Defense Capacity Research Articles

S-nitrosoglutathione-facilitated activation of ATP synthase involves hydrogen sulfide during the response of plants to cadmium toxicity

The contamination of soils with cadmium (Cd) threatens agricultural productivity worldwide. The ability of plants to withstand challenging circumstances is primarily contingent upon their inherent capacity for tolerance and defense. The purpose of the current work is to gain a better understanding of how the mitochondrial ATP synthase enzyme, the antioxidant defense system, redox homeostasis, and chlorophyll metabolism in tomato seedlings are regulated by nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide under Cd stress. The results demonstrate that exposure of tomato seedlings to Cd stress resulted in a substantial decrease in the activity of ATP synthase. The plants exposed to Cd stress, exhibited an increase in chlorophyllase activity and a substantial decrease in the activity of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase, which resulted in a substantial loss of chlorophyll content. Elevation in the antioxidant defense system under Cd stress could not bring a significant positive change in the plants’ defense system that resulted in lipid peroxidation and leakage of electrolytes. Incubation of Cd-stressed seedlings with nitric oxide donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) proved remarkable in improving the performance of the plants. The results exhibit that GSNO application improved the activity of ATP synthase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase and the performance of the ascorbate-glutathione system, which efficiently scavenged excess reactive oxygen species. The positive effect of GSNO application was also shown by decreased lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage. However, application of DL-propargylglycine (a biosynthesis inhibitor of hydrogen sulfide) to the stressed-seedlings reversed the effect of GSNO, which resulted in the weak performance of the defense system and the commencement of oxidative stress. The results of the study substantiate that nitric oxide, in association with endogenous hydrogen sulfide, was remarkable in providing protection to the plants against Cd toxicity.

Mobile-Based Defense Equipment Recognition Application Using Augmented Reality (AR)

Indonesia as a sovereign state has made significant progress in increasing its capacity for defense. Since then, Indonesia has continued to work together to increase the capacity of defense equipment as the main support of the Indonesian National Army. In this strategic position, Indonesia has open sea and land borders with several neighboring countries. This makes Indonesia vulnerable to security threats resulting in national instability. This research aims to develop a Mobile-Based Defense Equipment Recognition Application using Augmented Reality (AR) which is able to recognition defense equipment models in the field of education, which is used as a means of learning media, so that people who don't know about defense equipment in AR form can find out. With the ability to scan objects in three dimensions, so that they can explore the introduction of defense equipment digitally through applications and can increase knowledge.

Is the Invasive Plant Amaranthus spinosus L. More Competitive than the Native Plant A. tricolor L. When Exposed to Acid Deposition with Different Sulfur–Nitrogen Ratios?

The functional differences between invasive plants and coexisting native plants can affect the invasion process of the former because invasive plants and coexisting native plants are exposed to similar or even identical environmental pressures. Acid deposition is an important component of atmospheric pollution, and acid deposition with different sulfur–nitrogen ratios may affect the invasion process of invasive plants by shifting the functional differences and differences in the growth performance between the invasive and coexisting native plants. It is crucial to analyze the functional indices and growth performance of these plants when exposed to acid deposition with different chemical compositions to assess the ecological impacts of atmospheric pollution on the growth performance of invasive plants. This study aimed to evaluate the functional differences and growth performance between the invasive plant Amaranthus spinosus L. and the native plant A. tricolor L. in mono- and mixed culture when exposed to an acid deposition with different sulfur–nitrogen ratios, including sulfur-rich acid deposition (sulfur–nitrogen ratio = 5:1), nitrogen-rich acid deposition (sulfur–nitrogen ratio = 1:5), and mixed acid deposition (sulfur–nitrogen ratio = 1:1). The acidity of the three types of simulated acid deposition was set at pH = 5.6 and pH = 4.5, respectively, with distilled water as a control (pH = 7.0). The competition experiment between A. spinosus and A. tricolor was conducted in the greenhouse. Amaranthus spinosus exhibited a strong growth performance over A. tricolor in the mixed culture, mainly via the increased leaf photosynthetic capacity. The competitiveness for light acquisition, leaf photosynthetic capacity, and enzymatic defense capacity under stress of A. spinosus may be vital to its growth performance. The lower pH acid deposition had imposed a greater reduction in the growth performance of both Amaranthus species than the higher pH acid deposition. Sulfur-rich acid deposition was more toxic to the growth performance of both Amaranthus species than nitrogen-rich acid deposition. Amaranthus spinosus was more competitive than A. tricolor, especially when exposed to acid deposition, compared with just distilled water. Thus, acid deposition, regardless of the sulfur–nitrogen ratio, may facilitate the invasion process of A. spinosus via the stronger growth performance.

