Defense Activities Research Articles

Transcriptomic analysis reveals mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of Nager syndrome in sf3b4-depleted zebrafish

Nager syndrome (NS) is a rare acrofacial dysostosis caused by heterozygous loss-of-function variants in the splicing factor 3B subunit 4 (SF3B4). The main clinical features of patients with NS are characterized by facial-mandibular and preaxial limb malformations. The migration and specification of neural crest cells are crucial for craniofacial development, and mitochondrial fitness appears to play a role in such processes. Here, by analyzing our previously published transcriptome dataset, we aim to investigate the potential involvement of mitochondrial components in the pathogenesis of craniofacial malformations, especially in sf3b4 mutant zebrafish. We identified that oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) defects and overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to decreased antioxidants defense activity, which leads to oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, our results highlight that fish lacking sf3b4 gene, primarily display defects in mitochondrial complex I. Altogether, our findings suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to the development of the craniofacial anomalies observed in sf3b4-depleted zebrafish.

LL-37: Structures, Antimicrobial Activity, and Influence on Amyloid-Related Diseases.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), as well as host defense peptides (HDPs), constitute the first line of defense as part of the innate immune system. Humans are known to express antimicrobial precursor proteins, which are further processed to generate AMPs, including several types of α/β defensins, histatins, and cathelicidin-derived AMPs like LL37. The broad-spectrum activity of AMPs is crucial to defend against infections caused by pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The emergence of multi-drug resistant pathogenic bacteria is of global concern for public health. The prospects of targeting antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria with AMPs are of high significance for developing new generations of antimicrobial agents. The 37-residue long LL37, the only cathelicidin family of AMP in humans, has been the major focus for the past few decades of research. The host defense activity of LL37 is likely underscored by its expression throughout the body, spanning from the epithelial cells of various organs-testis, skin, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract-to immune cells. Remarkably, apart from canonical direct killing of pathogenic organisms, LL37 exerts several other host defense activities, including inflammatory response modulation, chemo-attraction, and wound healing and closure at the infected sites. In addition, LL37 and its derived peptides are bestowed with anti-cancer and anti-amyloidogenic properties. In this review article, we aim to develop integrative, mechanistic insight into LL37 and its derived peptides, based on the known biophysical, structural, and functional studies in recent years. We believe that this review will pave the way for future research on the structures, biochemical and biophysical properties, and design of novel LL37-based molecules.

Влияние фоновой лимфопении на реактивность показателей неспецифического иммунитета в ответ на общее холодовое воздействие

Lymphopenia is a condition in which there are lower than normal counts of lymphocytes in the blood. Combination of lymphopenia and prolonged exposure to low temperatures leads to a reduction of adaptive resources, increasing risks of chronic inflammatory processes and secondary environmentally induced immunodeficiencies. The aim of the study was to compare characteristics of immune reactivity in response to cold exposure depending on background level of lymphocytes. Changes in hematologic and immunologic parameters in 203 participants before and immediately after short-term cold exposure were studied. Measurements included skin temperature (forehead, backside of palm), blood pressure, heart rate, leukogram, and hemogram. Levels of ferritin, lactoferrin, transferrin, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, TNFα, erythropoietin, and irisin were determined using the enzyme immunoassay method. Apoptosis and necrosis of lymphocytes were assessed by flow cytometry analysis using AnV/PI double staining assay. Regardless of the background level of lymphocytes in peripheral blood, same-type responses to short-term cold exposure were observed in cardiovascular system as well as in irisin and ferritin levels, providing an evidence of activating thermoregulation and thermal homeostasis mechanisms. Lymphopenia is associated with a decrease in activity of nonspecific defense - in response to cold exposure there were no changes in level and functional activity of circulating neutrophil granulocytes that can increase the risks of chronicization of infectious processes in this group.

