Levels Of Substances Research Articles

Efficacy and Molecular Mechanism of Quercetin on Constipation Induced by Berberine via Regulating Gut Microbiota.

Berberine (BBR) is used to treat cancer, inflammatory conditions, and so on. But the side effects of BBR causing constipation should not be ignored. In clinical application, the combination of Amomum villosum Lour. (AVL) and BBR can relieve it. However, the effective ingredients and molecular mechanism of AVL in relieving constipation are not clear. A small intestine propulsion experiment was conducted in constipated mice to screen active ingredients of AVL. We further confirmed the molecular mechanism of action of the active ingredient on BBR-induced constipation. Quercetin (QR) was found to be the effective ingredient of AVL in terms of relieving constipation. QR can efficiently regulate the microbiota in mice suffering from constipation. Moreover, QR significantly raised the levels of substance P and motilin while lowering those of 5-hydroxytryptamine and vasoactive intestinal peptide; furthermore, it also increased the protein expression levels of calmodulin, myosin light-chain kinase, and myosin light chain. The use of QR in combination with BBR has an adverse effect-reducing efficacy. The study provides new ideas and possibilities for the treatment of constipation induced by BBR.

The OfMYB1R114-OfSDIR1-like-OfCCD4 module regulates β-ionone synthesis in Osmanthus fragrans

Osmanthus fragrans have a unique aroma, its extracts and its constituents have a wide range of biological activities, making them of great industrial value. β-ionone is a crucial factor in determining the aroma quality of O. fragrans. The synthesis mechanism of β-ionone is essential for studying the aromatic compounds in O. fragrans. This study demonstrated that the OfMYB1R114-OfSDIR1-like-OfCCD4 module regulates β-ionone synthesis in O. fragrans. A MYB-related transcription factor OfMYB1R114 increased β-ionone aroma substance and elevated OfCCD4 expression level through binding to the OfCCD4 promoter and activating its expression; this demonstrated a positive loop in β-ionone synthesis. Screening for interacting proteins using a cDNA library of O. fragrans petals, the interaction pair between OfMYB1R114 and OfSDIR1-like was validated. In addition, OfSDIR1-like negatively regulated β-ionone synthesis by ubiquitinating the OfMYB1R114 protein and decreasing the ability of OfMYB1R114 to activate its downstream target gene OfCCD4. Interestingly, OfMYB1R114 could directly bind to the OfSDIR1-like promoter and repress its transcription, revealing a negative feedback loop between OfMYB1R114 and OfSDIR1-like. Hence, this suggests that OfSDIR1-like is a new novel regulator that functions in β-ionone synthesis via the OfMYB1R114-mediated aroma pathway. The mechanistic framework revealed by the studies is that the OfMYB1R114-mediated module OfMYB1R114-OfSDIR1-like-OfCCD4 regulates β-ionone synthesis. It sheds light on the molecular mechanisms at the basis of aroma synthesis in O. fragrans and provides theoretical basis and technical guidance for the comprehensive utilisation and industrial development of O. fragrans aroma substance.

Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity evaluation of a heat-not-burn product

‘Heat-not-burn’ products (HnBP) contain lower levels of harmful substances than traditional cigarettes, but the use of these products warrants further toxicological evaluation. We have compared the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of a heat-not burn product with conventional cigarettes, in vivo and in vitro. Male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to mainstream smoke from conventional cigarettes or a HnBP, for 4 or 28 days, followed by isolation of bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE) and histological examination of the testes. Chinese hamster lung fibroblast cells were exposed in vitro to total particulate matter from cigarette smoke obtained through Cambridge filters. The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of total particulate matter were assessed by the neutral red uptake assay, chromosome aberration assay, in vitro micronucleus test, comet assay, and Ames assay. In the short-term exposure rat models, only the conventional-cigarettes group showed a significant increase in the ratio of micronuclei to total PCE. There was no significant difference in rat testis histology in the long-term exposure models. In vitro, in the neutral red uptake assay, the HnBP product showed lower cytotoxicity than conventional cigarettes. Conventional cigarettes showed greater genotoxicity in the chromosome aberration assay, high-dose Ames tests with exogenous metabolic activation, and micronucleus tests. In summary, our results suggest that HnBP have lower cytotoxicity and genotoxicity than conventional cigarettes.

