Dry Weight Ratio Research Articles

DAMPAK PERTUMBUHAN BIBIT KELAPA SAWIT (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) TERHADAP PEMBERIAN PUPUK ANORGANIK DAN KOMPOS LIMBAH LUMPUR IPAL PABRIK KARET DI PEMBIBITAN UTAMA

Jambi Province was one of the centers of oil palm plantations in Indonesia and there was another problem likes the age of the plants which had getting older and its worried caused decrease in production. Therefore, its was necessary to replanted oil palm for produced high quality seeds. The purpose of study was to determine the response of application and discover the best single dose of inorganic fertilizer and WWTP sludge compost in the growth of oil palm seedlings in the main nursery. This research was conducted at Teaching and Research Farm, UNJA (September-November 2022). This study used Completely Randomized Design with 5 treatments, (k0 = Urea, TSP, KCl recommended dose, k1 = Urea,TSP, KCl half recommended dose + 100 g WWTP sludge compost, k2 = Urea, TSP, KCl half recommended dose + 200 g WWTP sludge compost, k3 = Urea, TSP, KCl half recommended dose + 300 g WWTP sludge compost, k4 = Urea, TSP, KCl half recommended dose + 400 g WWTP sludge compost. The results showed the application of a single inorganic fertilizer and WWTP sludge compost was able to increased growth of seedling height, root dry weight and root volume. However, its has not been able to be increase of tuber diameter, the number of leaves, shoot dry weight and root crown ratio. Doses of Urea, TSP, KCl half recommended dose + 100 g WWTP sludge compost gived the best average growth of 6-month oil palm seedlings in the main nursery.

Effects of water-unextractable arabinoxylan from wheat processing wastewater on the quality characteristics of multigrain bread

The water-unextractable arabinoxylan (WUAX) was extracted from the wheat processing wastewater to replace the flour in the bread formula and improve the quality characteristics of the multigrain bread. We investigated the effects of WUAX substitution concentration (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 g/100 g high gluten flour weight) on multigrain bread texture, microstructure, color difference variation, relative crystallinity, moisture distribution, and sensory evaluation. Within the specified range, the bread hardness increased by 4.0 N, a negative effect on the bound water in bread and significant changes in the color difference were observed. The optimal substitution level was 7.5%, increasing the crude fiber content by 33% (dry weight ratio) and reducing the starch content by 10%, maintaining the specific volume and hardness similar to the control group. The scanning electron microscopy X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements showed that WUAX affected the aggregation of protein and starch, and reduced the relative crystallinity of bread, retarding bread staling. The WUAX replacing flour (7.5% replacement level) also provided good sensory evaluation. Overall, WUAX boosts bread's dietary fiber content while lowering its starch proportion. Although WUAX had negatively impact on bread texture, a 7.5% substitution level could minimize these effects. This study offered insights for the dietary applications of WUAX from wheat processing wastewater.

Heat stress tolerance in wheat seedling: Clustering genotypes and identifying key traits using multivariate analysis