Conceptualising a research interrogating of management functions in the South African National Defence Force

South African Defence Review 2015 found that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is in significant decline and will lose important military capabilities in the long term if nothing is done. In a shrinking defense budget, general rhetoric blames aging equipment and staff for the decline. However, managerial issues in the SANDF may be to blame for the decline. We examined academic and other literature to find the origin of this problem and found that the SANDF does not use any systems management methodology to manage tasks. This peculiarity hinders SANDF management and prevents it from providing credible defense to South Africa. We found that empirical studies on SANDF management are scarce and failed to explain this oddity. To understand why the SANDF's application inherent management functions fail to provide a genuine defense capacity, this paper proposes a cognitive technique to conceptualize an empirical investigation beyond a literature review. We propose a systems management approach based on the Administrative Theory of Management, Neoclassical Theory of Management, and General Systems Theory frameworks in management education. We believe that empirical public and management research may create defence capabilities management understanding. This premise guides our study conceptualization by outlining the research context and then doing a research problem analysis to find the knowledge gap. To examine the literature, we use thematic summative content analysis. The research conceptualisation—problem statement, purpose statement, research questions, strategy, design, process, and methods, and interpretative frameworks—is based on this analysis. On the latter, we expect to write later.

Evaluation of the differential gene expression of the impact of epicatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on antioxidant enzymes in mice at risk for cardiovascular disease

The polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is present in green tea, has been demonstrated to possess antioxidant qualities, possible advantages for cardiovascular health, and therapeutic effects in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a common ailment that impairs liver function. This work looked at the effects of EGCG on the differential gene expression levels of the superoxide dismutase 2(SOD2), Glutathione peroxidase-1 (Gpx1), Catalase (CAT), and Thioredoxin Reductase (TrxR1) genes coding for antioxidant defense enzymes to determine whether EGCG could enhance antioxidant defense capacity in mice at risk of cardiovascular disease caused by a high-fat diet and sedentary lifestyle. It was shown that liver tissue samples from male mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and two control diets (CD) with or without EGCG supplementation showed distinct expression patterns for the genes Sod2, Gpx1, Catalase, and other transcripts. For this investigation of differential gene expression levels, male mice with sedentary lifestyles and two different control groups that underwent physical activity with or without EGCG treatment were also utilized. GraphPad Prism version 6 was used to conduct Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison tests between the treatment and control groups. For the results, p 0.05 was chosen as the significant level. The study results show that EGCG increases the enzyme activities of Sod2, Gpx1, CAT, and TrxR1 which are related to antioxidant defense differential gene expression. The results of this study demonstrated that cycle threshold (CT) values before EGCG supplementation were greater than CT values after EGCG supplementation (p-value = 0.424 versus p-value = 0.2541 for diets and p-value = 0.5547 versus p-value = 0.5149 for physical exercise), suggesting that EGCG enhanced the differently expressed genes.

Can the addition of Interleukin-13 affect the cryosurvival of bovine embryos?