АНТИОКСИДАНТНІ ВЛАСТИВОСТІ ЕКСТРАКТІВ КАВОВИХ ЗЕРЕН

The antioxidant properties (AP) of 5 % aqueous extracts of roasted coffee and its spent grounds were investigated. The antioxidant activity (AA) of these extracts acting on rat liver hepatocytes in vitro was determined using two markers of oxidative stress (OS): the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and carbonyl groups in proteins. It was demonstrated that all examined extracts exhibited AA, characterized by a reduction in non-enzymatic OS markers. The formation of products of free radical damage to lipids and proteins was inhibited by both 5 % aqueous extracts of roasted coffee and 5 % aqueous extracts of used coffee grounds, which holds promise for the development of antioxidant agents based on them.

Novel garden cress-fish gelatin based ointment: Improvement of skin wound healing in rats through modulation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant states

This study aimed to investigate the ability of aqueous extract of Lepidium sativum seeds (LSE) to improve the wound healing process in rat models. The gelatin, extracted from the skin of smooth-hound shark using citric acid, was used as a support material for ointment. Animals were divided into four groups of six rats each: an untreated control group, a control group treated with Moist Exposed Burn Ointment (MEBO), a treated group with gelatin gel, and a treated group with gelatin gel fortified with 20 mg/mL LSE. Phenolics profile analysis showed that the major compounds in LSE were catechin (125 μg/g) and quinic acid (105 μg/g). In vitro antioxidant tests showed that LSE has interesting activities to scavenge ABTS•+ radicals (IC50 = 0.22 mg/mL) and inhibit the oxidation of linoleic acid. A significant decline in the antioxidant enzymes activities and an increase in the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and inflammatory markers was observed within the injured tissues of the untreated rats compared to rats treated with MEBO. Interestingly, when the wounded tissue was treated with gelatin gel a remarkable reversal of this trend occurred. Further, by enrichment of gelatin gel with LSE, the levels of CAT, GPx and SOD activities significantly increased by 35, 126, and 212 %, respectively, whereas the TBARS level was reduced by 31 %. These results were consistent with the wound contraction percentage and histological analysis, which suggest the potential effect of LSE-enriched gelatin gels to regenerate damaged tissues.

High-intensity interval training mitigates the progression of periodontitis and improves behavioural aspects in rats.

To investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on periodontitis (PD) progression and behavioural outcomes. Forty-eight Wistar rats were divided into four groups: non-trained (NT); non-trained with PD; HIIT with PD; and HIIT. The HIIT protocol, involving daily treadmill sessions, spanned 8 weeks, with PD induced by ligature after the 6th week. Behavioural tests were conducted to assess anxiety and memory. Post euthanasia, we evaluated the systemic inflammatory profile and oxidative stress markers in the hippocampus and amygdala. A morphological evaluation and elemental composition analysis of the mandibular alveolar bone were performed. PD exacerbated alveolar bone level, bone surface damage and alterations in calcium and phosphorus percentages on the bone surface (p < .05), while HIIT attenuated these changes (p < .05). HIIT improved systemic inflammatory markers altered by PD (tumour necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-10, TNF-α/IL-10 and IL-1β/IL-10 ratios, p < .05). PD animals exhibited lower total antioxidant capacity and levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the amygdala and hippocampus, respectively (p < .05). HIIT maintained these parameters at levels similar to those in NT animals. HIIT improved anxiety and memory outcomes altered by PD (p < .05). HIIT attenuates systemic inflammation, anxiety and memory outcomes promoted by PD.

#1833 Analysis of clinical and laboratory manifestations in different classes of lupus nephritis—a Serbian single center experience

