Physiological Mechanisms Research Articles

Darbepoetin alpha has an anxiolytic and anti-neuroinflammatory effect in male rats

AimsWe aimed to investigate the anxiolytic effect of darbepoetin alpha (DEPO), an erythropoietin derivative, in a neuroinflammation model regarding different behaviors and biological pathways.MethodsForty adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups (control, LPS, DEPO, and DEPO + LPS). The rats were treated with 5 µg /kg DEPO once a week for four weeks, after which neuroinflammation was induced with 2 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The elevated plus maze, open-field, and light‒dark box tests were conducted to assess anxiety levels. Harderian gland secretions were scored via observation. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β), brain-derived growth factor (BDNF), serotonin, cortisol, total antioxidant/oxidant (TAS/TOS), and total/free thiol levels were measured in the prefrontal cortex, striatum, and serum.ResultsDEPO had a potent anxiolytic effect on both DEPO and DEPO + LPS groups. Compared to the control group, DEPO administration caused an increase in serotonin and BDNF levels and decreased basal cortisol and TNF-α levels in naive rats. IL-1β did not alter after DEPO administration in naive rats. Prophylactic DEPO treatment remarkably downregulated cortisol, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the DEPO + LPS group. In addition, prophylactic DEPO administration significantly attenuated the decrease in serotonin and BDNF levels in the DEPO + LPS group. Furthermore, DEPO ameliorated excessive harderian gland secretion in the DEPO + LPS group. Compared with those in the control group, the free thiol content in the serum increased after DEPO administration. No similar effect was seen in the DEPO + LPS group receiving prophylactic DEPO. TAS showed no difference among all experimental groups. DEPO administration increased TOS and OSI in the serum and prefrontal cortex but not in the striatum. This effect was not seen in the DEPO + LPS group.ConclusionDarbepoetin alpha had an anxiolytic effect on many physiological mechanisms in a neuroinflammation model and naive rats.

Scientific landscape of oxidative stress in sarcopenia: from bibliometric analysis to hotspots review

ObjectiveSarcopenia is a significant healthcare challenge in the aging population. Oxidative stress (OS) is acknowledged to play a pivotal role in the pathological progression of sarcopenia. Numerous studies have demonstrated that mitigating or eliminating OS can ameliorate the pathological manifestations associated with sarcopenia. However, current clinical antioxidant therapies often fall short of anticipated outcomes. This bibliometric analysis aims to delineate prevailing research trends, thematic emphases, focal points, and developmental trajectories within the domain of OS in sarcopenia, while also endeavoring to explore prospective anti-oxidative stress strategies for future clinical interventions.MethodsRelevant publications were retrieved from the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection database for the period 2000-2024. Citespace was employed for retrieving and analyzing trends and emerging topics.ResultsIn the field of OS in sarcopenia, the number of publications has significantly increased from 2000 to 2024. The United States and China are the primary contributors to global publication output. The most productive research institution is INRAE. The most prolific author is Holly Van Remmen from the United States, while the most frequently cited author is Cruz-Jentoft AJ from Spain. Experimental Gerontology is the journal with the highest volume of published articles, whereas the Journal of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences holds the record for the highest number of citations. The research keywords in this field can be categorized into eight domains: “Physiology and anatomy”, “Physiological mechanisms”, “Pathology associations”, “Experimental studies”, “Nutrition and metabolism”, “Sports and physical activities”, “Age” and “Oxidation and antioxidation”. Moreover, recent years have seen the emergence of “TNF-α,” “insulin resistance”, “mitochondrial autophagy”, “signal pathways”, and “mechanisms” as focal points in the realm of OS in sarcopenia, encompassing related fundamental research and clinical translation.ConclusionThis bibliometric and visualization provides a comprehensive analysis of the global research landscape in the field of OS in sarcopenia, identifies priorities, summarizes the current research status and suggests possible future research priorities. In addition, in order to benefit more sarcopenia patients, strengthening cooperation and communication between institutions and research teams is the key to the future development of this field. Given the expectation that research on OS in sarcopenia will remain a prominent area of interest in the future, this article could serve as a valuable resource for scholars seeking to shape future studies through an understanding of influential scholarly contributions and key research findings.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk, identifier CRD42024528628.