In this study, we investigated the impact of incorporating Interleukin-13 (IL-13) into the embryonic culture medium and its influence on cryotolerance and cellular viability of vitrified bovine embryos. Two distinct time points for IL-13 supplementation were explored: during the final hours of culture prior to cryopreservation and during the period of recultivation following cryopreservation and warming. Cryosurvival rates, total cell count, and cell viability were assessed using the TUNEL technique to determine the apoptotic percentage. Re-expansion and hatching rates did not show differences among all groups (P > 0.05), and the total cell number was comparable between the treated and control groups (P > 0.05). However, the group that received IL-13 before vitrification exhibited a higher apoptotic percentage (P < 0.05). This suggests that the anti-inflammatory effect of IL-13 may have impacted the embryo's defense capacity against the stress induced by cryopreservation, leading to an increased percentage of apoptosis, although it did not influence the developmental resumption capability.

Biochemical and physiological alterations caused by Diuron and Triclosan in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis)

The rise in the utilization of pesticides within industrial and agricultural practices has been linked to the occurrence of these substances in aquatic environments. The objective of this work was to evaluate the uptake and adverse impacts of Diuron (Di) and Triclosan (TCS) on the mussel species Mytilus galloprovincialis. To accomplish this, the accumulation and toxicity of these pesticides were gauged following a brief period of exposure spanning 14 days, during which the mussels were subjected to two concentrations (50 and 100 μg/L) of each substance that are ecologically relevant. Chemical analysis of Di and TCS within gills and digestive gland showed that these pesticides could be accumulated in mussel's tissues. In addition, Di and TCS are preferably accumulated in digestive gland.Measured biomarkers included physiological parameters (filtration FC and respiration RC capacity), antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and catalase), oxidative damage indicator (Malondialdheyde concentration) and neurotoxicity level (acetylcholinesterase activity) were evaluated in gills and digestive glands. Both pesticides were capable of altering the physiology of this species by reducing the FC and RC in concentration and chemical dependent manner. Both pesticides induced also an oxidative imbalance causing oxidative stress. The high considered concentration exceeded the antioxidant defense capacity of the mussel and lead to membrane lipid peroxidation that resulted in cell damage. Finally, the two pesticides tested were capable of interacting with the neuromuscular barrier leading to neurotoxicity in mussel's tissues by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase. The ecotoxicological effect depended on the concentration and the chemical nature of the contaminant. Obtained results revealed also that the Di may exert toxic effects on M. galloprovincialis even at relatively low concentrations compared to TCS.In conclusion, this study presents innovative insights into the possible risks posed by Diuron (Di) and Triclosan (TCS) to the marine ecosystem. Moreover, it contributes essential data to the toxicological database necessary for developing proactive environmental protection measures.

The Potential of Endophytes in Improving Salt–Alkali Tolerance and Salinity Resistance in Plants

Ensuring food security for the global population is a ceaseless and critical issue. However, high-salinity and high-alkalinity levels can harm agricultural yields throughout large areas, even in largely agricultural countries, such as China. Various physical and chemical treatments have been employed in different locations to mitigate high salinity and alkalinity but their effects have been minimal. Numerous researchers have recently focused on developing effective and environmentally friendly biological treatments. Endophytes, which are naturally occurring and abundant in plants, retain many of the same characteristics of plants owing to their simultaneous evolution. Therefore, extraction of endophytes from salt-tolerant plants for managing plant growth in saline–alkali soils has become an important research topic. This extraction indicates that the soil environment can be fundamentally improved, and the signaling pathways of plants can be altered to increase their defense capacity, and can even be inherited to ensure lasting efficacy. This study discusses the direct and indirect means by which plant endophytes mitigate the effects of plant salinity stress that have been observed in recent years.