IMPLEMENTACIÓN DE UN SISTEMA DE COMUNICACIÓN Y VIDEOVIGILANCIA INTEGRADO EN UN UAV PARA MISIONES ESTRATEGICAS

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have been widely used in the military for monitoring and national defence activities. One of the main advantages of using UAVs is that they reduce loss of life, as they can be controlled remotely or with the help of algorithms, allowing high-risk manoeuvres to be carried out without fatal consequences. One of the objectives of using UAV systems is to reduce the costs of acquiring and operating conventional aircraft. One of the main problems in the development of UAVs the design and dimensioning of communication systems. This paper presents the development of a communication system for strategic missions with the validation of the communication link calculated through the implementation of a video surveillance system integrated in a UAV. The equipment of the communication and video transmission system was based on free commercial hardware and free software that allows the sending of high-resolution images. The UAV operation tests have allowed maintaining the telemetry link and high-quality video transmission at approximately 5 km. Key Words: energy efficiency, historic districts, 3D cities, building typology, categorization tool

Protective Effects of Propolis and Chitosan Nanoparticles against Ibuprofen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Albino Rats.

Post-marketing hepatotoxicity findings are more common or occur much later. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen are consumed in large quantities around the world. NSAIDs have a low incidence of hepatotoxicity but their wide use makes them a major contributor to drug-induced liver injury. Hepatitis is linked to systemic oxidative stress which results in cellular necrosis and fibrosis, as well as tissue lipoprotein peroxidation and glutathione depletion. Given the lack of safe and effective anti-hepatitis drugs in medicine today, natural substances appear to be a promising and safe alternative. Propolis and chitosan are considered natural substances that have a protective effect on the hepatocytes. The purpose of this study was to validate the protective effect of propolis/chitosan nanoparticle extracts on ibuprofen-induced hepatotoxicity. Thirty (30) albino rats were used for the experiment. Animals were exposed to ibuprofen (400 mg/kg body weight/day) for 4 weeks (7 days/week) followed by treatment with propolis (200 mg/kg body weight/day) and chitosan extract (200 mg/kg body weight/day) separately and also in combination for consecutive 4 weeks. This study revealed a significant increase in serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, and total bilirubin in serum, as well as an increase in lipid peroxidation (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO). Furthermore, GSH, GST, and SOD decreased significantly in the group that was exposed to ibuprofen. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in pro-inflammatory parameters such as IL-1β and NF-ĸB, as well as low levels of anti-inflammatory parameters such as IL-6 and BCl-2. These alterations were improved by propolis and chitosan extracts, which was further confirmed in experimental animals. This study demonstrated that propolis and chitosan nanoparticle extracts have the potential to protect against hepatotoxicity induced by ibuprofen, due to their ability to regulate anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative defense activities.

The Role of Civilian Cybersecurity Companies in Military Cyber Operations

Abstract The Russia-Ukraine war has clearly shown that critical infrastructures are prime targets for cyber operations in addition to the physical domain. In practice, in many cases, these critical infrastructures are protected by civilian cybersecurity companies in the context of a managed security service, so their defense operations must necessarily be coordinated with military defense activities. This includes among others the sharing of information classified under different classification systems (national, EU, NATO) between different actors in national cyber defense, the inclusion of appropriate civilian experts in the armed forces, and the usage of cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies (e.g. AI-enabled solutions) that are first introduced for civilian use, with military organizations only having access to them later or possibly not encountering them at all due to procurement difficulties. The main goal of this paper is to introduce the existing opportunities and obstacles to civilians’ involvement in military cyber operations in the areas of legislation, technology, and human resources from the European perspective. Moreover, the paper deals with the actual questions of cybersecurity intelligence sharing between civilian and military entities and the European Union’s actions in order to improve the overall cybersecurity posture of the region.

Immune priming modulates Galleria mellonella and Pseudomonas entomophila interaction. Antimicrobial properties of Kazal peptide Pr13a.