Mechanisms and control measures of low temperature storage-induced chilling injury to solanaceous vegetables and fruits

Low temperature storage is widely used for storage and transportation of fruits and vegetables after harvest. As a cold-sensitive fruit vegetable, post-harvest solanaceous vegetables and fruits are susceptible to chilling injury during low temperature storage, which reduces its sensory quality and edible quality and shortens its storage period, thus leading to huge economic losses. Therefore, it is an essential to clarify the occurrence mechanism of chilling injury caused by low temperature storage in solanaceous vegetables and fruits, and to propose corresponding prevention and control measures for chilling injury. In recent years, a series of progress has been made in the research on chilling injury prevention and control and low temperature stress tolerance of solanaceous vegetables and fruits. This paper describes the chilling injury symptoms of postharvest solanaceous vegetables and fruits, clarifies the physiological and biochemical mechanisms in the chilling injury process, the molecular mechanisms, and prevention and control measures, and summarizes the latest research advancements on chilling injury and chilling tolerance regulation of solanaceous vegetables and fruits, which can provide valuable references for low temperature storage and chilling injury prevention and control measures of solanaceous vegetables and fruits.

Shared genetic architecture links energy metabolism, behavior and starvation resistance along a power-endurance axis

Abstract Shared developmental, physiological, and molecular mechanisms can generate strong genetic covariances across suites of traits, constraining genetic variability, and evolvability to certain axes in multivariate trait space (“variational modules” or “syndromes”). Such trait suites will not only respond jointly to selection; they will also covary across populations that diverged from one another by genetic drift. We report evidence for such a genetically correlated trait suite that links traits related to energy metabolism along a “power-endurance” axis in Drosophila melanogaster. The “power” pole of the axis is characterized by high potential for energy generation and expenditure—high expression of glycolysis and TCA cycle genes, high abundance of mitochondria, and high spontaneous locomotor activity. The opposite “endurance” pole is characterized by high triglyceride (fat) reserves, locomotor endurance, and starvation resistance (and low values of traits associated with the “power” pole). This trait suite also aligns with the first principal component of metabolome; the “power” direction is characterized by low levels of trehalose (blood sugar) and high levels of some amino acids and their derivatives, including creatine, a compound known to facilitate energy production in muscles. Our evidence comes from six replicate “Selected” populations adapted to a nutrient-poor larval diet regime during 250 generations of experimental evolution and six “Control” populations evolved in parallel on a standard diet regime. We found that, within each of these experimental evolutionary regimes, the above traits strongly covaried along this “power-endurance” axis across replicate populations which diversified by drift, indicating a shared genetic architecture. The two evolutionary regimes also drove divergence along this axis, with Selected populations on average displaced towards the “power” direction compared to Controls. Aspects of this “power-endurance” axis resemble the “pace of life” syndrome and the “thrifty phenotype”; it may have evolved as part of a coordinated organismal response to nutritional conditions.

Variability and repeatability of spinal manipulation force–time characteristics in thoracic spinal manipulation on a manikin

Abstract Background As part of multimodal therapy, spinal manipulation (SM) is a recommended and effective treatment for musculoskeletal pain. However, the underlying physiological mechanisms for pain relief are largely unknown. SM thrusts can be described and quantified using force–time characteristics (e.g. preload force, peak force, thrust speed, thrust duration, and thrust impulse). If these biomechanical parameters of SM are important for clinical outcomes, a large variability in the delivery of SM could lead to inconsistent responses and could thereby potentially mask a significant clinical effect. Our goal was to determine variability, and repeatability of thoracic spinal manipulation (SM) force–time profiles in a sample of Swiss chiropractors. Methods All interventions were performed on a human analogue manikin. Participating chiropractors received three case scenarios with the following scenarios: 50-year-old male patient, 30-year-old male athlete, and a 70-year-old female patient, each presenting with uncomplicated musculoskeletal thoracic pain. Clinicians were asked to perform three consecutive thoracic SM thrusts for each of the scenarios and repeated the same interventions after 24–48 h. Results Eighty-one chiropractors participated in the study, including 32 females (39.5%) with a mean age of 45.22 ± 12.96 years. The variability in SM force–time characteristics between clinicians was substantial, with preload forces ranging from 4.50 to 450.25 N and peak forces ranging from 146.08 to 1285.17 N. Significant differences between case scenarios were observed for peak force (p < 0.0001), maximum thrust speed (p = 0.0002), and thrust impulse (p = 0.0004). Except for thrust duration, repeatability within and between sessions was fair to excellent (ICCs between 0.578 and 0.957). Conclusion Substantial variability in application of SM was evident across clinicians and between case scenarios. Despite substantial clinician-dependent variability, the high repeatability of thoracic SM thrusts suggests a level of standardization in SM delivery, indicating that chiropractors might have ‘their’ individual force–time profile that they are capable to reproduce. Further research based on these findings should explore how to enhance the consistency, effectiveness, and safety of thoracic SM delivered clinically to humans.

