Control Treatment Research Articles

Effects of Different Cooking Conditions on Phenolic Profile and Antioxidant Capacity of Cabbage Leaves

ABSTRACT Cabbage leaves were boiled, fried, microwaved, and sonicated. Phenolic compounds were analyzed using HPLC-DAD, whereas total phenolic, flavonoid, anthocyanin, and antioxidant activities were examined. Seventeen phenolic compounds were detected in the cabbage leaves. When microwaved or fried, gallic acid, syringic acid, sinapic acid, coumaric acid, ferulic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol increased; however, boiling had detrimental effects on the detected components. Compared with those in the control group (669.7 mg/100 g), the total phenolic contents in the microwave-treated (1245.6 mg/100 g) and fried (1112.6 mg/100 g) groups were significantly greater, but the phenolic content in the boiled group (503.7 mg/100 g) decreased. Boiling significantly increased the total flavonoid content (from 80.3 mg QE/g to 97.8 mg QE/g). Compared with the control treatment, microwave treatment resulted in a greater total anthocyanin content (7.1 mg/L). Both the microwave treatment and sonication resulted in greater antioxidant activity than the other treatments.

Driving Sustainability: Reusing Microalgae Wastewater to Grow Pelargonium x hortorum

ABSTRACT The scarcity of freshwater in many countries, the excessive production of wastewater, and the high demand for water for agriculture have been responsible for the implementation of wastewater for agricultural irrigation, thus achieving environmental benefits. The purpose of this research is to take advantage of wastewater generated in the production of microalgae and to analyze its impact on the growth and development of Pelargonium x hortorum, thus seeking to promote the reuse of resources and explore sustainable alternatives in agriculture. Two sources of wastewater were used for microalgae production (wastewater from the University of Almeria and slurry from a pig farm). The treatments used were: Control = (Tap water irrigation), Input-WW = (Irrigation with black water, inlet of the reactor) this wastewater was collected from Almeria University used at the beginning of microalgae production in the bioreactors, Outlet-WW = (Irrigation with black water, outlet of the reactor) – this is the wastewater collected after being treated with microalgae in the bioreactors, Input-WP = (Irrigation with slurry, inlet of the reactor) – this is the slurry that was used at the beginning of microalgae production in the bioreactors, Outlet-WP = (Irrigation with slurry, outlet of the reactor) are the purified slurry waters once they have been used for the production of microalgae in the bioreactors. The use of Outlet-WW has an adverse impact on plant diameter and number of flowers compared to the Control, which affected flower dry weight. The other biometric measurement parameters were not influenced. The WP wastewater showed elevated concentrations of nitrogen and potassium (N, K). On the other hand, the WW wastewater showed an elevated concentration of nitrogen, but also a high electrical conductivity (EC). This study concluded that the Outlet-WP treatment had no significant differences in dry weights compared to the Control treatment, but there was a significant reduction in the height and diameter of the plants as well as in the color of the leaves. This wastewater can be a source of nutrients for crop growth as well as a water source, but further research studies are necessary to determine the best way to apply it.

A single injection of neuropeptide QRFP in the lateral hypothalamus decreased food intake.

Severe eating disorders, such as obesity, bulimia, and anorexia, keep increasing to epidemic proportions worldwide. Understanding of neuropeptides' role in complex hunger/satiety mechanisms may allow new prospects for treatment and prevention. Pyroglutamylated arginine-phenylalanine-amide peptides (QRFPs) are thought to enhance feeding following the central administration. In our study, QRFP-26 was delivered into the lateral hypothalamic area of male Wistar rats by direct microinjections, as QRFP-26 expressing neurons and binding sights are densely present in this neural structure. The consumption of liquid food was measured over 60-min. Both doses (100 and 200 ng) significantly decreased food intake compared to the control treatment. Neuropeptide Y Y1R/NPFF (neuropeptide FF) antagonist BIBP3226 eliminated the anorexigenic effect caused by QRFP-26 administration. QRFP-26 affects neither general locomotion, behavioral patterns examined in the Open Field Test, nor anxiety. This study is the first to report the anorexigenic action of QRFP-26 following direct administration into the hypothalamus, emphasizing steady locomotion and anxiety levels. We have shown that the effect of QRFP can be linked to the neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y1 or NPFF receptors.

