Controlled Environment Chambers Research Articles

Resistance to Oxidation and Tribological Behavior of MoS2 Nanoparticles in Severe Environmental Conditions

This study investigates the oxidation resistance and tribological performance of MoS2 nanoparticles under severe environmental conditions. Friction tests were conducted in dry and strictly controlled environments using a reciprocating pin-on-flat tribometer installed in a controlled environment chamber. This system was connected via a transfer chamber to an XPS spectrometer, enabling post-mortem analysis of the rubbed surfaces without air exposure. The friction tests were performed under pressures ranging from 10−9 to 200 mbar (simulating ambient air) and at two temperatures (25 and 100 °C). The results show that the nanoparticles maintain excellent tribological performance and good chemical stability from ultrahigh vacuum up to 200 mbar of oxygen at 25 °C, and up to 1 mbar of oxygen at 100 °C. The increase in the friction coefficient observed under certain experimental conditions is attributed to particle oxidation.

Biological soil amendments can support survival of pathogenic and non-pathogenic Escherichia coli in soils and sporadic transfer to Romaine lettuce.

Biological soil amendments (BSAs) are essential agricultural inputs that provide critical nutrients in organic leafy green production. Heat-treated poultry pellets (HTPP) and seabird guano (SBG), which have been treated to reduce microbial pathogen loads, are gaining popularity among growers. Using these BSAs in the process of side-dressing, providing nutrients to crops while growing, may provide opportunities for externally introduced bacterial pathogens to survive in soil. In this study, Romaine lettuce was grown in soils in a controlled environmental growth chamber. Soils were side-dressed twice with different combinations of treated BSAs: HTPP, SBG, and corn steep liquor (CSL). Soils were co-inoculated with non-pathogenic E. coli and two E. coli O157:H7 strains at the second of two side-dressing events. Survival of E. coli in soils over 28days was evaluated. On day 28 post inoculation, two heads of Romaine lettuce from each planter were harvested, and the presence of E. coli on leaves was determined. Four nonlinear statistical models were fit to predict survival of E. coli in soils. In all soils regardless of BSA treatment, E. coli TVS 353 declined by 4.08-4.51 log CFU/g soil over 28days, and E. coli O157:H7 declined by 2.77-4.3 log CFU/g soil over 28days. E. coli TVS 353 and O157:H7 were recovered from 13.3% (6/45) and 11.1% (5/45) of plants, respectively. Transfer of E. coli from soils to Romaine lettuce was low, sporadic, and could not be measured quantitatively. Side-dressing with treated BSAs used in organic lettuce production supported but did not enhance survival of E. coli in side-dressed soils under controlled environmental conditions.

Effects of Chemical and Biological Inhibitors of Ethylene on Heat Tolerance in Annual Bluegrass

Heat-stress-induced ethylene accumulation in plants inhibits growth and intensifies damage. Suppressing ethylene production in heat-stressed plants through chemical and biological inhibitors has been effective in promoting heat tolerance in plants. Aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG), is a chemical ethylene inhibiter that impedes the ethylene synthesis enzyme 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase. Biological ethylene inhibitors include bacteria with ACC deaminase (ACCd) enzyme activity, which suppresses ethylene synthesis by breaking down its precursor, ACC. This study tested two ethylene inhibitors, AVG and a novel strain of the ACCd rhizobacteria Paraburkholderia aspalathi, ‘WSF23’, on annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) to see whether they are effective in promoting its heat tolerance. P. annua plants were subjected to heat stress conditions for 21 d in controlled-environment growth chambers. Plants were separated into three treatment groups: 1) 25 mL of water (untreated control); 2) 25 mL of 25 µmol AVG; 3) 25 mL of P. aspalathi inoculant suspension. Treatments were applied once before imposing temperature treatments and then every 7 d during 21 d of heat stress. Poa annua treated with either AVG or the P. aspalathi had higher turf quality, green canopy cover, leaf relative water content, and chlorophyll contents during heat stress than the untreated control. Additionally, root characteristics were promoted under heat stress after ethylene inhibitor application, where P. annua treated with AVG had greater root depth and dry weight, while the P. aspalathi treatment resulted in greater total root length. Both ethylene inhibitors improved P. annua performance under heat stress, as characterized by delayed chlorophyll degradation and root maintenance.