Investigating the Effects of Gossypetin on Cardiovascular Function in Diet-Induced Pre-Diabetic Male Sprague Dawley Rats

Gossypetin (GTIN) is a naturally occurring flavonoid recognised for its pharmacological properties. This study examined the effects of GTIN on cardiovascular function in a diet-induced pre-diabetic rat model, which has not been previously studied. Pre-diabetes was induced using a high-fat high-carbohydrate (HFHC) diet supplemented with 15% fructose water for 20 weeks. Thereafter, the pre-diabetic animals were sub-divided into five groups (n = 6), where they were either orally treated with GTIN (15 mg/kg) or metformin (MET) (500 mg/kg), both in the presence and absence of dietary intervention for 12 weeks. The results demonstrated that the pre-diabetic (PD) control group exhibited significantly higher plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and very low-density lipoprotein levels, along with decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in comparison to the non-pre-diabetic (NPD) group. This was accompanied by significantly higher mean arterial pressure (MAP), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and plasma endothelial nitric oxide (eNOS) levels in PD control. Additionally, there were increased heart malondialdehyde levels, reduced heart superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity as well as increased plasma interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor alpha and c-reactive protein levels present in the PD control group. Notably, both GTIN-treated groups showed significantly reduced plasma lipid levels and increased HDL, as well as decreases in MAP, BMI, WC and eNOS levels in comparison to PD control. Additionally, GTIN significantly decreased heart lipid peroxidation, enhanced antioxidant activity and decreased plasma inflammation markers. These findings may suggest that GTIN administration in both the presence and absence of dietary intervention may offer therapeutic potential in ameliorating cardiovascular disturbances associated with the PD state. However, future studies are needed to determine the physiological mechanisms by which GTIN improves cardiovascular function in the PD state.

Annual Prize Lecture 2024: Endogenous physiological mechanisms as basis for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes

AbstractIn 1964, it was proven that postprandial insulin secretion is largely regulated by gut hormones and, in 1973, it was proposed that a gut hormone would also regulate appetite and food intake. Several gut hormones were tested for metabolic actions with disappointing results until the discovery of the proglucagon derivative, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1). This peptide from the distal intestine has preserved activity on insulin secretion in people with type 2 diabetes and turned out to regulate both secretion and motility in the gastrointestinal tract and importantly, appetite and food intake, thus functioning as an efficient ‘ileal brake’ hormone. However, the natural hormone acts predominantly via sensory afferent systems and is extremely rapidly removed from the circulation by enzymatic degradation and renal elimination, and increasing the doses merely results in nausea and vomiting. Lipidation of analogs turned out to provide both stability and limit renal elimination, and very slow up‐titration of dosing improves tolerance. Indeed, the most recent agonists may near‐normalize glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes, may cause weight losses of up to 25% of body weight, and significantly reduce cardiovascular risk, effects that resemble those of bariatric surgery. Thus, a solution to one of the most serious health problems of modern civilization, the increased morbidity and mortality of the metabolic syndrome, may be addressed by mobilization of one of the body's own regulatory mechanisms. image

Seed priming - induced drought tolerance in Castor: Unravelling the physiological and molecular mechanisms

