Relative Content Research Articles

Mitigating Salinity Stress in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) with K-humate and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Salinity stress poses a major challenge to plant growth and development, causing problems like osmotic stress, ion toxicity, and nutrient imbalances. These issues lead to reduced photosynthesis and early aging of plants. In this study, we explored the potential of potassium humate (Kh) and iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe (II,III) oxide-NPs) to help cotton plants (Gossypium hirsitum L.) cope with saline conditions. We examined various growth parameters such as plant height, leaf number, fresh and dry weights of leaves and roots, leaf area, chlorophyll content (SPAD values), and relative water content (RWC). Our findings showed that salinity stress significantly decreased plant height, leaf number, fresh leaf weight, dry leaf weight, leaf area, and RWC. However, the application of Fe (II,III) oxide-NPs and Kh helped mitigate these negative effects. Notably, the combination of Fe (II,III) oxide-NPs and Kh resulted in the highest plant height under saline conditions. Kh alone was particularly effective in increasing leaf number and fresh leaf weight, even under stress. In conclusion, both Fe (II,III) oxide NPs and Kh proved to be effective in enhancing cotton plant resilience to salinity stress, highlighting their potential use in sustainable agriculture in saline and arid regions. These insights can help develop strategies to improve plant growth and yield under challenging environmental conditions.

Dynamic Changes in Flavonoids’ Accumulation Pattern in Tilia miqueliana Flowers at Different Developmental Stages Based on Widely Targeted Metabolomic Analysis

Tilia miqueliana is an endemic species belonging to the genus Tilia L. (Tiliaceae) in China, which is known for its fragrant flowers and nectar, but the dynamic changes in metabolites during its growth and development are still unclear. In this study, the metabolic profiles from T. miqueliana flowers at three developmental stages were detected by performing an ultra-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS)-based widely targeted metabolomic analysis. A total of 1138 metabolites were detected, with 288 Differentially Accumulated Metabolites (DAMs) determined, flavonoids accounting for the largest proportion. The trend analysis showed that DAMs present seven distinctive patterns, and subclass 5 obtained the largest amount with continuously increased relative content during flower development. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotation and enrichment analysis of DAMs showed different overlap and variability in metabolic pathways, indicating different directions of flavonoids’ metabolic flux in the three developmental stages. A correlation network analysis further revealed five core metabolites that played essential roles in flavonoid biosynthesis. This research provides comprehensive insights into the exploitation and utilization of T. miqueliana as well as a scientific basis for phylogenetic studies of the genus Tilia.

The role of salicylic acid in modulating phenotyping in spring wheat varieties for mitigating drought stress

Climate change-related droughts that recur frequently are one of the biggest obstacles to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity. Worldwide, attempts are being done to establish drought-resistant cultivars. However, progress is slow since drought tolerance is a complex trait controlled by numerous genes, and its expression is influenced by the environment. Phenotypic, biochemical physiological, and genotyping approaches are highlighted as critical research components for leveraging genetic variation in eight wheat genotypes. Treatments included eight spring wheat genotypes (IPK_040, IPK_046, IPK_050, IPK_071, IPK_105, WAS_007, WAS_024 and WAS_031), normal irrigation (NI), drought stress (D) (30% field capacity (FC)), normal irrigation with 0.5 mM SA (NSA), and drought treated with SA (DSA). The results revealed that there was a reduction in relative water content, an increase membrane leakage, and leaf chlorophyll content under drought stress. SA induced the defense responses against drought by increasing the osmolytes and the antioxidative enzymes activities. Compared to the NI group, the DSA treatment improved the water regulation, antioxidant capacity, and drought stress resistance. SA significantly reduced the deleterious effects of water stress on phenotyping more in WAS_ 024 and IPK_ 105 genotypes. The most responsive genotypes to salicylic acid were IPK_ 046 among the IPK genotypes, whereas WAS_031 genotype was amongst WAS genotypes based on the morpho-physiological traits. The findings of this study give a solid foundation for assessing drought resistance in T. aestivum and developing cultivation-specific water management methods.Graphical

Effect of exogenous application of salicylic acid on alleviation of drought stress of immature tea (Camellia sinensis L.) plants