Elevated atmospheric heat is considered as one of the bottlenecks for global wheat production. Screening potential wheat genotypes against heat stress and selecting some suitable indicators to assist in understanding thermotolerance could be crucial for sustaining wheat cultivation. Accordingly, 80 diverse bread wheat genotypes were evaluated in controlled lab condition by imposing a week-long heat stress (35/25 °C D/N) at the seedling stage. The response of heat stress was evaluated using multivariate analysis techniques on 20 morpho-physiological traits. Results showed significant variations in the studied traits due to the imposition of heat stress. Eleven seedling traits that contributed significantly to the genotypic variability were identified using principal component analysis (PCA). A substantial correlation between most of the selected seedling attributes was observed. Hierarchical cluster analysis identified three distinct clusters among the tested wheat genotypes. Cluster 1, consisting of 33 genotypes, exhibited the highest tolerance to heat stress, followed by Cluster 2 (18 genotypes) with moderate tolerance and Cluster 3 (29 genotypes) showing susceptibility. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) approved that nearly 93 % of the wheat genotypes were appropriately ascribed to each cluster. The squared distance analysis confirmed the distinct nature of the clusters. Using multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI), all 12 identified tolerant genotypes (BG-30, BD-468, BG-24, BD-9908, BG-32, BD-476, BD-594, BD-553, BD-488, BG-33, BD-495, and AS-10627) originated from Cluster 1. Selection gain in MGIDI analysis, broad-sense heritability, and multiple linear regression analysis together identified shoot and root dry and fresh weights, chlorophyll contents (a and total), shoot tissue water content, root-shoot dry weight ratio, and efficiency of photosystem II (PS II) as the most vital discriminatory factors explaining heat stress tolerance of 80 wheat genotypes. The identified genotypes with superior thermotolerance would offer resourceful genetic tools for breeders to improve wheat yield in warmer regions. The traits found to have greater contribution in explaining heat stress tolerance will be equally important in prioritizing future research endeavors.

Seedling Growth and Nutritional Status of Elaeagnus angustifolia and Robinia pseudoacacia as Response to Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and K-Humate

ABSTRACT This study aimed to reveal the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizae and K-humate on some of the morphological characteristics and growth of Russian olive (RO; Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) and black locust (BL; Robinia pseudoacacia L.). The indigenous mycorrhizal spores (Claroideoglomus claroideum, Claroideoglomus etunicatum, Claroideoglomus luteum, and Funneliformis mosseae) collected from rhizospheres of RO and BL trees in afforestation sites located in Central Anatolia. In addition, commercial mycorrhizal mixture and K-humate were used as treatments. Five treatments (1—indigenous mycorrhizal fungi, 2—K-humate, 3—indigenous mycorrhizal fungi + K-humate, 4—commercial mycorrhizal fungi, and 5—control) were assigned in a completely randomized design for both tree species. Four months after the treatments, inoculation rate, above-ground seedling height, fresh and dry weight, root collar diameter, length, fresh, and dry weight, leaf area index, shot-to-root dry weight ratio, seedling height to root collar diameter ratio, and Dickson quality index were determined. Plant and soil analyses were carried out to determine the effects of treatments on plant and soil nutrition. Indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and K-humate combinations had positive effects on the morphological characteristics and nutritional status of the seedlings. The indigenous mycorrhizal and K-humate interaction showed the most pronounced effects on RO growth and nutrition.

Therapeutic Use of Carbon Monoxide in Ex-Vivo Lung Perfusion in Donor With Prolonged Cold Ischemia

IntroductionCarbon monoxide (CO) has been shown to exert protective effects in multiple organs following ischemic injury, including the lung. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of CO administration during ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) on lung grafts exposed to prolonged cold ischemia. MethodsTen porcine lungs were subjected to 18 h of cold ischemia followed by 6 h of EVLP. Lungs were randomized to EVLP alone (control, n = 5) or delivery of 500 ppm of CO during the 1st hour of EVLP (treatment, n = 5). Following EVLP, the left lungs were transplanted and reperfused for 4 h. ResultsAt the end of EVLP, pulmonary vascular resistance (P = 0.007) and wet to dry lung weight ratios (P = 0.027) were significantly reduced in CO treated lungs. Posttransplant, lung graft PaO2/FiO2 (P = 0.032) and compliance (P = 0.024) were significantly higher and peak airway pressure (P = 0.032) and wet to dry ratios (P = 0.003) were significantly lower in CO treated lungs. Interleukin-6 was significantly reduced in plasma during reperfusion in the CO treated group (P = 0.040). ConclusionsIn this preclinical porcine model, CO application during EVLP resulted in better graft performance and outcomes after reperfusion.