Foliar Application of Amino Acids Increases Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Resistance to High-Temperature Stress.

Climate change poses a significant threat to food security, with projections indicating a decline in crop yield due to reduced crop growth in the face of rising temperatures. This study evaluated the effects of L-Isoleucine, L-Methionine, L-Glutamine, L-Tryptophan, and L-Phenylalanine on the morphophysiological parameters, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity of Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) under high-temperature stress. Ten cultivar varieties of the sweet basil, "Rosie", "Red Opal", "Bordeaux", "Dark Opal", "Red Rubin", "Genovese", "Cinamon", "Italiano Classico", "Marseillais", and "Thai", were grown in a controlled-environment growth chamber. The seedlings with 5-6 true leaves were divided into seven groups: the first group of seedlings had no treatment and was grown under 25/22 °C (day/night) temperature, the second group of seedlings had no treatment and was grown under 35/30 °C (day/night) temperature, and the remaining five groups were sprayed with 100 mg L-1 of L-Isoleucine, L-Methionine, L-Glutamine, L-Tryptophan, or L-Phenylalanine. As our results show, L-Tryptophan increased fresh and dry biomass in green sweet basil, while L-Methionine had the greatest effect on biomass in purple varieties. L-Phenylalanine increased chlorophyll a and b in heat-stressed "Bordeaux" (purple variety) and "Marseillais" (green variety). L-Isoleucine and L-Glutamine increased total phenolic compounds (TPCs) in purple cultivars ("Rosie", "Red Opal", "Dark Opal", and "Red Rubin"), while L-Tryptophan ("Cinamon" and "Italiano Classico") and L-Phenylalanine increased TPCs in "Cinamon", "Marseillais", and "Thai" green cultivars. Antioxidant activity (ABTS) was highest in "Dark Opal" and "Bordeaux" treated with L-Tryptophan or L-Phenylalanine under heat stress, while "Thai" benefited most from L-Isoleucine. The exogenous application of amino acids could serve as a viable solution to alleviate the negative effects of temperature stress on sweet basil and serve as an environmentally friendly agricultural strategy.

Influence of Astragalus extract on Gut Microbiome Regulation and Ammonia Emission Mitigation in Laying Hens

Astragalus extract plays a dual role in gut microbiome regulation and ammonia (NH3) emission mitigation in laying hens. This study explored its effects through feeding experiments, with a focus on gut microbial metabolic pathways and NH3 reduction mechanisms. To achieve this, both in vitro fermentation experiments and in vivo feeding trials were conducted. In the in vitro study, cecal contents from laying hens were incubated with different concentrations of AE and Yucca extract (YE) to evaluate NH3 production, while in the feeding trial, 58-week-old Lohmann Pink laying hens were allocated into three groups (control, 0.1% YE, and 0.1% AE) and housed in controlled-environment respiration chambers for 21 days. Measurements included NH3 emissions, serum biochemical indices, immune parameters, gut physicochemical properties, and 16S rRNA-based microbiota analysis. Results showed that Astragalus extract reduced NH3 emissions by 29.3%, achieved by lowering urease and uricase activities and promoting the conversion of ammonium nitrogen to nitrate nitrogen. Additionally, it significantly enhanced gut immune function by increasing intestinal immunoglobulin levels. Microbial community analysis revealed an increased relative abundance of Bacteroides, Muribaculaceae, and Faecalibacterium, which are negatively correlated with NH3 emissions. These microbial shifts improved ammonium nitrogen utilization via the upregulation of CTP synthase and GMP synthase activities, contributing to higher NH3 reduction efficiency. This study highlights Astragalus extract as a cost-effective and sustainable strategy to regulate gut microbiota, optimize nitrogen metabolism, and mitigate NH3 emissions in laying hens.

New Eye Drop Formulation Based on Desonide and Xanthan Gum in Dry Eye Disease: Nonclinical Studies.