Is as-needed treatment with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) as effective as daily treatment for symptom control in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), nonerosive reflux disease (NERD), or mild erosive reflux disease (ERD)?

Is as-needed treatment with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) as effective as daily treatment for symptom control in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), nonerosive reflux disease (NERD), or mild erosive reflux disease (ERD)?

Identification of Key Proteomic Markers for Enhanced Conjugated Linoleic Acid Biosynthesis in Lactating Goats via Linseed Oil Supplementation.

This study investigated the effects of linseed oil (LO) supplementation on conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) biosynthesis in lactating Saanen goats. Goats (DIM = 96 ± 14 days) were divided into control (n = 6) and LO treatment (n = 6) groups. LO supplementation was implemented in both short- and long-term experimental settings. Short-term LO supplementation significantly increased trans-11 vaccenic acid and cis-9,trans-11 CLA in milk fat without affecting lactation performance. Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, we identified six upregulated proteins in milk somatic cells, including translocon-associated protein (SSRD), succinyl-CoA ligase (SUCB2), ATP synthase subunit (ATPD), stress-70 protein (GRP75), NADH dehydrogenase (NDUFS2), and cytochrome complex QCR1. Long-term LO supplementation enhanced milk fat content and cis-9,trans-11 CLA levels, while significantly elevating the mRNA expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) and all previously identified proteins-including proteasome 20s subunit alpha 5 (PSMA5). These findings extend beyond the known SCD pathway, revealing novel protein markers and potential mechanisms associated with CLA biosynthesis in mammary tissue and milk somatic cells.

In Vitro and in Vivo Antiparasitic Efficacy of Aqueous Mahua Oil Cake Extract Against Argulus foliaceus Infestation in Cyprinus carpio (Linneaus, 1758).

The present study aims to elucidate the efficacy of mahua oil cake extract against argulosis infestation in common carp. Aqueous extract of mahua oil cake was prepared using different methods and the best extract was chosen based on its saponin content. Based on the above findings, the in vitro AE (Antiparasitic efficacy) was calculated for Argulus foliaceus. The parasite was exposed to various concentrations of the extract viz., 15, 17, 19, 21, 23 and 25 mg l-1 for 36h. After the in vitro test, the next experiment was done to evaluate the toxicity of the extract for common carp. Following the assessment of in vitro AE and extract toxicity the Argulus sp. infected common carp were exposed five concentrations of extract [T1: LC50/5; T2: LC50/2.5; T3: in vitro EC50 value (16.45 mg l-1); T4: 21 mg l-1 and Control]. The experiment was conducted for 96 h, during which parasite mortality was recorded, and AE was calculated. Under the in vitro test, 100% AE was achieved at 23 and 25 mg l-1 and EC50 was found to be 16.45 mg l-1. The 96h LC50 value for common carp was 26.79 mg l-1. The extract showed 100% AE in the T3 and T4 groups containing Argulus infected common carp with an exposure period of 96h and was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than control and other treatment groups. Therefore, it can be concluded that the aqueous mahua oil cake extract has a therapeutic effect against the argulosis infection in common carp at a concentration of 16.45 mg l-1.

Impact of different strains of Bacillus spp. on the bulb production of Tulipa sintenisii Baker

