Global Importance Research Articles

Lebanese Medicinal Plants with Ophthalmic Properties

Lebanon benefits from a rich biodiversity, with medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) representing an important part of the country’s natural wealth; however, limited data are available documenting medicinal plants being employed in eye health. This review is the first to document Lebanese medicinal plants with ophthalmic characteristics and phytochemistry that might be beneficial in the development of new, accessible, and efficient ocular medications. In this study, we searched for studies on ocular therapeutic plants using known resources, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, and confirmed these plants’ presence within the Lebanese flora. The efficacy of 52 species from 28 families, including two endemic species (Crepis libanotica and Salvia libanotica), has been documented. Their Latin names, regional names, ocular medical applications, the plant parts used, and preparation forms are detailed below. The largest number of species belongs to the Lamiaceae family (21%), followed by Asteraceae (14%) and Solanaceae (7%). The most commonly used plant parts are the stems, leaves, and seeds. Ocular treatments fall into several categories: inflammation, infection, irritation, dry-eye, eyewash, the prevention or delay of cataracts, and general eye problems. A significant percentage (68%) of the medicinal plants target the anterior part of the eye. Some of the reported plants can be harmful to the eyes and should be handled with caution. The Lebanese medicinal plants listed, constituting a local heritage with global importance, could be used for treating ophthalmic ailments and require special screening and preservation.

Pollen Resource Repartition Between Managed Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L. 1758) and Unmanaged Bees in Three Italian National Parks

Despite its global importance for the maintenance of healthy ecosystems and its contribution in providing economic benefits to human society, the clade Anthophila is in severe decline worldwide. In this context, counteracting the decline in Apoidea is of fundamental importance. Honey bee density and beekeeping are believed to negatively impact wild bee populations, mostly through competition for food sources. In this study, interspecific trophic competition was investigated using the still seldom exploited approach of a palynological analysis combined with a metabarcoding analysis of the pollen gathered by both managed honey bees and wild bees in three Italian national parks. The entire trophic network was identified as highly specialized (H2′ = 0.933). The results obtained suggest that, overall, wild bee species are sustained by different pollen sources than honey bees. This low sharing of resources could be due to the natural trend occurring in natural populations, where species tend to minimize the competitive overlap through niche differentiation or niche complementarity as a result of coevolution. National parks play a fundamental role in animal and plant species protection and conservation. Therefore, plans should focus on evaluating honey bee densities in the interests of achieving less intensive, more traditional, and sustainable beekeeping, as well as habitat restoration, to promote the survival and reproduction of wild bee populations.

Global prevalence of Eimeria species in goats: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundCoccidiosis is a protozoal disease caused by Eimeria species, the main symptom of which is diarrhea. Eimeria spp. infection can cause weight loss and ill-thrift in goats, and in severe cases, it can lead to mortality in kids, resulting in economic losses for the goat industry. This study aimed to determine the global prevalence of Eimeria spp. in goats and to identify the possible predictors of heterogeneity among selected studies.MethodsData were retrieved from five databases of major global importance (PubMed, Web of Science, CAB Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar), with 255 studies published between 1963 and 2022 being included. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CI), followed by subgroup meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis to identify factors contributing to high prevalence and explore sources of heterogeneity among studies.ResultsThe estimated global prevalence of Eimeria spp. in goats was 62.9% (95% CI: 58.6–67.2). Our results indicated high inter-study variability (inconsistency index (I2) = 99.7%, p < 0.01). Among the variables analyzed, regions and quality of studies were the most significant predictors of heterogeneity. According to the region-based subgroup meta-analysis, North America had the highest estimated prevalence of Eimeria spp. (92.2, 95% CI: 82.7–98.2), followed by Europe (86.6, 95% CI: 79.8–92.3), while Asia had the lowest prevalence (52.0, 95% CI: 45.9–58.1). Most countries (n = 42/56) had an estimated prevalence above the overall pooled estimate (>62.9%). The subgroup of studies conducted in 2000 or later presented a lower prevalence of 59.6% (95% CI: 54.7–64.3). Studies with a score of 5–7 had a significantly higher prevalence (72.4, 95% CI: 66.2–78.2) than studies with low or medium scores (p < 0.01). The prevalence of Eimeria spp. in goats detected with conventional and molecular methods was 67.3% (95% CI: 47.0–84.7). Only 47% (119/255) of the studies provided details on identifying Eimeria at the species level. Overall, more than 26 Eimeria spp. have been identified in goats globally. Among these, the most frequently reported and pathogenic species were E. arloingi (115/119), E. ninakohlyakimovae (108/119), E. christenseni (94/119), and E. caprina (71/119). Other valid species that were reported less frequently include E. alijevi, E. hirci, E. caprovina, E. aspheronica and E. jolchijevi.ConclusionThese findings suggest that the pathogenic Eimeria spp. are widespread in goats globally. Given the high prevalence and the extensive distribution of pathogenic Eimeria spp. in goats, it is recommended that integrated parasite management approaches be implemented for the effective control of coccidiosis in goats.