Galleria mellonella larvae repeatedly infected with Pseudomonas entomophila bacteria re-induced their immune response. Its parameters, i.e. the defence activities of cell-free hemolymph, the presence and activity of antimicrobial peptides, and the expression of immune-relevant genes were modulated after the re-challenge in comparison to non-primed infected larvae, resulting in better protection. No enhanced resistance was observed when the larvae were initially infected with other microorganisms, and larvae pre-infected with P. entomophila were not more resistant to further infection with other pathogens. Then, the peptide profiles of hemolymph from primed- and non-primed larvae infected with P. entomophila were compared by quantitative RP-HPLC (Reverse Phase - High Performance Liquid Chromatography). The level of carbonic anhydrase, anionic peptide-1, proline peptide-2, and finally, unknown so far, putative Kazal peptide Pr13a was higher in the primed infected animals than in the larvae infected with P. entomophila for the first time. The expression of the Pr13a gene increased two-fold after the infection, but only in the primed animals. To check whether the enhanced level of Pr13a could have physiological significance, the peptide was purified to homogeneity and checked for its defence properties. In fact, it had antibacterial activity: at the concentration of 15 µM and 7.5 µM it reduced the number of P. entomophila and Bacillus thuringiensis CFU, respectively, to about 40%. The antibacterial activity of Pr13a was correlated with changes observed on the surface of the peptide-treated bacteria, e.g. surface roughness and adhesion force. The presented results bring us closer to finding hemolymph constituents responsible for the effect of priming on the immune response in re-infected insects.

Post-thaw sperm morphokinetics and mitochondrial genes profile of buck semen supplemented with selenium in two different forms

Background The quality characteristics of semen is a determinant factor for improving fertility of rabbit. Objectives The current investigation was done to evaluate post-thaw sperm morphokinetics and mitochondrial genes expression profile of buck semen supplemented with selenium in two different forms. Materials and methods Sexually mature bucks (n=16) that aged three months on average were used for collecting two ejaculates which were evaluated using computer assisted semen analysis (CASA) program. The semen samples of all experimental animals which recorded progressive motility greater than or equal to 70% were pooled for cryopreservation. The pooled semen was divided into three groups that were supplemented with selenium nanoparticles and selenium in normal form in addition to the control group. Morphological characteristics as well as CASA parameters were assessed after freezing for 1 week. Moreover, enzymatic activity assays were performed to measure the antioxidant capacity of cryopreserved buck semen. Transcriptional profile of mitochondrial activity and antioxidant defense regulating genes was conducted using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results and conclusion The addition of selenium in normal and Nano forms has significantly (P ≤0.05) enhanced some of CASA parameters such as DCL (µm), DAP (µm), DSL (µm), VCL (µm/s), VAP (µm/s), Amplitude of lateral head (ALH) (µ), BCF (Hz), and VSL (µm/s) during prefreezing period compared with control group. Moreover, the data presented in the present study indicated a significant (P ≤0.05) improvement of post-thaw total and progressive sperm motility in the two groups supplemented with normal and Nano compared with control group. The post-thaw level of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and percentage of live sperm were higher in the two groups supplemented with selenium and Nano selenium than the control group. The expression profile of candidate genes regulating mitochondrial activity (ATP Synthase F1 Subunit Alpha (ATP5A1), NADH dehydrogenase subunit1 (ND1), NADH dehydrogenase subunit2 (ND2), and Carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT2)) was increased significantly (P ≤0.05) in semen supplemented with selenium in normal and Nano forms compared with the control group. In conclusion, the data of this investigation demonstrated enhancement of CASA parameters during pre-freezing post thaw total and progressive sperm motility in the two groups supplemented with normal and nano selenium. The proportion of sperm viability and the level of total antioxidant capacity were enhanced in the two groups supplemented with selenium which was coupled with up-regulation of mitochondrial transcripts. It seems the both two forms shared the same mechanism on improving post-thaw physical and molecular qualities of rabbit sperm.

Identification of Pyroptosis-Related Genes Regulating the Progression of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps

Introduction: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is an immunologic disease, and pyroptosis, an inflammation-based cellular death, strictly modulates CRSwNP pathology, whereas the pyroptosis genes and mechanisms involved in CRSwNP remain unclear. Herein, we explored disease biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for pyroptosis and immune regulation in CRSwNP using bioinformatics analysis and tissue-based verification. Methods: We retrieved the transcriptional profiles of the high-throughput dataset GSE136825 from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, as well as 170 pyroptosis-related gene expressions from GeneCards. Using R, we identified differentially expressed pyroptosis-related genes and examined the potential biological functions of the aforementioned genes using Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of the Genome pathway, immune infiltration, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses, thereby generating a list of hub genes. The hub genes were, in turn, verified using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Western blotting (WB). Ultimately, using the StarBase and miRTarBase databases, we estimated the targeting microRNAs and long chain non-coding RNAs. Results: We demonstrated that the identified pyroptosis-related genes primarily modulated bacterial defense activities, as well as inflammasome immune response and assembly. Moreover, they were intricately linked to neutrophil and macrophage infiltration. Furthermore, we validated the tissue contents of hub genes AIM2, NLPR6, and CASP5 and examined potential associations with clinical variables. We also developed a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) modulatory axis to examine possible underlying molecular mechanisms. Conclusion: We found AIM2, CASP5, and NLRP6, three hub genes for pyroptosis in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, by biological analysis, experimental validation, and clinical variable validation.

Can blood morphology, oxidative stress, and cholinesterase activity determine health status of pigeon Columba livia f. urbana?

Environmental studies in Northern Poland are example of the functioning of ecophysiological relationships under anthropogenic impact. The aim of our studies was to investigate sex-dependent effects on the alterations in the concentration of chemical elements in soil samples collected from habitats of feral pigeon Columba livia f. urbana from Northern Poland, as well as feathers, biomarkers of oxidative stress, antioxidant defense, and total cholinesterase activity in tissues (liver, kidney, brain). Concentration of Si, Zn, and Pb in feathers of pigeons was significant. The levels of Si and Zn were higher in feathers of females from non-polluted, while higher Pb levels were found only in females from polluted areas (p = 0.000). This was confirmed by MANOVA of biomarkers of antioxidant defense, elements concentration, and revealing the order of effects: tissue type > environment > sex. Erythrocytes of males living in polluted areas were more fragile to hemolytic agents resulting in a higher percentage of hemolyzed erythrocytes. The effects of polluted environment on the level of carbonyl derivatives of oxidatively modified proteins compared to the effects of sex were more pronounced in the case of kidney (p = 0.000) and hepatic tissues (p = 0.000). Polluted areas were associated with significant increase in SOD activity in the brain and hepatic tissues of pigeons (p = 0.000). Health status of feral pigeons is significantly different in conditions of environmental destabilization.

Physiological and Biochemical Aspects of Silicon-Mediated Resistance in Maize against Maydis Leaf Blight.

Maydis leaf blight (MLB), caused by the necrotrophic fungus Bipolaris maydis, has caused considerable yield losses in maize production. The hypothesis that maize plants with higher foliar silicon (Si) concentration can be more resistant against MLB was investigated in this study. This goal was achieved through an in-depth analysis of the photosynthetic apparatus (parameters of leaf gas exchange chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence and photosynthetic pigments) changes in activities of defense and antioxidative enzymes in leaves of maize plants with (+Si; 2 mM) and without (-Si; 0 mM) Si supplied, as well as challenged and not with B. maydis. The +Si plants showed reduced MLB symptoms (smaller lesions and lower disease severity) due to higher foliar Si concentration and less production of malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and radical anion superoxide compared to -Si plants. Higher values for leaf gas exchange (rate of net CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance to water vapor, and transpiration rate) and Chl a fluorescence (variable-to-maximum Chl a fluorescence ratio, photochemical yield, and yield for dissipation by downregulation) parameters along with preserved pool of chlorophyll a+b and carotenoids were noticed for infected +Si plants compared to infected -Si plants. Activities of defense (chitinase, β-1,3-glucanase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, polyphenoloxidase, peroxidase, and lipoxygenase) and antioxidative (ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase) enzymes were higher for infected +Si plants compared to infected -Si plants. Collectively, this study highlights the importance of using Si to boost maize resistance against MLB considering the more operative defense reactions and the robustness of the antioxidative metabolism of plants along with the preservation of their photosynthetic apparatus.