As an ornamental plant, Tulipa sintenisii (Muş tulip) has great potential for potting and cut- flowers in floriculture. However, its low number of bulb production per plant is a major constraint to it becoming one of the common cultivated tulip species. This study was conducted to determine the impacts of 10 Bacillus species on bulb number increase as well as other plant parameters of T. sintenisii in the Mus province of Turkey in the 2020/2021 growing season. Selected, equally sized T. sintenisii bulbs were soaked with Bacillus spp. solution (3.4 × 107 CFU/cm3) for 2 s, and the inoculated bulbs were planted in the experimental field in autumn. The experiment was organized in a completely randomized block design with six replications. The investigated bulb parameters were taken at their physiological maturity. The tulip bulbs treated with Bacillus spp. had higher plant height (28.6 cm), bulb number/plant (2.25), total bulb weight (14.7 g), central bulb weight (13.1 g), central bulb length (40.9 mm), and central bulb diameter (26.8 mm) than the control treatment. The Bacillus strain EZF13 had the highest bulb number while EZF104 had the highest total bulb weight, central bulb weight, central bulb length, and central bulb diameter. These findings suggest that Bacillus treatment has great potential to increase bulb number per plant as well as other bulb parameters of native tulip species T. sintenisii. At the same time, an environmentally friendly production model was put forward without fertilizer application with bacteria application in tulips. At the same time, since the application of bacteria increases the usefulness of plant nutrients in the soil, it can be effective in reducing both the costs and the negative effects of fertilizers on the environment with less fertilizer use.

Comparison of dairy products as food vehicles for delivery of viable probiotics under simulated gastrointestinal conditions

AbstractThe main problem in incorporating probiotics to hurdle matrix of foodstuffs is mitigation of viable count in the gastrointestinal tract. This study investigated the effects of various dairy matrices (sterilised milk, doogh, UF cheese, and yoghurt) on the viability of different probiotics under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The results showed that the highest and the lowest viability in milk were related to Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and Bifidobacterium lactis, respectively. In doogh samples, no significant difference was observed. In cheese, the highest viability was observed in Lactobacillus acidophilus followed by Bifidobacterium longum, and L. paracasei. The viability of probiotics in yoghurt was less than in cheese and control treatment. These results indicated that milk and doogh are efficient delivery matrices for carrying probiotic cells.

Efficiency of biochar and compost on soil bio-chemical properties and yield of knol-khol (Brassica oleracea L.)

A field experiment was conducted to assess how the combined application of biochar with various organic amendments affects the soil biochemical properties and the yield characteristics of knol-khol (Brassica oleracea var. gongyloides L.). The outcomes showed that biochar with organic amendments substantially enhanced the biological characteristics of the soil as compared to the control treatment. There was a notable increment in soil microbial biomass carbon by 33.27 % and dehydrogenase activity by 5.68 % following the integrated application of farmyard manure, vermicompost and biochar (T8). In addition, several knol-khol growth metrics showed significant improvement in T8 compared to the control, including leaf number (1.36 times), plant height (1.38 times) and knob diameter (2.3 times). In T8, the knolkhol production increased by a remarkable 3 times, demonstrating the beneficial effects of the combined treatment on marketable output. The results of the experiment showed that T8 had significantly higher levels of accessible nitrogen (12.38 %), available potassium (8.54 %), available phosphorus (24.19 %) and organic carbon (9.5 %) than the control. According to this, the concurrent application of farmyard manure, vermicompost and biochar enhanced soil fertility and boosted plant and microbial nutrient availability, which in turn led to higher profitability.

Rainfall distribution variability controls surface but not belowground litter decomposition in a semi-arid shrubland

IntroductionRainfall patterns are expected to become increasingly erratic as a result of global climate change, with more intense but less frequent rainfall events leading to an increased occurrence of drought events. This process may lead to significant declines in vegetation cover and subsequent increases in soil erosion, consequently accelerating the bury of detached litter by soil deposition and the mixture of residues from different plant species. Responses of litter decomposition to increasing rainfall variability in distribution and subsequent litter mixing or soil cover have scarcely received attention.MethodsTo fill this gap in our knowledge, we analyzed the influence of rainfall variability, soil cover, and litter mixing on shrub-species litter decomposition in a semi-arid shrubland. We explored the effects of redistributing the frequency and amount of precipitation on surface and belowground decomposition of litter from two separate or mixed predominant shrubs.ResultsDecomposition of belowground litter was consistently higher than that of surface litter over the entire field-incubation process. Mass loss significantly decreased in surface litter but not in belowground litter due to the lower frequency and larger amount of precipitation compared to the control treatment. Furthermore, exclusion of 30% precipitation had no significant effects on decomposition of either surface or belowground litter. We observed stronger synergistic effect for belowground litter mixture relative to surface litter mixture of the two shrubs, especially in the hotter months over the 5-month incubation.DiscussionThese findings support that rainfall variability in terms of distribution pattern rather than in the amount controls the litter decomposition on the soil surface in the semi-arid shrubland. Meanwhile, soil burial or litter mixing have greater effects on litter decomposition, individually or jointly. Together, our results highlight the need to consider rainfall distribution variability and incorporate soil-covering and litter-mixing as driving factors of organic matter turnover in drylands.

