Environmental Stress Conditions Research Articles

Contrasted Antibiotics and Pesticides Occurrence in Fish Exposed In Situ to Urban Effluents: A 20-Day Caging Experiment.

Urban freshwater ecosystems receive a wide array of organic pollutants through wastewater-treatment plant (WWTP) discharges and agricultural runoff. Evaluating the fate and effects of antibiotics and pesticides can be a challenging task, especially the effects on freshwater vertebrates because of their abilities to metabolize and excrete these chemicals and because of their high mobility and escape behavior when exposed to stressful environmental conditions. In the present study, 37 wild gudgeons (Gobio gobio) were caged for a period of up to 20 days, upstream and downstream of a WWTP effluent discharge in the Orge River (a tributary of the Seine River, France). Levels of pesticides and antibiotics in fish muscles were monitored weekly and compared with environmental contamination (water and sediments). Our results highlighted a slight bioaccumulation of pesticides in the gudgeon muscles at the downstream site after 20 days of exposure. Concerning antibiotics, ofloxacin was the most detected compound in fish muscles (85% of occurrence) and ranged from undetectable to 8 ng g-1 dry weight. Antibiotic levels in fish muscle were not higher at the downstream site and did not increase with exposure duration, despite high levels in the water (up to 29 times greater than upstream). Potential ecotoxicological effects were also evaluated: Body condition did not differ between the caging location and exposure time. Three oxidative status markers in the fish livers showed significant shifts after 14 days of caging. Our results suggest a high clearance rate of antibiotics and, to a lesser extent, of pesticides in wild gudgeons, which could be explained by changes in xenobiotic metabolism with pollutant exposure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:701-711. © 2023 SETAC.

Structural and Functional Strategies in Cenchrus Species to Combat Environmental Extremities Imposed by Multiple Abiotic Stresses.

Multiple abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, heat, and cold stress prevailing in natural habitats affect plant growth and development. Different species modify their structural and functional traits to combat these abiotic stresses while growing in stressful environments. Cenchrus species, i.e., Cenchrus pennisetiformis, C. setiger, and C. prieurii are widely distributed grasses found growing all over the world. Samples from natural populations were collected from different ecological regions in the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa that were exposed to aridity, salinity, and cold, while one site was designated as normal control. In the present study, structural and functional modifications of three Cenchrus species under abiotic stresses were evaluated. It was expected that each Cenchrus species may evolve different strategies to cope with multiple abiotic stresses. All Cenchrus species responded differently whether growing in normal environment or stressful conditions. The most remarkable feature for survival in C. pennisetiformis under cold stress was increased inflorescence and increased stem and root lignification. C. prieurii showed better tolerance to saline and cold environments. C. setiger showed better development of leaf sheath anatomical traits. The structural and functional modifications in Cenchrus species such as development of mechanical tissues provided structural support, while dermal and parenchymatous tissues increased water storage capacity and minimized water loss. An increase in the concentration of organic osmolytes and ionic content aids turgor pressure maintenance and ionic content crucial for plant growth and development. It was concluded that structural and functional alterations in all Cenchrus species were very specific and critical for survival under different environmental stresses. The ecological fitness of these species relied on maintenance of growth and biomass production, and the development of mechanical, vascular, dermal and parenchyma tissues under stressful environmental conditions. Moreover, accumulation of beneficial ions (K+ and Ca2+) and organic osmolytes were critical in turgor maintenance, hence survival of Cenchrus spp.

Screening of Bacillus sp. (OQ654027) Mediated Seed Bio-priming Enhance Plant-Growth-Promotion for Sustainable Crop Production of Groundnut and Chickpea

