Effect Of Various Concentrations Research Articles

Evaluating the Protective Effect of Melatonin on Atorvastatin-induced Mitochondrial Toxicity in Pancreatic Beta Cells.

Atorvastatin and other statins belong to a category of cholesterollowering drugs, which may cause some damage to pancreatic cells despite their effectiveness. The present study investigated the effects of melatonin against atorvastatin-induced toxicity on islets of Langerhans and CRI-D2 cells. The MTT assay was used to determine cell viability. The effect of various concentrations of melatonin (0,10, 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 μM) on CRI-D2 cell viability was evaluated for 24 hours to determine the non-cytotoxic concentrations of melatonin. Additionally, cells were treated with different concentrations of atorvastatin (10, 100, and 150 ng/mL) for 24 hours to determine a concentration that could induce the maximum cell death. After selecting the appropriate concentrations for melatonin, cells were treated with atorvastatin (10, 100, and 150 ng/ml) and melatonin (10 and 100 μM) simultaneously for a period of 24 hours. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity were assessed as indicators of oxidative stress. To assess mitochondrial function, the ratio of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were measured. Atorvastatin markedly raised ROS and MDA levels. This result was associated with a decrease in MMP, an increase in the ADP/ATP ratio, and a change in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Atorvastatin (150 ng/mL)-induced mitochondrial damage was alleviated by concurrent melatonin and atorvastatin therapy. These results suggest that melatonin has a protective effect against atorvastatininduced toxicity in the mitochondria of pancreatic cells.

INFLUENCE OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL FACTORS ON THE SARS-COV-2 STRAIN ISOLATED FROM A DOG

This article presented the results of a study on the impact of physicochemical factors on the biological activity of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus isolated from a dog in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The results indicated that storing the virus at a temperature of -70°C led to a decrease in viral activity, similar to the effect observed when stored at room temperature. Storage at +40°C resulted in complete inactivation of the virus. The study on the effect of various concentrations of ionic and non-ionic detergents revealed that exposure to the ionic detergent DOC at concentrations of 0.1% and 0.5% caused a decrease in viral activity, while no change was observed at a concentration of 0.01%. The detergent SDS, at concentrations of 0.01%, 0.1%, and 0.5%, reduced the biological activity of the virus from the initial titer (5.25 lg TCID50/cm³) to 4.00 lg TCID50/cm³. Similarly, the use of non-ionic detergents, Triton X-100 and Tween-20, led to a reduction in viral activity from the initial titer to 4.50 lg TCID50/cm³. The effect of pH in acidic, neutral, and alkaline environments on the biological activity of the virus was also studied. A decrease in viral activity was observed at acidic and alkaline pH levels, whereas a neutral pH environment had no impact on viral activity.

Facilitation of diabetic wound healing by far upstream element binding protein 1 through augmentation of dermal fibroblast activity.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) often leads to wound healing complications, partly attributed to the accumulation of advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs) that impair fibroblast function. Far Upstream Element Binding Protein 1 (FUBP1) regulates cell proliferation, migration, and collagen synthesis. However, the impact of FUBP1 on diabetic wound healing remains unknown. This study is designed to explore the function and mechanisms of FUBP1 in diabetic wound healing. Eighteen Sprague-Dawley rats (weighing 220-240g) were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 6): a control group (NC) of healthy rats, a model group (DM) of untreated diabetic rats, and a treatment group (DM + FUBP1) of diabetic rats accepting FUBP1 treatment. A 10mm diameter circular full-thickness skin defect was created on the back of each rat. On days 1 and 7, rats in the treatment group received local injections of 5µg FUBP1 protein at the wound site, whereas the control group and model group were administered saline. Wound healing was documented on days 0, 3, 7, 10, and 14, with tissue samples from the wound areas collected on day 14 for histological analysis, including H&E staining, Masson's trichrome staining, and immunohistochemistry. Western blot analysis was utilized to assess the expression of GSK-3β, Wnt3a, and β-catenin. In vitro, the effects of various concentrations of AGEs on cell viability and FUBP1 expression were examined in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). Cells were genetically modified to overexpress FUBP1 using lentiviral vectors and were cultured for 48h in media with or without AGEs. The impacts on fibroblast proliferation, migration, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling were evaluated using CCK-8, scratch assays, and Western blot analysis. Animal investigation revealed that from day 7 onwards, the wound healing rate of the treatment group was higher than that of the model group but lower than the control group. On day 14, the wound healing rates were as follows: control group (0.97 ± 0.01), model group (0.84 ± 0.03), and treatment group (0.93 ± 0.01). These differences were statistically significant. Histological analysis indicates that FUBP1 promotes granulation tissue formation, re-epithelialization, and collagen deposition in treatment group. Additionally, FUBP1 protein expression decreased in dermal fibroblasts when exposed to AGEs. Overexpression of FUBP1 significantly enhanced fibroblast proliferation and migration, activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and mitigating the inhibitory effects of AGEs. Our results suggest that FUBP1 can be a promising therapeutic target for diabetic wound healing, potentially counteracting the detrimental effects of AGEs on dermal fibroblasts through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Dose-Response Effect of Various Concentrations of Cl-Containing Water-Soluble Derivatives of C60 Fullerenes on a Selective Regulation of Gene Expression in Human Embryonic Lung Fibroblasts (HELF).