Abstract Background and Aims Lupus nephritis represents one of the most serious manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus. The gold standard for determining the class of lupus nephritis is percutaneous kidney biopsy and the histopathological analysis of the biopsy specimen. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical and laboratory characteristics of different histopathological classes of lupus nephritis (LN) at the time of the systemic lupus diagnosis and onset of symptoms. Method This retrospective cross-sectional study included a total of 54 subjects who were hospitalized at the Clinic for Nephrology and Clinical Immunology of the University Clinical Center of Vojvodina from 2017 to 2022 and underwent percutaneous kidney biopsy. Available clinical and laboratory data, as well as the histopathological findings of kidney biopsies, were analyzed. Based on the histopathological classification, patients were divided into four groups (Class II, III, IV, and V), and the clinical and laboratory characteristics were analyzed for all subjects. Due to a low number of patients, no analysis of Class I and Class VI was made. Results The most prevalent class among the subjects was Class IV, in which the lowest values of the C3 complement component were recorded. Subjects in this LN class had higher blood pressure values, a higher frequency of clinical manifestations such as arthralgia, and joint swelling. Class IV LN was also associated with elevated anti-dsDNA antibody values with a significant statistical significance (p = 0.004), lower red blood cell parameters, and higher levels of nitrogenous substances compared to other classes. The lowest values of total serum proteins and albumins, as well as the highest values of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, were observed in the group of subjects with Class V LN; C-reactive protein had the highest average values in Class III and IV, which showed a statistical significance (p = 0.007). The lowest values of total serum calcium and iron were in Class III, and 24-hour proteinuria was most pronounced in Class V (p = 0.001), whereas microscopic hematuria was most present in Class II LN (p = 0.03). Conclusion Patients with lupus nephritis exhibit different clinical and laboratory manifestations based on histopathological classification and the time of diagnosis. The results of this study suggest their potential use in diagnosis, assessment of histopathological classification, and the development of a targeted and personalized therapeutic approach. These parameters will be used to develop machine learning models which might help in further evaluation and treatment.

Multi-dimensional evaluation of pain response in low day-age calves to two types of dehorning.

Dehorning calves is necessary to minimize injury because intensive raising circumstances make horned cows more aggressive. However, acute pain is commonly perceived by farm animals when undergoing painful practices such as dehorning, affecting their health status and quality of life. By quantifying the magnitude of pain and discomfort associated with dehorning, we aim to contribute to a more humane and sustainable cattle farming industry. The objective of this study was to evaluate the behavioral, physiological, and emotional effects of acute dehorning pain in calves using two methods: dehorning cream and dehorning hot-iron.30 Holstein calves aged 4 days were selected for the study. These calves were randomly assigned to two experimental groups based on the method of disbudding: dehorning cream (n = 15) and hot-iron dehorning (n = 15). Before and after dehorning, we evaluated their physiological indicators of infrared eye temperature, concentrations of substance P, IL-6, cortisol, haptoglobin, as well as emotional state, and pain-related behavioral reactions. Post-dehorning, the duration of lying down decreased significantly in both groups (DI and DC: 0-4 h) after dehorning (p < 0.05). Both groups exhibited increased frequencies of pain-related behaviors such as head shaking (DI: 1-7 h, DC: 1-6 h), ear flicking (DI: 2-7 h, DC: 2-7 h), head scratching (DI: 2-3 h, DC: 1-7 h), and top scuffing (DI: 2 h, DC: 2-7 h) compared to pre-dehorning (p < 0.05). The DC group demonstrated a higher frequency of head-shaking, ear-flicking, head-scratching, and top-rubbing behaviors, along with a longer duration of lying down (0-4 h), compared to the DI group (p < 0.05). Post-dehorning, play behavior reduced significantly in both groups (6-8 h) (p < 0.05), whereas judgment bias and fear levels showed no significant change (p > 0.05). Physiological measures including eye temperature, and blood levels of substance P and IL-6, did not differ significantly between the groups before and after dehorning (p > 0.05). However, 48 h after dehorning, calves in the DC group had significantly higher haptoglobin levels compared to the DI group (p = 0.015). Additionally, salivary cortisol levels in the DC group increased significantly at 3.5 h and 7 h post-dehorning (p = 0.018, p = 0.043). Both hot-iron and cream dehorning induced pain in calves, as evidenced by increased pain-related behaviors, elevated salivary cortisol, and higher haptoglobin levels, alongside reduced positive behaviors. Notably, these effects were more pronounced in the DC group than in the DI group, suggesting that dehorning hot-iron may be a comparatively less stressful dehorning method for young calves. Moreover, the brief duration of pain response and weaker response to dehorning observed in 13-day-age calves in this study suggests that dehorning at younger ages may be more advisable and warrants further research.