A comprehensive framework for evaluating time to event predictions using the restricted mean survival time

AbstractThe restricted mean survival time (RMST) is a widely used quantity in survival analysis due to its straightforward interpretation. For instance, predicting the time to event based on patient attributes is of great interest when analyzing medical data. In this paper, we propose a novel framework for evaluating RMST estimations. A criterion that estimates the mean squared error of an RMST estimator using Inverse Probability Censoring Weighting (IPCW) is presented. A model‐agnostic conformal algorithm adapted to right‐censored data is also introduced to compute prediction intervals and to evaluate local variable importance. Finally, a model‐agnostic statistical test is developed to assess global variable importance. Our framework is valid for any RMST estimator that is asymptotically convergent and works under model misspecification.

Synergistic effects of PGPRs and fertilizer amendments on improving the yield and productivity of Canola (Brassica napus L.)

BackgroundOrganic fertilizers are safer and more eco-friendly than chemical fertilizers; hence, organic fertilizers can be used to support sustainable farming. The effects of PGPRs are manifold in agriculture, especially in monoculture crops, where the soil needs to be modified to increase germination, yield, and disease resistance. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of PGPRs combined with fertilizer on the yield and productivity of canola. Canola was chosen for its global importance as an oilseed crop and its responsiveness to soil amendments, making it ideal for evaluating the synergistic effects of PGPRs and fertilizers on yield and soil health.MethodologyThis research, which was carried out over two years, was aimed at establishing the effectiveness of PGPRs together with organic and inorganic fertilizers on canola yields and was performed with a two-factorial RCBD design under field conditions. We applied Azotobacter salinestris and Bacillus subtilis with biochar, compost, animal manure, poultry manure, and NPK fertilizer. Insect pest management and other agronomic practices were carried out to maintain the experiment.ResultsCanola yield and agronomic traits were enhanced by the combination of Bacillus subtilis with the fully recommended N: P:K ratio (140:55:40 kg/ha). Additionally, the application of Bacillus subtilis with biochar at 2 tons/ha improved the yield and quality of canola, as well as the structure and nutrient regulation of the soil.ConclusionIn light of these results, we recommend the application of Bacillus subtilis to canola seeds along with either 2 t/ha biochar or the entire recommended dose of N: P:K (140:55:40 kg/ha). These strategies are sustainable and help producers and the environment increase the productivity of canola. Combining PGPRs with fertilizers for canola enhances nutrient efficiency, promotes sustainable growth, and boosts stress resilience, addressing agricultural and environmental challenges.Clinical trial numberNot Applicable.

La floricultura como cultivo alternativo: Análisis descriptivo, modelación con inteligencia artificial, análisis de escenarios y análisis económico

Floriculture is a sector of growing global importance, contributing to employment generation, income creation, and the promotion of biodiversity and sustainability. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the adoption of floriculture as an alternative crop in the province of Leoncio Prado, Peru, and to assess its economic viability. A total of 269 farmers were surveyed, analyzing attitudes, land suitability, and socioeconomic and environmental factors. Influential factors were identified using descriptive analysis, chi-square tests, and logistic regression (p < 0.1). Additionally, multiple machine learning algorithms (Decision Trees, Logistic Regression, KNN, SVM, Ensemble, Neural Networks, Naive Bayes) with cross-validation (k = 5) and AUC metrics were employed to model adoption intentions. Scenarios were developed to increase the willingness to adopt floriculture, and an economic analysis of eight tropical species (Red Ginger, Anthurium, Emperor's Staff, Heliconia, Gardenia, Parrot's Beak, Golden Heliconias, Maracas) was conducted. The results reveal that willingness to change crops, participation in awareness campaigns, allocation of areas for conservation, and cost control are key factors. The neural network model achieved an AUC of 83.3%, and improved scenarios indicate that adoption could increase by up to 11.32%. Red Ginger demonstrated high profitability (NPV S/10428; IRR 51%; PBP 0.7 years). In conclusion, floriculture represents an economically and environmentally viable alternative that contributes to agricultural diversification and sustainability.