The new synthesized water-soluble derivatives of C60 fullerenes are of a great interest to researchers since they can potentially be promising materials for drug delivery, bioimaging, biosonding, and tissue engineering. Surface functionalization of fullerene derivatives changes their chemical and physical characteristics, increasing their solubility and suitability for different biological systems applications, however, any changes in functionalized fullerenes can modulate their cytotoxicity and antioxidant properties. The toxic or protective effect of fullerene derivatives on cells is realized through the activation or inhibition of genes and proteins of key signaling pathways in cells responsible for regulation of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, proliferation, and apoptosis. The 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to assess cells viability. Flow cytometry analyses was applied to measure proteins levels in human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HELF) cells. HELF is a standard, stable and well described human cell line that can be passaged many times. Quantitation of ROS was assessed using H2DCFH-DA. Fluorescence images were obtained using microscopy. Expression of BCL2, CCND1, CDKN2A, BRCA1, BAX, NFKB1, NOX4, NRF2, TBP (reference gene) was analyzed using real-time Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We found that high and low concentrations of fullerene C60 derivatives with the five residues of potassium salt of 6-(3-phenylpropanamido)hexanoic (F1) or 6-(2-(thiophen-2-yl)acetamido)hexanoic (F2) acid and a chlorine atom attached directly to the cage cause diametrically opposite activation of genes and proteins of key signaling pathways regulating the level of oxidative stress and apoptosis in HELF. High concentrations of F1 and F2 have a genotoxic effect, causing NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) expression activation in 24-72 hours (2-4 fold increase), ROS synthesis induction (increase by 30-40%), DNA damage and breaks (2-2.5 fold 8-oxodG level increases), and activation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) (by 40-80%) against the background of reduced NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) expression (by 20-45%). Low concentrations of F1 and F2 produced a cytoprotective effect: in 24-72 hours they reduce the oxidative DNA damage (by 20-40%), decrease the number of double-strand DNA breaks (by 20-30%), increase the level of anti-apoptotic proteins and enhance the antioxidant response activating the NRF2 expression (NRF2 gene expression increases 1.5-2.3 fold, phosphorylated form of the NRF2 protein increases 2-3 fold). Obtained results show that in low doses studied fullrens may serve as perspective DNA protectors against the damaging genotoxic factors.

Efficacy and Safety of Pilocarpine Eye Drops Combinations for Treating Presbyopia in a Thai Population: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Objective: This study aimed to assess and compare the effectiveness and side effects of various concentrations of pilocarpine eye drops (1.5%, 1.25%, and 1%), with and without 0.1% brimonidine, in treating presbyopia, specifically in a Thai population. Materials and Methods: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, and crossover trial was conducted at Siriraj Hospital from August 2022 to April 2023. The study included emmetropic individuals aged 40 to 60 with presbyopia (near visual acuity not exceeding J1+) and refractive errors within +/- 0.5D. The ten subjects were assigned randomly to 6 groups for the different concentrations and type of eyedrops using a computer-generated systematic randomization to receive 1.5%, 1.25%, and 1% pilocarpine with and without 0.1% brimonidine. And visual outcomes including visual acuity at distance and near were measured at 2, 4, and 6 hours post-application, with adverse effects monitored. Primary outcome was visual acuity at near after applied topical eye drops. Results: Among the 10 participants (30% male, median age 46.5 years old), 1.25% pilocarpine and combined 1.25% pilocarpine + 0.1% brimonidine significantly improved near visual acuity at all time points (statistically significant with Bonferroni correction). Adverse effects, such as dry eye and irritation, were more common with 1.5% pilocarpine + 0.1% brimonidine. Conclusion: In this preliminary study, 1.25% pilocarpine and 1.25% pilocarpine + 0.1% brimonidine showed promise in effectively treating presbyopia in the Thai study population, with acceptable side effect rates. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these findings and provide more robust insights into presbyopia management in the Asian demographic.