Castor is an essential nonedible oilseed crop with significant applications in the cosmetic and chemical industries. It is cultivated primarily in rainfed regions, where drought is a common abiotic stress factor. Seed germination, the critical initial stage, is particularly affected by drought. Seed priming with radical scavenging chemicals such as salicylic acid, melatonin, hydrogen peroxide and ascorbic acid has been explored to increase germination under water deficit conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of these chemicals on the physiological and antioxidant enzyme activities of castor under drought stress. Two water regimes were applied in the study. Among the treatments, seed priming with 80 ppm salicylic acid significantly improved key parameters, including the germination % (71 %), speed of germination (4.1 %), vigour index (3141), chlorophyll content (28.3 SPAD units) and relative water content (63 %). It also increased the antioxidant enzyme activities such as CAT, POD, SOD and APX, along with the overexpression of the drought-responsive gene RCECP63 under water deficit conditions. These findings highlight that seed priming, particularly with salicylic acid, offers a promising strategy to enhance castor resilience under prolonged drought stress, providing a practical approach for improving crop performance in drought-prone regions.

Assessment of age-related features of the condition of heavy-duty truck drivers based on spectral analysis of EEG-ECG and stress tests during mass occupational examinations

The authors studied the physiological characteristics of drivers of heavy-duty coal mine vehicles based on spectral analysis of EEG-ECG and stress tests, which have prognostic value in professional activity. The study aims to assess the functional condition of heavy-duty truck drivers of different age groups based on a comprehensive spectral analysis of EEG-ECG under occupational examinations. During the survey, the authors have studied the spectral parameters of the EEG‒ECG in 300 male drivers aged 25 to 66 years. Specialists have performed EEG registration when placing electrodes in the 10–20 system. The EEG analysis was performed with a preliminary visual analysis followed by the removal of artifacts. The scientists assessed the level of representation of the main alpha rhythm and its spatial distribution. The ECG registration was in the first lead. The duration of EEG-ECG registration is about 15 minutes in a typical sequence of stress tests: baseline, rhythmic photostimulation, hyperventilation with recovery periods. The spectral analysis of the EEG‒ECG was performed automatically on a Neurotravel device (Italy). The authors found lower alpha and delta activity in the initial EEG spectra in older drivers aged 45–66 years, which contributed to the cumulative effect of stress load. Light stress stimulation significantly reduced alpha and delta activity and increased beta EEG activity in both groups, while in the older group the high-frequency range significantly exceeded the low-frequency range. Simultaneously with the changes in the EEG, stress photostimulation increased the energy of the ECG spectra in all frequency ranges. The authors established the appearance of additional stress indicators during light stimulation in older drivers based on the correlation of EEG‒ECG spectra (alpha/delta) and the absence of such changes in the group of young drivers aged 25–35 years. Moreover, the EEG–ECG correlation coefficients and their critical values increased in groups in increments of 6 years — from 35 to 65 years. Elderly drivers, based on neuro-cardiodynamic indicators, were in a state of chronic stress and the resulting risks to health and professional activity, and the identified physiological mechanisms of stress may be at the heart of ways to prevent it. Limitations. The study is limited to the assessment of EEG and ECG indicators in 300 heavy truck drivers. Ethics. The study was performed using non-invasive methods and approved by the Bioethical Committee of the Research Institute of Complex Problems of Hygiene and Occupational Diseases, Protocol No. 5, § 1 dated 12/26/2018, in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration of the World Medical Association "Ethical Principles of conducting medical research with human participation as a subject" as amended in 2013 and the "Rules of Good Clinical Practice" approved by by Order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation No. 200n dated April 1, 2016. All the examined patients signed a voluntary informed consent to participate in the study.

