Growth-stimulating Effect Research Articles

ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЕ ЭФФЕКТИВНЫХ КОНЦЕНТРАЦИЙ АМИННЫХ СОЛЕЙ ПРИ СОЗДАНИИ ХИМИЧЕСКИХ ПРОТРАВИТЕЛЕЙ – РОСТОСТИМУЛЯТОРОВ

In a laboratory experiment, the effect of three compounds – [[N,N'-bis(dimethylaminomethyl)thiourea-acetic]-copper sulfate pentahydrate (1), [N,N'-bis¬ (dimethylaminomethyl)thiourea-oxalate]-copper sulfate pentahydrate (2) and [N,N'-bis(dimethylaminomethyl)-thiourea-succinic]-copper sulfate pentahydrate (3) with active substance concentrations of 0.001%, 0.01% and 0.05% - on seed germination and morphometric parameters of sudangrass seedlings was studied, and the antifungal properties of the compounds were also studied. The study showed that the use of amine salts 1 and 3 at a concentration of 0.05% led to an increase in the germination energy of sudangrass seeds by 1.1 ‒ 9.2% compared to the control. The root length was positively affected by amine salts 1 and 2 in concentrations of 0.001 and 0.05%: both compounds caused an increase in the root weight of the sudan grass, the second also led to its elongation. All concentrations of the studied compounds had a fungistatic effect. Among the tested compounds, amine salts 1 and 3 in a concentration of 0.05% can be recommended as seed dressings with fungistatic activity, promoting a more uniform emergence of shoots. Amine salt 2 in a concentration of 0.05% is the most effective agent, which in addition to antifungal activity also has a growth-stimulating effect.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of biological fungicides in various sunflower protection systems

The effectiveness of sunflower protection against septoria was studied in 3 protection systems: chemical, integrated and biologized. Each system had 2 repetitions, in one of them the soil biological fungicide Sternifag, SP (Trichoderma harzianum, strain VKM F-4099D, 1010 CFU/g) was introduced in autumn. The study was conducted in 2021 and 2022 at the Agrobiotechnology field in the Shebekinsky district of the Belgorod region. Biologics were used in integrated and biologized protection systems. In particular, the biological preparation Alirin-B, Zh was used in the biologized protection system. It has been experimentally established that during the autumn application of the soil biological fungicide Sternifag, SP, in all variants of protection systems, an increase in the efficiency of treatments and sunflower yields was noted. It was also found that the studied biological preparations had a growth-stimulating effect on the vegetative organs of plants, including the root system. An economic assessment of 3 sunflower protection systems showed that the average yield over 2 years was higher in all variants when applying Sternifag, SP. The highest yield was obtained with an integrated protection system of 39.3 c/ha. Due to the high costs of drugs, the profitability in the chemical system was in both replications less than other options – 215 and 286%. In the biologized system, profitability was the highest – 536 and 618%, this was due to the cost of biological drugs, which were 2 times less. Thus, it is recommended to introduce integrated and biologized sunflower protection systems, which will contribute not only to reducing the cost of protective measures, but also to reducing the pesticide burden on agroecosystems and improving the quality of finished products through the use of biological pesticides.

Effect of organic selenium on performance and gill transcriptome of whiteleg shrimp Penaeus vannamei.

Shrimp gill health is an indicator of their overall health and environmental stress, as gills are in direct contact with the external environment. Organic selenium (OS), known for its high bioavailability and antioxidant properties, potentially enhances shrimp growth, survival, and immune responses. This study investigated the physiological features through comprehensive gill gene expression profiling and growth parameters by incorporating OS into Penaeus vannamei diets. Two OS-containing products, AlkoSel (AS) and SelPlex (SL), were supplied to the diet of P. vannamei (0.90 ± 0.05g body weight, 4.54 ± 0.5cm length) at a dose of 0.4mg Se kg- 1 ration in the final feed. Three groups were organized: an AS-fed group, an SL-fed group, and a control (C) group without additives. After a one-month feeding trial, performance indices (PI) were assessed and RNA-Seq analysis was conducted. The PI revealed that both OS products had similar growth-stimulating effects, with no significant differences between the two groups. However, both groups showed significant improvement compared to the C-group. The P. vannamei gill transcriptome was strongly impacted by the two OS products, with several KEGG pathways implicated in their metabolic mechanisms. Pathways related to energy metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, non-specific immunity, and antioxidative responses were significant in regulating the addition of AS and SL to P. vannamei diets. While SL had some higher additive effects on the gene expression profile than AS, OS from either product is an essential micronutrient that promotes growth, normal metabolic activities, and good gill health in P. vannamei during the early feeding period.