Plant growth-promoting bacteria are valuable microbes that enhance the plant growth, development, and yield. Several seed priming methods are able to improvise seed germination, seedling potency, to overwhelmed abiotic stress and biotic stress management which gets prime attention. Generally, plant-growth promoting bacteria are utilized for biopriming technique that is able to survive under stress environmental conditions. The aims of the present investigation were to screening ofKC9bacterial isolate as PGPB in groundnut and chickpea and study the effects ofKC9 bacterial isolation seed, seedling germination and growth during the development of both seeds. In this study KC9 has been isolated from the soil sample of chickpea crop field at Saurashtra region. Preliminary screening was conducted based on their identification via morphological, biochemical i.e., catalase, starch hydrolysis, sugar utilization, motility, IMViC test, gram’s nature and by 16S rRNA gene nucleotide sequences and identified as Bacillus sp. that has been submitted to the NCBI for Accession number. Further examine the production of indole acetic acid (IAA), Ammonia (NH3), HCN, Siderophore and Phosphate solubilization. KC9 (Bacillus sp.) was recognized as most efficient plant-growth promoting bacteria. For the pot experiment seed biopriming method is employing to coat the seeds of chickpea and groundnut with Bacillus inoculant consider as treated and seeds sown with double distilled water as control. Bacillus coated seed biopriming also minimize the seed germination time period that takes only 3-4 days to proper seed radicle development. By the statistical approach of paired t-test of pot experiment on chickpea and groundnut seeds and seedlings were treated with Bacillus strain exhibited significantly higher levels at of seed germination, seedling growth via root length, shoot length and number of leaves in compared to non-treated control plants. In this present investigation , impact of seedling germination on the inoculated condition with KC9 of groundnut and chickpea, determining remarkable changes in total chlorophyll content (11.81 µg/g and 10.40 µg/g), relative water content(RWC) obtained 86% and 83%., total free amino acids (92.14±0.03µg/ml whereas 37.5±0.02µg/ml), total phenolic acid content (76.28±0.03mg GAE/100g and chickpea is 52.83±0.08 mg GAE/100g) and total flavonoid content increases with the treatment of KC9 (Bacillus sp.) 626±0.05QE/100g is recorded in groundnut seedlings and chickpea is 0.085±0.01QE/100g respectively.

Biodegradation of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) by Janthinobacterium sp. strain E1 under stress conditions.

Phthalates esters (PAEs) are a kind of polymeric material additives widely been added into plastics to improve products' flexibility. It can easily cause environmental pollution which are hazards to public health. In this study, we isolated an efficient PAEs degrading strain, Janthinobacterium sp. E1, and determined its degradation effect of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) under stress conditions. Strain E1 showed an obvious advantage in pollutants degradation under various environmental stress conditions. Degradation halo clearly occurred around the colony of strain E1 on agar plate supplemented with triglyceride. Strain E1's esterase is a constitutively expressed intracellular enzyme. The esterase purified from strain E1 showed a higher catalytic effect on short-chain PAEs than long-chain PAEs. The input of DEHP, DBP (dibutyl phthalate) and DMP (dimethyl phthalate) into the tested soil did not change the species composition of soil prokaryotic community, but altered the dominant species in specific environmental conditions. And the community diversity and richness decreased to a certain extent. However, the diversity and richness of the microbial community were improved after the contaminated soil was treated with the strain E1. Our results also suggested that strain E1 exhibited a tremendous potential in environmental bioremediation in the real environment, which provides a new insight into the elimination of the pollutants contamination in the urban environment.

Investigation on the effect of intermediate principal stress on shear behaviour of unsaturated soils

Directional-dependent properties of the soil, like shear strength, stiffness and hydraulic conductivity, are known as anisotropy in soils. Shape and size of the soil particles and void distribution as microstructure characteristics and external factors such as stress history, environmental and geological conditions, and present stress condition can be the causes of the anisotropy in soils. In this paper, the behaviour of soil has been studied in stress-strain plain under monotonic anisotropic loading to investigate the effect of induced anisotropy on brittleness index of soil sample. The brittleness index of the soil is defined as the difference between the ultimate and peak shear strength divided by the peak shear strength of the soil. The two major parameters describing induced anisotropy or anisotropic loading are intermediate principal stress (b) and principal stress direction (α) which are representative of the difference between intermediate, maximum and minimum principal stresses and the rotation angle of the principal stresses’ axis, respectively. This paper only takes the effect of intermediate principal stress with the values of 0.25, 0.5, 0.75. In addition, the soil is in the unsaturated state with the saturation degree of 80% using the constant water (C.W.) method.

Frailty

Frailty is a situation wherein a person exhibits decreased ability to perform essential social activities of daily living under minor environmental stressful conditions. They exhibit a diminished reserve in the physiologic functions of bodily organ-systems. They exhibit marked loss of function and disability when subjected to minor illness or adverse drug effects. Frail elderly exhibit different pathologic states and manifestations in an a typical manner.