Abstract Application of salicylic acid (SA) leads to positive impacts in improving the physiological and growth parameters under drought in other crops. Knowledge on SA regulation on tea is scanty but important especially under drought. Therefore, potential of minimizing the drought effects on tea via exogenous application of SA was studied in a glasshouse at the Tea Research Institute, Talawakelle, Sri Lanka, using one-year-old potted tea cultivars of known drought tolerance (TRI 2025 – tolerant and TRI 2023 – susceptible). Plants were exposed to a drying cycle while they were foliar sprayed with SA in various concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 ppm) along with well-watered and no-spray treatments. Data were collected at 18 hours and 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after applying the treatments from randomly selected plants. Physiological parameters were measured along with soil moisture content. Drought stress led to declining of gas exchange parameters (rate of net photosynthesis, transpiration and stomatal conductance), leaf relative water content and increasing accumulation of osmolytes (total soluble sugar and proline) in both tea cultivars compared with well-watered plants. Exogenous application of 150 and 200 ppm SA significantly improved physiological parameters. These results revealed the role of exogenous application of 150 and 200 ppm SA in diminishing the negative effects of drought on tea plants. Exogenous application of SA 150 ppm will therefore be more effective in alleviating the drought impact on immature tea when considering the environmental impact and cost effectiveness.

Characterization of Changes in Ripening Process of Volatile Apple Compounds Based on HS-SPME-GC-MS Analysis

The aim of this study was to identify the aromatic compounds present in different apple varieties and to gain insights into the changes in the aromatic compounds during ripening. Three apple varieties (“Red Astrachan”, “Ning Qiu”, and “Golden Delicious”) at different stages of ripening were selected for this study; their peel and pulp were analyzed via headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME)–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS), and 30 volatile compounds were identified. The samples’ differences were analyzed using heat map cluster analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and an independent samples t-test. The results showed that the content of aromatic compounds in the peel was higher than that in the pulp. The relative content of esters in the aromatic compounds of the three apple varieties followed the order of pulp > peel and “Ning Qiu” > “Golden Delicious” > “Red Astrachan”. This suggests that “Ning Qiu” combines the advantages of its parents in terms of its aroma content. The highest concentrations of aroma compounds in “Red Astrachan” and “Ning Qiu” accumulate before the ripening stage, and care should be taken to choose an appropriate harvesting time according to the different needs during production. The main compounds of “Red Astrachan” are aldehydes and C8 esters, while those of “Ning Qiu” and “Golden Delicious” are alkenes and esters. After analyzing the relative odor activity values (rOAVs) of key volatile compounds and their aroma descriptors during the harvest period, acetic acid pentyl ester, butanoic acid hexyl ester, hexanoic acid hexyl ester, and 2-ethyl-1-Hexanol were found to contribute the most to the overall flavor of the peel and pulp. “Ning Qiu” combines the parental advantages of the concentrated peel of “Red Astrachan” and the astringent pulp of “Golden Delicious”, with compounds in its composition that give a pleasing aroma. Mature “Ning Qiu” fruits have a more intense aroma and fruity flavor. The development of flavor-specific varieties has provided the theoretical basis for future research in molecular hybridization, molecular-assisted breeding, and the molecular biology of apple flavor synthesis and metabolism.

Age to Initiate Routine Breast Cancer Screening.

This Clinical Practice Update provides revised guidance on the age to start routine breast cancer screening with mammography. This document is a focused update of related content in Practice Bulletin No. 179, Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and Screening in Average-Risk Women (Obstet Gynecol 2017;130:e1-16).

Differences in the Genesis and Sources of Hydrocarbon Gas Fluid from the Eastern and Western Kuqa Depression