The effects of dexmedetomidine on thiol/disulphide homeostasis in coronary artery bypass surgery: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThiol-disulfide homeostasis (TDH) plays a pivotal role in various physiological mechanisms, including antioxidant defence, detoxification, apoptosis, regulation of enzyme activities and cellular signal transduction. TDH can be used as a biomarker to detect oxidative stress (OS) levels and ischemia status in the tissues. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is a procedure associated with high oxidative stress. Dexmedetomidine, an alpha-2 agonist anaesthetic agent, has antioxidant effects. In this study, the effects of dexmedetomidine on oxidative stress in CABG surgery were investigated.MethodsPatients who underwent on-pump CABG surgery were divided into two groups: those receiving dexmedetomidine (Group D) and those not receiving dexmedetomidine (Group C). From anesthesia induction to the end of surgery, patients in Group D received intravenous infusions of 0.05–0.2 mcg/kg/min remifentanil and 0.2–0.7 mcg/kg/h dexmedetomidine. Patients in Group C received intravenous infusion of 0.05–0.2 mcg/kg/min remifentanil. Blood samples were collected from the patients 30 min before induction of anesthesia (T1), 30 min after removal of the aortic cross-clamp (T2), and at the end of the surgery (T3). Thiol-disulfide homeostasis (TDH) was assessed using a novel method. A novel automated method enables the determination of native thiols, total thiols and disulfides levels in plasma, allowing the calculation of their respective ratios.ResultsIn patients receiving dexmedetomidine, lower postoperative levels of disulfide, disulfide/native thiol, and disulfide/total thiol, along with higher native thiol/total thiol, were observed compared to the control group. (p < 0.05) Postoperative native thiol and total thiol levels were similar for both groups. (p > 0.05)ConclusionsIn our study, through dynamic thiol-disulfide measurements, we found that levels of oxidative stress (OS) were lower in patients who received dexmedetomidine. We believe that the positive effects of dexmedetomidine on OS could be beneficial in CABG surgery. Furthermore, we anticipate that with further studies conducted in larger patient cohorts, the clinical utilization of dexmedetomidine will become more widespread.Trial registration numberNCT05895331 / 06.07.2023.

Study on the Mechanism of Flavonoid Enrichment in Black Soybean Sprouts by Abscisic Acid/Melatonin Under Slight Acid Treatment

Plant hormones play a critical role in the physiological and biochemical mechanisms of plants, with functions such as regulating the metabolic pathways of secondary metabolite production and alleviating external stresses. In this study, the synthesis of flavonoids in black soybean sprouts was induced by slight acid combined with the plant hormones abscisic acid (ABA) and melatonin (MT). The results indicated that the contents of daidzin, genistin, daidzein, and genistein in black soybean sprouts treated with slight acid were increased by 10 μM ABA and 75 μM MT, and the total flavonoid content was significantly enhanced. Compared with the slight acid treatment, the H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in black soybean sprouts were increased after ABA treatment, and the black soybean sprouts were further stressed. However, the H2O2 and MDA contents in black soybean sprouts were significantly decreased after MT treatment, indicating that the stress of black soybean sprouts can be alleviated by MT. Under slight acid stress, the genes related to flavonoid synthesis in black soybean sprouts were induced by exogenous ABA, promoting the accumulation of flavonoids; under exogenous MT treatment, the activity of phenylpropanoid metabolism enzymes was significantly increased, the genes related to flavonoid synthesis were upregulated, and flavonoid synthesis was induced. These results suggest that the combination of slight acid and plant hormone treatments promotes the accumulation of flavonoid substances during the germination of black soybeans. This research lays the foundation for improving the growth conditions of black soybeans and promoting the enrichment of flavonoid substances in black soybeans.

Innovative Glucagon-Based Therapies for Obesity

Abstract Obesity poses a significant global health challenge, with an alarming rise in prevalence rates. Traditional interventions, including lifestyle modifications, often fall short of achieving sustainable weight loss, ultimately leading to surgical interventions, which carry a significant burden and side effects. This necessitates the exploration of effective and relatively tolerable pharmacological alternatives. Among emerging therapeutic avenues, glucagon-based treatments have garnered attention for their potential to modulate metabolic pathways and regulate appetite. This paper discusses current research on the physiological mechanisms underlying obesity and the role of glucagon in energy homeostasis. Glucagon, traditionally recognized for its glycemic control functions, has emerged as a promising target for obesity management due to its multifaceted effects on metabolism, appetite regulation, and energy expenditure. This review focuses on the pharmacological landscape, encompassing single and dual agonist therapies targeting glucagon receptors (GcgRs), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors (GLP-1Rs), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptors (GIPRs), amylin, triiodothyronine, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), and peptide tyrosine tyrosine. Moreover, novel triple-agonist therapies that simultaneously target GLP-1R, GIPR, and GcgR show promise in augmenting further metabolic benefits. This review paper tries to summarize key findings from preclinical and clinical studies, elucidating the mechanisms of action, safety profiles, and therapeutic potential of glucagon-based therapies in combating obesity and its comorbidities. Additionally, it explores ongoing research endeavors, including phase III trials, aimed at further validating the efficacy and safety of these innovative treatment modalities.