Do eco-geospatial differences induce otolith morphological variations? Assessment in Chelon auratus (Mugiliformes, Mugilidae) populations collected from Tunisian and Mauritanian waters

Abstract Saccular otoliths (sagittae) have long been shown to be species-specific and exhibit inland geospatial intra- and interpopulation morphological differences with variations in environmental conditions. Here, we analysed inland and outland geospatial variations in sagittae shape, length (Lo), width (Wo), perimeter (Po), and area (Ao), and fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in Chelon auratus males and females collected from Ghar El Melh (Tunisia) and Etoile Bay (Mauritania) stations to assess whether sagittae shape and morphometry differ between these two niches having different environmental conditions. At the intrapopulation level, a significant otolith shape asymmetry was observed between left and right and left–left and right–right otoliths among males and females of the Ghar El Melh (Tunisia) population and a significant symmetry among those of the Etoile Bay (Mauritania) population. At the interpopulation level, a significant asymmetry was found between left and right otoliths' shape among males and females of the two populations. Besides, a discriminant function analysis of otoliths' contour shape separated left and right otoliths among males and females at the intra- and interpopulation levels and also separated those of the two populations. Moreover, differential significant asymmetry in Lo, Wo, Po, and Ao between left and right otoliths was observed among males and females at the intra- and interpopulation levels. Therefore, the geospatial variations in environmental conditions between the two ecological niches effectively induced differences in otolith morphology. These significant asymmetries were discussed in terms of FA caused by environmental stress conditions resulting from variations in abiotic factors between the two ecological niches.

Morphological responses of filamentous fungi to stressful environmental conditions.

The filamentous growth mode of fungi, with its modular design, facilitates fungal adaptation to stresses they encounter in diverse terrestrial and anthropogenic environments. Surface growth conditions elicit diverse morphological responses in filamentous fungi, particularly demonstrating the remarkable adaptability of mycelial systems to metal- and mineral-rich environments. These responses are coupled with fungal biogeochemical activity and can ameliorate hostile conditions. A tessellated agar tile system, mimicking natural environmental heterogeneity, revealed negative chemotropism to toxic metals, distinct extreme growth strategies, such as phalanx and guerrilla movements and transitions between them, and the formation of aggregated re-allocation structures (strands, cords, synnemata). Other systems showed intrahyphal growth, intense biomineralization, and extracellular hair-like structures. Studies on submerged mycelial growth, using the thermophilic fungus Thielavia terrestris as an example, provided mechanistic insights into the morphogenesis of two extreme forms of fungal submerged culture-pelleted and dispersed growth. It was found that the development of fungal pellets was related to fungal adaptation to unfavorable stressful conditions. The two key elements affecting morphogenesis leading to the formation of either pelleted or dispersed growth were found to be (1) a lag phase (or conidia swelling stage) as a specific period of fungal morphogenesis when a certain growth form is programmed in response to morphogenic stressors, and (2) cAMP as a secondary messenger of cell signaling, defining the implementation of the particular growth strategy. These findings can contribute to knowledge of fungal-based biotechnologies, providing a means for controllable industrial processes at both morphological and physiological levels.

Native Forbs Grown Under Green Roof Conditions Have Altered Biomass Allocation Strategies and Can be Supported by Commercially-Available Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

Nature-based solutions like green roofs can help sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thereby alleviating some of the negative consequences of global warming. Because plants on extensive green roofs typically have short stature and lower biomass than individuals growing on the ground, they are often overlooked in calculations of urban carbon sequestration. However, plants grown on environmentally stressful green roofs may be using alternative physiological strategies, allocating more resources like carbon to below-ground structures than they would be if grown in similar ground-level conditions. Furthermore, overall forb growth and biomass accumulation could be enhanced if plants are grown in the presence of symbiotic fungi that helps obtain water and nutrients. In this experiment, we grew ten native prairie forbs in simulated green roof and ground-level environments to test the hypotheses that plants on green roofs allocate more biomass to below-ground structures in order to overcome stressful environmental conditions and are aided by symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). We found that commercially available AMF provided significant benefits to some plant species and that plants grown in green roof conditions did in fact allocate more resources below ground compared to their ground-level counterparts. Our results suggest that the ability of green roofs to play a part in sequestering atmospheric carbon via biomass allocation is being largely overlooked and that this contribution to an important ecosystem service should be considered when advocating for increased green roof construction globally.