Selective Electrophile‐Promoted Cyclization Reactions of Lapachol and Evaluation of Bioactive Naphthoquinones Against Cancer Cell Lines

ABSTRACTCyclic ether‐fused tricyclic naphthoquinones are major pharmacophores because of their biological activities. The methodology of construction is either by inter or intra‐molecular cyclization of functionalized naphthoquinones. This reaction includes a wide range of reagents from classical Brønsted to Lewis acids. The choice of appropriate reagent and reaction conditions against the substrate is the key to accomplishing the regio‐ and/or stereo‐selective synthesis of these compounds, though it seems difficult at first glance to decide how because numerous numbers of actual examples have been presented. To have a deeper insight into the mechanism of cyclization under acid conditions, lapachol 1 was subjected to electrophilic entities: Brønsted acids (H2SO4, HCl, H3PO4, HNO3, HCOOH, CH3COOH, HOOCCH2COOH), Lewis acids (AlCl3, FeCl3, ZnCl2) nitrogenous cations (NO+, NO2+), carbocation (CH3CO+), neutral polarized molecules (CH3COCl, CH3COOCH3), neutral polarizable molecules (Br2, I2), oxidant promoted cyclization (DDQ, CAN, Peroxides), and reaction conditions. A series of Naphthoquinones based on the Isoprenyl‐1,4‐naphthoquinone (Lapachol), naphtho[1,2‐b]furan‐4,5‐dione (nor β‐lapachone), naphtho[2,3‐b]pyran‐5,10‐dione (α‐lapachone), naphtho[1,2‐b]pyran‐5,6‐dione (β‐lapachone), and naphtho[2,3‐b]furan‐4,9‐dione (2‐acetyl furonaphthoquinone) skeletons were selectively synthesized. By looking at our result, there are characteristic trends of cyclized adducts depending on which reagents were used. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their biological activity against the MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer, HT‐29 MTX colon cancer, and non‐transformed mammary epithelial cell lines at concentrations of 1 μM, 10 μM, and 100 μM. The result indicated that lapachol and β‐lapachone skeletons were the most active at 10 μM and 100 μM especially 3‐hydroxy‐β‐lapachone 8 with interesting growth stimulatory effect on cancer cell lines, but not the non‐transformed cells.

STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF ULTRAFINE PARTICLES ON MICROBIOCENOSIS OF THE BLIND INTESTINE OF BROILER CHICKENS