Superior osmotic stress tolerance in oilseed rape transformed with wild-type Rhizobium rhizogenes

Key messageNatural transformation with R. rhizogenes enhances osmotic stress tolerance in oilseed rape through increasing osmoregulation capacity, enhancing maintenance of hydraulic integrity and total antioxidant capacity.Transformation of plants using wild strains of agrobacteria is termed natural transformation and is not covered by GMO legislation in, e.g., European Union and Japan. In this study, offspring lines of Rhizobium rhizogenes naturally transformed oilseed rape (Brassica napus), i.e., A11 and B3 (termed root-inducing (Ri) lines), were investigated for osmotic stress resilience. Under polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG) 10% (w/v)-induced osmotic stress, the Ri lines, particularly A11, had less severe leaf wilting, higher stomatal conductance (8.2 times more than WT), and a stable leaf transpiration rate (about 2.9 mmol m−2 s−1). Although the leaf relative water content and leaf water potential responded similarly to PEG treatment between the Ri lines and WT, a significant reduction of the turgid weight to dry weight ratio in A11 and B3 indicated a greater capacity of osmoregulation in the Ri lines. Moreover, the upregulation of plasma membrane intrinsic proteins genes (PIPs) in roots and downregulation of these genes in leaves of the Ri lines implied a better maintenance of hydraulic integrity in relation to the WT. Furthermore, the Ri lines had greater total antioxidant capacity (TAC) than the WT under PEG stress. Collectively, the enhanced tolerance of the Ri lines to PEG-induced osmotic stress could be attributed to the greater osmoregulation capacity, better maintenance of hydraulic integrity, and greater TAC than the WT. In addition, Ri-genes (particularly rolA and rolD) play roles in response to osmotic stress in Ri oilseed rape. This study reveals the potential of R. rhizogenes transformation for application in plant drought resilience.

Microbial Biostimulants and Seaweed Extract Synergistically Influence Seedling Growth and Morphology of Three Onion Cultivars

Onion (Allium cepa L.), a globally cultivated vegetable crop, possesses a shallow root system, making it vulnerable to abiotic stresses. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events in recent years necessitates sustainable solutions to enhance onion growth. Biostimulants offer a promising and accessible approach to promote onion growth and quality in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. This study investigated the effects of nine commercial microbial biostimulants (LALRISE Mycorrhizae, LALRISE Bacillus, Mighty Mycorrhizae, MycoApply, Spectrum DS, Spectrum Myco, Spectrum, Tribus Original, and Tribus Continuum) and one non-microbial commercial biostimulant (Kelpak—seaweed extract) on the seedling growth of three onion cultivars: Carta Blanca (white), Don Victoro (yellow), and Sofire (red). The results indicated that biostimulants did not significantly affect onion seed germination, but germination rates did vary among the onion cultivars. These cultivars also exhibited significant morphological and biomass differences, with principal component analysis revealing a more obvious effect on root growth compared to shoot growth. Kelpak seaweed extract increased the plant height, leaf area, and shoot fresh weight and dry weight of onion seedlings but decreased the root-to-shoot dry-weight ratio. The effects of microbial biostimulants on onion seedling growth depended on both the onion cultivar and Kelpak seaweed extract. In general, LALRISE Mycorrhizae, Mighty Mycorrhizae, Spectrum Myco, Spectrum DS, and Tribus Continuum exhibited positive effects on seedling growth in certain onion cultivars. Furthermore, the benefits of microbial biostimulants were amplified when combined with Kelpak seaweed extract application. These findings suggest a synergistic interaction between microbial and non-microbial biostimulants, leading to enhanced onion seedling growth. Further research is required to evaluate the long-term effects of these biostimulants on onion plant growth after transplanting to fields.

Genome-wide association analysis reveal candidate genes and haplotypes related to root weight in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.).