Salinity Studies in Quinoa (Quinoa Chenipodoum Willd) from Haditha Desert, Western of Iraq

The present studies were conducted to determine the effect of various concentrations of NaCl salinity on germination and growth of four genotypes of Quinoa Chenopodium Willd, namely G1 (KVL-SR2), G2 (Q-21), G3 (Q-37), and G4 (Regalona), exposed to 0, 60, 120, and 300 mM NaCl. The study was conducted at the Center of Desert Research, Egypt, and the experiment was carried out in the Plant Physiology Laboratory of the Center of Desert Studies. Seeds were treated with four different levels of NaCl concentration: 0, 60, 120, and 300 mM. The experiment followed a Completely Randomized Design with three replications. The germination experiment aimed to determine the effect of NaCl salinity on seed germination percentage. Seeds were placed in autoclaved petri dishes lined with two layers of filter paper, with fifty seeds per dish. Seeds were treated with 0, 60, 120, and 300 mM NaCl solutions (5 mL). The petri dishes were kept in the laboratory at temperatures ranging from 25°C to 28°C for four weeks. Water loss from the petri dishes due to evaporation was monitored using control petri dishes, and water was added every 24 hours as needed. A pot experiment was conducted using plastic pots containing 1700 grams of fine-sieved soil. Seeds of the aforementioned genotypes were sown in 500 grams of soil, separated from the rest of the pot's soil by a polythene sheet. Plants were watered on alternate days and subjected to salinity treatment 25 days after sowing. Fifty milliliters of nutrient solution (N ratio of 6:4) were also added to the salt solution per pot. The salt solution was applied to the 1200 grams of soil in the pot, and after complete absorption, the polythene sheet separating the soil containing plantlets was removed, allowing the roots of the seedlings to grow into the saline soil in the lower half of the pot. Thinning was done after one week, maintaining five plants per pot. The plants were harvested one month after the salinity treatment. It was observed that the germination percentage decreased as the salinity level increased. G1 was tolerant, while G4 was salt-sensitive compared to the other genotypes. Plant height, number of leaves, and number of nodes per plant decreased with increasing salt concentration. G3 was least affected, followed by G2, G1, and G4. Fresh weight, dry weight, and percentage water content of the plants also significantly decreased with increased salinity. The distribution of Na+ ions in various plant parts showed a high concentration in the roots, stem, leaf blade, and leaf sheath of all genotypes. The highest concentration of Na+ ions was found in the leaf sheath of all genotypes, followed by the stem, root, and leaf blade, with high water content even under the highest salt levels. An effective partition of Na+ and Cl- ions in the leaf sheath and the transport of K+ to the physiologically important leaf blade were observed in G1, while other genotypes did not exhibit this efficiency. The specific ion effect of NaCl on the total N status of plants was most pronounced in G1, followed by G2 and G3, while G4 maintained optimal N levels in the root and leaf blade. The tolerant genotype G1 could be utilized for rehabilitation in salt-affected areas.

Analysis of the Application of Vitamin B1 on the Response of Salinity Stress Resistance in Several Varieties of Rice (Oryza Sativa L.)