The Kuqa Depression is rich in oil and gas resources and serves as a key production area in the Tarim Basin. However, controversy persists over the genesis of oil and gas in the various structural zones of the Kuqa Depression. This study employs natural gas composition analysis, gas carbon isotope analysis and gold pipe thermal simulation experiments, to comprehensively analyze the differences in the genesis and sources of hydrocarbon gas fluid from the eastern and western Kuqa Depression. The results show that the Kuqa Depression is dominated by alkane gas, with an average gas drying coefficient of 95.6, with nitrogen and carbon dioxide as the primary non-hydrocarbon gases. The average of δ13C1, δ13C2 and δ13C3 values in natural gas are −27.70‰, −20.43‰ and −21.75‰, respectively. Based on comprehensive natural gas geochemical maps, the CO2 in the natural gas from the Tudong and Dabei areas, as well as the KT-1 well of the Kuqa Depression, is thought to be of organic origin. Additionally, natural gas formation in the Tudong area is relatively simple, consisting entirely of thermally generated coal gas derived from the initial cracking of kerogen. The natural gas in the KT-1 well and the Dabei area are mixed gasses, formed by the initial cracking of kerogen from highly evolved lacustrine and coal-bearing source rocks, exhibiting characteristics resembling those of crude oil cracking gas. The methane (CH4) content of natural gas in the Dabei area is high and the carbon isotopes are unusually heavy. Considering the regional geological background, potential source rock characteristics and geochemical features may be related to the large-scale invasion of dry gas contributed by CH4 from highly evolved, underlying coal-bearing source rocks. Consequently, the CH4 content in the mixed gas is generally high (Ln (C1/C2) can reach up to 5.38), while the relative content of heavy components is low, though remains relatively unchanged. Thus, the map of the relative content of heavy components still reflects the characteristics of the original gas genesis (initial cracking of kerogen). Mixed-source gas was analyzed using thermal simulation experiments and natural gas composition ratio diagrams. The contributions of natural gas from deep, highly evolved coal-bearing source rocks in the KT-1 well and the Dabei area accounted for more than 90% and approximately 60%, respectively. This analysis provides theoretical guidance for natural gas exploration in the research area.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Quality and Differences in Silene viscidula Franch from Different Origins Based on UPLC-ZENO-Q-TOF-MS/MS Compounds Analysis and Antioxidant Capacity.

Silene viscidula Franch is mainly produced in southwest China. The region has a vast area and rich climate, which has an impact on the quality of the plants due to the differences in distribution between the origins. There is a lack of systematic research on its chemical compounds in the existing literature, and fewer studies have been reported for the active compounds of this plant. Therefore, high-resolution liquid mass spectrometry was used in this study. Sixty batches of Silene viscidula Franch samples from twenty origins in three provinces were analyzed for compounds. A database of chemical compounds of Silene viscidula Franch was established through node-to-node information in the GNPS molecular network, as well as literature records. The ion fragmentation information obtained was compared with the literature data and analyzed and identified by importing the mass spectrometry software PeakView 1.2. Then, the MarkerView t-test was applied to analyze and identify the compounds of Silene viscidula Franch from different origins. Afterwards, the antioxidant activity of Silene viscidula Franch from different origins was preliminarily evaluated using DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assays. The results showed a total of 78 compounds, including 34 steroids, 14 triterpenoid saponins, 30 flavonoid glycosides, and other classes of compounds, such as alkaloids. The cleavage patterns of steroids, triterpenoid saponins, and flavonoids in positive-ion mode were also summarized. Based on the p-value of the t-test (p < 0.05), 29 differential compounds were screened out. The relative contents of saponins and steroidal compounds in these samples were found to be associated with antioxidant activity. This study provided a preliminary reference for the establishment of a comprehensive evaluation system for the quality of Silene viscidula Franch.

Exploring the synergistic effects of drought and heat stress on chickpea seed development: Insights into nutritional quality and seed yield

Growing chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) faces significant challenges due to rising temperatures and drought stress, particularly during the reproductive and seed-filling phases. This study investigated the single and joint impacts of drought and heat stress on seed development, focusing on the responses of drought-tolerant (DT) and drought-sensitive (DS) chickpea genotypes. Initially raised in an outdoor environment (mean day and night temperature of 27 and 16±1 °C, respectively, light intensity of 1230–1440 µmol m−2s−1, relative humidity of 70/43 %) until seed filling (around 110–113 days after sowing) commenced. The plants were subsequently exposed to single or combined heat and drought stress under controlled conditions until maturity. Control pots were maintained at day and night temperature of 25 and 15 °C, respectively with 500 µmol m−2s−1 light, 60–65 % RH, and regular irrigation, and drought-stressed pots were kept at 50 % field capacity under the same conditions of light and humidity. Heat stress in pots was gradually increased to 32(day)/20 °C (night) under regular irrigation, while combined stress pots experienced both drought (50 % field capacity) and heat stress conditions 32(day)/20 °C (night) under the same light and humidity conditions with irrigation. All stress treatments adversely affected cell membranes, photosynthesis, and water regulation, with more pronounced effects under combined stress. While heat stress increased stomatal conductance, drought and combined stress significantly reduced it. Seed filling rate and duration decreased under all stress conditions, especially combined stress. The stresses in combination severely reduced seed weight and pod numbers compared to individual stresses. Enzyme activities involved in starch and sucrose synthesis and hydrolysis substantially decreased under the combined stress. Seed composition elements (starch, storage proteins, sugars, fat, crude fiber, and ash) exhibited significant reductions across all stress treatments, particularly for the combined stress. Thus, under combined stresses, starch, proteins, and soulube sugars were markedly decreased to 13–20 %, 6.4–12.4 %, and 3–5 % in seeds, compared to 37–39 %, 21–24 %, and 6 % in control seeds. The DT genotype outperformed the DS genotype for all traits under individual and combined stress conditions. Principal component analysis revealed a complex interplay among various physiological responses (membrane damage, chlorophyll, chlorophyll fluorescence, relative leaf water content, and stomatal conductance), seed yield, and seed composition under the combined stress. This study highlighted that combined heat and drought stress severely impacted chickpea yield and nutritional traits, such as seed starch and protein content, compared to individual stresses underscoring the need to develop cultivars tolerant to this stress combination.