The plant root system is critical for the absorption of water and nutrients, and have a direct influence on growth and yield. In cucumber, a globally consumed crop, the molecular mechanism of root development remains unclear, and this has implications for developing stress tolerant varieties. This study sought to determine the genetic patterns and related genes of cucumber root weight. A core cucumber germplasms population was used to do the GWAS analysis in three environments. Here, we investigated four root-weight related traits including root fresh weight (RFW), root dry weight (RDW), ratio of root dry weight to root fresh weight (RDFW) and the comprehensive evaluation index, D-value of root weight (DRW) deduced based on the above three traits for the core germplasm of the cucumber global repository. According to the D-value, we identified 21 and 16 accessions with light and heavy-root, respectively. We also found that the East Asian ecotype accessions had significantly heavier root than other three ecotypes. The genome-wide association study (GWAS) for these four traits reveals that 4 of 10 significant loci (gDRW3.1, gDRW3.2, gDRW4.1 and gDRW5.1) were repeatedly detected for at least two traits. Further haplotype and expression analysis for protein-coding genes positioned within these 4 loci between light and heavy-root accessions predicted five candidate genes (i.e., Csa3G132020 and Csa3G132520 both encoding F-box protein PP2-B1 for gDRW3.1, Csa3G629240 encoding a B-cell receptor-associated protein for gDRW3.2, Csa4G499330 encodes a GTP binding protein for gDRW4.1, and Csa5G286040 encodes a proteinase inhibitor for gDRW5.1). We conducted a systematic analysis of the root genetic basis and characteristics of cucumber core germplasms population. We detected four novel loci, which regulate the root weight in cucumber. Our study provides valuable candidate genes and haplotypes for the improvement of root system in cucumber breeding.

Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside attenuates LPS-induced endometritis in mice via regulating PPARγ activation

Endometritis is a common disease that endangers human and animal health. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), a kind of anthocyanin, exists in a variety of plants and shows many biological activities. Here, we investigated the effect and mechanism of C3G on LPS-induced endometritis in mice. The results showed that C3G significantly decreased wet to dry weight (W/D) ratio of uterine, improved uterine pathological injury, and inhibited MPO activity. Further mechanism investigation showed that the activation of NFκB pathway and the levels of TNF-a, IL-1β, and IL-6 were significantly suppressed after C3G treatment. Conversely, C3G promoted LPS-induced the activation of the PPARγ/ABCA1 pathway. Interestingly, the anti-inflammatory effect of C3G was significantly weakened by GW9662, a PPARγ inhibitor. In addition, the anti-oxidative stress effect of C3G was also found. For the first time, our results showed that treatment with C3G might be a new strategy for treating endometritis.

Adaptive Responses of Hormones to Nitrogen Deficiency in Citrus sinensis Leaves and Roots.

Some citrus orchards in China often experience nitrogen (N) deficiency. For the first time, targeted metabolomics was used to examine N-deficient effects on hormones in sweet orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck cv. Xuegan) leaves and roots. The purpose was to validate the hypothesis that hormones play a role in N deficiency tolerance by regulating root/shoot dry weight ratio (R/S), root system architecture (RSA), and leaf and root senescence. N deficiency-induced decreases in gibberellins and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) levels and increases in cis(+)-12-oxophytodienoic acid (OPDA) levels, ethylene production, and salicylic acid (SA) biosynthesis might contribute to reduced growth and accelerated senescence in leaves. The increased ethylene formation in N-deficient leaves might be caused by increased 1-aminocyclopropanecarboxylic acid and OPDA and decreased abscisic acid (ABA). N deficiency increased R/S, altered RSA, and delayed root senescence by lowering cytokinins, jasmonic acid, OPDA, and ABA levels and ethylene and SA biosynthesis, increasing 5-deoxystrigol levels, and maintaining IAA and gibberellin homeostasis. The unchanged IAA concentration in N-deficient roots involved increased leaf-to-root IAA transport. The different responses of leaf and root hormones to N deficiency might be involved in the regulation of R/S, RSA, and leaf and root senescence, thus improving N use efficiency, N remobilization efficiency, and the ability to acquire N, and hence conferring N deficiency tolerance.