One of the most common stresses in rice cultivation is salinity. Rice plants stressed by salinity exhibit changes such as yellowing leaves, drying tips, and chlorosis. The efforts made by the government and farmers so far include implementing cultivation scheduling techniques, planting patterns, and using stress-resistant varieties, as well as improving soil to increase water-holding capacity through lime application. Each of these efforts comes with its own risks. Another approach to enhance the growth and yield of rice plants is the application of vitamins. Providing vitamins can stimulate the growth of plant organs, as they play a crucial role in the growth process by acting as catalysts for metabolism. Research has indicated that vitamin B1 can significantly promote plant growth under stressful conditions. This study aims to investigate the positive effects of various concentrations of vitamin B1 on the growth and yield of rice plants while also reducing salinity stress. The method used involved planting three varieties of rice—IR-46, Inpari-32, and Pokkali—in planting buckets using the TABELA system. Vitamin B1 was applied at concentrations of 0, 5, and 10 mM during the peak vegetative phase, with salinity stress of 6 dS/m introduced one day after vitamin application. The plants were maintained under salinity stress conditions until harvest, during which morphological and phytochemical analyses were conducted. Morphological analysis included measurements of plant height, number of tillers, number of productive tillers, number of grains per panicle, and percentage of healthy grains. Biochemical parameters measured included total chlorophyll and electrolyte leakage analysis. The results indicate that vitamin B1 can effectively reduce stress in plants affected by salinity.

Exploration of compounds to inhibit the Panton-Valentine leukocidin of Staphylococcus aureus

The Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) of Staphylococcus aureus is associated with necrotizing infections. After binding to complement 5a receptor (C5aR/CD88) and CD45 it causes cytolysis in polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) as well as inflammasome activation in monocytes. The objective of this study was to test if (ant)agonists of C5aR and CD45 can attenuate the effect of PVL on PMNs and monocytes. We tested the effect of various concentrations of six C5aR (ant)agonists (avacopan, BM213, DF2593A, JPE-1375, PMX205 and W-54011) and one CD45 antagonist (NQ301) to attenuate the cytotoxic effect of PVL on human PMNs and monocytes in vitro. Shifts in the half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of PVL to achieve a cytotoxic effect on PMNs and modulation of inflammatory cytokine response from monocytes were determined by flow cytometry and IL-1β detection. Pre-treatment of PMNs with avacopan, PMX205 and W-54,011 resulted in 3.6- to 4.3-fold shifts in the EC50 for PVL and were able to suppress IL-1β secretion by human monocytes in the presence of PVL. BM213, DF2593A and NQ301 were unable to change the susceptibility of PMNs towards PVL or reduce inflammasome activation in monocytes. Avacopan, PMX205 and W-54,011 showed protection against PVL-induced cytotoxicity and suppressed IL-1β secretion by monocytes. Clinical studies are needed to prove whether these substances can be used therapeutically as repurposed drugs.

Inhibitory Effects of Propolis Flavonoids on Migration and Invasion of Laryngeal Cancer Cell and Analysis of Related Signal Pathways

Laryngeal cancer (LGC) is a malignant tumor that occurs in the larynx, and it is mainly treated through chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. Nevertheless, the five-year survival rate for patients is poor. Bee propolis contains various bioactive compounds and abundant anti-tumor active ingredients. Nevertheless, research on the use of propolis extracts for the treatment of LGC is relatively limited. This research aimed to demonstrate the inhibitory effects of ethanol extracts of propolis on migration (Mig) and invasion (Inv ) of LGC cells, as well as the related signaling pathways. The effects of graded ethanol extraction of propolis on the proliferation (Pro), Inv, Mig, apoptosis (Apo), and related signaling pathways of Hep-2 cells were analyzed. Propolis was extracted using ethanol (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) for the graded extraction of crude propolis. The flavonoid content and yield of the extracts were determined. The effects of various concentrations of propolis flavonoids on the clearance of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, O2- radicals, and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) radicals were evaluated, as well as their effects on the Pro inhibition of normal human pancreatic ductal epithelial (hTERT-HPNE) cells. Hep-2 cells of LGC were cultured using media containing 0, 25, 50, and 100 μmol/L propolis flavonoids. The cell Pro activity, Inv, Mig, Apo, and expression of PI3K/Akt pathway-related proteins were evaluated using CCK-8 assay, Transwell chamber assay, acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) double staining method, and Western blotting, respectively. It was revealed that extraction with 50% ethanol solution yielded a higher content and yield of flavonoids, which were 51.20% and 7.42%, respectively. As the concentration of propolis flavonoids increased, the clearance rates of DPPH, O2-, and ABTS radicals, as well as the inhibition of hTERT-HPNE Pro, gradually increased. The maximum clearance rates were 84.1%, 26.6%, and 92.3%, respectively, while the maximum cell Pro inhibition rate was only 8.6%. Relative to the 0 μmol/L propolis flavonoid treatment group, the Hep-2 cells treated with 25, 50, and 100 μmol/L propolis flavonoids exhibited decreased cell Pro activity, reduced number of invasive and migratory cells, increased Apo rate, decreased PI3K and p-Akt proteins, and demonstrated a concentration-dependent effect (P < 0.05). In summary, the extraction with 50% ethanol solution resulted in a higher yield of flavonoids. Propolis flavonoids demonstrated marked antioxidant activity and did not cause damage to normal hTERT-HPNE cells. They exhibited inhibitory effects on the Pro, Inv, and Mig of Hep-2 cells in LGC, and promoted cell Apo. These effects may be associated with PI3K/Akt signaling inhibition.