Physiological and metabolomic analyses reveal the mechanism by which exogenous spermine improves drought resistance in alfalfa leaves (Medicago sativa L.).

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a globally important legume crop with high nutritional and ecological value. Drought poses a serious threat to alfalfa acreage and yields. Spermine (Spm) has been shown to protect plants from drought damage. The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanism of exogenous Spm to improve drought resistance of alfalfa. In this study, we root applied 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mM Spm to Gannong No. 3 (G3) alfalfa under drought stress, and then determined their physiological and metabolic changes. The results showed that exogenous Spm increased chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and gas exchange parameters, enhanced antioxidant enzymes activity, improved ascorbic acid-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle, increased osmoregulatory substances content, reduced hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion levels, and inhibited malondialdehyde accumulation in alfalfa under drought stress, thereby increasing plant height and leaf relative water content and enhancing drought tolerance of alfalfa. The redundancy analysis of the above physiological indicators showed that the addition of the optimal Spm to improve drought tolerance of alfalfa under drought stress was mainly achieved by increasing catalase activity and improving the ASA-GSH cycle. In addition, metabolomics analysis revealed that exogenous Spm increased the content of oxobutanedioic acid, citric acid, fumaric acid and malic acid to enhance the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Meanwhile, exogenous Spm increased endogenous Spm and proline (Pro) content to resist drought stress by enhancing Spm and Pro metabolism. Moreover, exogenous Spm increased the accumulation of the signaling substance abscisic acid. In conclusion, exogenous Spm enhanced drought resistance of alfalfa leaves under drought stress.

Abundance, habitat distribution and content of reserve energy substances in shrews (Sorex caecutiens, Sorex isodon) within the Seymchan-Buyundinskaya Depression (Upper Kolyma River region)

This research examined the influence of interspecific interactions among shrew species on their territorial distribution and trophic conditions within larch and poplar-chosenia forests along the upper Kolyma River. The study specifically analyzed the biotopic characteristics associated with the relative abundance and energy reserve content, including fat tissue mass and glycogen levels in the liver, of Sorex caecutiens and S. isodon. Fieldwork was conducted in the Seymchan- Buyunda depression during July and August in 2003 and 2010. A total of 1,588 individuals from both species were captured using pitfall traps. The assessment of energy reserve content in S. caecutiens (n = 736) and S. isodon (n = 113) was carried out between 2006 and 2010. The abundance of S. caecutiens in the examined habitats exhibited consistent trends and a strong correlation (RS = 0.95, p &lt; 0.01). Conversely, S. isodon displayed asynchronous fluctuations in abundance across various habitats, likely attributable to competition with Laxmann’s shrew, which tends to displace S. isodon from its preferred larch forest during periods of elevated population density. The interannual variations in energy reserve content for both shrew species were remarkably similar, with no significant differences observed between habitats. The nature of these variations suggested insufficient feeding conditions for the animals during years of high overall abundance, with the dominant species, S. caecutiens, contributing most significantly to this phenomenon in both habitats of the upper Kolyma. The results indicate that interspecific relationships play a crucial role in shaping both territorial distribution and food availability for these shrew species.