THE EFFECT OF GLOBAL GEOPOLITICAL COMPETITION ON THE FORMATION OF THE SOUTH CAUCASUS SECURITY COMPLEX: THE STRATEGIC MODELING OF ARMENIA'S SECURITY POLICY

This scientific article explores the intricate dynamics between global geopolitical competition and the formation of the South Caucasus security complex, with a specific focus on Armenia's security policy. After the 2020 Nagorno Karabakh war and the start of the Russian-Ukrainian war, the geopolitical significance of the South Caucasus is beginning to change. In the conditions of the deepening of the Ukrainian crisis, the global importance of the South Caucasus is highlighted as an important economic corridor of strategic communication in the "north-south" and "east-west" directions. The region is entering a complex period of strategic competition with increasing security dependence and vulnerability from global geopolitical processes. It also creates new security threats for the restoration of the balance of power in the South Caucasus and the reconstruction of the security complex. The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Central and South Asia create new security threats for maintaining the security balance of the South Caucasus. The trends of increasing influence of hybrid threats in the Middle Eastern region are beginning to spread in the South Caucasus as well. Based on all this, the strategic modeling of Armenia's security policy is presented in the article. It can have a guiding role in the process of developing the priorities of Armenia's foreign policy. Through strategic modeling, the article elucidates possible future scenarios for Armenia's security policy, considering varying degrees of global geopolitical competition and regional instability. This modeling enables us to better anticipate the potential trajectories of Armenia's security choices and their consequences for regional stability and security dynamics. Moreover, it highlights the interconnectedness of South Caucasus security with broader global geopolitics, emphasizing the need for a nuanced and multidimensional approach to understanding the security complex in this region

Gene Editing and Protein Tagging in the Oomycete Phytophthora infestans Using CRISPR-Cas12a.

Molecular genetic tools such as CRISPR-Cas gene editing systems are invaluable for understanding gene and protein function and revealing the details of a pathogen's life and disease cycles. Here we present protocols for genome editing in Phytophthora infestans, an oomycete with global importance as a pathogen of potato and tomato. Using a vector system that expresses variants of Cas12a from Lachnospiraceae bacterium and its guide RNA from a unified transcript, we first present a method for editing genes through the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway. We then describe an application of homology-directed repair (HDR), in which Cas12a is used to fuse a protein-coding gene with a fluorescent or epitope tag. Both methods should be adaptable to many oomycetes other than P. infestans.

Candidate Genes Related to Spiritual Mediumship: A Whole Exome Sequencing Analysis of Highly Gifted Mediums.

There has been a call for neuroscientific studies of spiritual experiences due to their global prevalence, significant impact, and importance for understanding the mind-brain problem. Mediumship is a spiritual experience where individuals claim to communicate with or be influenced by deceased persons or non-material entities. We assessed whether mediums possess specific genetic alterations. We selected highly gifted mediums (n = 54) with over 10 years of experience who engaged in mediumistic work without material benefits, analyzed whole exome sequencing, and compared them to non-medium first-degree relatives (n = 53). We identified 15,669 variants exclusively found in mediums, likely to impact the function of 7,269 genes. Thirty-three of these genes were altered in at least one-third of all mediums but in none of their relatives. The inflammatory pathway was the most frequently affected (43.9%) with the translocation of ZAP-70 to the immunological synapse being particularly prominent. This is the first exome-wide investigation of genes possibly related to mediumistic experiences. We identified gene variants that are presented in mediums but not in their first-degree non-medium relatives. These genes emerge as possible candidates for further investigations of the biological underpinnings that allow spiritual experiences such as mediumship.

Interpretable machine learning for time-to-event prediction in medicine and healthcare.

Time-to-event prediction, e.g. cancer survival analysis or hospital length of stay, is a highly prominent machine learning task in medical and healthcare applications. However, only a few interpretable machine learning methods comply with its challenges. To facilitate a comprehensive explanatory analysis of survival models, we formally introduce time-dependent feature effects and global feature importance explanations. We show how post-hoc interpretation methods allow for finding biases in AI systems predicting length of stay using a novel multi-modal dataset created from 1235 X-ray images with textual radiology reports annotated by human experts. Moreover, we evaluate cancer survival models beyond predictive performance to include the importance of multi-omics feature groups based on a large-scale benchmark comprising 11 datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Model developers can use the proposed methods to debug and improve machine learning algorithms, while physicians can discover disease biomarkers and assess their significance. We contribute open data and code resources to facilitate future work in the emerging research direction of explainable survival analysis.