Introduction. Poultry farming, as the most knowledge-intensive and sustainably functioning branch of animal husbandry, makes a significant contribution to ensuring the country's food security. Considering the importance of the use of promising trace element preparations for modern poultry farming, studies have been undertaken to assess the effects of ultrafine particles of trace element metals on the poultry body. Trace elements are usually used in very small amounts in animal nutrition, but problems such as lower bioavailability, antagonism and a higher rate of excretion from the body limit their effectiveness. Recent studies have also demonstrated the modulation of intestinal health by nanoparticles by increasing the number of beneficial microbes (Lactobacillus and Faecalibacterium) and the production of short-chain fatty acids. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of ultrafine particles of copper and iron on microbiocenosis of the blind intestine of broiler chickens. Material and methods. During the experiment to assess the effect of ultrafine particles of copper and iron on growth and development, blood parameters, mineral metabolism and microbiocenosis of the blind intestine in the body of broiler chickens on a balanced diet, 105 week-old broiler chickens were selected, which were divided into 3 groups by the method of pairs of analogues (n=35). During the experiment, all the birds were in the same feeding and maintenance conditions. The duration of the main accounting period was 28 days. The poultry of the control group received an experienced diet (ED), I experimental – ED together with UP of iron at a dosage of 17 mg / kg, II experimental – ED together with UP of copper at a dosage of 1.7 mg / kg of feed. Results. The dosage of iron and copper were chosen taking into account the previously established positive effect. The additional introduction of UP copper into the diet had a growth-stimulating effect throughout the experimental study. At the end of the studies, the maximum increase in live weight was noted in the II experimental group – by 5.12%, in the I group – by 2.64%. Hematological blood parameters of broiler chickens demonstrated a change in the hemostasis system after administration of UP iron and copper. The evaluation of the data obtained indicates the variability of morphological and biochemical parameters within the physiological norm, with a tendency to decrease against the background of the introduction of ultrafine Fe and Cu particles. In the experimental group that received the UP iron preparation with food, Firmicutes (63.42%) dominated among the representatives of phylum, Bacteroidetes (17.34%) and Proteobacteria (7.43%) were also present. Ruminococcaceae (23.03%) and Lachnospiraceae (13.05%) prevailed among the families. Representatives of phylum Firmicutes (67.36%), Bacteroidetes (19.48%) and Proteobacteria (5.23%) were present in the cecum of broiler chickens treated with UP copper at a dosage of 1.7 mg/kg of feed. Among the families, the most numerous were such taxa as Ruminococcaceae (21.58%), Lachnospiraceae (18.67%) and Sphingobacteriaceae (13.10%). Conclusion. The results of our study demonstrate the need to study the bacterial diversity in the intestines of broiler chickens in order to study the effect of various feed additives on the metabolism and condition of the gastrointestinal tract of poultry.

Estimation of the adaptogenic potential of melatonin on salinity resistance of spring wheat seeds and sprouts

The current paper is devoted to the study of melatonin as an adaptogen capable of increasing wheat tolerance to stress caused by excess levels of easily soluble salts in the environment. The purpose of the study was to evaluate, within the framework of a laboratory model experiment, the ability of melatonin to increase seed germination and stimulate growth processes in wheat sprouts against the background of salinity. The study was conduc ted at the FSBI All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Agrochemistry named after D.N. Pryanishnikov in 2024. The study objects were seeds of the spring wheat variety ‘Darya’. Before the experiment, the seeds were treated with aqueous solutions of melatonin in concentrations of 0; 0.01; 0.1; 1 and 10 mg/l using the priming method. Distilled water and a 150 mM sodium chloride solution were used as background solutions for germination. As a result, there has been shown that within the framework of the experiment, there is an increase in seed germination against the background of treatment with melatonin solutions in concentrations from 0.1 to 10 mg/l against a saline background. Seed treatment with melatonin has demonstrated a pronounced growth-stimulating effect on wheat sprouts, especially in relation to the root system. However, the strength of this effect was somewhat reduced on a saline background compared to control conditions. There was a maximum growth-stimulating effect of melatonin on both backgrounds when using a solution with a concentration of 1 mg/l. There was also established that priming seeds with melatonin promoted water retention in seedling root cells, which may be one of the mechanisms for increasing plant resistance to salinity.

One-pot green synthesis, biological evaluation, and in silico study of pyrazole derivatives obtained from chalcones

Abstract Several chalcones and their pyrazole derivatives have been synthesized using traditional methods under microwave (MW) and ultrasonic (US) irradiation. The latter were synthesized using US-assisted and MW-assisted one-pot techniques. The use of this technology led to a reduction in reaction time and energy consumption, as well as an increase in the yield of the final products, which means more efficient synthesis. An in silico study was conducted and the plant growth-stimulating effects of the synthesized compounds were revealed. To study the growth-regulating activity of the synthesized compounds, a study of aqueous suspensions at a concentration of 50 and 25 mg·L−1 was carried out on the viability, germination, and growth of seeds.