Stilbene production as part of drought adaptation mechanisms in cultivated grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) roots modulates antioxidant status.

Stilbenes, naturally occurring polyphenolic secondary metabolites, play a pivotal role in adaptation of various plant species to biotic and abiotic factors. Recently, increased attention has been directed toward their potential to enhance plant stress tolerance. We evaluated drought tolerance of three grapevine varieties grown with different levels of water deficit. Throughout, we studied physiological mechanisms associated with drought stress tolerance, particularly stilbene accumulation in root tissues, using HPLC. Additionally, we explored the possible relationship between antioxidant potential and stilbene accumulation in response to water deficit. The results underscore the detrimental impact of water deficit on grapevine growth, water status, and membrane stability index, while revealing varying tolerance among the studied genotypes. Notably, Syrah variety had superior drought tolerance, compared to Razegui and Muscat d'Italie grapes. Under severe water deficit, Syrah exhibited a substantial increase in levels of stilbenic compounds, such as t-resveratrol, t-piceatannol, t-ɛ-viniferin, and t-piceid, in root tissues compared to other genotypes. This increase was positively correlated with total antioxidant activity (TAA), emphasizing the active role of resveratrol and its derivatives in total antioxidant potential. This demonstratres the potential involvement of resveratrol and its derivatives in enhancing antioxidant status of the drought-tolerant Syrah grape variety. Our findings suggest that these stilbenes may function as valuable markers in grapevine breeding programs, offering novel insights for the sustainable cultivation of grapevines in water-limited environments.

Effects of nanoplastics on the growth, transcription, and metabolism of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and synergistic effects in the presence of iron plaque and humic acid

Nanoplastics (NPs) can adversely affect living organisms. However, the uptake of NPs by plants and the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying NP-mediated plant growth remain unclear, particularly in the presence of iron minerals and humic acid (HA). In this study, we investigated NP accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and the physiological effects of exposure to polystyrene NPs (0, 20, and 100 mg L−1) in the presence of iron plaque (IP) and HA. NPs were absorbed on the root surface and entered cells, and confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed NP uptake by the roots. NP treatments decreased root superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (28.9–44.0%) and protein contents (31.2–38.6%). IP and HA (5 and 20 mg L−1) decreased the root protein content (20.44–58.3% and 44.2–45.2%, respectively) and increased the root lignin content (22.3–27.5% and 19.2–29.6%, respectively) under NP stress. IP inhibited the NP-induced decreasing trend of SOD activity (19.2–29.5%), while HA promoted this trend (48.7–50.3%). Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis (Control, 100NPs, and IP-100NPs-20HA) showed that NPs inhibited arginine biosynthesis, and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism and activated phenylpropanoid biosynthesis related to lignin. The coexistence of IP and HA had positive effects on the amino acid metabolism and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis induced by NPs. Regulation of genes and metabolites involved in nitrogen metabolism and secondary metabolism significantly altered the levels of protein and lignin in rice roots. These findings provide a scientific basis for understanding the environmental risk of NPs under real environmental conditions.

Comparative Analysis of Two Soybean Cultivars Revealed Tolerance Mechanisms Underlying Soybean Adaptation to Flooding