A quantitative evaluation model of ancient military defense efficiency based on spatial strength—take Zhejiang of the Ming Dynasty as an example

In the study of the defense capacity of ancient military settlements, most existing studies have evaluated the defense capacity of citadels qualitatively from a historiographical perspective. There are fewer quantitative studies on defense efficiency in a specific regional context. This paper takes the coastal defense citadels system of Zhejiang in the Ming Dynasty of China as the research object. It adopts a combination of digital historical data mining and quantitative research to study the defense efficiency of the military defense area in Zhejiang in the Ming Dynasty. This paper first analyzes the defense pattern of Zhejiang's sea defense citadels system in the Ming Dynasty. It determines the control points of defense groups, quantifies the defense group area with a Voronoi diagram, and classifies and assigns the entropy value to the deployment data of guard forts in historical data. Finally, the assigned forces are superimposed on the defense area to obtain the quantified defense efficiency of each defense group, and the defense results are verified. This paper innovatively proposes an "area-force" perspective. It introduces spatial segmentation and quantitative research methods to study the defense efficiency of a specific regional defense group system in ancient times. It proves that this method is feasible and can be applied to the study of other ancient military defense areas. It also expands the scientific perspective of ancient military fortification systems, which can contribute to systematically preserving ancient military settlement heritage on a larger scale.

Fight against Corruption-Related Crimes in Wartime in Ukraine

AbstractThe article aims to provide a comprehensive theoretical and practical analysis of the issues in the legal regulation of corruption prevention, study the state of the fight against corruption and the legalization of proceeds of corruption-related crimes under martial law, determine new corruption risks during a war, and suggest recommendations for their minimization. The authors of this article established the main problems that cause the emergence and spread of corruption in society and ways to overcome this phenomenon. The study’s results established that independent anti-corruption agencies and authorized law enforcement agencies have continued preventive and law enforcement activities even under war conditions, their purpose being to ensure the normal State functioning, the country’s defence capacity, and society’s security. In law-making and law enforcement activities, this research work can help to improve international relations between Ukraine and foreign countries in the context of the development of bilateral relations regarding the provision of assistance to Ukraine for post-war recovery, the attraction of investment, the fight against corruption, and possible accession to the European Union.

Novel diagnostic biomarkers of oxidative stress, immune- infiltration characteristics and experimental validation of SERPINE1 in colon cancer

BackgroundColon cancer (CC) is a prevalent malignant tumor that affects the colon in the gastrointestinal tract. Its aggressive nature, strong invasiveness, and rapid progression make it a significant health concern. In addition, oxidative stress can lead to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that surpass the body's antioxidant defense capacity, causing damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA, potentially promoting tumor development. However, the relationship between CC and oxidative stress requires further investigation.MethodsWe collected gene expression data and clinical data from 473 CC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Additionally, we obtained 433 oxidative stress genes from Genecards (https://www.genecards.org/). Using univariate, multivariate, and LASSO Cox regression analyses, we developed predictive models for oxidative stress-related genes in CC patients. To validate the models, we utilized data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We assessed the accuracy of the models through various techniques, including the creation of a nomogram, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA). The Cytoscape program was utilized to identify hub genes among differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in tumor patients using the TCGA dataset. Subsequently, we conducted survival analysis, clinical relevance analysis, and immune cell relevance analysis for the intersected genes obtained by combining the hub genes with the genes from the predictive models. Moreover, we investigated the mRNA expression and potential functions of these intersected genes using a range of experimental approaches.ResultsIn both the TCGA and GSE17538 datasets, patients classified as high-risk had significantly shorter overall survival compared to those in the low-risk group (TCGA: p < 0.001; GSE17538: p = 0.010). As a result, we decided to further investigate the role of SERPINE1. Our survival analysis revealed that patients with high expression of SERPINE1 had a significantly lower probability of survival compared to those with low expression (p < 0.05). Additionally, our clinical correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between SERPINE1 expression and T, N, and M stages, as well as tumor grade. Furthermore, our immune infiltration correlation analysis demonstrated notable differences in multiple immune cells between the high- and low-expression groups of SERPINE1. To validate our findings, we conducted experimental tests and observed that knocking down SERPINE1 in colon cancer cells resulted in significant reductions in cell viability and proliferation. Interestingly, we also noticed an increase in oxidative stress parameters, such as ROS and MDA levels, while the levels of reduced GSH decreased upon SERPINE1 knockdown. These findings suggest that the antineoplastic effect of silencing SERPINE1 may be associated with the induction of oxidative stress.ConclusionIn conclusion, this study introduces a new approach for the early diagnosis and treatment of CC, and further exploration of SERPINE1 could potentially lead to a significant advancement.