Quantification of soluble protein content and characterization of protein secondary structure by Raman spectroscopy combined with chemometrics

In the large-scale industrialized production of soymilk, the accurate monitoring of protein content and its secondary structure is crucial to guarantee product quality and enhance nutritional value, while traditional protein detection methods have significant limitations. In this study, Raman spectroscopy was used to characterize the changes in the relative content of protein secondary structures during boiling, in which the α-helix structure was converted to other unstable secondary structures, indicating that the protein was thermally denatured. The study also accurately predicted the soluble protein content of soymilk for the first time by combining Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics based on algorithms such as Partial Least Squares (PLS), Least Squares Support Vector Machines (LSSVM), and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). The results showed that the relative percentage deviation (RPD) values of all models were greater than 2, indicating that the models all possessed a certain degree of robustness; The PLS-based regression prediction model (with an average RPD value of 3.5592 and an average R2p of 0.9597) had the best overall prediction. The study's results can guide the soymilk production industry into online monitoring of soymilk quality.

Possibilities and challenges of Artificial Intelligence in the teaching and learning process of Journalism Writing. The experience in Spanish universities

The research aims to assess the possibilities and challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) for the development of the teaching and learning of journalistic writing techniques in the university educational context. The main objective consists of analysing the abilities of AI to solve the composition of different journalistic texts¸ both informative and opinion, and the quality of the result, as well as other applications of AI in journalistic writing. The text tries to contribute to the knowledge on the use of AI by teachers and students in the teaching and learning process. A mixed methodology has been used to develop the research: on the one hand, descriptive and comparative, based on surveys to university professors in Spain specialised in this subject and to students taking related contents in their studies, also in this context; on the other hand, an experimental research is included among professors trained in the field of Journalistic Writing, who are asked for the qualified correction of an exam, anonymous, actually carried out with the AI system, ChatGPT. After weighing the results, each of them is interviewed in depth about the quality of the texts, their strengths, and weaknesses. The results show that AI is beginning to be used in the university context by students and professors. In the specific field of journalistic writing, its use for the moment is limited to assisting tasks in the writing process or suggesting topics, while the automatic generation of content is not widely accepted due to the ethical implications that it entails, especially those related to the originality of content. Teachers value the potential of this technology for writing simple and informative pieces but observe limitations at deeper levels of knowledge and in hybrid texts.

Medical misinformation in social media: Representations of gastrointestinal disorders on a short video platform

Background and Objectives: Short video platforms have become one of the most common methods for disseminating medical information on social media. We analysed gastrointestinal (GI)-related content on TikTok, focusing on the creators’ background, patterns of content utilisation and overall content quality and understandability, using validated metrics to quantify the degree of misinformation. Methods: Twelve hashtags related to common GI conditions on TikTok and the 20 most engaging posts associated with each hashtag were selected for review. The ‘most engaging’ status was determined by the application’s internal algorithm. Six GI board-certified physicians evaluated the videos using two validated instruments: DISCERN quality criteria and Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT-A/V) survey. Results: In total, 253 videos were reviewed with 18.6 billion likes, 191,000 comments, 935,000 saves and 927,000 shares. IBS hashtag had the greatest number of views (2.2 billion), while videos on haemorrhoids had the most likes (4.3 million), comments (59,000) and shares (288,000). Most videos 177/253 (70%) were created by non-healthcare workers. The median video quality was 2/5 on DISCERN Likert-type scale with 23/75 DISCERN score. Of 186 videos, 114 (61.3%) were rated ‘very poor’; 58/186 (31.2%) ‘poor’, 13/186 (7%) ‘fair’ and only one video (0.5%) was rated ‘excellent’ on DISCERN grading system. The median PEMAT-A/V scores were 7/12 (73.9%) for understandability and 1/3 (33.3%) for actionability. Conclusion: Our study highlights significant public interest in common GI disorders. However, most posts lacked substantive information and did not have verifiable sources.