Antivirulence effects of cell-free culture supernatant of endophytic bacteria against grapevine crown gall agent, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, and induction of defense responses in plantlets via intact bacterial cells

BackgroundCrown gall disease caused by Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a very destructive affliction that affects grapevines. Endophytic bacteria have been discovered to control plant diseases via the use of several mechanisms. This research examined the potential for controlling crown gall by three endophytic bacteria that were previously isolated from healthy cultivated and wild grapevines including Pseudomonas kilonensis Ba35, Pseudomonas chlororaphis Ba47, and Serratia liquefaciens Ou55.ResultAt various degrees, three endophytic bacteria suppressed the populations of A. tumefaciens Gh1 and greatly decreased the symptoms of crown gall. Furthermore, biofilm production and motility behaviors of A. tumefaciens Gh1were greatly inhibited by the Cell-free Culture Supernatant (CFCS) of endophytic bacteria. According to our findings, CFCS may reduce the adhesion of A. tumefaciens Gh1 cells to grapevine cv. Rashe root tissues as well as their chemotaxis motility toward the extract of the roots. When compared to the untreated control, statistical analysis showed that CFCS significantly reduced the swimming, twitching, and swarming motility of A. tumefaciens Gh1. The findings demonstrated that the endophytic bacteria effectively stimulated the production of plant defensive enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), and total soluble phenols at different time intervals in grapevine inoculated with A. tumefaciens Gh1. The Ba47 strain markedly increased the expression levels of defense genes associated with plant resistance. The up-regulation of PR1, PR2, VvACO1, and GAD1 genes in grapevine leaves indicates the activation of SA and JA pathways, which play a role in enhancing resistance to pathogen invasion. The results showed that treating grapevine with Ba47 increased antioxidant defense activities and defense-related gene expression, which reduced oxidative damage caused by A. tumefaciens and decreased the incidence of crown gall disease.ConclusionThis is the first study on how A. tumefaciens, the grapevine crown gall agent, is affected by CFCS generated by endophytic bacteria in terms of growth and virulence features. To create safer plant disease management techniques, knowledge of the biocontrol processes mediated by CFCS during microbial interactions is crucial.

Wireless Controlled Hexa Wheel Robot based on HC-05 Technology

Robotics is the interdisciplinary branch of engineering and science that includes mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and others. Robotics deals with the design, construction, operation, and use of robots, as well as computer systems for their control, sensory feedback, and information processing. In this digital age, Robotics represents a transformative shift. As you are all aware, Robotics is utilized extensively in the manufacturing, research laboratories, traffic management, search initiatives, and defence activities. These have streamlined human employees' tasks which was previously performed by humans. Now a days smart phones or android is an open-source operating system which means that any manufacturer on use it in their phones free of charge. More properties make the Android system very applicable for university use: Android uses the Java programming language, which our students are familiar with. Getting started with the Android API is easy; the API is open, i.e. developers can access almost every low-level function and are not sandboxed. In addition, the Android API allows easy access to the hardware components. In the working principle of Robot is based on RF (Radio Frequency) emitted by Bluetooth can be regarded as the control which deals with the use of radio signal to remotely control any device or Robot. Based on all these information we have design and developed a Six Wheel Robotics Module using HC-05 Technology. Keywords:- Robot, HC-05, Arduino uno, Driver, Ultrasonic.

The beneficial endophytic microbes enhanced tobacco defense system to resist bacterial wilt disease

BackgroundThe vital role of rhizosphere microbiome in protecting plants against pathogen infection has been well characterized. By contrast, beneficial effects of the plant endophytic microbiome and interactions with plants remain poorly understood. Here, we integrated microbial community analysis, culture-based methods and plant defense gene quantification to systematically investigate the responses of endophytic root and stem microbiomes and the defense system of the tobacco plant to Ralstonia solanacearum, a bacterial pathogen causing bacterial wilt disease worldwide.ResultsAn obvious reduction of community diversity and changes of microbial composition were observed in tobacco root and stem compartments upon R. solanacearum infection. Beneficial endophytic microbes were enriched in both diseased root and stem compartments, and beneficial microbes enriched in roots were more diverse than those in stems. Several beneficial bacteria enriched in diseased roots showed positive correlations with the pathogen abundance and exhibited great antagonistic activities against R. solanacearum. At the same time, the expression of key genes participating in plant defense signaling pathways and activities of plant defense enzymes were activated with R. solanacearum infection. Inoculation of beneficial endophyte Burkholderia ASV_550 in soils could greatly enhance the tobacco defense system in the presence of pathogen and decrease the disease incidence.ConclusionsThe recruited beneficial microbes exhibited an enhancement of the defense system of host plants. This work provides endophyte evidence for the “cry for help” strategy in plants and advances the current understanding of plant–microbe interactions in resisting plant disease.Graphical