The Effect of Potassium Sulphate Applications on Plant Growth and Nutrient Content of Pepper Plants Grown Under High Temperature Stress

Objective: Abiotic stresses are one of the most important factors that negatively affect plant growth. Especially in recent years, regression in plant growth and product losses have occurred due to high temperature caused by global climate change. The aim of the study was to reduce the effect of high temperature stress and increase plant tolerance with potassium. One of the ways to increase plant tolerance is proper fertilizer and fertilization techniques. Material and Methods: Potassium sulfate fertilizer (K2SO4), which has a positive effect under abiotic stress conditions, was used as fertilizer in the experiment. The experiment was established according to the randomized plot design with 3 replications and 5 plants in each replication. The effects of foliar (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%) and soil (0-5-10-20 kg da-1) potassium applications on plant growth under high temperature stress were investigated. Results: As a result of the application of potassium sulfate from the leaves or roots, the effect of the plant green part scale, the membrane injury index, the dry weight ratio of the green parts, the relative moisture content of the leaves, the nitrogen (N), potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) concentrations in the leaves were found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: The results indicated that potassium applications under high-temperature stress led to increases in nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and chlorophyll concentrations, as well as in the relative moisture content of the leaves. It was found that visual damage to green parts and leaf membrane damage decreased under high-temperature stress. The experiment revealed that potassium sulfate positively influenced plant growth under stressful conditions, reducing damage severity and enhancing plant resistance. The experiment revealed that potassium sulfate positively influenced plant growth under stressful conditions, reducing damage severity and enhancing plant resistance.

Effect of UV-B radiation on photosynthesis based flavonoid synthesis in daylily leaves

In order to assess the impact of UV-B radiation on flavonoid compound levels in 'Stella de Oro' daylily leaves, three distinct treatment groups were established: a control group (CK) devoid of UV-B exposure, a low-dose UV-B group (L, 10 μw/cm²), and a high-dose UV-B group (H, 20 μw/cm²). Throughout the UV-B exposure period, parameters including leaf gas exchange, dry weight ratio, and flavonoid compound content were monitored. Following the UV-B treatment, there was a notable increase in the net photosynthesis rate (Pn) by 72 %, stomatal conductance (Gs) by 46 %, transpiration rate (Tr) by 42 %, and water use efficiency (WUE) by 21 %. Moreover, there was a notable increase in the total content of rutin, myricetin, and quercetin in the leaves by 110 %, 55 %, and 47 % respectively. The observed changes in leaf dry weight ratio under UV-B exposure in group H were consistent with the alterations in flavonoid compound levels in the leaves. Based on the results, PCA analysis indicated a significant correlation between WUE and flavonoids content, possibly related with the combined effect of Pn and Tr.

Comparative physiological and proteomic analysis reveals different responding mechanisms of phosphate deficiency between two clones of Pinus elliottii × P. caribaea

Enhancing efficiency of phosphorus uptake and utilization in forest trees through genetic improvement is crucial for ecological conservation and climate change mitigation. Pinus species exhibit significant genetic variation in phosphorus efficiency (PE). However, potential regulation mechanisms of hybrid pine (Pinus elliottii × P. caribaea) under phosphate deficiency are still unclear. Two distinct hybrid pine genotypes, clone 38 and clone 31, were screened out from 28 hybrid pine genotypes based on morphological and physiological changes. Clone 38 showed superior heights and diameters under –Pi condition than +Pi condition, while Clone 31 showed a slight advantage under +Pi condition than –Pi condition. Root-shoot fresh weight (FW) and dry weight (DW) ratios in clone 38 under Pi (inorganic phosphate) deficiency increased more than that in clone 31. Clone 38 and clone 31 could be classified as the genotypes with high and low Pi efficient, respectively. In order to explore the mechanisms that hybrid pine employed to response to phosphate starvation, iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics analysis of shoots of two clones (clone 31 and clone 38) was conducted. There were 94 and 106 proteins showed differential accumulation patterns under Pi deficient condition in clone 38 and clone 31, respectively. Pi deficit in shoots of high Pi efficient clone 38 resulted in the induction of proteins associated with amylopectin, sulfolipid, and sucrose metabolism. Inversely, proteins associated with photosynthesis were decreased in shoots of low Pi efficient clone 31. The proteins that are accumulated differently amongst genotypes with varying Pi efficiency provide a potential and foundation for developing hybrid pine genotypes with higher phosphate efficiency.