Leaf defense traits of birch, beech, and oak saplings grown under two types of soil in a free-air ozone exposure system

ABSTRACT Since most leaf defense traits are derived from photosynthates, the increase of feeding damage in woody plants can be partially attributed to the recent increase in ground-surface O3 (elevated O3; eO3), which has suppressed the photosynthetic capacity of the plants. In different soil fertility conditions (fertile brown forest soil or infertile volcanic ash soil), we made research on leaf defense traits of the three species; birch (an early successional species), beech (a late successional species), and oak (an intermediate species). The results showed that except for lignin, the defensive capacity of birch leaves was reduced by eO3 as well as by a fertile soil condition. In beech as an O3-sensitive species, C/N was slightly higher in fertile soil; especially total phenolics and lignin concentrations, but increased with eO3. Therefore, carbon-nutrient balance hypothesis was not applicable in beech, which may be due to a different nutrient translocation system from birch and other trees. Oak, an O3-tolerant species, was less affected by eO3 and soil condition; C/N slightly tended to increase with eO3 due to a decrease in N. In addition, total phenolics of oak leaves tended to decrease by eO3 in infertile soil. From these results, O3 tolerance, which differs among tree species, can lead to new and altered plant-insect relationships through impact on defense functions, which can also lead to new relationships in biodiversity.

Comparative proteomic analysis of the moderately resistant and susceptible peanut cultivars during infestation by Cylindrocladium parasiticum

Cylindrocladium parasiticum Crous, Wingfield & Alfenas, the causal agent of Cylindrocladium black rot of peanut, has led to economic losses in China. However, the response of peanut plant to C. parasiticum is poorly understood. Here, two contrasting peanut cultivars, T09 (C. parasiticum-moderately resistant) and P562 (C. parasiticum-susceptible) were used for comparative analysis of protein profiles in root segment of plant tissues in responses to C. parasiticum infection. Proteomic profiling identified 1647 and 391 differentially accumulated proteins (DAPs) in P562 and T09 relative to uninoculated control, respectively. A total of 350 and 1095 DAPs were identified between P562 and T09 after 9 day(s) post infection (dpi), respectively. Functional categorization showed that C. parasiticum-responsive proteins were mainly involved in catalytic activity and binding functions. KEGG pathway analysis indicated both moderately resistant and susceptible peanut cultivars can regulate gene expression in the phenylpropanoid pathway, terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, SA, and JA pathways to induce defensive genes and protein expression which enhances plant defence or susceptibility capacity. However, MAPK signal pathway was more pronounced in moderately resistant peanut cultivar T09. We also observed an increase of CYP73A100 involved in phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways in susceptible peanut ecotype P562, while decrease in moderately resistant interaction. Additionally, there was a marked activation of brassinosteroid biosynthesis in T09, which indicated a possible involvement of activation of plant immune response in moderately resistant responses of peanut to C. parasiticum. This study provides some insights into molecular networks involved in cellular and physiological responses to C. parasiticum in peanut.

Civil Preparedness in Malaysia’s Total Defence (HANRUH) Policy: A Critical Evaluation

Total Defence or known as Pertahanan Menyeluruh (HANRUH) is one of the core principles of Malaysia's National Defence White Paper (DWP) in pursuit of acquiring national resilience and comprehensive defence capacity. However, due to lack of awareness and promotion, has garnered less attention among Malaysian citizen as the fundamental basis outline in the principle that includes the civil preparedness approach is vital to deter unexpected war threats as well as to maintain sustainable peace and security in every aspect of national concern. This study employs a qualitative method through interview subject-matter expert on the field and analyses on sources such as books, journals, theses and websites. The study found effort and cooperation are very important in empowering everyone to involve in HANRUH implementation. All parties, including the public, among the civil preparedness in the HANRUH policy for the sake of country peace and prosperity. People could also comprehend the concept of HANRUH by using approaches and action plans that have been done and will be implemented soon.