Benthic Algal Assemblages Associated with Damselfi sh Territories in The Gulf of Thailand

Territorial damselfi sh are herbivorous fi sh that help maintain algal diversity and abundance by aggressive territorial defense and algal farming. We investigated the effect of territorial damselfi sh on algal diversity and abundance on a reef at Ko Taen, Surat Thani Province, Thailand. Ten permanent patches (20 × 20 cm2) were set up inside and ten outside damselfi sh territory and monitored bimonthly. We found 22 macroalgal species with fi ve dominant species: Polysiphonia sp., Padina minor, Ulva compressa, Gelidium pusillum, and Lobophora variegata. The abundance of Polysiphonia sp. was signifi cantly higher inside damselfi sh territory than outside. In contrast, the abundances of Gelidium pusillum, Padina minor, and Ulva compressa were slightly higher outside the territory. It might be perhaps because their feeding behavior, territorial defense, and farming activities altered the benthic community. These damselfi shes exclude other herbivorous fi shes from their territories and remove unpalatable algae and maintain their algal food crop. For species diversity, there was no signifi cant difference between algal species diversity outside and inside damselfi sh territories. Our results indicated that damselfi shes have a strong effect on algal abundance and composition.

Organizational Overlap and Bureaucratic Actors: How EU–NATO Relations Empower the European Commission

AbstractOrganizational overlap is a ubiquitous feature in regional governance. Most studies have focused on member states, demonstrating that overlap enables states differently. We still know little about whether and how overlapping organizations impact international bureaucracies and how this shapes the relationship between bureaucratic actors within organizations. We argue that overlap can empower international bureaucrats, but not equally. Those with autonomous resources from member states are the most attractive interlocuters for bureaucrats from other organizations and, hence, likely to become most empowered. Substantive expertise and formal competence are less consequential in this context. We unpack this argument by looking at a policy domain understood to be heavily guarded by member states, security and defence policy. Based on primary documents and interviews, we show that the European Union (EU)–North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) overlap has enabled the European Commission to leverage its position within the EU to its advantage and further encroach on the EU's security and defence activities.

Integrative omic and transgenic analyses reveal methyl jasmonate- and abscisic acid-responsive regulator CwbHLH2 that positively regulates terpenoid biosynthesis in Curcuma wenyujin

Bioactive terpenoids from Curcuma wenyujin (CW), as specialized metabolites, have huge medicinal properties. Accumulating evidence suggested that Jasmonates (JAs) and abscisic acid (ABA) shake hands and coordinately control a wide range of plant growth and defense activities, including the production of specialized metabolites. However, knowledge of how JA and ABA signalings interact to regulate terpenoid biosynthesis (TBS) is limited. In this study, integrative transcriptome and metabolome analyses revealed that exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and ABA activate the biosynthesis of terpenoids by upregulating the expressions of genes related to the TBS pathway, JA and ABA responses. Most of the differentially changed terpenoids and transcripts were commonly induced by MeJA and ABA. Interactive networks of “gene-gene/metabolite” indicated that CwbHLH2, a MeJA and ABA dual-responsive regulator, is tightly related to terpenoid production. Furthermore, transgenic experiments revealed that overexpression and RNA interference of CwbHLH2 upregulated and downregulated the contents of representative terpenoids in the MeJA- and ABA-treated transgenic hairy roots, respectively, with 1.52–3.06-fold increases and 29.6–68.7% reduction. Importantly, the genetic transformation of CwbHLH2 enhanced the expressions of multiple TBS pathway genes and bidirectionally enlarged the JA and ABA signalings caused by MeJA or ABA, demonstrating that CwbHLH2 plays a critical interrelational role in integrating MeJA- and ABA-induced TBS regulation. Altogether, our results not only advance a new view of the crosstalk between JA and ABA in modulating TBS but also provide a powerful strategy for improving the yield of bioactive terpenoids in CW.