Metabolome profiling and transcriptome analysis unveiling the crucial role of magnesium transport system for magnesium homeostasis in tea plants.

Magnesium (Mg2+) is a crucial nutrient for the growth and development of Camellia sinensis and is closely related to the quality of tea. However, the underlying mechanisms responding to low-Mg 2+ stress in tea plants remain largely unknown. In this study, photosynthetic parameters, metabolomics, and transcriptomics were utilized to explore the potential effects of low Mg2+ on the growth and metabolism of C. sinensis. Low-Mg2+ treatment increased the ratio of shoot dry weight to root dry weight but decreased the photosynthesis of C. sinensis. Forty and thirty metabolites were impacted by Mg2+ shortage in C. sinensis shoots and roots, respectively. Integrated transcriptome and metabolome analyses revealed the possible reasons for the decreased contents of chlorophyll and catechins and the increased theanine content in C. sinensis roots. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis indicated that the Mg2+ transport system was essential in the regulation of Mg2+ homeostasis in C. sinensis, in which CsMGT5 was identified to be the key regulator according to CsMGT5-overexpressing and complementary assays in Arabidopsis thaliana. Moreover, silencing of CsMGT5 in vivo reduced the content of chlorophyll in C. sinensis shoots. In addition, CsMGT5 might collaborate with ammonium transporters to keep the amino acid content steady, suggesting its potential application for tea quality improvement. All these findings demonstrate the key roles of CsMGTs for Mg2+ homeostasis in C. sinensis, providing a theoretical basis for Mg2+ efficient utilization in plants.

Chemical compositions and nutritional profiles of two edible tunicate species (Halocynthia roretzi and Halocynthia aurantium)

As an abundant marine bioresource, tunicates could be exploited in the food industry. However, limited knowledge of their chemical composition and nutritional profiles prohibited further application. In this study, two common edible tunicate species, Halocynthia roretzi (HR) and Halocynthia aurantium (HA), were subjected to comprehensive composition analysis in terms of moisture, protein, lipids, cellulose, ash, amino acids, fatty acids, non-cellulose carbohydrates and minerals. Reddish HR was much bigger than purple HA with respect to body length and weight, and their moisture fell within 82.98 %–90.92 %. The non-edible outer shell part (OS) and edible internal organs part (IO) had a dry weight ratio of around 3:2 for both two species. Generally, for both HR and HA, IO was more abundant in protein and lipids. In contrast, OS had much higher cellulose contents, confirming the better suitability of IO as a nutritional seafood. IO was richer in essential amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids, while OS had more abundant saturated fatty acids. The detected non-cellulose monosugars ranged from 0.47 % to 1.18 % and indicated the presence of some sulfated glycans. IO of HR had higher contents of essential minerals, such as Cu, Zn, and Fe, while IO of HA showed a higher K content. To sum up, this study identified the chemical composition and nutritional profile variations among different tunicate species and various dissected parts, guiding the development of specific strategies to exploit tunicates for proper food applications.