Background/Objectives: A novel ophthalmic formulation, XanterDES, containing 0.2% xanthan gum and 0.025% desonide sodium phosphate (DES), was developed to alleviate ocular surface discomfort and irritation. This study aimed to evaluate its pharmacodynamic properties and to characterize its rheological behavior and mucoadhesive characteristics, compared to another formulation containing 0.2% hyaluronic acid and 0.001% hydrocortisone (HYD). Methods: A rabbit (New Zealand White) model of LPS-induced uveitis was used to test different concentrations of DES on ocular markers of inflammation. The efficacy of XanterDES and HYD on induced dry eye was evaluated by assessing tear volume and corneal damage in C57BL/6 mice exposed to a controlled environmental chamber. The rheological and mucoadhesive properties of XanterDES and HYD were assessed using a HAAKE RheoStress RS600 rheometer and a TA-XT2 texture analyzer, respectively. Results: In the uveitis model, unlike DES 0.25%, a low concentration of 0.025% DES showed a significant inhibitory activity localized to the eye surface and effectively reduced corneal edema. In the dry eye model, XanterDES demonstrated superior efficacy compared to HYD, effectively preventing both tear volume reduction and corneal damage. XanterDES also demonstrated pseudoplastic and enhanced mucoadhesive properties compared to HYD. Conclusions: The ancillary anti-inflammatory effects of a low dose of DES combined with the biophysical properties of xanthan gum are supportive of a favorable therapeutic profile, promoting the maintenance or restoration of ocular surface homeostasis while minimizing the risk of adverse effects typically associated with standard-dose corticosteroids. The comparison with another low-dose corticosteroid highlights the superiority of XanterDES in pharmacodynamic and biophysical performance.

Impacts of elevated temperature and CO2 concentration on carbon metabolism in an endangered carnation: Consequences for biomass allocation and flowering.

Impacts of elevated temperature and CO2 concentration on carbon metabolism in an endangered carnation: Consequences for biomass allocation and flowering.

Resilience Assessment of Tomato Crop Chlorophyll Fluorescence Against Water Stress Under Elevated CO2 and Protective Cultivation

ABSTRACTWater scarcity is a crucial issue that reduces plant growth and yield worldwide. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, which are associated with plant growth and yield under water stress, are the most sensitive plant parameters. The mitigation of water stress by elevated CO2 (e[CO2]) by chlorophyll fluorescence for tomato growth is rare. Tomato plants were grown in a controlled environment chambers (CECs) under eight treatments under controlled environmental conditions for two growing seasons: autumn–winter (AW) 2021 and spring–summer (SS) 2022. The four irrigation regimes included 40%–50% soil water holding capacity (WHC) (I1), 60%–70% WHC (I2), 80%–90% WHC (I3) and 100% WHC (I4). Eight treatments of four irrigation regimes coupled with e[CO2] (700 μmol·mol−1) and ambient CO2 (a[CO2], 500 μmol·mol−1) were designed, respectively: I1e[CO2], I2e[CO2], I3e[CO2], I4e[CO2], I1a[CO2], I2a[CO2], I3a[CO2] and I4a[CO2], where I4a[CO2] was considered the control treatment (CK). The chlorophyll fluorescence parameters maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), photochemical efficiency of PSII (ФPSII), electron transport rate (ETR) and photochemical quenching (qP) significantly decreased, whereas nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) significantly increased under drought stress. Compared with that under CK, the maximum reduction in Fv/Fm under I1a[CO2] was 14% in AW 2021, whereas it was 19% in SS 2022. The ФPSII was reduced by 13%–3% and 13%–6% under I1a[CO2] in AW 2021 and SS 2022, respectively (under the fixed photosynthetically active radiation range of 125–625 μmol·m−2·s−1) compared with that in the CK. The ETR and qP decreased under I1a[CO2] at their maximum level in AW 2021 and SS 2022 with respect to those in the CK. The results showed that e[CO2] mitigated water stress as the Fv/Fm, ФPSII, ETR and qP were increased under water stress coupled with e[CO2]. I1e[CO2] was the most influential treatment for chlorophyll fluorescence parameters assessed via principal component analysis (PCA) in AW 2021 and SS 2022. This study explained the approach to develop crop resilience against water stress by inducing e[CO2], which will play a vital role in sustainable agriculture under drought stress.