ANALYSIS OF INHERITANCE AND HERITABILITY OF ECONOMICALLY VALUABLE TRAITS IN HYBRID BARLEY POPULATIONS

The article presents the results of studying the nature of inheritance, heritability and variability of quantitative traits in 36 hybrid populations in conditions of saline soils of rice systems of the Kazakhstan Aral Sea region. Since variability and inheritance depend on the genotype and environmental conditions, the most valuable is the information obtained in a specific agroclimatic zone for which new varieties are created. It was established that the prevalence of additive gene interactions in the control of the studied traits in the conditions of the Aral Sea region indicates the possibility of effective selection already in the F2 generation, and in more favorable years, due to the high determination of these traits by dominant genes, it is necessary to differentiate hybrid populations, starting from the first generation and further selection to be carried out in several cycles until homozygosity of loci carrying dominant genes is achieved. The most accessible features for selection in early generations are: plant height, ear length, number of grains in an ear, the variability of which is caused by the action of additive genes, for which it is necessary to carry out targeted selection work to increase the productivity of barley in this region. Hybrid populations with high values of the heritability coefficient for certain features and for their complex have been identified: Bi-16 x Saule (by five features); Syr Aruy x Donetskiy 8, Syr Aruy x Odesskiy 100, Bi-17 x Saule (by four), in which it is necessary to select highly productive forms adapted to stressful environmental conditions

Use Of Micronized Calcium Carbonate-Based Sunscreen on Young European Hazelnut (Corylus Avellana L.) in Commercial Nursery Under Environmental Stress Conditions During the Summer Period

Chile has become one of the main exporters of European hazelnuts in the world, mainly due to favorable edaphoclimatic conditions. Currently, due to the negative effects of climate change, ​​Chile has been suffering recurrent heat waves and droughts, which are damaging the productive efficiency of the European hazelnut. The present research proposes to evaluate the use of a sunscreen composed of micronized calcium carbonate, pinolene and lignosulfonate on young European hazelnut plants growing in a commercial nursery. In this study, the environmental conditions of heat stress observed during the summer months were evaluated. The results show statistically significant differences between treatments, in favor of plants treated with the sunscreen in at least one of the three months of evaluation. Thus, stomatal conductance (gs) showed increases of up to 29% compared to the control treatment, transpiration rate (Tr) increased by up to 25% and the net assimilation rate (an) increased by up to 18% compared to the control treatment without application. The use of sunscreen would increase the gas exchange of young European hazelnut plants, thus providing greater tolerance to conditions of high environmental temperature, promoting an increase in the production of photo-assimilates compared to untreated plants.

Actinomycete inoculant improves the growth and yield of rainfed lowland and upland rice under field conditions

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of actinomycete inoculant in enhancing the growth and yield of rainfed lowland and upland rice across wet and dry seasons in real field conditions. This field assessment took place at four sites, comprising two rainfed lowland and two rainfed upland ecosystems, over two cropping seasons (dry and wet seasons). The experiments involved testing both soil-based and carbonized rice hull (CRH) inoculants. Actinomycetes were found to be effectively carried by CRH and soil, and evidence from field studies in rainfed lowland and upland conditions showed that the actinomycete inoculant significantly improved rice production even under stressful environmental conditions. Regarding plant height, root depth, and tiller number, the inoculated treatments outperformed both the control and the full fertilization rates. Rice yield significantly increased with the application of actinomycete inoculum in both lowland and upland experiments. Inoculation alone led to substantial improvements, with yield increases of up to 48% in Lowland Site 1, 50% in Lowland Site 2, 78% in Upland Site 1, and 43% in Upland Site 2. Similarly, growth was enhanced by inoculation alone, reaching up to 50% in Lowland Site 1, 75% in Lowland Site 2, 24% in Upland Site 1, and 26% in Upland Site 2. When added to the full rate of fertilization, the inoculant significantly boosted yield by up to 16% in Lowland Site 1, 82% in Upland Site 1, and 40% in Upland Site 2. Additionally, growth substantially improved with inoculation in conjunction with the full rate of fertilization, reaching as much as 50% in lowland site 1, and 24% in upland site 1. Actinomycete inoculant proves to be a valuable alternative and addition to agricultural fertilizer management, as it was found to significantly increase growth and yield even in adverse weather conditions.