Photosystems functioning, the content of chemical elements, flavonoids and brassinosteroids in leaves of chimera Cornus controversa

he formation of chimera is a well-known phenomenon in variegated ornamental and wild plants, but the biochemical peculiarities of this phenomenon are not well studied. The purpose of this work was to conduct a comparative study of the photosynthetic apparatus functioning, the content of macro-, microelements, flavonoids and brassinosteroids in the variegated and green leaves of the periclinal chimera Cornus controversa plant grown in the collection of M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine. Sampling was made during the period from June to October 2022. The content of photosynthetic pigments and brassinosteroids was measured spectrophotometrically, autofluorescence of leaf tissues was studied using an inverted microscope with a multi-channel fluorescence imaging system, Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) – using GreenSeeker devices and fluorimeter, the level of macro- and microelements – using plasma emission spectrometer. Phenolic secondary metabolites were separated by HPTLC. To assess the protective capacity of flavonoids, a bioassay on the germination of radish seeds Raphanus in the presence of AlCl3 was used. It was shown that green leaves of C. controversa chimera, compared to variegated ones, had a twice as high NDVI index, maintained photosynthetic function longer in autumn, and had higher content of macronutrients (Mg, Ca and S) but lower concentration of toxic metals (Al, Cu, Fe, Zn, Ti). Instead, variegated leaves accumulated more brassinosteroids and phenolic metabolites, which were found not only to reduce the toxic effect of aluminum but also to have a growth-stimulating effect on the roots of radish seedlings. Such specialization of green and variegated leaves may contribute to better plant chimeras adaptation to environmental pollution. Keywords: brassinosteroids, Cornus controversa, macroelements, microelements, NDVI index, periclinal chimera, phenolic metabolites, photosynthetic pigments, tissue autofluorescence

6-(Pyrazol-1-yl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines: Synthesis, Structure, and Wheat Growth Regulating Activity

Abstract 4-Methyl-6-pyrazolyl-2-chloronicotinonitriles were synthesized by the reaction of 6-hydrazino-4-methyl-2-chloronicotinonitriles with 1,3-diketones. Upon treatment with hydrazine and methylhydrazine, 4-methyl-6-pyrazolyl-2-chloronicotinonitriles were converted into the corresponding 3-amino-4-methyl-6-pyrazolyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines. A similar reaction involving 1,1-dimethylhydrazine and ethylhydrazine was accompanied by elimination of the alkyl substituent and also led to the formation of 3-amino-6-pyrazolyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines. Acylation and carbamoylation of the prepared compounds proceeded regioselectively at the amino group. One of the new compounds, N-[6-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-1,4-dimethyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-3-yl]cyclopropanoylamide, showed a growth-stimulating effect in the field experiments on winter wheat crops.

Exploring phytochemical composition, antioxidant potency and growth-stimulating effects of peanut and almonds on Lactobacillus casei

Exploring phytochemical composition, antioxidant potency and growth-stimulating effects of peanut and almonds on Lactobacillus casei

Assessing the Efficacy of Cyanobacterial Strains as Oryza sativa Growth Biostimulants in Saline Environments.

Soil salinity, which affects plant photosynthesis mechanisms, significantly limits plant productivity. Soil microorganisms, including cyanobacteria, can synthesize various exometabolites that contribute to plant growth and development in several ways. These microorganisms can increase plant tolerance to salt stress by secreting various phytoprotectants; therefore, it is highly relevant to study soil microorganisms adapted to high salinity and investigate their potential to increase plant resistance to salt stress. This study evaluated the antioxidant activity of four cyanobacterial strains: Spirulina platensis Calu-532, Nostoc sp. J-14, Trichormus variabilis K-31, and Oscillatoria brevis SH-12. Among these, Nostoc sp. J-14 presented the highest antioxidant activity. Their growth-stimulating effects under saline conditions were also assessed under laboratory conditions. These results indicate that Nostoc sp. J-14 and T. variabilis K-31 show significant promise in mitigating the harmful effects of salinity on plant size and weight. Both strains notably enhanced the growth of Oryza sativa plants under saline conditions, suggesting their potential as biostimulants to improve crop productivity in saline environments. This research underscores the importance of understanding the mechanisms by which cyanobacteria increase plant tolerance to salt stress, paving the way for sustainable agricultural practices in saline areas.