The Effect of Various Extraction Methods and Solvents on the Phytochemical Contents and Antioxidant Capacities of Safflower Florets (Carthamus Tinctorius L.) from South Sulawesi

Safflower is a traditional medicine commonly applied for the treatment of varicella in South Sulawesi. The aim of this study is to study the effect of extraction methods and solvents on phytochemical content and antioxidant capacity in the extraction of safflower. The study began with sample extraction with various solvents, i.e., water, ethanol 70, methanol, ethyl acetate and hexane and various methods, i.e., reflux, Soxhlet, hot maceration, cold maceration and room temperature maceration. Each extract was standardized for its phytochemical content, i.e., phenolics, flavonoids and carotenoids and the antioxidant capacities were also determined by the radical scavenging 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, total antioxidant capacity, cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity and Ferric reducing antioxidant power. The results indicated that the optimum total phenolic content was obtained when the florets were refluxed with methanol, flavonoids were refluxed with 70 % ethanol and carotenoids were Soxhleted with methanol. The research data also showed that 70 % ethanol and methanol have maximal antioxidant capacity. The results conclude that 70 % ethanol and methanol as solvents have the potential to extract the highest levels of phytochemical content and antioxidant substances. HIGHLIGHTS The phytochemical content and antioxidant capacity of safflower floret extract are influenced by the selection of solvent and extraction method. Polar solvents (70 % ethanol or methanol) can efficiently extract higher levels of phytochemical components and antioxidant substances from safflower florets. The hot extraction approach exhibits a higher potential for extracting phytochemical content compared to the cold extraction method, but its antioxidant capacity exhibits the opposite. The application of cold maceration, combined with methanol or 70 % ethanol as solvents, has been identified as a promising method for the extraction of phytochemical compounds and antioxidant substances. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Validating Well-Functioning Hepatic Organoids for Toxicity Evaluation.

"Organoids", three-dimensional self-organized organ-like miniature tissues, are proposed as intermediary models that bridge the gap between animal and human studies in drug development. Despite recent advancements in organoid model development, studies on toxicity using these models are limited. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to analyze the functionality and gene expression of pre- and post-differentiated human hepatic organoids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells and utilize them for toxicity assessment. First, we confirmed the functional similarity of this hepatic organoid model to the human liver through various functional assessments, such as glycogen storage, albumin and bile acid secretion, and cytochrome P450 (CYP) activity. Subsequently, utilizing these functionally validated hepatic organoids, we conducted toxicity evaluations with three hepatotoxic substances (ketoconazole, troglitazone, and tolcapone), which are well known for causing drug-induced liver injury, and three non-hepatotoxic substances (sucrose, ascorbic acid, and biotin). The organoids effectively distinguished between the toxicity levels of substances with and without hepatic toxicity. We demonstrated the potential of hepatic organoids with validated functionalities and genetic characteristics as promising models for toxicity evaluation by analyzing toxicological changes occurring in hepatoxic drug-treated organoids.

Benefits of fungal-to-bacterial quorum quenching as anti-biofouling strategy in membrane bioreactors for wastewater treatment and water reuse

This study addresses membrane biofouling in membrane bioreactors (MBRs) by exploring fungal-to-bacterial quorum quenching (QQ) strategies. While most research has been focused on bacterial-to-bacterial QQ tactics, this study identified fungal strain Vanrija sp. MS1, which is capable of degrading N-acyl-homoserine lactones (signaling molecules of Gram-negative bacteria). To determine the benefits of fungal over bacterial strains, after immobilization on fluidizing spherical beads in an MBR, MS1 significantly reduced the fouling rate by 1.8-fold compared to control MBR, decreased extracellular polymeric substance levels in the biofilm during MBR operation, and favorably changed microbial community and bacterial network, resulting in biofouling mitigation. It is noteworthy that, unlike Rhodococcus sp. BH4, MS1 enhanced QQ activity when switching from neutral to acidic conditions. These results suggest that MS1 has the potential for the effective treatment of acidic industrial wastewater sources such as semiconductor and secondary battery wastewater using MBRs.

Rapid and Sensitive Detection by Combining Electric Field Effects and Surface Plasmon Resonance: A Theoretical Study.