MGBP2 engages Galectin-9 for immunity against Toxoplasma gondii.

Guanylate binding proteins (GBPs) are large interferon-inducible GTPases, executing essential host defense activities against Toxoplasma gondii, an invasive intracellular apicomplexan protozoan parasite of global importance. T. gondii establishes a parasitophorous vacuole (PV) which shields the parasite from the host's intracellular defense mechanisms. Murine GBPs (mGBPs) recognize T. gondii PVs and assemble into supramolecular mGBP homo- and heterocomplexes that are required for the disruption of the membrane of PVs eventually resulting in the cell-autonomous immune control of vacuole-resident pathogens. We have previously shown that mGBP2 plays an important role in T. gondii immune control. Here, to unravel mGBP2 functions, we report Galectin-9 (Gal9) as a critical mGBP2 interaction partner engaged for immunity to T. gondii. Interestingly, Gal9 also accumulates and colocalizes with mGBP2 at the T. gondii PV. Furthermore, we could prove the requirement of Gal9 for growth control of T. gondii by CRISPR/Cas9 mediated gene editing. These discoveries clearly indicate that Gal9 is a crucial factor for the mGBP2-coordinated cell-autonomous host defense mechanism against T. gondii.

Adaptive Neural Message Passing for Inductive Learning on Hypergraphs.

Graphs are the most ubiquitous data structures for representing relational datasets and performing inferences in them. They model, however, only pairwise relations between nodes and are not designed for encoding the higher-order relations. This drawback is mitigated by hypergraphs, in which an edge can connect an arbitrary number of nodes. Most hypergraph learning approaches convert the hypergraph structure to that of a graph and then deploy existing geometric deep learning methods. This transformation leads to information loss, and sub-optimal exploitation of the hypergraph's expressive power. We present HyperMSG, a novel hypergraph learning framework that uses a modular two-level neural message passing strategy to accurately and efficiently propagate information within each hyperedge and across the hyperedges. HyperMSG adapts to the data and task by learning an attention weight associated with each node's degree centrality. Such a mechanism quantifies both local and global importance of a node, capturing the structural properties of a hypergraph. HyperMSG is inductive, allowing inference on previously unseen nodes. Further, it is robust and outperforms state-of-the-art hypergraph learning methods on a wide range of tasks and datasets. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of HyperMSG in learning multimodal relations through detailed experimentation on a challenging multimedia dataset.

Estimating Civic Awareness and Willingness to Pay (WTP) for Rooftop Greenhouses: A Study of Seoul Residents

Background and objective: In hardscape-dominated cities, rooftop greenhouses(RGs) are considered a viable alternative for providing high-quality food, greenery, and experiences to citizens. However, existing research has predominantly focused on conventional urban agriculture, and rooftop greenhouses remain under-researched on an international scale. In this study, we use the contingent valuation method (CVM) to estimate the willingness to pay (WTP) for RGs among residents of Seoul, South Korea, and evaluate their comprehensive value.Methods: A questionnaire including items on respondents’ characteristics, WTP, and civic awareness of RGs was prepared, and WTP was estimated using the double-bounded dichotomous choice (DBDC) model. On the basis of these copies, utility theoretic analysis and the logit model of CVM were employed to estimate the WTP for RG among Seoul residents.Results: The per capita WTP for RG among Seoul residents was 30,260. On the basis of this result, the value of RGs in Seoul was approximately 220 billion KRW. Most respondents preferred a combination of crop production and experiences. This outcome suggests that future RGs in buildings should include spaces for citizen experiences and education. Respondents suggested that the most necessary measure to promote RGs was providing customized education on building and managing rooftop greenhouses, followed by providing and subsidies, and promoting related policies and projects.Conclusion: The findings of this study can be utilized to convey the global importance of RGs and as a basis for establishing related policies and increasing the participation of local residents. In addition, considering that Seoul has recently implemented a project to install RGs on existing commercial buildings, the results of this study will be highly useful.

Effects of biological fertilizers on physiological traits and bioactive compounds in saffron (Crocus sativus L.).

