, Zn, Mg, Mn, Fe, K, and B) in essential tissues than Baodao. However, nutrient levels were reduced in both genotypes at 500 µM Al. These findings highlight Baxi’s superior resilience under Al stress, making it a suitable genotype for cultivation and breeding in acidic soils. Full article

This study investigated the optimal strategies for improving sugar biosynthesis in mango fruits. Randomized block design was used for experimental treatments. The mango cultivar “Renong-1” was sprayed with five green plant growth regulators, including solutions of SBP (sucrose-based polymers, a new highly efficient and eco-friendly plant growth regulator), SPM (sucrose + potassium dihydrogen phosphate + microelement fertilizer), TPM (taurine + potassium dihydrogen phosphate + microelement fertilize), PFA (potassium fulvic acid), and SOP (seaweed oligosaccharide peptide) at different fruit development stages. Indicators, such as soluble solid content, soluble sugar and starch contents, and activities of 11 enzymes associated with sugar metabolism in physiologically mature and in full ripening fruits were evaluated. The results showed that SBP solution diluted 100-fold exerted the strongest effect on the soluble sugar content and sweetness value of “Renong-1” mango fruits. Based on the linear regression analysis, a significant negative correlation was observed between the activity of acid invertase and the perceived sweetness of physiologically mature fruits, while the activities of other enzymes were significantly negatively correlated with the perceived sweetness of full ripening fruits. According to multiple regression (by lars function in R) and other comprehensive analysis, A1B3 (spraying SBP solution one time in the young fruit stage) was selected as the optimal treatment combination for enhancing “Renong-1” mango perceived sweetness, followed by A1B2 (spraying SBP solution for the first time in the young fruit stage and the second time at medium maturity) as the alternative treatment combination. Full article

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), an endogenous amino acid widely found in living organisms, has important functions in plants such as regulating growth and development, maintaining carbon and nitrogen nutrient balance, and coping with adversity. In this study, we investigated the effects of exogenous 0.5 mmol/L GABA on the growth, antioxidant metabolism, and GABA shunt metabolism of tall fescue under 20 μmol/L Cd stress, using tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) ‘Ruby II’ under hydroponics conditions. The results showed that (1) applying GABA for 3, 7, 11, and 15 d under Cd stress inhibited Cd transport from roots to leaves and promoted plant height, alleviating the effects of Cd stress on plant growth. (2) Exogenous 0.5 mmol/L GABA had an interesting regulatory effect on the activation of the antioxidant enzyme system induced by stress at different stages, which was accompanied by a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and alleviated the degree of cell membrane lipid peroxidation under cadmium stress. Specifically, peroxidase (POD) enzyme activity reactions initially responded on the 3rd and 7th days of stress, and the changes in catalase (CAT) enzyme activities concentrated on the 11th and 15th days of the later stage. Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzyme was active throughout the whole stress period in the roots. Multiple factorial analyses further proved that the antioxidant pathway strongly influenced the survival and growth of tall fescue under stress in the presence of GABA. (3) Application of exogenous GABA activated the branching pathway for GABA synthesis from Glu decarboxylation (GABA shunt) with a higher contribution in the leaves, which induced changes in glutamate content, and plants maintained a higher endogenous GABA content and signal to regulate the plant antioxidant system and reduce cell membrane damage, thus improving the tolerance of plants to Cd stress. Full article

Aging is an inevitable physiological process, but delaying aging has always been an enduring human pursuit. Silibinin (SIL), derived from the seeds of the milk thistle plant, exhibits a broad spectrum of pharmacological properties, including anti-tumor effects, liver protection, inhibition of apoptosis, and alleviation of inflammation. However, whether it has anti-aging effects remains unclear. The SIL dietary supplement to Drosophila melanogaster prolonged lifespan, improved climbing ability, ameliorated age-associated intestinal barrier disruption, enhanced the resistance to oxidative stress, and increased the enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Furthermore, RNA-seq results showed that SIL addition significantly upregulated 74 genes and downregulated 50 genes compared with the control. KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of genes and genomes) analysis demonstrated that these differentially expressed genes were primarily involved in the Toll signaling pathway and endoplasmic reticulum proteins processing, six among which, including IM2, IM3, Drsl3, CG7556, GCS1, and TRAM, were particularly involved in the regulation by SIL supplementation. The results indicate that SIL exhibits anti-aging effects by enhancing antioxidant capacity and regulating aging-related signaling pathways. Therefore, SIL shows a potential application in anti-aging dietary regimens. Full article

Mesophilic microbial sources of prokaryotic Argonaute (pAgo) programmable nucleases have garnered considerable attention for their potential applications in genome editing and molecular diagnostics. In this study, we characterized a novel pAgo from the mesophilic bacterium Chroococcidiopsis sp. (ChAgo), which can cleave single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) using both 5′-phosphorylated guide DNA (5′P-gDNA) and 5′-hydroxylated guide DNA (5′OH-gDNA). Efficient cleavage occurs using 14–25 nt 5′P-gDNA and 13–20 nt 5′OH-gDNA in the presence of Mn²⁺ ions at temperatures ranging from 25 to 75 °C, with optimal activity at 55 °C. ChAgo demonstrates low tolerance for single-base mismatches, similar to other pAgo proteins. The cleavage efficiency varies based on the guide/target pair, with mismatches at specific positions significantly reducing activity. For instance, mismatches at positions 4, 5, or 12 in T-gDNA/target pairs and at positions 5 or 8–10 in g38NT-gDNA/target pairs notably decrease efficiency. ChAgo’s sensitivity to mismatches makes it a promising tool for nucleic acid manipulation and detection, requiring initial screening for high cleavage efficiency sites and subsequent identification of mismatch positions. Full article