Eco-friendly biotransformation of penicillin G by free and immobilized marine halophilic Bacillus pseudomycoides AH1

BackgroundSeveral antibiotics are partially metabolized by patients after administration and end up in municipal sewage systems. The fate of biodegradation in aquatic environments and the role of biodegradation in the development of bacterial resistance are poorly understood. Thus, as a crucial step in an environmental risk assessment, the biodegradability of many therapeutically significant antibiotics was investigated.ResultsA marine halophilic bacteria that degrades penicillin G (PEN-G) was isolated and identified based on morphology, physio-biochemical characteristics, and 16S rDNA sequences as Bacillus pseudomycoides AH1 (accession no. MF037698). The effects of various concentrations of PEN-G and carbon and nitrogen sources on the biotransformation ability at 30°C and pH 7.0 were evaluated. Cells grown in medium supplemented with glucose as an additional carbon source and yeast extract as a nitrogen source exhibited maximal PEN-G biotransformation efficiency and rate (71.678% ±1.28 and 2.99 mg/h, respectively). The culture conditions for B. pseudomycoides AH1 cells were optimized using a Plackett–Burman design (PBD). Six key determinants (p < 0.05) significantly affected the process outcome, as deduced by regression analysis of the PBD data, and modified MSM broth achieved PEN-G biotransformation efficiency (100%) under aerobic shaking conditions at 35°C, irrespective of HPLC analysis. Additionally, the present investigation could strongly support the application of immobilization approaches for the removal of PEN-G-contaminated environmental sites.ConclusionTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first detailed study on the efficient biotransformation of PEN-G by an alginate-bacteria system as a simple, green, and inexpensive process, as well as a promising method.

Interaction between soy hull polysaccharide and mucin with sodium-/potassium-ion treatment: interfacial property

Abstract The interaction between soy hull polysaccharide and intestinal mucus is influenced by different ions. This study investigates the effects of various concentrations of Na+/K+ on the stability, interfacial activity, and viscoelasticity of the microwave-assisted ammonium oxalate extraction of soy hull polysaccharide (MASP) in simulated intestinal fluids (SIFs) in terms of particle size, zeta potential, surface hydrophobicity, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, shear rheology, and microstructure. Results showed that 1.5 % Na+/K+ causes MASP and mucin in SIFs to bind through physical adsorption; the average particle size of the MASP/SIF miscible system increases from 1,659 to 1,881 and 1,736 nm. When the ion strength is 0.5 %, MASP rapidly reduces the SIF interfacial tension. The addition of Na+/K+ causes a slight redshift in the protein amide I band and an increase in the α-helix content with respect to the decrease in the β-turn and β-sheet corner content. Furthermore, 0.5 % content of Na+ and K+ causes small MASP particles to adsorb onto the surface of mucin, while 1.5 % content of Na+ and K+ causes MASP particles to arrange above mucin after 12 h. These findings provide reference for a deeper understanding of the selection of macroelements (sodium and potassium) in the intake of polysaccharide.

Composite Alginate Dialdehyde-Gelatin (ADA-GEL) Hydrogel Containing Short Ribbon-Shaped Fillers for Skeletal Muscle Tissue Biofabrication.