Feasibility exploration of nano-thermal rod applied to deicing of tunnel pavement in cold region

This study investigates the feasibility of using nano-thermal rod for deicing tunnel pavements in cold region. The heating performance of the nano-thermal rod was compared with that of carbon fiber heating wire under low voltage conditions. Experimental studies were conducted in a controlled environmental chamber to evaluate the effects of arrangement parameters (spacing, buried depth, input power) and environmental factors (ambient temperature and moisture) on heating rate and effectiveness. Results show that the nano-thermal rod achieves a working temperature of 60℃ at 3.9 V, with higher heating efficiency than carbon fiber heating wire. Input power and ambient temperature were found to have the greatest influence on heating performance. Surface moisture was shown to adversely affect deicing. The experimental results, verified through COMSOL Multiphysics simulations, demonstrated an error of less than 1.45℃. The findings confirm the feasibility of using nano-thermal rod for efficient deicing of tunnel pavements in cold region.

Heat stress reduces stomatal numbers in Ginkgo biloba: Implications for the stomatal method of palaeo-atmospheric [CO2] reconstruction during episodes of global warming.

Heat stress reduces stomatal numbers in Ginkgo biloba: Implications for the stomatal method of palaeo-atmospheric [CO2] reconstruction during episodes of global warming.

Effect of different artificial tears on tear film parameters in dry eye disease.

Artificial tears remain the cornerstone for managing dry eye disease. The current study's real-world efficacy test of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400, or sodium hyaluronate (SH)-based lubricants highlights their similar effects on noninvasive tear film parameters over the short term. However, patients reported better relief with SH-based lubricants. This study aimed to compare the short-term impact of different artificial tear formulations on tear film in moderate dry eye disease patients. A prospective, double-masked, controlled study randomly allocated moderate dry eye disease patients into five groups of artificial tears: 0.5% CMC, 1% CMC, 0.1% SH-trehalose, 0.4% PEG 400-0.3% propylene glycol (PG), and 0.1% SH-0.4% PEG 400-0.3% PG. Noninvasive tear breakup time (NIBUT), tear meniscus height, and bulbar redness (Keratograph 5M; OCULUS Optikgeräte, Wetzlar, Germany) were assessed (in a controlled environment chamber 68 to 70°F; 35% relative humidity) at baseline and every 15 minutes for 1 hour after a drop instillation in the left eye. The right eye was an internal control. At 1 hour, subjects were asked for a change in subjective symptomatology (scales 0 to 4). A linear mixed-effect model was used for analysis. Each artificial tear group had 20 patients (100 patients). All groups had similar dry eye disease types and durations, baseline ocular surface disease index scores, and tear film parameters. All artificial tears showed significant improvement in NIBUT values at all time points from baseline compared with contralateral eyes. The change in NIBUT values was similar between different artificial tears at all time points. Bulbar redness scores and tear meniscus height showed no significant change in either eye with time or artificial tears. All patients reported improvement in dry eye disease symptomatology, with significant differences observed between 1% CMC and SH-PEG-PG (p=0.01), 0.5% CMC and SH-PEG-PG (p<0.0001), and 0.5% CMC and 0.1% SH-trehalose (p=0.01), where SH-based tear drops performed better. Tear film stability improves following a single drop of CMC, SH, and PEG-based artificial tears, although these artificial tears do not differ in their short-term effect.

A molecular toxicological study to explore potential health risks associated with ultrafine particle exposure in cold and humid indoor environments.

A molecular toxicological study to explore potential health risks associated with ultrafine particle exposure in cold and humid indoor environments.