Effect of In Ovo Administration of a Multi-Strain Probiotic and Zinc Glycine Chelate on Antioxidant Capacity and Selected Immune Parameters in Newly Hatched Chicks.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of in ovo co-supplementation of chicken embryos with a multi-strain probiotic containing effective microorganisms and zinc glycine chelate on total antioxidant capacity; concentrations of sulfhydryl groups, bityrosine bridges, formylkynurenines, hydroperoxides, proteins, corticosterone, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and heat shock proteins; and the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase in the serum, yolk sac and tissues of broiler chickens at 12 h and at 7 days after hatching. The results indicate high SOD activity in the small and large intestines of chicks at 12 h post-hatch in the groups receiving the multi-strain probiotic and in the small intestine and yolk sac of birds receiving the multi-strain probiotic and Zn-Gly chelate. High concentrations of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the yolk sac and serum after in ovo administration of Zn-Gly chelate were observed 12 h after hatching. The use of a probiotic and a probiotic with Zn-Gly chelate increased the total antioxidant capacity in the tissues of chickens. It can be concluded that in ovo administration of a multi-strain probiotic and Zn-Gly chelate can maintain the oxidant/antioxidant balance in chickens and increase the defense capacity against oxidative stress.

Comparison of immune defense and antioxidant capacity between broodstock and hybrid offspring of oriental river shrimp (Macrobrachium nipponense): Response to acute nitrite stress

Nitrite is an environmental pollutant in cultures of Macrobrachium nipponense and may induce oxidative stress and apoptosis. The oriental river prawn is an important economic aquaculture species in China, Japan, and Southeast Asia but is experiencing degradation of germplasm resources. Hybridization is a means of genetic improvement that could help to overcome this serious problem. In this study, the parental population (Dianshan Lake (DS) and Dongting Lake (DT)) and the hybrid population were exposed to 0 and 10 mg/L nitrite for 96 h. The survival rate of the hybrid group was significantly greater than the DS and DT groups (P < 0.05). The numbers of positive cells and apoptosis rates in the parental groups were significantly greater than in the hybrid group after nitrite exposure (P < 0.05). As the nitrite concentration increased, the antioxidant, non-specific immunity enzyme activities and antioxidant, immune-related genes in the hybrid group were significantly higher than in the parental groups (P < 0.05). Our findings suggested that the hybrid population had stronger stress resistance than their parental populations, which also provides a reference for follow-up genetic breeding.

Exploring dose–response relationships in Aedes aegypti survival upon bacteria and arbovirus infection

A detailed understanding of how host fitness changes in response to variations in microbe density (an ecological measure of disease tolerance) is an important aim of infection biology. Here, we applied dose–response curves to study Aedes aegypti survival upon exposure to different microbes. We challenged female mosquitoes with Listeria monocytogenes, a model bacterial pathogen, Dengue 4 virus and Zika virus, two medically relevant arboviruses, to understand the distribution of mosquito survival following microbe exposure. By correlating microbe loads and host health, we found that a blood meal promotes disease tolerance in our systemic bacterial infection model and that mosquitoes orally infected with bacteria had an enhanced defensive capacity than insects infected through injection. We also showed that Aedes aegypti displays a higher survival profile following arbovirus infection when compared to bacterial infections. Here, we applied a framework for investigating microbe-induced mosquito mortality and details how the lifespan of Aedes aegypti varies with different inoculum sizes of bacteria and arboviruses.