Skeletal muscle tissue can be severely damaged by disease or trauma beyond its ability to self-repair, necessitating the further development of biofabrication and tissue-engineering tools for reconstructive processes. Hence, in this study, a composite bioink of oxidized alginate (ADA) and gelatin (GEL) including cell-laden ribbon-shaped fillers is used for enhancing cell alignment and the formation of an anisotropic structure. Different plasma treatments combined with protein coatings were evaluated for the improvement of cell adhesion to poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) ribbon surfaces. Oxygen plasma activation of 30 W for 5 min showed high immobilization of fibronectin as a protein coating on the PLGA ribbon surface, which resulted in enhanced cell adhesion and differentiation of muscle cells. Furthermore, the effect of various concentrations of CaCl2 solution, used for ionic cross-linking of ADA, on ADA-GEL physical and mechanical properties as well as encapsulated C2C12 cell viability and proliferation behavior was investigated. The pore area was measured via two approaches, cryofixation and lyophilization, which, in accordance with degradation tests and mechanical analysis, showed that 60 mM CaCl2 concentration is the optimum range for cross-linking of the formulation of ADA 2.5%w/v-GEL 3.75%w/v. These cross-linked hydrogels showed a compression modulus of 11.5 kPa (similar to the native skeletal muscle tissue), a high viability of C2C12 muscle cells (>80%), and a high proliferation rate during 7 days of culture. Rheological characterization of the ADA-GEL composite hydrogel containing short fillers (100 μm long) showed its suitability as a bioink with shear-thinning and flow behavior compared to ADA-GEL.

Growth, yield and quality response of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) to blended NPSB fertilizer rates and intra-row spacing in Boloso Bombe district, Wolaita zone, South Ethiopia

Eggplant is the most important fruit vegetable crop in many countries, including Ethiopia. In spite of this, its production is hindered by low nutrient availability in soil and suboptimal intra-row spacing. In order to address these issues, a field investigation took place in the Wolaita zone during 2022/23 growing season to evaluate the effects of various concentrations of blended NPSB fertilizer and intra-row spacing on the growth, yield, and quality of eggplants. Five various blended NPSB fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg ha−1) and three intra-row spacing distances (30, 40, and 50 cm) were used in the investigation, which was designed as a randomized complete block with three replicates. Based on an analysis of variance, it was discovered that the main effects of NPSB fertilizer rates and intra-row spacing significantly (p < 0.01) affected many of parameters, including dry matter content, total soluble solids, fruit number, fruit length, and days to 50 % flowering. Additionally, the interaction effect between NPSB fertilizer and intra-row spacing significantly (p < 0.05) impacted the number of days to first fruit harvest, plant height, leaf area, branch number, leaf number, fruit diameter, fresh fruit yield, marketable fresh fruit yield, unmarketable fresh fruit yield, and total fresh fruit yield. According to the current investigation, the highest marketable fresh fruit yield (121.04 t ha−1) was obtained by 150 kg ha−1 NPSB with 40 cm intra-row spacing. These findings suggest that 150 kg ha−1 of blended NPSB fertilizer with 40 cm distance between plant spacing is optimal for eggplant cultivation in the study area and analogous agro-ecological settings. This optimized approach can effectively support eggplant growers in maximizing both yield and quality outcomes.

Assessment of Germination and Seedling Development Factors of Soybean Cultivars in Different Salinity Levels

Salinity poses a significant abiotic stress factor that exerts detrimental effects on plant growth during germination and early seedling stages. The global prevalence of high salt concentration has transformed salinity into a serious problem, impacting vast expanses of land worldwide. This experiment aims to examine the effects of various concentrations of Sodium chloride (NaCl), including 200 mM, 150 mM, 50 mM, and 50 mM, on the seed development at early stage and germination of different cultivars of soybean to determine the variety with the highest value of tolerance, while exploring the underlying mechanisms responsible for salt tolerance in these plants. The parameters considered for measurement included relative injury rate, mean germination time, germination percentage, water uptake percentage, seedling height reduction, seedling biomass, and salt tolerance. Among these parameters, seedling height was highly affected with up to 72.58% reduction in 200 mM, followed by fresh weight and water uptake percentage. The parameters with minimum changes from 0 mM to 200 mM were mean germination time and relative injury rate. By assessing these parameters, a comprehensive understanding of the effects of salinity on soybean genotypes can be obtained. In conclusion, the study suggests that seedling traits are a reliable way to identify genotypes with increased tolerance to salinity stress by farmers according to the salinity situation in their soils.