Relatively few studies have explored the impact of biofertilizers on the qualitative and quantitative yield of saffron despite its global agricultural and medical importance. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological and phytochemical responses of saffron to potassium (K), phosphorus (P), and iron-zinc (Fe-Zn) biofertilizers over 2 consecutive years (2022-2023). The treatments included single and combined applications of K, P, and Fe-Zn biofertilizers containing active bacterial inoculum, along with a control group, resulting in a total of eight treatments. Biofertilizers were applied at a rate of 0.5 L per hectare by fertigation in mid-February. Flowering began in mid-November in both 2022 and 2023, lasting approximately 3 weeks, during which data were collected. The highest flower count (3.5 times greater than the control group), longest flowering duration (2.4 times longer than the control group), greatest stigma dry weight (3.2 times higher than the control group), and highest flowering rate (1.2 times greater than the control group) were recorded in the second year application of the K + Fe-Zn treatment. The K + Fe-Zn treatment also enhanced quality traits significantly, including total phenolic content (1.11 g kg-1; an increase of 1.1 times relative to the control), anthocyanin (977 mg kg-1, an increase of 8.4 times), crocin (126.9 g kg-1, an increase of 1.2 times), picrocrocin (59.8 g kg-1, an increase of 1.2 times), and safranal (1.8 g kg-1, an increase of 3.3 times). Overall, the 2 year application of K + Fe-Zn solubilizing bacteria as biofertilizer improved both the qualitative and quantitative traits of saffron markedly, underscoring its potential importance in sustainable saffron cultivation in mineral-fortified soils. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Геріатрична кардіологія. Артеріальна гіпертензія як фактор ризику в похилому і старечому віці

High arterial pressure (AP), along with age, is the most significant risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) diseases, general and CV mortality in the late ontogenesis. The age-related decrease in relative risk of elevated AP against the absolute risk growth is determined by the prevalence of hypertensive individuals in the gerontological population. The prognostic ambivalence of AP pressure in old age is due to the significance of not only elevated but also low AP, including orthostatic hypotension. The global importance of arterial hypertension in old age is determined by its causal role in the development of not only CVD, but also other age-associated pathologies, in particular, neurodegenerative diseases (cognitive decline and dementia, Parkinson’s disease), physical and psychoemotional geriatric syndromes, as well as the most frequent component of multimorbid patterns. Antihypertensive therapy in the elderly is the most effective tool not only for the prevention of CV diseases, premature death, but also associated with slowing down the rate of cognitive decline, changing the trajectory of frailty. At the same time, the oldest age and the complex clinical profile of patients with geriatric syndromes invert the significance of elevated AP as a risk factor. Currently, there is a lack of evidence base regarding the effect on the effectiveness/safety of antihypertensive therapy not only for old age per se, but especially of the oldest, not only for multimorbidity per se, but of its certain patterns, the presence of the most common and socially significant geriatric syndromes and poor functional status.

Determination and Removal of Potentially Toxic Elements by Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. (Poaceae) in the Valles River, San Luis Potosí (Central Mexico)

The contamination of rivers by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is a problem of global importance. The Valles River is Ciudad Valles’ (Central Mexico) main source of drinking water. During the four seasons of the year, water samples (n = 6), sediment samples (n = 6), and Phragmites australis plants (n = 10) were taken from three study sites selected based on the presence of anthropogenic activities in the Valles River. A graphite atomic absorption spectrophotometer estimated elements in the water, and an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer quantified elements in sediments and plant samples. Phragmites australis accumulated metal(loid)s mainly in the roots during all seasons of the year. Water samples from all sites recorded PTEs (As, Pb, Cd, and Hg), with primary sources identified as the sugar industry, urban and industrial wastewater, and the combustion of fossil fuels. Sediment samples showed concentrations of Hg, Mn, Ni, Zn, Pb, V, Cu, Cr, and Cd, attributed to agricultural practices, industrial activity, and urbanization. P. australis is an alternative for in situ phytoremediation because this macrophyte can bioaccumulate different elements in its roots, such as Mn, Rb, V, Sr, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, and As.

E-Health Implementation Challenges: A Comprehensive Review of Digital Healthcare in the United States

Interactions in the past involving healthcare have been carried out through conventional in-person methods. Due to modern issues and the growth of technology, the health sector has expanded to involve digital practices of healthcare, or e-health. E-health can be classified into several distinct subsidiaries (such as telehealth or electronic health records) serving as a potential solution to providing quality services around the world. Despite this, e-health comes with many challenges which can act as barriers of implementation and investment, which stifle its mass adoption which is so desperately needed, especially following the digital health growth resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we cover major challenges which come as a part of e-health investment and implementation worldwide, and how they have staggered or boosted the pursuit of more effective and efficient digital health practices. Centering our research focus on a specific region, in this case, the United States, makes real world setting statistics and investigations deeply addressed. In order to make the understanding of digital health artifacts in the United States easier, this article is a result of data collected from different sources that also mention other countries as well. We analyzed the global importance and effectiveness of e-health to later approach the challenges faced by the United States and give plausible initiatives to deal with such issues. Identifying this gap in the research of such a large and developing industry such as e-health is crucial to securing its future success in execution and adoption.