Can fungal endophytes suppress Trialeurodes vaporariorum and the transmission of tomato infectious chlorosis and chlorosis viruses in field conditions?

Field trials were conducted for two seasons in two experimental sites (Mwea in Kirinyaga and Ngoliba in Kiambu counties of Kenya) to assess the efficacy of fungal endophytes Hypocrea lixii F3ST1 and Trichoderma asperellum M2RT4 in the control of Trialeurodes vaporariorum vector of tomato infectious chlorosis virus (TICV) and tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) through seeds inoculation. TICV and ToCV’s disease incidence, severity and the yield were also evaluated. All the fungal endophytes successfully colonized all the tomato plant parts, but the highest root colonization was observed in H. lixii F3ST1 compared to the T. asperellum M2RT4 in both seasons. The number of nymphs was significantly lower in the endophytically colonized tomato plants than the control treatments in all the seasons and at both sites. However, the lowest number of nymphs was recorded in H. lixii F3ST1 compared to T. asperellum M2RT4. On the other hand, the TICV and ToCV disease incidence and severity rates were lower in endophytically colonized tomato crops compared to the control plots. This could be attributed to the reduction in the virus replication and lower feeding ability of T. vaporariorum that was characterized by less excretion of honeydew causing sooty mold. However, no significant difference was observed in ToCV disease severity rates among the treatments and across the seasons. The yield was significantly higher in endophyte plots than the control treatments in both sites and across the two seasons. This study demonstrates that H. lixii F3ST1 and T. asperellum M2RT4 endophytically colonized tomato plants and conferred systemic resistance against T. vaporariorum vector, and significantly reduced the transmission of TICV and ToCV, contributing to high reduction of both diseases’ incidence and severity in the field. However, further studies are warranted to confirm these results at large scale trials.

Impact of organic and inorganic sources of nutrition on the morpho-physiological, biochemical, yield traits and uptake of nutrients by mung bean (Vigna radiata L.)

ABSTRACT Mung bean is a vital legume crop in Pakistan, contributing significantly to both dietary needs and agricultural sustainability due to its rich nutrient content and soil-enhancing properties through nitrogen fixation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of vermicompost, simple compost and NP fertiliser on the morpho-physiological, biochemical and yield characteristics of mung bean. Treatments included vermicompost, compost and their combinations with NP fertiliser. Key parameters assessed were plant height, crop germination, leaf size, nodule viability, pod length, grain protein content and yield attributes. Results indicated that while vermicompost alone improved growth and productivity, the combination of 50% vermicompost with 50% NP fertiliser yielded the highest productivity. Intermediate results were observed with a mixture of 25% vermicompost, 25% compost and 50% NP fertiliser, whereas the control (100% NP fertiliser) and compost treatments alone resulted in the lowest productivity and decreased soil fertility. The study concluded that integrating organic and chemical fertilisers, particularly at a 50:50 vermicompost to NP fertiliser ratio, is optimal for enhancing mung bean yield and soil health.

Integrated Control of Verbesina encelioides in Common Bean Fields in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia

ABSTRACTVerbesina encelioides is known to threaten the performance of crops like common bean in central rift valley of Ethiopia. A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of management on V. encelioides and common bean yield components and yield at Adamitulu and Melkassa. A randomized complete block design with four replications and twelve treatments was applied. Treatments included pre and postemergence herbicides (s‐metolachlor, pendimethalin, and sodium acifluorfen + clodinafop propargyl) and hand weeding. The density and biomass of V. encelioides were reduced by up to 94% and 81%, respectively, due to integrated control treatments. Beside the weed‐free plot, the use of s‐metolachlor plus hand weeding and pendimethalin plus hand weeding produced the lowest (3%–10%) weed index. Whereas these integrated controls gave the highest (74%–81%) weed control efficiency. Weed‐free plots yielded the highest grain (3.11 and 2.71 t/ha), followed by s‐metolachlor with two hand weedings (3.00 and 2.63 t/ha), while weedy check (0.49 and 0.45 t/ha) and sole pendimethalin 1.5 l/ha (1.28 and 1.12 t/ha) produced the least grain yield at Melkassa and Adamitulu, respectively. The use of s‐metolachlor plus one‐hand weeding, followed by two‐hand weeding, produced a maximum benefit‐cost ratio of 28.41 and 26.95 and an acceptable maximum marginal rate of return of 5689.06 and 5057.27 ETB, respectively. Thus, it is recommended that smetolachlor be used with one‐hand weeding followed by two‐hand weeding or sodium acifluorfen + clodinafop propargyl at 1 l/ha to achieve effective control, higher yield, and economic benefit in common bean production systems.

Critical review of chronic toxicity testing approaches with the saltwater mysid (Americamysis bahia) used in pesticide registration.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has a conditional requirement for a chronic toxicity test with mysids (Americamysis bahia) for registration of pesticide products. Achieving performance acceptability criteria in control treatments for this study can be challenging because the current draft test guideline, which was published in 1996 under USEPA Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances (OPPTS) 850.1350, Mysid Chronic Toxicity Test, provides limited information on study design and conduct. This critical review was undertaken to 1) identify areas of inconsistency in acceptability criteria between the 1996 draft OPPTS test guideline and ASTM International test guidance, 2) highlight areas that require additional clarification, 3) discuss areas that are impractical or have uncertain scientific relevance regarding the objectives of the test, and 4) provide recommendations for revision of the draft OPPTS test guideline. To achieve this, 116 final study reports from chronic mysid toxicity tests conducted over approximately the past 30 years were collected. From these reports, survival, growth, and reproduction data from negative and solvent control groups were compiled. Through investigation of trends in the data, it became apparent that no-observed-effect-concentrations (NOECs) were most commonly based on reproductive endpoints, followed by adult growth endpoints and adult survival. Notably, less than 1% of studies had a NOEC based solely on a second-generation measurement endpoint. Analysis of this comprehensive data set provided clarity on the establishment of acceptability criteria for the study and elements of the testing procedure that can be streamlined without loss of critical information, which resulted in a set of recommendations to improve future versions of the chronic mysid toxicity test guideline.

Combining procedural and behavioral treatments for chronic low back pain: A pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial.

Individual treatments for chronic low back pain (CLBP) have small magnitude effects. Combining different types of treatments may produce larger effects. To (1) assess feasibility of conducting a factorial randomized controlled trial of these treatments; and (2) estimate individual and combined treatment effects of (a) lumbar radiofrequency ablation (LRFA) of the dorsal ramus medial branch nerves (vs. a simulated LRFA control procedure) and (b) Activity Tracker-Informed Video-Enabled Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program for CLBP (AcTIVE-CBT) (vs. an educational control treatment) on back-related disability at 3 months post-randomization. Participants (n = 13) were randomized in a 1:1:1:1 ratio in a 2 × 2 factorial randomized controlled trial. Feasibility goals included an enrollment proportion ≥ 30%, a randomization proportion ≥ 80%, and a ≥ 80% proportion of randomized participants completing the 3-month Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) primary outcome end point. An intent-to-treat analysis was used. The enrollment proportion was 62%, the randomization proportion was 81%, and all randomized participants completed the primary outcome. Though not statistically significant, there was a beneficial, moderate-magnitude effect of LRFA versus control on 3-month RMDQ (-3.25 RMDQ points [95% confidence interval [CI], -10.18 to 3.67]). There was a significant, beneficial, large-magnitude effect of AcTIVE-CBT versus control (-6.29 [95% CI, -10.97 to -1.60]). Though not statistically significant, there was a beneficial, large effect of LRFA+AcTIVE-CBT versus control (-8.37 [95% CI: -21.47, 4.74]). We conclude that it is feasible to conduct a randomized controlled trial combining procedural and behavioral treatments for CLBP. gov Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03520387.