Repurposing promethazine hydrochloride to inhibit biofilm formation against Burkholderia thailandensis.

Melioidosis is a severe infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, an intracellular pathogen with a high mortality rate and significant antibiotic resistance. The high mortality rate and resistance to antibiotics have drawn considerable attention from researchers studying melioidosis. This study evaluated the effects of various concentrations (75, 50, and 25µg/mL) of promethazine hydrochloride (PTZ), a potent antihistamine, on biofilm formation and lipase activity after 24h of exposure to B. thailandensis E264. A concentration-dependent decrease in both biofilm biomass and lipase activity was observed. RT-PCR analysis revealed that PTZ treatment not only made the biofilm structure loose but also reduced the expression of btaR1, btaR2, btaR3, and scmR. Single gene knockouts of quorum sensing (QS) receptor proteins (∆btaR1, ∆btaR2, and ∆btaR3) were successfully constructed. Deletion of btaR1 affected biofilm formation in B. thailandensis, while deletion of btaR2 and btaR3 led to reduced lipase activity. Molecular docking and biological performance results demonstrated that PTZ inhibits biofilm formation and lipase activity by suppressing the expression of QS-regulated genes. This study found that repositioning PTZ reduced biofilm formation in B. thailandensis E264, suggesting a potential new approach for combating melioidosis.

Microplastics in heavy metal-contaminated soil drives bacterial community and metabolic changes

Microplastic (MP) and heavy metal pollution in soil are global issues. When MPs invade the soil, they combine with heavy metals and adversely affect soil organisms. Six common MPs—polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, and polytetrafluoroethylene—were selected for this study to examine the effects of various concentrations and MP types on the physicochemical properties, bacterial community, and soil metabolism of heavy metal-contaminated soil. MP enhanced predation and competition among heavy metal-contaminated soil bacteria. Heavy metal-MPs alter metabolites in lipid metabolism, other pathways, and the bacterial community. MP treatment promotes energy production and oxidative stress of soil bacteria to resist the toxicity of heavy metals and degrade MP pollution. In conclusion, MP treatment changed the metabolism of the microbiome in heavy metal-contaminated soil and increased the abundance of Proteobacteria that responded to MPs and heavy metal pollution by 11.54 % on average. This study explored bacteria for the ecological regeneration and provided ideas for MPs and heavy metal-contaminated soil remediation.

Pengaruh Pemberian Berbagai Konsentrasi Timbal (Pb) terhadap Pertumbuhan Bibit Mangrove Rhizophora stylosa

Mangroves are a type of higher plant found in coastal areas that play many roles, one of which is as a bioaccumulator of harmful pollutants. One such harmful pollutant is the heavy metal Lead (Pb). This study aims to determine the effect of various concentrations of lead on the growth of mangrove seedlings, specifically Rhizophora stylosa. This research is an experimental study using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). There were four lead concentration treatments: K0 = 0 ppm (control); K1 = 0.1 ppm; K2 = 1 ppm; K3 = 10 ppm; and K4 = 100 ppm. Each treatment was repeated five times, resulting in 25 experimental units. The seedlings used were Rhizophora stylosa, approximately 8 months old, with an average height of 70 cm and an average of 8 leaves. The growing medium used was homogenized mud soil. Before the experiment, the plants were acclimatized for 1 week. The treatment involved a solution of Pb acetate administered every day for 6 weeks. The parameters measured included plant height increase (cm), leaf area (cm²), increase in the number of leaves, increase in the number of shoots, and increase in stem diameter (cm). Based on observations over the 6-week treatment period, the average stem growth was between 0.12-0.28 cm, with no increase in stem diameter, an average leaf area increase of 0.14-0.38 cm², an increase in shoots by 1-3, and an increase in the number of leaves by 2-6. The ANOVA results at a significance level of 5% indicated that lead concentrations of 0-100 ppm did not significantly affect the growth of Rhizophora stylosa seedlings.

Effects of Various Concentrations of Pronase on Flow Cytometric Crossmatching Patients Treated With Rituximab and Donor HLA-Specific Antibodies.