Antioxidant and Ultrastructural Alterations in Wheat During Drought-Induced Leaf Senescence

Wheat is one of the most important crops to ensure food production globally. Understanding the mechanism of leaf senescence in wheat plays a crucial role in improving its productivity and resilience under various stress scenarios. In this study, we investigated biochemical, functional, and ultrastructural changes during leaf senescence in wheat genotypes with contrasting drought tolerance. For this, key parameters such as chlorophyll and total protein content, membrane stability, malondialdehyde level, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, benzidine peroxidase, and catalase) were comparatively analyzed during both natural and drought-induced senescence. Additionally, the expression of superoxide dismutase isoform genes functioning in different cellular compartments was studied, alongside ultrastructural changes in flag leaves. The experiments involved genotypes of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and durum (Triticum durum Desf.) wheat. The plants were grown in controlled environment chambers under control and drought conditions using a completely randomized design. After the booting stage, irrigation was discontinued for drought-treated plants. Flag leaves were sampled at 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days after anthesis. Drought-tolerant genotypes exhibited slower chlorophyll degradation, lower lipid peroxidation, enhanced membrane stability, and stronger antioxidant responses, allowing them to maintain cellular function longer, whereas sensitive genotypes showed accelerated leaf senescence. Transcript levels of FeSOD increased significantly post-flowering but declined as senescence progressed, while MnSOD expression exhibited a rise towards the later stages of ontogenesis across all studied genotypes. Ultrastructural analysis revealed progressive damage to chloroplast membranes, thylakoid structures, and mesophyll cell walls under stress conditions, particularly in sensitive genotypes. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the physiological and molecular responses of wheat to drought stress, offering potential targets for improving crop performance in water-limited environments.

The Impact of Piriformospora indica on plant heat and drought tolerance.

In recent years, the global rise in temperatures has led to drought and heat becoming major environmental stresses that limit plant growth. Previous research has demonstrated the potential of Piriformospora indica in augmenting plant stress resistance. However, specific studies on its effects and underlying mechanisms in cuttings of Rosa chinensis, Jasminum sambac, and Rhododendron simsii Planch are relatively limited. The objective of this study is to explore the effects and mechanisms of P. indica on cuttings and tissue-cultured seedlings of these plants under conditions of drought and high-temperature stress. The experiment involved subjecting P. indica-inoculated and non-inoculated plants to drought (one week without watering) and high-temperature (24-hour exposure to 45°C) stress in a controlled environment chamber. Indicators such as chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence parameter Fv/Fm, and antioxidant enzyme activity were measured. The results showed that inoculation with P. indica significantly increased the survival rate of the three types of plant cuttings under drought conditions by 13%, 17%, and 16.6% respectively, and resulted in a substantial decrease in malondialdehyde content alongside an increase in chlorophyll content. Under high-temperature stress at 45°C, the chlorophyll fluorescence parameter Fv/Fm values increased by 27.3%, 10.3%, and 51.1% compared to the control group. Furthermore, heat tolerance tests at 42°C showed a 2% higher survival rate in the P. indica inoculated Rhododendron tissue-cultured seedlings than in the control group, with a positive effect observed on the activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase. These findings demonstrate that inoculation with P. indica significantly enhances the resistance of Rhododendron, Jasminum sambac, and Rosa to drought and high-temperature stresses, providing insights for sustainable agricultural development and the comprehensive exploitation of the potential value of P. indica.

The effect of the drug "Epin-extra" on increasing the resistance of Fragaria х ananassa Duch. varieties to spring frosts

Relevance. A crucial condition for maintaining the vital potential of plants is their ability to with-stand adverse environmental conditions. The aim of the work was to study the effect of the drug "Epin-extra" on strengthening the resistance of Fragaria х ananassa Duch. plants for spring frosts.Methods. The objects: strawberry garden Queen and Harvest CGL. With the onset of active growth in the spring period non-root treatments of strawberry plants with were carried out with a solution of the Epin-extra growth regulator containing 24-epibrassinolide. During budding phase, the plants were exposed to negative temperatures in a controlled environment chamber (-3oC) "Espec" PSL-2KPH (Japan). The functioning of the antioxidant defense system and the activity of lipid peroxidation processes in membranes lipids (POL) based on the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) were carried out in the leaves of strawberry varieties.Results. It was shown that the non-root treatment of strawberry varieties with the Epin-extra preparation contributed to a decrease in the processes of peroxidation of cell membranes. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was 10,2% lower by the Tsaritsa variety, and the variety the Urozhainaya CGL by 30,1% compared to the control. The amount of the amino acid proline in the Tsaritsa variety was 13,6 % higher compained to the control, and in the Urozhainaya CGL variety by 12,4%. Treatment with Epin-extra contributed to an increase in the amount of sugars in the leaf tissue of both varieties.