Maternal immune activation imprints translational dysregulation and differential MAP2 phosphorylation in descendant neural stem cells.

Alterations induced by maternal immune activation (MIA) during gestation impact the subsequent neurodevelopment of progeny, a process that in humans, has been linked to the development of several neuropsychiatric conditions. To undertake a comprehensive examination of the molecular mechanisms governing MIA, we have devised an in vitro model based on neural stem cells (NSCs) sourced from fetuses carried by animals subjected to Poly I:C treatment. These neural progenitors demonstrate proliferative capacity and can be effectively differentiated into both neurons and glial cells. Transcriptomic, proteomic, and phosphoproteomic analyses conducted on these cellular models, in conjunction with counterparts from control treatments, revealed discernible shifts in the expression levels of a specific subset of proteins implicated in neuronal function. Furthermore, the phosphoproteomic data highlighted a discernible discrepancy in the basal phosphorylation of proteins between differentiated cells from both experimental groups, particularly within proteins associated with cytoskeletal architecture and synaptic functionality, notably those belonging to the MAP family. Observed alterations in MAP phosphorylation were found to potentially have functional consequences as they correlate with changes in neuronal plasticity and the establishment of neuronal synapses. Our data agrees with previous published observations and further underscore the importance of MAP2 phosphorylation state on its function and the impact that this protein has in neuronal structure and function.

Role of Ginseng and L-Carnitine in Modulating Exercise Endurance and Oxidative Stress in Rats

Ginseng and L-carnitine are natural compounds often used as dietary supplements to enhance athletic performance. However, their combined effects on exercise endurance remain unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of ginseng extract and L-carnitine supplementation on exercise endurance in a rat model. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into 10 groups (n = 5 per group): control, ginseng extract (250 and 500 mg/kg/day), L-carnitine (250 and 500 mg/kg/day), and combined treatment. Half of the groups underwent a 16-day exercise training program of swimming without loading. Exercise endurance was assessed using a tail-suspended forced swimming test. Relative organ weight, glycogen content, blood biochemistry, and gene expression were analyzed. Results: Both ginseng extract and L-carnitine supplementation significantly increased exercise endurance, particularly in the exercise group. Ginseng extract and L-carnitine also increased liver glycogen content and upregulated the expression of AMPKα1 and PGC-1α genes in the liver and muscle. In addition, both supplements reduced oxidative stress by decreasing MDA levels and increasing SOD activity. Conclusions: Ginseng extract and L-carnitine supplementation may enhance exercise endurance by improving energy metabolism, reducing oxidative stress, and upregulating key genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis.

Comparative efficacy and acceptability of non-invasive neuromodulation technologies and botulinum toxin injections for post-stroke spasticity and motor function: a network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Non-invasive neuromodulation is a promising approach for improving spasticity and motor function after stroke. However, it is still unclear which type of non-invasive neuromodulation is effective and evidence of important differences between them and botulinum toxin (BoNT) injection is limited. We aimed to assess the comparative efficacy and acceptability of non-invasive neuromodulation technologies and BoNT for post-stroke spasticity and motor function. In this network meta-analysis, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, CNKI, and Wan Fang Data were searched from the earliest records to 8 October 2024. Randomised controlled trials that compared any type of non-invasive neuromodulation therapies, BoNT, and control treatments (including sham or no stimulation/injection) for post-stroke spasticity measured by modified Ashworth scale (MAS) were included. MAS, motor function, and acceptability were pooled using random-effects model with summary weighted mean difference (WMD) or risk ratios (RR) alongside 95% confidence interval (CI). Ranking probabilities of the treatments were estimated. Clinical importance was categorized as definite, probable, possible, or definitely not, considering the relationship between effect measures (95% CI) and minimal clinically important difference (1, 6, and 1.5 points for MAS, motor function, and acceptability, respectively). The quality of evidence was assessed using CINeMA online web. PROSPERO registration CRD42024543494. 6260 studies were identified and 185 trials (11,185 participants; 12 interventions) were included. Compared with control treatments, BoNT, high- and low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HFrTMS and LFrTMS), and anodal, cathodal, and dual transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS, ctDCS, and dtDCS) significantly improved spasticity at short-term follow-up (WMD range-0.81 to-0.31), but did not achieve clinical importance. At mid-term, ctDCS (WMD=-2.00; 95% CI:-3.03,-0.97) and dtDCS (WMD=-1.62; 95% CI:-3.22,-0.02) were more efficacious than control treatments in reducing post-stroke spasticity with probable clinical importance. For motor function, atDCS, ctDCS, and dtDCS were more efficacious than control treatments (WMD range 6.29-13.00), with probable clinical importance, while BoNT, HFrTMS, and LFrTMS with possible clinical importance (WMD range 3.42-5.28). Various modalities have comparable acceptability to control treatments (RR range 0.48-1.46). Confidence in accordance with CINeMA ranged from high to low. Sensitivity and meta-regression analyses on limb measured, cointervention, and stroke stage confirmed the main findings of this study. Taken together with clinical importance, evidence available supports three forms of tDCS as effective treatments for post-stroke spasticity and/or motor impairments, whereas BoNT, HFrTMS, and LFrTMS for motor impairments. These modalities could be considered alongside rehabilitation interventions as core treatments for post-stroke spasticity and motor impairments. China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2024M752230).