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) has been extensively employed in biological sensing, environmental detection, as well as chemical industry. Nevertheless, the performance possessed by conventional surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors can be further limited by the transport of analyte molecules to the sensing surface, noteworthily when small molecules or low levels of substances are being detected. In this study, a rapid and highly sensitive SPR biosensor is introduced to enhance the ability of the target analytes' collection by integrating AC electroosmosis (ACEO) and dielectrophoresis (DEP). Both the above-mentioned phenomena principally arise from the generation of the AC electric fields. This generation can be tailored by shaping the interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) that also serve as the SPR biomarker sensing area. The effects exerted by different parameters (e.g., the frequency and voltage of the AC electric field as well as microelectrode structures) are considered in the iSPR (interdigitated SPR) biosensor operation, and the iSPR biosensors are optimized with the sensitivity. The results of this study confirm that the iSPR can efficiently concentrate small molecules into the SPR sensing area, such that SPR reactions achieve an order of magnitude increase, and the detection time is shortened. The rapid and sensitive sensor takes on critical significance in the development of on-site diagnostics in a wide variety of human and animal health applications.

PROBLEMS OF RATIONING THE CONTENT OF CHEMICAL ELEMENTS AND COMPOUNDS IN SOILS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT PRACTICE

Ratuioning of the content of hazardous substances in soil as an object of environmental protection in the Russian Federation is provided by a set of normative acts establishing the principles of assessment, approaches to the use of soils of varying degrees of anthropogenic transformation, the level of their pollution, at which the responsibility of the land user for violation of legislation on soil protection occurs. The analysis of normative acts shows that the most stringent pollution regulation system has been established in Russia, which is based on determining the compliance of the content of chemical elements and compounds in soils with sanitary and hygienic standards in the territories of settlements and agricultural lands. On other lands, as a standard, the excess of which leads to the onset of economic responsibility for pollution, the value of the concentration of the pollutant in the adjacent territory of a similar purpose and type of use, which is not adversely affected by a specific type of violation, is applied. At the same time, chemical elements and compounds are considered as pollutants, regardless of their origin, degree of danger and biological significance. The application of this approach within the framework of law enforcement practice creates significant problems in establishing the fact of negative impact, calculating the amount of damage from pollution, and developing measures for soil remediation. Thus, the current regulations consider as pollutants substances of natural origin, including those that ensure soil fertility and are applied with mineral and organic fertilizers. The use of the background level of substances as the maximum permissible value does not take into account the natural variability of elements and compounds in soils, as well as the errors of their chemical analysis. The excessive rigidity of the applicable standards is the reason for the increased costs of soil remediation measures. The way out of this situation is to revise the rationing system, taking into account the biological significance of elements and compounds, and the need to introduce a multi-level system of soil quality indicators. There is a need to improve the conceptual framework as part of regulatory documents on soil protection.

Сравнительный биохимический состав плодов земляники садовой сорта Азия при естественном и искусственном освещении

The purpose of the study is to establish the effect of artificial ultraviolet lighting on the content of biolo-gically active substances in strawberry fruits using the example of the Asia variety, which is widely used in production. The study was conducted in 2019–2021 in the Lipetsk Region. Transplantation of strawberries under conditions of a growing season was carried out by already rooted adult bushes with a clod of earth. The water-air regime of the soil under artificial lighting conditions was similar to open ground. Under artificial lighting, garden strawberry plants of the Asia variety bloomed 10 days later, had a smaller fruit weight, and had a lower content of organic acids and dry soluble substances than under the sun. Plants accumulated the same amount of water-soluble pectin substances regardless of the nature of the lighting. The content of yellow coloring substances from the vitamin P group – flavonols, as well as binders from the same group – catechins in strawberry fruits did not depend on the nature of the lighting. Strawberry plants under ultraviolet light accumulated the same amount of ascorbic acid as under sunlight. Compared to sunlight under artificial ultraviolet, strawberry fruits contained the least amount of pigments, including carotenoids and β-carotene. A significantly higher level of pectin substances, anthocyanins, tannins and coloring substances, including tannin, in strawberries under sunlight was established in comparison with artificial ultraviolet. Regardless of the nature of lighting, strawberry plants had the same water content and pH of the fruits and accumulated the same amount of ascorbic acid, flavonols, catechins and water-soluble pectin substances.

Specific Salivary Neuropeptides Shift Synchronously during Acute Stress in Fire Recruits.