New PV encapsulants: assessment of change in optical and thermal properties and chemical degradation after UV aging

This work aims to investigate the change in chemical and physical properties of different polymeric materials, potentially usable for photovoltaic modules encapsulation, caused by UV aging. Three classes of polymeric materials have been examined: ethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVA), thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO) and polyolefin elastomers (POE). EVA is currently the most used encapsulant in the photovoltaic field; TPO and POE are new materials, alternative to EVA, which can allow to overcome some of the reliability problems of photovoltaic modules linked to the degradation of EVA properties. Of each of these three material classes, different commercially available encapsulating polymer films, with different chemical formulations, have been examined. Stressful environmental conditions have been simulated in a climatic chamber and the associated changes in optical, thermal and chemical properties of the different encapsulants have been analysed and compared before and after UV aging. The link between the chemical structure, formulation and degradation of the encapsulants with their lifetime under simulated conditions of UV stress has been investigated by the assessment of the changes in thermal stability, optical transmittance, crystallinity, yellowness index and chemical degradation. This study helps to better understand the causes of the module performance reduction due to the degradation of the encapsulant material and is a guide for the selection of encapsulant films with improved characteristics, for the manufacture of more durable PV modules.

The role of exosomes in the pathogenesis of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity: A diagnostic and prognostic approach: exosome and cardiotoxicity

Exosomes are a subtype of natural extracellular vesicles that transfer a great number of biomolecules, released by almost all types of cells, and can be specifically taken up by recipient cells in order to maintain homeostasis and induce a proper response to stress or harsh environmental conditions. Since the heart is part of complex systems which involve various cell types, exosome-mediated communication plays a crucial role in the cardiovascular field. Given the extended studies on the molecular mechanisms mediated by exosome cargos, leading to cardiovascular diseases, we focus on the most important data that report the roles of proteins and microRNAs (miRNAs) transferred by exosomes and whether they possess cardiotoxicity or cardioprotection and also the potential of these biomolecules as therapeutic tools or diagnostic biomarkers.

Comparative Diversity and Functional Traits of Fungal Endophytes in Response to Elevated Mineral Content in a Mangrove Ecosystem.

This study investigates the impact of water quality, specifically elevated phosphate and zinc content, on the diversity and functional properties of mangrove fungal endophytes in two distinct mangrove forests. Mangrove plant performance is directly related to the presence of fungal leaf endophytes as these fungi could enhance plant health, resilience, and adaptability under stressed environmental conditions. Two distinct mangrove forest sites, one non-disturbed (ND) and one disturbed by aquaculture practices (D), were assessed for differences in water quality parameters. We further analyzed the fungal endophyte diversity associated with the leaves of a target host mangrove, Rhizophora mucronata Lamk., with the aim to elucidate whether fungal diversity and functional traits are linked to disturbances brought about by aquaculture practices and to characterize functional traits of selected fungal isolates with respect to phosphate (PO4) and zinc (Zn) solubilization. Contrary to expectations, the disturbed site exhibited a higher fungal diversity, challenging assumptions about the relationship between contamination and fungal community dynamics. Water quality, as determined by nutrient and mineral levels, emerged as a crucial factor in shaping both microbial community compositions in the phyllosphere of mangroves. From both sites, we isolated 188 fungal endophytes, with the ND site hosting a higher number of isolates and a greater colonization rate. While taxonomic diversity marginally differed (ND: 28 species, D: 29 species), the Shannon (H' = 3.19) and FAI (FA = 20.86) indices revealed a statistically significant increase in species diversity for fungal endophytes in the disturbed mangrove site as compared to the non-disturbed area (H' = 3.10, FAI = 13.08). Our chosen mangrove fungal endophytes exhibited remarkable phosphate solubilization capabilities even at elevated concentrations, particularly those derived from the disturbed site. Despite their proficiency in solubilizing zinc across a wide range of concentrations, a significant impact on their mycelial growth was noted, underscoring a crucial aspect of their functional dynamics. Our findings revealed a nuanced trade-off between mycelial growth and enzymatic production in fungal endophytes from ostensibly less contaminated sites, highlighting the relationship between nutrient availability and microbial activities. These insights provide a foundation for understanding the impact of anthropogenic pressures, specifically nutrient pollution, on mangrove-associated fungal endophytes.