Gampsocleis gratiosa Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1862, is a type of omnivorous chirping insect with a long history of artificial breeding. It has high economic value and is also an excellent orthopteran model organism. In this study, 12 types of culture media combined with 16S rRNA sequencing were employed to isolate 838 bacterial strains from the gut of G. gratiosa. After sequence comparison, a total of 98 species of bacteria were identified, belonging to 3 phyla, 5 classes, 11 orders, 20 families, and 45 genera. Firmicutes and Proteobacteria accounted for the majority (92.86%). At the order level, Enterobacteriaceae, Bacillales, and Lactobacillales predominated (79.59%). At the genus level, Klebsiella (11.22%) and Enterococcus (7.14%) predominated. This study also enumerated the strain morphological, physiological and biochemical properties of 98 species of bacteria, including colony morphology, Gram staining, bacterial motility test, temperature gradient growth, pH gradient growth, citrate utilization test, temperature oxidase test, contact enzyme test, methyl red test, V-P test, indole test, gelatin liquefaction test, nitrate reduction test, hydrogen sulfide test, starch hydrolysis test, cellulose decomposition test, esterase (corn oil) test and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Additionally, 16 antibiotics were utilized to test the bacterial susceptibility of the strains. This study explored the types and community structure of some culturable microorganisms in the intestinal tract of G. gratiosa and recorded their physiological characteristics. These data reflect the physiological functions of the intestinal microorganisms of G. gratiosa and provide support for subsequent research on the interaction mechanism between microorganisms and their hosts. Full article

The Cucurbita genus comprises various species that are globally consumed and that are commonly used for their nutritional value but also for medicinal applications. Within the Cucurbita genus can be found Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché, a species that is understudied regarding its potential value for the food industry, as a functional food, and for the pharmaceutical industry, as a source of nutraceuticals. Therefore, in this study we investigated the phytochemical composition and bioactivities of aqueous (AF) and methanolic (MF) fractions of C. ficifolia pulp and peel hydroethanolic (HE) extracts. HPLC-DAD-MSⁿ and HPAEC-PAD analyses of extracts’ fractions revealed a low content of polyphenols and a significant content of sugars. Through in vitro inhibition assays of the enzymes alpha-amylase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and elastase, all fractions showed, respectively, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and anti-aging activities. The safety profile and anti-tumoral activities were evaluated in various cell models (Caco-2, HaCaT, HepG2, and RAW 264.7), and results showed that the fractions obtained from pulp extract induce no/low cytotoxicity, while the methanolic fraction of peel induced cytotoxicity in all cell lines. At non-cytotoxic concentrations, aqueous and methanolic fractions of both extracts significantly inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, revealing anti-inflammatory activity. Flow cytometry analysis showed that both aqueous fractions increased basal levels of glutathione (GSH) in Caco-2 cells, while not inducing oxidative stress, revealing potential as antioxidant dietary agents. However, the MF of peel HE extract induced oxidative stress in Caco-2 cells, as it increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation. AF fraction of peel extract induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase, while the other fractions induced cell cycle arrest in the S phase. In conclusion, Cucurbita ficifolia fruit presents potential as a functional food but also as a potential source of nutraceuticals, and peel waste products can be valorized by pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries as sources of bioactive molecules. Full article

Minerals are essential nutrients that play critical roles in human health by regulating various physiological functions. Examples include bone development, enzyme function, nerve signaling, and the immune response. Both the deficiencies and toxicities of minerals can have significant health implications. Deficiencies in macrominerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphate can lead to osteoporosis (associated with falls and fractures), cardiovascular events, and neuromuscular dysfunction. Trace mineral deficiencies, such as iron and zinc. Selenium deficiency impairs oxygen transport, immune function, and antioxidant defenses, contributing to anemia, delaying wound healing, and increasing susceptibility to infectious diseases. Conversely, excessive intake of minerals can have severe health consequences. Hypercalcemia can cause kidney stones and cardiac arrhythmias as well as soft-tissue calcification, whereas excessive iron deposition can lead to oxidative stress and organ/tissue damage. Maintaining adequate mineral levels through a balanced diet, guided supplementation, and monitoring at-risk populations is essential for good health and preventing disorders related to deficiencies and toxicities. Public health interventions and education about dietary sources of minerals are critical for minimizing health risks and ensuring optimal well-being across populations. While a comprehensive analysis of all macro and micronutrients is beyond the scope of this article, we have chosen to focus on calcium, magnesium, and phosphate. We summarize the consequences of deficiency and the adverse events associated with the overconsumption of other minerals. Full article

Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is fatal in 10 to 40% of cases. It is caused by CCHF virus (CCHFV). Symptoms include fever, headache, myalgia, and often hemorrhage and other complications. This report shows that CCHF may resemble HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets). We report CCHF in a pregnant mother with fever and suspected HELLP syndrome, who survived, and her infant (week 36), who died six days after C-section. The high CCHF viral load and bacterial sepsis may have jointly contributed to the death of the infant. CCHF should be considered as a differential diagnosis of HELLP syndrome in regions where this viral disease is endemic. Full article