Polyphenol composition and antioxidant activity of fermentation combined with enzymatic hydrolysis modified Astragalus membranaceus stems

Astragalus membranaceus (AM) roots are a well-known homologous medicine and food in China. AM stems, which are discarded and not used effectively, also contain many active compounds and exhibit beneficial effects. It has the potential to be explored as antibiotic alternative. Fermentation combined with enzymatic hydrolysis (FEH) is an effective strategy for extracting polyphenol and improving the usage of AM stems. Therefore, in this study, the conditions of FEH and extraction for polyphenol in AM stems were screened. The antioxidant activity of extract from AM stems without and with FEH (AMSE and FAMSE) was evaluated. The metabolite profiles of phenolic acids and flavonoids in AMSE and FAMSE were characterized by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–ESI-MS/MS). The results showed that the highest polyphenol content from AM stems was obtained with cellulase and pectinase (1:1, 2000 U/g), moisture content 43%, fermentation temperature 30 °C, and fermentation time 7 days. Selected extraction conditions of polyphenol were ethanol concentration 50%, ultrasonic power 500 W, extraction temperature 35 °C, and extraction time 40 min. On this condition, compared with AMSE, the polyphenol and flavonoid contents in FAMSE were significantly higher. FAMSE exhibited stronger DPPH, hydroxyl radical scavenging rate and reducing power than AMSE. The relative content of 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionic acid, dihydroferulic acid, isoferulic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid, ferulic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid, gentisic acid, sinapic acid, apigenin, tricin, acacetin, daidzein, genistein, formononetin, prunetin, pratensein, rhamnocitrin and galangin were significantly upregulated in FAMSE.Graphical

Widely Targeted Metabolomics Analysis of the Roots, Stems, Leaves, Flowers, and Fruits of Camellia luteoflora, a Species with an Extremely Small Population

Camellia luteoflora is a rare and endangered plant endemic to China. It has high ornamental and potential economic and medicinal value, and is an important germplasm resource of Camellia. To understand the distributions and differences in metabolites from different parts of C. luteoflora, in this study, we used liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) to examine the types and contents of chemical constituents in five organs of C. luteoflora: roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits. The results showed that a total of 815 metabolites were identified in the five organs and were classified into 18 main categories, including terpenoids (17.1%), amino acids (10.4%), flavonoids (10.3%), sugars and alcohols (9.8%), organic acids (9.0%), lipids (7.1%), polyphenols (4.8%), alkaloids (4.8%), etc. A total of 684 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) in five organs were obtained and annotated into 217 KEGG metabolic pathways, among which metabolic pathways, ABC transporters, the biosynthesis of cofactors, and the biosynthesis of amino acids were significantly enriched. In DEMs, flowers are rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, organic acids, and steroids; fruits are rich in amino acids, alkaloids, vitamins, and xanthones; stems are rich in lignans; and leaves have the highest relative content of phenylpropanoids, ketoaldehydic acids, quinones, sugars and alcohols, terpenoids, coumarins, lipids, and others; meanwhile, the metabolite content is lower in roots. Among the dominant DEMs, 58 were in roots, including arachidonic acid, lucidone, isoliquiritigenin, etc.; 75 were in flowers, including mannose, shikimic acid, d-gluconic acid, kaempferol, etc.; 45 were in the fruit, including pterostilbene, l-ascorbic acid, riboflavin, etc.; 27 were in the stems, including salicylic acid, d-(-)-quinic acid, mannitol, (-)-catechin gallate, etc.; there was a maximum number of 119 dominant metabolites in the leaves, including oleanolic acid, l-glucose, d-arabitol, eugenol, etc. In sum, the rich chemical composition of C. luteoflora and the significant differences in the relative contents of metabolites in different organs will provide theoretical references for the study of tea, flower tea, edible oil, nutraceuticals, and the medicinal components of C. luteoflora.

The enigma of Nagorno-Karabakh: a ‘hierarchised amoebic composite’ with Armenia

ABSTRACT Based on a comprehensive examination of Nagorno-Karabakh’s critical junctures within Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, this article introduces the concept of the “hierarchized amoebic composite” framework. This model surpasses traditional paradigms of state sovereignty and territorial disputes by revealing the dynamic and contingent relationships within composite structures. Empirically, we use the Nagorno-Karabakh-Armenia relationship to demonstrate the framework’s applicability. Central to our analysis are two key research questions: how can we conceptually and empirically reflect on the relationship between Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia and what have been the factors influencing patterns of stability and change in this relationship? We argue that Nagorno-Karabakh demonstrates amoebic spatiality, characterized by its ability to be both integrated into and dissociated from Armenia. This relationship is further influenced by the Russian neo-imperial presence, which redefines the region’s strategic calculus. Our research explores two key dyads of interaction between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh: identity and territory for contingency and amoebicity, and diplomacy and economy for stable interconnection. Although Nagorno-Karabakh was seized by Azerbaijan and its unrecognized republic dissolved in 2024, the hierarchized amoebic composite framework allows us to study the ongoing transformation. We suggest that while traditional perspectives consider the conflict resolved with Nagorno-Karabakh’s incorporation into Azerbaijan, our framework indicates a spatial shift of the conflict’s epicenter to Armenia. This shift involves the same actors in a reconfigured yet persistent struggle, highlighting the conflict’s evolving nature. Through this perspective, we offer fresh insights into conflict mechanisms and coexistence in post-Soviet spaces and beyond, challenging the Westphalian model’s limits in explaining the complex spatial realities.