Влияние предпосевной обработки семян и агрохимикатов на урожайность озимой пшеницы

High yields cannot be achieved without the use of fertilizers, but how much they can pay off in modern economic realities and in drought conditions is unknown. In this regard, it is important to have new knowledge about effective systems of application of mineral fertilizers and agrochemicals in winter wheat cultivation in the zone of chestnut soils of the Lower Volga region. Therefore, the purpose of our research was to study the effect of growth stimulants in pre-sowing seed treatment and leaf fertilization with liquid fertilizers on the productivity of winter wheat in the Volgograd region. On average for 2021-2023 years, the minimum photosynthetic potential of winter wheat - 1288 thousand m2 day/ha was formed on plots without UAN 32 and growth regulators, and the highest - 2063 thousand m2 day/ha on plots with two fertilizers UAN 32 and growth regulator Emistim. Autumn fertilization with UAN 32 increased dry aboveground biomass of winter soft wheat in the variety Kamyshanka 6 at earing phase by 13%, two and three fertilizations by 26 and 27%, respectively. Growth regulator Polidon increased dry aboveground biomass of winter wheat at earing phase by 4%, Alfastim by 7%, Emistim by 12%. In the phase of milk ripeness dry biomass from growth regulator Polidon increased by 6%, Alfastim by 11%, Emistim by 14%. The lowest plant height of the variety Kamyshanka 6 was formed on the control - 0.89 m, the highest was on plots with two fertilizers and all variants on factor B and averaged 0.94 m, which is 0.05 m higher than the control. Spikelet length in the experiment was maximum in plots with two fertilizers and growth regulator Emistim. The minimum biological yield of winter wheat Kamyshanka 6 - 4.04 t/ha was obtained in the control variant, the maximum yield - 5.66 t/ha was observed in plots with two fertilizers UAN 32 and application of Emistim.

The biological efficiency of multifunctional complexes based on <i>Bacillus subtilis</i> strains and chitosan salicylate in wheat cultivation

The influence of multifunctional complexes capable of causing a growth-stimulating effect on plants and inhibiting the development of a wide range of diseases on the Leningradka 6 spring soft wheat cultivar (k-64900) was investigated. In the research, it was found that the application of multifunctional complexes based on the Bacillus subtilis bacterial strains and 0.1% chitosan salicylate in wheat cultivation led to a significant decrease in the incidence of plant diseases: yellow and brown rust, powdery mildew, root rot and caused an increase in morphometric productivity indicators. This tendency was associated with a significant influence of multifunctional complexes on the increase in the number of primary and nodal roots; the length of nodal roots; productive bushiness; the number of spikelets per spike; the grains weight per spike. However, the effectiveness of protective and stimulating wheat treatments depended on the complex of natural and climatic factors of wheat vegetation seasons.

Use of Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) analogs in inflammatory bowel disease

Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that involves long-term treatment and chronic idiopathic inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract. The predominant forms of IBD are: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These diseases cause significant physical as well as psychological dysfunction - patients with this condition are thought to have an increased risk of depression as well as anxiety. Standard treatment for IBD most commonly includes aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulatory drugs, and biologic therapy. In some cases, particularly when it comes to Crohn's disease, it is necessary to remove a portion of the inflamed bowel. Multiple segmental bowel resections can result in the rare but serious complication of short bowel syndrome, which leads to intestinal failure and necessitates parenteral nutrition. Glucagon-like peptide-2 exhibits intestinotropic properties and also acts as a growth factor in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby increasing intestinal perfusion, causing increased absorption of nutrients, and enhancing proliferative mechanisms while inhibiting apoptotic processes. Methods: We carefully reviewed the medical literature on inflammatory bowel disease, short bowel syndrome and the potential treatment of this condition with GLP-2 and its analogs. The materials for the analysis we presented came from the PubMed database. Conclusions: Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) analogs may prove to be new treatments for short bowel syndrome (SBS). They exhibit growth-stimulating effects on the intestinal membrane and promote normal function.

Variability in Maize Seed Bacterization and Survival Correlating with Root Colonization by Pseudomonas Isolates with Plant-Probiotic Traits.