Comparison of High n-3 PUFA Levels and Cyclic Heat Stress Effects on Carcass Characteristics, Meat Quality, and Oxidative Stability of Breast Meat of Broilers Fed Low- and High-Antioxidant Diets.

This study investigated the individual and combined effects of a high dietary n-3 PUFA intake and cyclic heat stress (HS) on the carcass characteristics, meat quality, and oxidative stability of broiler breast meat and the potential of antioxidant supplementation (vitamins E, C, and selenium) to mitigate these effects. A total of 192 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned to 24 pens within two controlled environment chambers and fed with the following diets: a basal diet low in antioxidants according to NRC recommendations (NRC group), a basal diet according to Aviagen recommendations additionally supplemented with 200 IU/kg vitamin E, 250 mg/kg vitamin C, and 0.15 mg/kg selenium (HAOX group), and these two diets further supplemented with 5% linseed oil (NRC N-3 and HAOX N-3 groups). On day 22, the broilers were exposed to the following two environmental conditions: thermoneutral (TN, 21 °C) or cyclic HS (HS, 34 ± 1 °C, 7 h/d) in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design. A high intake of n-3 PUFAs significantly decreased growth performance, dressing percentage, and breast yield, while the incidence of pale, soft, and exudative (PSE) meat characteristics and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased. Cyclic HS reduced body weight (BW) and average daily feed intake (ADFI), but had limited effects on meat quality. No interactions between n-3 PUFAs and HS were observed for any measurements. High antioxidant supplementation increased breast yield, improved meat quality, and reduced oxidative stress, as evidenced by an enhanced antioxidant activity and lower MDA levels. In conclusion, n-3 PUFAs had a negative effect on both the carcass characteristics and meat quality of broilers, while HS primarily affected only carcass characteristics, with neither stressor having severe adverse effects. High levels of antioxidants could mitigate the negative effects of dietary- and heat-induced oxidative stress by enhancing the oxidative stability of broiler meat.

Metabolic regulation of 5-oxoproline for enhanced heat tolerance in perennial ryegrass

Pyroglutamic acid [(5-oxoproline (5-oxp)], a non-protein amino acid, can be converted to glutamate to regulate amino acid metabolism in plants. Its roles in plant adaptation to abiotic stresses, including heat stress, are not well understood. The objectives of this study were to determine whether exogenous application of 5-oxp could promote heat tolerance in cool-season perennial grass species and identify the major metabolic pathways that could be activated or responsive to 5-oxp for enhancing heat tolerance. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) plants were foliar-sprayed with 5-oxp or water (untreated control) prior to and during the exposure to heat stress (35/33 ℃, day/night temperature) or ambient temperature (25/22 ℃, day/night temperature, non-stress control) in controlled-environment growth chambers. Application of 5-oxp improved the heat tolerance of perennial ryegrass, as manifested by the chlorophyll content, photochemical efficiency, cell membrane stability, and antioxidant enzyme activities increasing by 31.2%, 25.7%, 37.2%, and 57.1-258.3%, as well as the reduction in hydrogen peroxide production by 36.8%. Metabolic profiling identified metabolites up-regulated by 5-oxp that are involved in the metabolic pathways of carbon assimilation in photosynthesis, glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle of respiration, proteinogenic amino acid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism for DNA or RNA synthesis and ATP generation. The up-regulation or activation of those metabolic processes could contribute to 5-oxp-mediated enhancement in the heat tolerance of perennial ryegrass.

Assessment of Tamarind Seed Polysaccharide (TSP) and Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Containing Ophthalmic Solution to Maintain Tear Osmolarity, Ocular Surface Temperature (OST) and Tear Production.