Mitigation of salinity stress on morpho-physiological and yield related parameters of rice using different organic amendments

Salinity is a pernicious abiotic element that hinders crop development. Utilizing organic amendments to remediate salt is crucial for enhancing soil function and promoting crop growth. Based on this, a pot experiment was carried out at the research field of Khulna Agricultural University, Khulna, to examine the physiology, growth, and yield of transplanted aman rice in response to salinity stress using duckweed, and dhaincha biomass supplement. Excess salinity with no organic amendments reduced plant growth and development, relative water content (26%), and membrane stability (28%), index compared to T1 S1 (duckweed), and T2 S1 (dhaincha) at 50 mM salinity. Salinity delayed the emergence of first flowering and the maturity of filled grains. The lowest grain yield was recorded in T0S3 (no treatment + 100 mM salinity). Application of dhaincha and duckweed biomass ameliorates salinity individually at all salinity levels. Rice grown in saline soil with the application of T1 (duckweed biomass) and T2 (Sesbania biomass) had an 87% spikelet fertility while rice grown in soil without T1 and T2 treatment had only 21.82%. The application of T2 and T1 @ 5 t ha-1 increased grain yield by 33.29% and 4.70% compared to control. Furthermore, salinity stress @100 mM NaCl with duckweed decreased grain yield by 0.05% which was minimized to 12% by applying dhaincha green manure (T2) @ 5 t ha1. The finding showed that the ameliorative impact of green manure at 5 tha1 dose (T2) was more effective compared to the duckweed (T1) at the three salinity levels used in the study.

Impact of Plant Growth Promoting Endophytic Bacterial Consortia on Biochemical Parameters of Maize under Moisture Stress Conditions in In vitro

Mitigation strategies based on plant–microbe interactions to increase the performance of plants under water-deficit conditions are well documented. However, little is known about a suitable consortium of bacterial inoculants and underlying physiological and enzymatic events to improve drought tolerance in maize. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic interactions among plant growth-promoting bacteria to alleviate drought-induced damages in maize. In pot culture experiment endophytic bacterial consortium inoculated treatments imposed with moisture stress (75% water holding capacity) with full dose (T9) and 75% recommended dose of fertilizers (T8) were found to excel in many plant biochemical properties when compared to un-inoculated control. For instance chlorophyll stability index T9 (138.67%) T8 (133.33%), relative water content T9 (95.20%), The N, P and K uptake was found significantly higher in T9 with 13.98 g plant-1, 3.38 g plant-1 and 17.29 g plant-1 respectively. Thus, the current research advocates the use of endophytic microbial consortium to mitigate moisture stress and to improve plant biochemical properties which ultimately enhances the plant health and yield.

Dissection of Genetic Parameters for Enhancing Yield and Yield Components in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

A study was conducted to evaluate the genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance of 13 quantitative traits in 55 mustard (Brassica juncea) genotypes. The traits assessed included days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, primary branches per plant, siliqua per plant, siliqua length, seeds per siliqua, seed yield per plant, 1000-seed weight, relative water content, membrane stability index, proline content, and oil content. Significant genetic variation was observed for all traits. Moderate phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were noted for siliqua per plant and proline content. Both traits exhibited high heritability coupled with high genetic advance, indicating that additive gene action predominates. This suggests that selection for these traits could lead to substantial genetic gains in mustard breeding programs. In contrast, traits like days to 50% flowering and oil content showed lower genetic advance, suggesting limited scope for selection. The findings highlight the importance of focusing on traits with high variability and heritability for improving yield and stress tolerance in mustard.