Effects of abamectin on nonspecific immunity, antioxidation, and apoptosis in red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)

Abamectin, a pesticide of 16-member macrocyclic lactones, is widely applied in agriculture. As an important environmental factor, pesticides pose a great threat to defense system in aquatic animals. Procambarus clarkii is one of the most important economic aquatic animals in China. It is necessary to explore the defense mechanism of P. clarkii to abamectin. In this study, P. clarkii were exposed to 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 mg/L abamectin, immune- and antioxidant-related enzymes activities, genes expression levels, and histological observations were used to analyze the defense capacity of P. clarkii to abamectin. With increasing abamectin concentration, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and malondiadehyde (MDA) content increased significantly. Meanwhiile, acid phosphate (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities, total haemocyte counts (THC), and Crustin expression level decreased significantly, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and GPX expression level also decreased significantly. Hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) observation showed that with increasing abamectin concentration, hepatopancreas were damaged, especially membrane structure. Through TUNEL observation and apoptosis-related genes (PcCTSL, Bcl-2, Bax, BI-1, PcCytc, caspase-3) expression levels, with increasing abamectin concentration, apoptosis rate increased significantly. Results of this study indicated that abamectin caused oxidative damage to P. clarkii, resulting in damage to defense system, suppression of nonspecific immunity and antioxidation, and promotion of apoptosis. It provided theoretical basis for healthy P. clarkii culture, and for further study on defense mechanism of aquatic animals to pesticides.

Alveolar macrophages in tissue homeostasis, inflammation, and infection: evolving concepts of therapeutic targeting.

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are the sentinel cells of the alveolar space, maintaining homeostasis, fending off pathogens, and controlling lung inflammation. During acute lung injury, AMs orchestrate the initiation and resolution of inflammation in order to ultimately restore homeostasis. This central role in acute lung inflammation makes AMs attractive targets for therapeutic interventions. Single-cell RNA-Seq and spatial omics approaches, together with methodological advances such as the generation of human macrophages from pluripotent stem cells, have increased understanding of the ontogeny, function, and plasticity of AMs during infectious and sterile lung inflammation, which could move the field closer to clinical application. However, proresolution phenotypes might conflict with proinflammatory and antibacterial responses. Therefore, therapeutic targeting of AMs at vulnerable time points over the course of infectious lung injury might harbor the risk of serious side effects, such as loss of antibacterial host defense capacity. Thus, the identification of key signaling hubs that determine functional fate decisions in AMs is of the utmost importance to harness their therapeutic potential.

Application of Rhizopus microsporus and Aspergillus oryzae to enhance the defense capacity of eggplant seedlings against Meloidogyne incognita

Several phytopathogens attack eggplant, causing crop damage. One of the most destructive plant diseases, Root-Knot Nematode (RKN), causes significant damage to eggplant seedlings. Finding safe and effective biological alternatives to prevent eggplant root nematode disease, which significantly limits plant productivity, is the innovative aspect of this study. Six isolates of plant growth-promoting fungus (PGPF) were tested in the current work for improving biochemical defense and physio-biochemical performance in eggplant seedlings under the Meloidogyne incognita challenge. PGPF isolates were tested in vitro for some biochemical traits such as Siderophores and HCN production. Besides, the antagonistic efficacy of PGPF filtrates against M. incognita was tested in vitro. The best isolates capable of producing HCN were F5 and F3 respectively. Also, F5 followed by F3 exhibited the maximum mortality proportions of 74.20% and 60.35% mortality in nematode juveniles after 96 hours respectively. Moreover, F5 has the highest level of antioxidant activity, with IC50 145 µg/mL followed by F3 with IC50 350 µg/mL. thus, we identified F5 and F3 completely as Rhizopus microsporus (OQ291571.1 and Aspergillus oryzae OQ291572.1. Implementing R. microsporus and A. oryzae collectively in vivo study was the most successful therapy, limiting nematode recordings as 95.23%, 86.98%, 80.35%, 80%, and 68.78% reduction in females, galls, developmental stage, egg masses, second juveniles, respectively, in diseased seedlings. It could be suggested that the use of ethyl acetate extracts (EAE) of A. oryzae and R. microsporus might be commercially applied as a stimulator of eggplant and or anti-nematodes against M. incognita.