Seed treatment with plant growth-promoting bacteria represents the primary strategy to incorporate them into agricultural ecosystems, particularly for crops under extensive management, such as maize. In this study, we evaluated the seed bacterization levels, root colonization patterns, and root competitiveness of a collection of autochthonous Pseudomonas isolates that have demonstrated several plant-probiotic abilities in vitro. Our findings indicate that the seed bacterization level, both with and without the addition of various protectants, is specific to each Pseudomonas strain, including their response to seed pre-hydration. Bacterization kinetics revealed that while certain isolates persisted on seed surfaces for up to 4 days post-inoculation (dpi), others experienced a rapid decline in viability after 1 or 2 dpi. The observed differences in seed bacterization levels were consistent with the root colonization densities observed through confocal microscopy analysis, and with root competitiveness quantified via selective plate counts. Notably, isolates P. protegens RBAN4 and P. chlororaphis subsp. aurantiaca SMMP3 demonstrated effective competition with the natural microflora for colonizing the maize rhizosphere and both promoted shoot and root biomass production in maize assessed at the V3 grown stage. Conversely, P. donghuensis SVBP6 was detected at very low levels in the maize rhizosphere, but still exhibited a positive effect on plant parameters, suggesting a growth-stimulatory effect during the early stages of plant development. In conclusion, there is a considerable strain-specific variability in the maize seed bacterization and survival capacities of Pseudomonas isolates with plant-probiotic traits, with a correlation in their root competitiveness under natural conditions. This variability must be understood to optimize their adoption as inputs for the agricultural system. Our experimental approach emphasizes the critical importance of tailoring seed bacterization treatments for each inoculant candidate, including the selection and incorporation of protective substances. It should not be assumed that all bacterial cells exhibit a similar performance.

The growth-stimulating factor of Treponema phagedenis from bovine digital dermatitis lesions

Bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) is an infectious skin disease of the hoof characterized by painful ulcerations that cause lameness in dairy cattle. Cell-free supernatants (CFS) of Falsiporphyromonas endometrii predominantly isolated from BDD lesions had the highest growth-stimulating effect on Treponema phagedenis among BDD-associated bacteria. Butyric acid was detected at a concentration of 45.4 mM in CFS of F. endometrii, and the growth of T. phagedenis was significantly promoted by butyric acid supplementation.

Growth stimulant influence on biometric indicators of oak seedlings in the Bukovyna Sub-Carpathian region

The use of growth stimulants for the cultivation of oak seedlings in the Bukovyna Sub-Carpathian region allows to accelerate their development and increase their sustainability in an environment where there is no natural forest regeneration. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of growth stimulants at different multiplicity of treatments during the growing season on the biometric parameters of Quercus robur L. Seedlings were grown in Ecotherm containers in the glasshouse of the base nursery. The composition of the substrate for filling the containers is a mix of peat, sand and black soil in equal proportions with mycorrhiza from under the forest canopy of oak stands. The results of the effect of growth stimulants on the biometric parameters of one-year-old seedlings of common oak with a closed root system are presented. Plant growth stimulants were used for spraying and irrigation seedlings during their cultivation. The results of the research indicate a positive effect of the use of growth stimulants on the seedlings of common oak. All experimental variants showed a positive effect on the biometric parameters of one-year-old oak seedlings at three, six and nine times of feeding with growth stimulants during the growing season. The difference in the variants with the use of plant growth stimulants compared to the control in height is up to 27%, in the length of the root system – up to 43%, and in the total length – up to 29%, accordingly, depending on the dose of the stimulants and the frequency of treatment during the growing season. Refined data on the biometric parameters of one-year-old seedlings of common oak with a closed root system grown in closed ground conditions were obtained. The data obtained are useful for forest restoration in regions with damaged or degraded ecosystems where natural regeneration is limited