Anti-inflammatory effect and pharmacokinetics of dehydroandrographolide, an active component of Andrographis paniculata, on Poly(I:C)-induced acute lung injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common and critical respiratory disorder caused by various factors, with viral infection being the leading contributor. Dehydroandrographolide (DAP), a constituent of the Chinese herbal plant Andrographis paniculata, exhibits a range of activities including anti-inflammatory, in vitro antiviral and immune-enhancing effects. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects and pharmacokinetics (PK) profile of DAP in ALI mice induced by intratracheal instillation of Poly(I:C) (PIC). The results showed that oral administration of DAP (10–40 mg/kg) effectively suppressed the increase in lung wet–dry weight ratio, total cells, total protein content, accumulation of immune cells, inflammatory cytokines and neutrophil elastase levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of PIC-treated mice. DAP concentrations, determined by an LC-MS/MS method, in plasma after receiving DAP (20 mg/kg) were unchanged compared to those in normal mice. However, DAP concentrations and relative PK parameters in the lungs were significantly altered in PIC-treated mice, exhibiting a relatively higher maximum concentration, larger AUC, and longer elimination half-life than those in the lungs of normal mice. These results demonstrated that DAP could improve lung edema and inflammation in ALI mice, and suggested that lung injury might influence the PK properties of DAP, leading to increased lung distribution and residence. Our study provides evidence that DAP displays significant anti-inflammatory activity against viral lung injury and is more likely to distribute to damaged lung tissue.

Effect of pericarp removal on buckwheat seed respiration and germination under submerged conditions

ABSTRACT Excessive soil moisture (ESM) is a critical factor limiting the productivity of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) because ESM inhibits its germination. This study investigated the effects of pericarp and seed respiration on reduced buckwheat germination caused by submergence. Seeds were submerged prior to germination testing under aerobic conditions. The effects of days of submergence treatment and pericarp removal on germination percentage were significant. The germination percentage in the 3-day submergence treatment was low in seeds with pericarp (P+) but was significantly improved in seeds without pericarp (P−). Pericarp removal also improved the germination percentage of non-submerged seeds. Pericarp thickness and pericarp/seed dry weight ratio (PWR) were not significantly correlated with the germination percentage in 3-day submerged P+. However, both were significantly negatively correlated with the germination percentage in 1-day submerged P+. Seed respiration rate in water, measured on seeds not submerged before measurement, was significantly higher in P− than in P+; that of P− increased with time, while that of P+ showed a decreasing trend with time beyond the first 24 h. Seed respiration rate during the first 24 h was significantly negatively correlated with germination percentage in 3-day submerged P+. A negative influence of pericarp thickness and PWR on the seed respiration rate of P+ during the first 24 h was suggested. Suppressed seed respiration by the pericarp is probably a cause of inhibited buckwheat germination under ESM conditions.

Telodendrimer functionalized hydrogel platform for sustained antibiotics release in infection control

Wound infection commonly causes delayed healing, especially in the setting of chronic wounds. Local release of antibiotics is considered a viable approach to treat chronic wounds. We have developed a versatile telodendrimer (TD) platform for efficient loading of charged antibiotic molecules via a combination of multivalent and synergistic charge and hydrophobic interactions. The conjugation of TD in biocompatible hydrogel allows for topical application to provide sustained antibiotic release. Notably, a drug loading capacity as high as 20 % of the drug-to-resin dry weight ratio can be achieved. The payload content (PC) and release profile of the various antibiotics can be optimized by fine-tuning TD density and valency in hydrogel based on the charge and hydrophobic features of the drug, e.g., polymyxin B (PMB), gentamycin (GM), and daptomycin (Dap), for effective infection control. We have shown that hydrogel with moderately reduced TD density demonstrates a more favorable release profile than hydrogel with higher TD density. Antibiotics loaded in TD hydrogel have comparable antimicrobial potency and reduced cytotoxicity compared to the free antibiotics due to a prolonged, controlled drug release profile. In a mouse model of skin and soft tissue infection, the subcutaneous administration of PMB-loaded TD hydrogel effectively eliminated the bacterial burden. Overall, these results suggest that engineerable TD hydrogels have great potential as a topical treatment to control infection for wound healing. Statement of significanceWound infection causes a significant delay in the wound healing process, which results in a significant financial and resource burden to the healthcare system. PEGA-telodendrimer (TD) resin hydrogel is an innovative and versatile platform that can be fine-tuned to efficiently encapsulate different antibiotics by altering charged and hydrophobic structural moieties. Additionally, this platform is advantageous as the TD density in the resin can also be fine-tuned to provide the desired antibiotic payload release profile. Sustained antibiotics release through optimization of TD density provides a prolonged therapeutic window and reduces burst release-induced cytotoxicity compared to conventional antibiotics application. Studies in a preclinical mouse model of bacteria-induced skin and soft tissue infection demonstrated promising therapeutic efficacy as evidenced by effective infection control and prolonged antibacterial efficacy of antibiotics-loaded PEGA-TD resin. In conclusion, the PEGA-TD resin platform provides a highly customizable approach for effective antibiotics release with significant potential for topical application to treat various bacterial wound infections to promote wound healing.