Moringa olifera leaf extract increases physio-biochemical properties, growth and yield of Pisum sativum grown under salinity stress

The soil salinity is a dominant abiotic problem in arid and semi-arid region of the world. It occurs naturally due to low rainfall and accumulation of salts to soil surface, aided by human activities; excessive irrigations, over-use of fertilizers and poor drainage. The study was aimed to investigate the mitigating role of Moringa olifera leaf extract (MLE) in pea grown under salinity stress. Pea (Pisum sativum) variety-Pea-2009 was grown under control and salt (100 mM NaCl) stress. The MLE extract (3%) was applied as a seed priming and foliar spray. Salinity stress caused a significant (P<0.001) decrease in plant growth (fresh and dry biomass of shoot and root s), leaf relative water contents, chlorophyll a and b, carotenoid, TFAAs, proline, K+ and antioxidants (POD, APX, and CAT), whereas the application of MLE either (seed priming/foliar spray) enhanced all studied attributes under both control and saline conditions. However, Na+, MDA, and H2O2 contents were enhanced under salinity stress. Whereas the application of MLE (seed priming/ foliar spray) enhanced shoot and root fresh and dry weights as compared to saline treatment. While on the other hand the application of MLE (seed priming/ foliar spray) enhanced leaf relative water contents, total chlorophyll contents, total soluble proteins, total free amino acids, catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, proline, K+ contents of shoot and root while lowered H2O2, MDA, Na+ contents of root and shoot compared to their respective saline treatments. Similarly, MLE also enhanced pea seed yield to 36% (priming) and 33 (foliar spray) under salinity stress which was reduced to 56% under salinity stress. The exogenous application of MLE either seed priming or foliar spray, potentially enhanced growth and yield of economically important crops grown under salinity stress by maintaining better physio-biochemical indices.

Inevitable Role of Grafting in Improvement of Cucurbitaceous Crops: A Review

Cucurbit grafting has grown in favour among vegetable gardeners all over the world. The approach was originally developed to prevent soil-borne diseases, which remain still very important in today’s intensive agriculture. Important diseases that can be controlled by utilizing cucurbit rootstocks include fusarium and verticillium wilt, bacterial wilt, phytophthora and root-knot nematode. Demand for vegetables has been tremendously increasing around the world and due to the scarcity of arable land, persistent cultivation of vegetables being done under unfavourable soil and environmental stress conditions, especially in protected cultivation. Hence to lessen the production losses brought on by such abiotic and biotic stresses in cucurbits be to graft them onto rootstocks. Cucurbit grafting has also resulted in the production of organic and environmentally safer produce by reducing the intake of unfavourable pesticide residues. However, due to recent developments, this strategy now multifarious and used for a multitude of things. Increased usage of grafted seedlings will surely be encouraged by the development of versatile rootstocks, effective grafting tools and methods in numerous nations. The current review work highlights numerous studies on cucurbitaceous crop grafting carried out globally on issues including abiotic and biotic stresses, growth, yield and quality of cucurbitaceous crops.Cucurbit grafting has grown in favour among vegetable gardeners all over the world. The approach was originally developed to prevent soil-borne diseases, which remain still very important in today’s intensive agriculture. Important diseases that can be controlled by utilizing cucurbit rootstocks include fusarium and verticillium wilt, bacterial wilt, phytophthora and root-knot nematode. Demand for vegetables has been tremendously increasing around the world and due to the scarcity of arable land, persistent cultivation of vegetables being done under unfavourable soil and environmental stress conditions, especially in protected cultivation. Hence to lessen the production losses brought on by such abiotic and biotic stresses in cucurbits be to graft them onto rootstocks. Cucurbit grafting has also resulted in the production of organic and environmentally safer produce by reducing the intake of unfavourable pesticide residues. However, due to recent developments, this strategy now multifarious and used for a multitude of things. Increased usage of grafted seedlings will surely be encouraged by the development of versatile rootstocks, effective grafting tools and methods in numerous nations. The current review work highlights numerous studies on cucurbitaceous crop grafting carried out globally on issues including abiotic and biotic stresses, growth, yield and quality of cucurbitaceous crops.