Effect of Curcuma Zanthorrhiza on Population and Infectivity of Pentalonia Nigronervosa as A Vector of Banana Bunchy Top Virus Disease

BBTV (Banana Bunchy Top Virus) is a viral disease that attacks cultivated banana plants and can cause stunting. The symptoms of BBTV disease attack on banana plants are narrowed, piled up leaves and stunted plants. The disease is caused by an insect vector. Pentalonia nigronervosa is the vector insect that transmits BBTV disease. The purpose of the research was to see the java turmeric plant as an alternative host for population growth and BBTV disease vector. The method in the study used a Randomized Group Design. This treatment consists of two treatments with 10 replications. Based on the results of research conducted on the population of P. nigronervosa experienced fluctuations, but high growth in water media. BBTV disease that attacks banana plants in each treatment has the highest incidence in the control treatment, namely, 73.33% dan the lowest disease incidence the turmeric treatment was 6.67%. The highest intensity of BBTV disease attack in the control treatment was 42.06%, while the lowest in the Javanese turmeric treatment was 1.50%. P. nigronervosa inoculated on Javanese turmeric for 72 days can suppress BBTV disease transmission. However, based on the analysis of each treatment, no significant differences were found. P. nigronervosa has the highest population in the soil medium 95.4 individuals and water medium 86.7 individuals. The population of P. nigronervosa has a good development in turmeric plants.

Effects of Bti on the diversity and community composition of three Chironomidae subfamilies across different micro-habitats.

The mosquito control agent Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) is considered environmentally friendly due to its highly specific mode of action. Nevertheless, adverse effects of Bti have been observed in non-biting midges of the family Chironomidae. In this study, we applied the maximum field rate of Bti three times from April to May to six out of twelve floodplain pond mesocosms. Chironomidae larvae were sampled two weeks after the third application in three different micro-habitats and DNA metabarcoding was used to identify the larvae. We observed Bti effects on the Chironomidae subfamily Chironominae, while Tanypodinae and Orthocladiinae remained unaffected. The interspecific diversity of Chironominae was significantly reduced by 27% in the Bti treatment. Although the interaction between treatment and habitat was not significant, a notable decrease in interspecific diversity of Chironominae between the control and Bti treatment in two out of three micro-habitats was detected (47% and 41%, respectively). We observed a significant habitat-dependent change in intraspecific diversity of Chironominae, with a 28% decline in one habitat and a 21% increase in another. The Chironominae community composition differed between the control and Bti treatment in two out of three habitats. These outcomes highlight the variability of Bti's impact on Chironomidae communities across subfamilies and micro-habitats, potentially elucidating discrepancies reported in prior studies and emphasising the necessity for comprehensive risk assessments that encompass diversity at various taxonomic levels and environmental variation at different spatial scales.