Once thought of as an immune-privileged site, we now know that the nervous system communicates in a bidirectional manner with the immune system via the neuroimmune axis. Neuropeptides constitute a component of this axis, playing critical roles in the brain and periphery. The function of salivary neuropeptides in the acute stress response is not well understood. The purpose of this study is to investigate salivary neuropeptide levels during acute stress. Salivary samples were collected from fire recruits engaged in a stress training exercise previously shown to induce acute stress, at three separate timepoints during the exercise and levels of oxytocin, neurotensin, Substance P, α-MSH, and β-Endorphin were measured using the Human Neuropeptide 5-Plex Custom Assay Eve Technologies. All neuropeptides increased throughout the acute stress simulation and during the recovery phase. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) identified one factor contributing to baseline values across five neuropeptides and Pairwise Pearson Correlation Coefficient analysis showed positive correlations >0.9 for almost all neuropeptide combinations at the pre-stress timepoint. Further analysis identified negative and positive correlations between past-life trauma and self-assessed hardiness, respectively. Calculated neuropeptide scores showed an overall positive correlation to self-assessed hardiness. Altogether, our results suggest that salivary neuropeptides increase synchronously during acute stress and higher levels correlate with an increase in self-assessed hardiness. Further study is required to determine if interventions designed to enhance neuropeptide activity can increase stress resilience, especially in high-stress occupations such as firefighting.

STRATEGI PEMBERDAYAAN EKONOMI MELALUI INOVASI TEKNOLOGI AIR BERSIH: STUDI KASUS PENERAPAN REVERSE OSMOSIS DAN PERINTISAN BISNIS

The helplessness of coastal communities in processing salt and brackish water into drinking water is a great irony of modern society, in the midst of technological advances and the industrial era 4.0. The problem in the coastal areas of Sungai Kakap subdistrict, Kubu Raya district, is the lack of availability of clean water and the absence of clean water infrastructure. Peat groundwater in coastal deltas cannot support the use of groundwater sources due to high levels of acid and organic substances. This can trigger problems of poor community sanitation and cause the community's inability to optimize the potential of villages that have abundant natural resources. This activity aims to empower and increase community participation in designing and processing brackish/salt water into drinking water using Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology to meet the need for hygienic ready-to-drink water. Small scale water treatment system design using ultrafiltration (UF) and reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. The raw water used comes from river surface water in coastal areas. The small-scale water treatment design consists of two FRP tubes containing filter media, three filter cartridges, and UF and RO membranes. Two thrust pumps, with a minimum pressure specification of 40 m, are used to provide pressure that exceeds osmosis pressure so that raw water can be filtered through the RO membrane. The results of the activity show that the implementation of the RO system has succeeded in increasing the availability of clean water in Sungai Itik Village, which previously experienced challenges in providing adequate water supply. In addition, the integration of local business startups with RO technology opens up new opportunities for local residents to participate in the local economy and increase family income. Key factors supporting the success of this economic empowerment strategy were identified, including active community involvement in planning and implementation, collaboration between local government and local stakeholders, and adoption of new technologies and skills by local communities. This activity provides an important contribution in understanding the role of clean water technology innovation as a catalyst for local economic transformation in coastal areas. The practical implications of these findings can help decision makers in designing sustainable and effective policies to improve the welfare of coastal communities through sustainable economic empowerment. The use of this technology can help increase the availability of clean water in areas that previously experienced difficulties in this regard.

A cyclic nucleotide-gated channel gene HcCNGC21 positively regulates salt and drought stress responses in kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.)

Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels (CNGCs) serve as Ca2+ permeable cation transport pathways, which are involved in the regulation of various biological functions such as plant cell ion selective permeability, growth and development, responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. At the present study, a total of 31 CNGC genes were identified and bioinformatically analyzed in kenaf. Among these genes, HcCNGC21 characterized to localize at the plasma membrane, with the highest expression levels in leaves, followed by roots. In addition, HcCNGC21 could be significantly induced under salt or drought stress. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of HcCNGC21 in kenaf caused notable growth inhibition under salt or drought stress, characterized by reductions in plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, root length, root surface area, and root tip number. Meanwhile, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) were significantly decreased, accompanied by reduced levels of osmoregulatory substances and total chlorophyll content. However, ROS accumulation and Na+ content increased. The expression of stress-responsive genes, such as HcSOD, HcPOD, HcCAT, HcERF3, HcNAC29, HcP5CS, HcLTP, and HcNCED, was significantly downregulated in these silenced lines. However, under salt or drought stress, the physiological performance and expression of stress-related genes in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants overexpressing HcCNGC21 were diametrically opposite to those of TRV2-HcCNGC21 kenaf line. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays revealed that HcCNGC21 interacts with HcAnnexin D1. These findings collectively underscore the positive role of HcCNGC21 in plant resistance to salt and drought stress.