Zinc Oxide and Magnesium-Doped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Ameliorate Murine Chronic Toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasma gondii causes a global parasitic disease. Therapeutic options for eradicating toxoplasmosis are limited. In this study, ZnO and Mg-doped ZnO NPs were prepared, and their structural and morphological chrematistics were investigated. The XRD pattern revealed that Mg-doped ZnO NPs have weak crystallinity and a small crystallite size. FTIR and XPS analyses confirmed the integration of Mg ions into the ZnO framework, producing the high-purity Mg-doped ZnO nanocomposite. TEM micrographs determined the particle size of un-doped ZnO in the range of 29 nm, reduced to 23 nm with Mg2+ replacements. ZnO and Mg-doped ZnO NPs significantly decreased the number of brain cysts (p < 0.05) by 29.30% and 35.08%, respectively, compared to the infected untreated group. The administration of ZnO and Mg-doped ZnO NPs revealed a marked histopathological improvement in the brain, liver, and spleen. Furthermore, ZnO and Mg-doped ZnO NPs reduced P53 expression in the cerebral tissue while inducing CD31 expression, which indicated a protective effect against the infection-induced apoptosis and the restoration of balance between free radicals and antioxidant defense activity. In conclusion, the study proved these nanoparticles have antiparasitic, antiapoptotic, and angiogenetic effects. Being nontoxic compounds, these nanoparticles could be promising adjuvants in treating chronic toxoplasmosis.

Antagonistic effects of Talaromyces muroii TM28 against Fusarium crown rot of wheat caused by Fusarium pseudograminearum.

Fusarium crown rot (FCR) caused by Fusarium pseudograminearum is a serious threat to wheat production worldwide. This study aimed to assess the effects of Talaromyces muroii strain TM28 isolated from root of Panax quinquefolius against F. pseudograminearum. The strain of TM28 inhibited mycelial growth of F. pseudograminearum by 87.8% at 72 h, its cell free fermentation filtrate had a strong antagonistic effect on mycelial growth and conidial germination of F. pseudograminearum by destroying the integrity of the cell membrane. In the greenhouse, TM28 significantly increased wheat fresh weight and height in the presence of pathogen Fp, it enhanced the antioxidant defense activity and ameliorated the negative effects of F. pseudograminearum, including disease severity and pathogen abundance in the rhizosphere soil, root and stem base of wheat. RNA-seq of F. pseudograminearum under TM28 antagonistic revealed 2,823 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Most DEGs related to cell wall and cell membrane synthesis were significantly downregulated, the culture filtrate of TM28 affected the pathways of fatty acid synthesis, steroid synthesis, glycolysis, and the citrate acid cycle. T. muroii TM28 appears to have significant potential in controlling wheat Fusarium crown rot caused by F. pseudograminearum.

Magnetized Seeds and Structured Water: Effects on Resilience of Velvet Bean Seedlings (Mucuna pruriens) under Deficit Irrigation

A custom-built water generator supplied structured water (SW) for applying the deficit irrigation treatments to velvet bean plants (Mucuns pruriens). The objectives of the study were to 1) determine the effects of magnetized seed treatment on velvet bean plants, 2) determine the effects of magnetized and hydroxylated water treatments on velvet bean plants, and 4) determine the effects of deficit irrigation, using three soil moisture levels, on velvet bean plants. The optimal water-saving treatment was magnetized seeds plus 10 MT + HWT. This treatment had a 226% increase in transpiration and a 22% increase in water vapor concentration in the intercellular airspace for the low soil moisture watering schedule. The three study factors in the optimal seed and water treatment had a synchronistic effect for enhancing metabolic efficiency by increasing whole plant WUE by 87% and carbon assimilation efficiency by 66% in the low soil moisture schedule. Plants irrigated with SW water and grown from magnetized seeds had enhanced resilience to high water stress conditions by maintaining adequate levels of biologically structured water. The rapid deactivation of a suite of highly interconnected defense activities in the optimal seed and water treatments implies that the plants exhibit macroscopic coherence properties. Coherence at the macroscopic level resulted in complex synchronization between metabolic efficiency, plant health, and deactivation of a suite of regulatory defenses in plants exposed to high water stress.