The enhancement of ocular drug delivery is achieved by using biopolymer carriers in liquid ophthalmic preparations. Using natural polysaccharides to formulate ocular medications is attractive because they are economical and readily available. The primary goal of the study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of Tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP)/Hyaluronic acid (HA) containing Rohto eye drops (TSP/HA drops) in alleviating the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED) under dry environmental conditions using controlled environmental chamber (CEC). 12 participants were subjected to harsh environmental conditions in a CEC with a relative humidity (RH) of 5% and an ambient temperature of 21°C. TSP/HA drops were used in the two treatment modalities, protection (drops instilled before exposure to the dry environment and relief (drops instilled after exposure to the dry environment. Before and after administering drops, patients undergo screening for ocular symptoms, tear osmolarity, ocular surface temperature (OST), and tear production using the ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire (OSDI), OcuSense TearLab Osmometer, FLIR System ThermaCAM P620, and phenol red test (PRT) respectively. Tear production was calculated by the Tear Function Index test (TFI). Before (protection) and after (relief) exposure to the dry environment, TSP/HA resulted in a mean tear osmolarity of 296.0 mOsm/L and 292.0 mOsm/L, with no significant statistical difference. The presence of TSP/HA in both protection and relief modes led to an increase in tear production. TSP/HA drops did not significantly affect OST compared to the absence of TSP/HA drops at 5% RH. There was a significant increase in mean symptom score from 14 at 40% RH to 128 at 5% RH (p=0.003). A substantial reduction in symptoms was found in both protection (before exposure) (35) (p=0.003) and relief (after exposure) (50) (p=0.005) compared to when no drop was used. It was apparent that using TSP/HA for protection was superior to relief for osmolarity and eye comfort. To optimise the therapeutic efficacy of TSP/HA, it is advisable to instruct patients to administer it before exposure to dry atmospheric conditions. The small sample size limits the ability to generalize the findings. Future studies should evaluate the tear supplement with a larger sample to improve statistical power.

Elevated CO2 Concentration Extends Reproductive Growth Period and Enhances Carbon Metabolism in Wheat Exposed to Increased Temperature.

Both elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) and increased temperature exert notable influences on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth and productivity when examined individually. Nevertheless, limited research comprehensively investigates the combined effects of both factors. Winter wheat was grown in environment-controlled chambers under two concentrations of CO2 (ambient CO2 concentration and ambient CO2 concentration plus 200 µmol mol-1) and two levels of temperature (ambient temperature and ambient temperature plus 2°C). The phenology, photosynthesis, carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism, yield and quality responses of wheat were investigated. Elevated [CO2] did not counteract warming-induced shortening of wheat phenological period but prolonged grain filling. Even though photosynthetic adaptation occurred during the reproductive growth period, elevated [CO2] still significantly enhanced carbohydrate accumulation under warming, particularly at the grain filling stage, thereby increasing yield by 20.1% compared with the ambient control. However, elevated [CO2] inhibited nitrogen assimilation at the grain filling stage under increased temperature by downregulating the expression levels of TaNR, TaNIR, TaGS1 and TaGOGAT and reducing glutamine synthetase activity, which directly led to a significant decrease of 19.4% in grain protein content relative to the ambient control. These findings suggest that elevated [CO2] will likely increase yield but decrease grain nutritional quality for wheat under future global warming scenarios.

Blue LED light improves the antioxidant composition of Valencia oranges during postharvest: Impact on orange juice, pulp portion and peel residue

Valencia orange is the major citrus fruit produced worldwide and its outstanding health benefits are well-established. However, there is a pressing need to further enhance the nutritional quality of fruits and to revalorize the resulting residues, providing benefits for both public health and the environment. Here, Valencia oranges were exposed to blue LED light for 30 days at room temperature in controlled environment chambers, using darkness as a control. Examination of the blue LED light effects was performed focusing on visual aspects, weight loss, organoleptic properties, antioxidant content and oxidation status, together with the analysis of the phytohormonal profile. Blue LED light was found to boost fruit weight loss, particularly through dehydration of the peel, without altering pulp firmness or external appearance. Organoleptic quality, including texture and flavor, as well as total soluble sugar and acidity remained unchanged. Notably, blue LED light increased antioxidant levels, more specifically vitamin C and total phenols in the juice, and enhanced total antioxidant capacity in the peel. This suggests that blue LED light can enhance nutritional quality while preserving organoleptic properties. The increase in antioxidants is likely a protective response against photooxidative stress induced by the blue LED light. These findings highlight the potential of blue LED light to improve postharvest fruit quality with direct health benefits and support a circular economy by enhancing the value of orange peel waste.