Impact of Hill Fires on Dissolved Organic Matter in Watersheds of Karst Areas Based on Three-Dimensional Fluorescence-Parallel Factor Analysis

Hill fires have the potential to influence dissolved organic matter (DOM) in water bodies, yet fewer studies have investigated the effects of hill fires on DOM within watersheds in karst areas. In this study, we employed the three-dimensional fluorescence-parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC) method to analyze the DOM fluorescence peaks, component compositions, fluorescence indices, and sources within the water body of the Yuanteng River sub-basin, which was impacted by the hill fire, serving as our primary research focus. The results indicate the presence of three primary fluorescent fractions in the water body of the Yuanteng River: C1, resembling humic acid (fulvic acid); C2, consisting of biopolymers and microbial by-products; and C3, containing proteins such as tyrosine and tryptophan. The Yuanteng River exhibited elevated levels of humus-like substances, diminished concentrations of protein-like substances, and demonstrated higher biogenic, freshness, and humification indices compared to unaffected water samples, reflecting the impact of the hill fire. Elevated levels of exogenous humic acid-like inputs into the waters of the Yuanteng River, along with exogenous inputs of DOM, were primarily influenced by stable, high-molecular-weight organic matter. Additionally, agricultural effluent, domestic sewage, and anthropogenic activities contributed to these inputs to a lesser degree. The impacts of endogenous inputs are mainly related to the restoration of ecosystems. The occurrence of hill fires has significantly influenced the composition of dissolved organic matter in the waters of the Yuanteng River. A comprehensive analysis of the impacts of hill fires on dissolved organic matter in water bodies can serve as a valuable reference for characterizing DOM in the water bodies of the Yuanteng River. Furthermore, it can inform strategies for environmental protection, facilitate the traceability of pollutants in water bodies, and contribute to environmental and ecological restoration efforts following hill fires in the region.

Betaine Protects Mice from Cardiotoxicity Triggered by Sodium Arsenite Through Antioxidative and Anti-inflammatory Pathways.

NaAsO2 is known as a harmful pollutant all over the world, and many chronic heart diseases can be attributed to its prolonged exposure in NaAsO2-contaminated water. Therefore, considering the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of betaine (BET), in this study, our team investigated the cardioprotective effects of this phytochemical agent on sodium arsenite (NaAsO2)-induced cardiotoxicity. Forty male mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: (I) Control; (II) BET (500mg/kg); (III) NaAsO2 (50ppm); and (IV) NaAsO2 + BET. NaAsO2 was given to the animals for 8weeks, but BET was given in the last two weeks. After decapitation, inflammatory factors and biochemical parameters were measured, and Western blot analyses were performed. BET decrease the activity level of alanine aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase MB, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level, inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α) content, and nuclear factor kappa B expression. Furthermore, BET increased cardiac total thiol and activity levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase and nuclear factor erythroid-2 expression. Hence, the administration of BET ameliorated the deleterious effects stemming from the imbalance of oxidative and antioxidant pathways and histopathological alterations observed in NaAsO2-intoxicated mice, thereby attenuating oxidative stress-induced damage and inflammation.

Effect of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus L08 fermentation on xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity and flavour profile of honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica thunb.)

Xanthine oxidase (XOD) catalyses the oxidation of hypoxanthine and xanthine to uric acid, and inhibition of its activity has become the main strategy to reduce uric acid production. Honeysuckle (HON) which is rich in polyphenols potentially has the capacity to inhibit XOD activity. However, it carries the bitter and astringent flavor as well as many traditional Chinese medicines, along with that most of the polyphenols in HON exist in bound form, the exploitation and application of HON in food is limited. In this study, we investigated the effects of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus L08 fermentation on the bioactive components, XOD inhibitory activity and flavour characteristics of HON. The results showed that the XOD inhibitory activity was increased by 2.08 times after 96 h of fermentation. It was demonstrated that the increase in the total flavonoid content and total phenol content was the main reason for the enhancement of the fermentation solution's XOD inhibitory activity and antioxidant activity. Moreover, the fermentation also enriched the composition of volatile components of HON and reduced levels of undesirable flavour substances, which made the usage of fermented HON as functional food or in pharmaceutical use feasible and applicable.