Effects of Promalin on Fruit Growth and Cuticle Properties of ‘Pinova’ Apple

Promalin (Valent BioSciences, Libertyville, IL, USA) is a proprietary mixture of gibberellin A4 + 7 and 6-benzyladenine that is widely used in apple production to improve the fruit shape, size, and skin quality. Promalin typically increases fruit size and length. However, the increased growth likely increases the strain in the fruit skin, which may exacerbate microcracking of the cuticle and, consequently, russeting. This study aimed to monitor the growth-stimulating effect of Promalin in three different regions of fruits and investigate whether Promalin affects cuticular microcracking via effects on the deposition of cuticular components or via the accumulation of strain in the cuticle. Four Promalin sprays (20 mg⋅L−1) were applied to runoff; the first was applied at full bloom, and the remaining sprays were applied at approximately weekly intervals thereafter. Fruit surface areas and fruit surface area growth rates of the Promalin-treated fruits were higher than those of the untreated control fruits. Promalin increased the fruit length, but it had no effect on the fruit equatorial diameter. In Promalin-treated fruits, the base of each sepal extended, thickened, and became fleshy as early as 15 days after full bloom (DAFB). Allometric growth analyses revealed higher constant differential growth ratios of the pedicel and calyx length (before 36 DAFB) in Promalin-treated fruits than in control fruits. After 36 DAFB, the difference in constant differential growth ratios between Promalin-treated fruits and control fruits decreased. Cuticle mass per unit area increased with time in all regions of the fruit surface and was slightly (+3.3%) but significantly higher in fruits treated with Promalin than in control fruits. Additionally, the biaxial strain release was slightly and significantly lower in Promalin-treated fruits than in control fruits. When the isolated, cuticle was ablated from the inner surface and dewaxed, strain relaxation in the control fruits was higher than that in the Promalin-treated fruits. It was concluded that Promalin treatment increases the length of the fruit by increasing the lengths of the pedicel and calyx regions early during fruit development. Promalin only slightly increased cuticle deposition and fixation of cuticular strain. Promalin had no effects on microcracking or russeting.

Down-Regulation of AKT Proteins Slows the Growth of Mutant-KRAS Pancreatic Tumors.

Serine/threonine kinase AKT isoforms play a well-established role in cell metabolism and growth. Most pancreatic adenocarcinomas (PDACs) harbor activation mutations of KRAS, which activates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. However, AKT inhibitors are not effective in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. To better understand the role of AKT signaling in mutant-KRAS pancreatic tumors, this study utilized proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and CRISPR-Cas9-genome editing to investigate AKT proteins. The PROTAC down-regulation of AKT proteins markedly slowed the growth of three pancreatic tumor cell lines harboring mutant KRAS. In contrast, the inhibition of AKT kinase activity alone had very little effect on the growth of these cell lines. The concurrent genetic deletion of all AKT isoforms (AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3) in the KPC (KrasG12D; Trp53R172H; Pdx1-Cre) pancreatic cancer cell line also dramatically slowed its growth in vitro and when orthotopically implanted in syngeneic mice. Surprisingly, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), but not epidermal growth factor (EGF), restored KPC cell growth in serum-deprived conditions, and the IGF-1 growth stimulation effect was AKT-dependent. The RNA-seq analysis of AKT1/2/3-deficient KPC cells suggested that reduced cholesterol synthesis may be responsible for the decreased response to IGF-1 stimulation. These results indicate that the presence of all three AKT isoforms supports pancreatic tumor cell growth, and the pharmacological degradation of AKT proteins may be more effective than AKT catalytic inhibitors for treating pancreatic cancer.

A new species of Odontarrhena (Brassicaceae) endemic to Greek ultramafics: From taxonomy to metal accumulation behavior

AbstractA new species of Odontarrhena (Brassicaceae) is described from Mount Vourinos in western Macedonia, Greece. The species is restricted to the ridge and the northern slopes of Mt. Vourinos above 1500 m a.s.l. and grows on stony slopes and dry rocky grassland on ultramafic soil with elevated trace metal concentrations. Based on morphological, karyological, and nrDNA sequences, the species is tetraploid with supernumerary B‐chromosomes (2n = 4× = 32 + 2B) and related to the Balkan endemic Odontarrhena decipiens. It differs from the latter mainly by the habit of subshrub with woody base and a denser indumentum of stellate trichomes, resulting in a white‐silvery color of the leaves and shoots. The presence of four degenerate positions in the ITS1 region was detected only in the new species from Mt. Vourinos. Shoot Ni concentrations determined by x‐ray fluorescence analysis and atomic absorption spectroscopy were largely variable (6200–18,700 μg g−1 dw), but always significantly higher than in roots. Hydroponic trials confirmed the typical features of Ni hyperaccumulating plants, such as growth stimulating effect at low metal doses and shoot metal concentration above the hyperaccumulation threshold. The new species of Odontarrhena is a Ni hyperaccumulator with substantial aboveground biomass production, making it a promising candidate for phytomining applications.