Pronase pretreatment can reduce rituximab (RTX) interference by degrading CD20 in B-cell flow cytometry crossmatch (FCXM) testing. However, it may also reduce the assay sensitivity by degrading HLA molecules. We investigated the effects of various pronase concentrations on RTX interference and the analytical sensitivity of B-cell FCXM testing. Using 59 patient serum samples and 38 donor lymphocyte samples, we designed 97 recipient-donor pairs and divided them into three groups according to RTX use and the presence of weak-to-moderate donor HLA-specific antibody (DSA) reactions: RTX+/DSA-, RTX+/DSA+, and RTX-/DSA+. FCXM was performed after pretreating lymphocytes with six different pronase concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 mg/mL). With B-FCXM testing, false-positive results due to RTX in the RTX+/DSA- group markedly decreased with increasing pronase concentrations. The median channel shift values in the RTX+/DSA+ and RTX-/DSA+ groups did not significantly decrease when the pronase concentration was increased from 1 mg/mL to 2 or 3 mg/mL. All eight RTX+/DSA+ cases that were positive at 1 mg/mL pronase but negative at 2 or 3 mg/mL had mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) DSA values of less than 3,000 except for DQ5 (MFI: 5,226). With T-cell FCXM, false-positive results were observed in 2.9% of 315 FCXM tests with pronase pretreatment. Higher concentrations (2 or 3 mg/mL) of pronase effectively eliminated RTX interference but still carried a risk for false negativity for weak DSA reactions in B-cell FCXM. Higher pronase concentrations can be used as an auxiliary method to detect moderate-to-strong DSA reactions in RTX-treated patients.

Fabrication and characterization of bio-nanocomposite from sweet potato starch and Moringa oleifera leaf extract loaded with carbon quantum dots from Coffea arabica grounds

The study aims to generate and characterize a bio-nanocomposite film derived from sweet potato starch and Moringa oleifera leaf extract and carbon quantum dots (CQDs) derived from Arabica coffee grounds employing the solvent casting method. The effect of various concentrations of CQDs (0–400 ppm) was investigated on the physicochemical properties, UV-barrier, antioxidant properties, and biodegradability of the bionanocomposite (BNC) films. The morphological surface of the bio-nanocomposite was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were performed to evaluate the thermal stability of the samples. Mechanical properties, including tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EB), were also assessed. The results show that the incorporation of CQDs with starch-based biofilms had a remarkable impact on the properties of BNC. SEM images confirm the homogeneous structure of the films with slight granulations. Colorimetric analysis indicates the increase in color difference of BNCs as the concentration of CQDs varied. The BNC100 formulation confirmed batter opacity, transparency, and UV-barrier properties while BNC50 possessed significant improvement in tensile, elongation as well as a substantial increase in the melting point. FTIR and XRD analysis confirmed proper chemical interactions among the components within the polymeric structure of the BNC film. In addition, CQD integration has also steadily enhanced the antioxidant properties and biodegradability of BNC films. The fabricated films with CQDs have demonstrated a better quality in terms of optical properties, physical properties, thermomechanical properties, biodegradation rate, and antioxidant behavior that suggest the film's application in food packaging or other relevant fields.

Pengaruh Pemberian Berbagai Konsentrasi Pupuk Organik Cair Dari Urine Kambing Terhadap Pertumbuhan Bibit Tanaman Pinang (Areca Catechu, L.)

The Effect Of Various Concentrations Of Liquid Organic Fertilizer From Goat's Urine On The Growth Of Growth Of Areca Plants (Areca Catechu, L.). Betel palm (Areca Catechu, L.) is one of the plants that has various benefits ranging from health, care, to coloring. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of giving goat urine liquid organic fertilizer on the growth of areca nut plants. This study used a non-factorial randomized block design (RAK), with 5 treatment concentrations and replicating 4 times, namely: Po: 0% (0 ml poc + 1000 ml water), P1: 5.0% (50 ml poc + 950 ml water), P2 : 10% (100 ml poc + 900 ml water), P3 : 15% (150 ml poc + 850 ml water), P4 : 20% (200 ml poc + 800 ml water), with fertilizer spray method liquid organic as much as 50 ml/plant every 1 week. Parameters observed were plant height (cm), number of leaves (strands), stem diameter (mm). The results of this study showed that giving urine liquid organic fertilizer for P1 treatment had a significant effect on the number of leaves at 5 Mst, namely 2.10 leaves.