Comparative Study of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Quality of Life between Traditional and Semi-modern Paddy Farmers of Gilan

Background and Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders and low quality of life are the most common problems among paddy farmers in the world. Paddy farmers are exposed to inappropriate postures, long working hours and stressful environmental conditions. The aim of this study was to compare different farming methods of rice cultivation (traditional and semi-modern) on the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and life quality of paddy farmers.&#x0D; Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in rice fields with 150 paddy farmers as a sample group (100 traditional paddy farmers and 50 semi-modern paddy farmers). Musculoskeletal disorders and quality of life were assessed using the Nordic questionnaire and the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile, respectively.&#x0D; Results: The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the neck, lower back and shoulders is higher in traditional paddy farmers compared to farmers who work in semi-modern rice cultivation system. Present results demonstrated that there was no significant difference between various rice cultivation methods and musculoskeletal disorders on life quality. Furthermore, different farming methods of paddy cultivation have no significant effect on paddy farmers' life quality.&#x0D; Conclusion: The prevalence of lower back musculoskeletal disorders among paddy farmers portrays the consequence from long-term exposure to inappropriate posture from strenous activity.

Filifactor alocis enhances survival of Porphyromonas gingivalis W83 in response to H2 O2 -induced stress.

A dysbiotic microbial community whose members have specific/synergistic functions that are modulated by environmental conditions, can disturb homeostasis in the subgingival space leading to destructive inflammation, plays a role in the progression of periodontitis. Filifactor alocis, a gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium, is a newly recognized microbe that shows a strong correlation with periodontal disease. Our previous observations suggested F. alocis to be more resistant to oxidative stress compared to Porphyromonas gingivalis. The objective of this study is to further determine if F. alocis, because of its increased resistance to oxidative stress, can affect the survival of other 'established' periodontal pathogens under environmental stress conditions typical of the periodontal pocket. Here, we have shown that via their interaction, F. alocis protects P. gingivalis W83 under H2 O2 -induced oxidative stress conditions. Transcriptional profiling of the interaction of F. alocis and P. gingivalis in the presence of H2 O2 -induced stress revealed the modulation of several genes, including those with ABC transporter and other cellular functions. The ABC transporter operon (PG0682-PG0685) of P. gingivalis was not significant to its enhanced survival when cocultured with F. alocis under H2 O2 -induced oxidative stress. In F. alocis, one of the most highly up-regulated operons (FA0894-FA0897) is predicted to encode a putative manganese ABC transporter, which in other bacteria can play an essential role in oxidative stress protection. Collectively, the results may indicate that F. alocis could likely stabilize the microbial community in the inflammatory microenvironment of the periodontal pocket by reducing the oxidative environment. This strategy could be vital to the survival of other pathogens, such as P. gingivalis, and its ability to adapt and persist in the periodontal pocket.

Walking and Walkability in Delhi: Dissonance between Environmental Perception and Behavior

Prior research on perceived walkability finds generally positive associations between walkability, walking behavior, and well-being. However, these relationships are little examined in the Global South, particularly in locations with significant environmental stressors. This study examined relationships between perceived walkability, walking behavior, and subjective well-being, using a survey of residents in two neighborhoods in Delhi, India. In particular, it examined whether perceived walkability covaried with walking behavior under conditions of environmental stress, and how walking and perceptions of the walking environment affected subjective well-being. Following a descriptive examination of mobility and perceptions, the concept of “walking dissonance” was empirically operationalized, a condition in which individuals walk frequently despite negative perceptions of walkability. Multivariate linear regression assessed the relationship between walking dissonance and subjective well-being, controlling for other factors. The results showed that in these neighborhoods, perceptions of low environmental quality were associated with perceptions of poor walking conditions. Nevertheless, walking behavior did not consistently correlate with these perceptions. Conflict between walking perceptions and behavior may be associated with impacts to well-being that should concern decision makers investing in transportation infrastructure and the built environment.