CULTIVARES E CARACTERÍSTICAS DO GRÃO DE MILHO

Maize (Zea mays L) is of global importance as a commodity because it is the main source of energy used in animal feed. The anatomy of corn is divided into endosperm (83%), pericarp (5%), germ (11%) and tip (2%). The starch granules and the protein matrix of the endosperm classifies corn into two types: farinaceous and vitreous. The relationship between hard endosperm (Flint) and floury (Dent) defines the vitreousness of a corn grain. Thus, the greater the vitreousness, the greater the amount of hard endosperm present in the grain. Today on the market there are specific corn cultivars for the production of grain, green corn, sweet corn, white corn (hominy), silage, popcorn, among others. The cultivars varieties are highly heterozygous, with greater productive stability, having greater genetic variability, less uniformity in the product and low productivity, caused by low heterosis, have great rusticity and adaptability, being indicated for low technology systems. Commercial hybrids are the result of the crossing between genetically distinct and homozygous individuals, for maximum heterosis response. Simple hybrids are potentially productive and suitable for systems that employ high technology. Transgenic hybrid corn is obtained by Genetic Engineering from the modification of DNA by introducing genes from other species through recombinant DNA techniques. Transgenics aims at three main targets, which can be classified as: herbicide tolerance; insertion of insect and disease resistance genes; and quality of products. White corn is a special cultivar that is characterized by having toothed and floury grain, it is widely used for the production of hominy, starch (cornstarch), flour and etc. Popcorn is a special cultivar of low productivity with rounded grains, fully vitreous endosperm, and thin film which allows spacing when the grain is heated. Green corn is an alternative to family horticulture because it adds more income, it refers to corn harvested while still in the milky stage, with 70 to 80% moisture. Sweet corn and super sweet corn are also included as green corn, differs from conventional corn in that it is intended for the canning industry and by the presence of mutant alleles that block the conversion of sugars into starch in the endosperm, giving it a sweet character, making sweet corn wrinkled and translucent when dry. Man has selected and developed several maize cultivars with distinct and special characteristics for each cropping system and purpose of use. The present study aims to address through a literature review the anatomical and nutritional characteristics of the maize grain and to address the different cultivars used in Brazilian agriculture.

Functional interactions among H2O2, NO, H2S, and melatonin in the physiology, metabolism, and quality of horticultural Solanaceae.

Cellular signaling is a key component of both intra- and intercellular communication, playing a crucial role in the development of higher plants as well as in their responses to environmental conditions of both abiotic and biotic origin. In recent decades, molecules such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and melatonin have gained significant relevance in plant physiology and biochemistry due to their signaling functions and their interactions, forming a comprehensive cellular communication network. The Solanaceae family of plants includes a group of horticultural crops of great global importance, for instance, tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers, which are of major agroeconomic significance due to their widespread cultivation and consumption. The primary objective of this work is to analyze the functions of this group of signaling molecules, particularly in these crops, and to explore how their exogenous application or the genetic manipulation of their endogenous concentration could serve as a promising biotechnological tool in the horticultural agroindustry. This approach could help mitigate the negative effects of various external stress factors and even preserve the organoleptic quality of these fruits during postharvest storage.

Import dependence of the European organic market and the role of Ukrainian exports

rates of organic retail trade (actual demand for organic products) and the growth rates of organic agricultural land areas (potential supply of organic products). This makes the European Union (EU) dependent on global imports. This research focuses on the import of organic products from Ukraine. To understand the underlying factors of the EU-27 countries’ import dependence on Ukrainian exports, this article proposes the following: 1) an analysis of Ukraine’s contribution to the total import volume to EU-27 countries by categories of organic products that have the most significant share in overall imports from Ukraine (these categories include: cereals, other than wheat and rice; soybeans; wheat; oilseeds, other than soybeans); 2) a study of the general trends of the European organic market’s import dependence on imports from Ukraine by the categories with the highest contribution; 3) clustering of the EU-27 countries based on organic market indicators; 4) an analysis of the European organic market using Ukrainian imports as an example. Ukrainian imports do not threaten the domestic European market; instead, countries with the highest level of dependence can use Ukrainian organic raw materials for processing and further re-export.