Pengaruh Pupuk Hayati Jamur Mikoriza Dan Pupuk Rock Phosphate Terhadap Serapan P, Pertumbuhan serta Hasil Tanaman Cabai Rawit (Capsicum frutescens L.)

Application of mycorrhizal fungi biological fertilizers and rock phosphate fertilizers can increase plant P uptake, growth and yield of cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.). The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the interaction between mycorrhizal fungi biofertilizer and rock phosphate fertilizer on P uptake, growth and yield of cayenne pepper. The experimental design used was a completely randomized design (CRD) factorial with 2 factors and 3 replications. The first factor was the application of 0 gr (M0), 10 g (M1) and 20 g (M2) mycorrhizal fungal biofertilizers and the second factor was the application of 0 kg rock phosphate fertilizer or the equivalent of 0 g (R0), 150 kg or 1 g (R1) and 300 kg or 2.6 g (M2). The variables observed were plant height, number of fruit planted, fruit fresh weight, plant fresh weight, root volume, root infection, plant dry weight, root shoot ratio and P uptake. The observed data were tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and tested further. using Duncan multiple range test (DMRT) at 95% confidence level. The results showed that there was no interaction between the application of mycorrhizal fungi biofertilizers and rock phosphate fertilizers. Application of mycorrhizal fungal biofertilizer (M1) can increase the degree of root infection by 72.22%, the number of fruit planted, fruit fresh weight, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, root volume, root infection, P uptake and root shoot ratio. Application of rock phosphate fertilizer can also increase the number of fruit plants, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, root volume and P uptake.

Preliminary study on the protective effect of remazolam against sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Sepsis can disrupt immune regulation and lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) frequently. Remazolam, a fast-acting hypnotic drug with superior qualities compared to other drugs, was investigated for its potential protective effects against sepsis-induced ARDS. Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups, including the sepsis + saline group, sham operation + saline group, sham operation + remazolam group and the sepsis + remazolam group. Lung tissues of rats were extracted for HE staining to assess lung damage, and the wet weight to dry weight (W/D) ratio was calculated. The levels of proinflammatory factors, anti-inflammatory factors, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood, MDA, MPO, and ATP in the lung tissue were measured by using ELISA. Western blotting was performed to determine the protein expression of HMGB1 in lung tissues. In comparison to the sham operation + saline and sham operation + remazolam groups, the sepsis + saline group exhibited significantly higher values for W/D ratio, lung damage score, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, PCT, CRP, MDP and MPO, while exhibiting lower levels of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, PaO2, PCO2, and ATP. The rats in the sepsis + saline group displayed ruptured alveolar walls and evident interstitial lung edema. However, the rats in the sepsis + remazolam group showed improved alveolar structure. Furthermore, the HMGB1 protein expression in the sepsis + remazolam group was lower than the sepsis + saline group. Remazolam can alleviate the inflammatory response in infected rats, thereby alleviating lung injury and improving immune function, which may be attributed to the reduction in HMGB1 protein expression.