Flooding stress poses a significant challenge to soybean cultivation, impacting plant growth, development, and ultimately yield. In this study, we investigated the responses of two distinct soybean cultivars: flooding-tolerant Nanxiadou 38 (ND38) and flooding-sensitive Nanxiadou 45 (ND45). To achieve this, healthy seedlings were cultivated with the water surface consistently maintained at 5 cm above the soil surface. Our objective was to elucidate the physiological and molecular adaptations of the two cultivars. Under flooding stress, seedlings of both cultivars exhibited significant dwarfing and a notable decrease in root length. While there were no significant differences in the dry weight of aboveground shoots, the dry weight of underground shoots in ND38 was strikingly decreased following flooding. Additionally, total chlorophyll content decreased significantly following flooding stress, indicating impaired photosynthetic performance of the cultivars. Moreover, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased significantly after flooding, particularly in the ND45 cultivar, suggesting heightened oxidative stress. Expression analysis of methylation and demethylation genes indicated that MET1 and DME play crucial roles in response to flooding stress in soybeans. Meanwhile, analysis of the hemoglobin family (GLBs), aquaporin family (AQPs), glycolytic pathway-related genes, and NAC transcription factor-related genes identified GLB1-1 and GLB1-2, GLB2-2, PIP2-6, PIP2-7, TIP2-2, TIP4-1, TIP5-1, Gm02G222400 (fructose-bisphosphate aldolase), Gm19G017200 (glucose-6-phosphate isomerase), and Gm04G213900 (alcohol dehydrogenase 1) as key contributors to flooding tolerance in both soybean cultivars. These findings provide crucial insights into the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying flooding tolerance in soybeans, which could guide future molecular breeding strategies for the development of flooding-tolerant soybean cultivars.

Management of soil phosphorous using phosphate solubilizing microorganisms: A sustainable approach

Phosphorus is crucial for plant growth and productivity, and its scarcity in soil negatively affects crop yields. A major portion of chemical phosphate fertilizer precipitates with soil minerals, making it unavailable for plant growth. Phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms play a pivotal role in enhancing phosphorus availability, facilitating better nutrient absorption, and ultimately boosting plant growth. This article presents a brief overview of the phosphorus status in Indian soil, discusses the various forms of phosphorus and its dynamics across different soil types, and analyses the factors involved, highlighting the importance of phosphorus management for sustainable agriculture. Physiological and molecular mechanisms of microbial phosphate solubilization provide deep insights into exploring PSMs for managing phosphorous in different soil types. It also provides a path for the necessity to explore the multifarious plant growth-promoting traits of PSMs underscoring its applicability for sustainable agricultural practices with viable economy. The mechanism of solubilization of phosphorus has been discussed to understand the role of microorganisms in different soils. The study highlights the role of significant microorganisms in developing tailored consortia of PSMs and other plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) based on the chemical composition of the soil, along with an integrated nutrient approach incorporating PSMs. This review offers valuable insights into harnessing PSMs and their practical applications, facilitating their broader adoption in agricultural systems to maintain soil health.

Nitrogen deposition and heathland management cause multi‐element stoichiometric mismatches, reducing insect fitness

Abstract Increased nitrogen and acidifying deposition negatively affect biogeochemical cycles and nutrient stoichiometry, particularly in oligotrophic habitats. In heathlands, management aims to mitigate effects of deposition by topsoil removal (sod‐cutting) or by liming to increase soil pH. However, these management efforts may further exacerbate macro‐ and micronutrient stoichiometric mismatch, with cascading effects on heathland insects. Here, we investigate the physiological mechanisms by which deposition and management affect insects, focusing on nutrient uptake and excretion. We combined a phosphorus (P) addition and liming experiment in previously sod‐cut heathland with laboratory‐rearing experiments using the field cricket (Gryllus campestris L., 1) as a model species. We hypothesized that P addition would benefit cricket performance by reducing food N:P ratio. Conversely, we hypothesized that liming would reduce performance by decreasing food Mn:Mg and/or Fe:Mg ratios. Elemental uptake efficiency, consumption and reproduction, as well as cricket field density, were significantly higher under increased P availability, confirming insect P limitation in the field. Liming decreased food Mn:Mg ratio and reduced reproductive success, eliminating any beneficial effects of P addition. Moreover, cricket stoichiometry better explained growth rates than the amount of food consumed. The best model highlighted cricket N and Mn content, with increasing N content negatively influencing growth, while the opposite was true for Mn. We found no support for liming‐induced Fe limitation. We propose that both P and Mn limit crickets independently. Specifically, P limitation affects growth via reduced ribosomal content, and Mn limitation impacts growth by limiting arginase activity and hence restricting the recycling of amino acids. Our study shows that restoration management can fail to restore habitat quality for insects and may even amplify mismatches in macro and micronutrient stoichiometry. To address this, the addition of not only P but also Mn may be required as follow‐up management, but reducing N‐emission remains imperative as this removes the need for disruptive management interventions. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Deciphering nitrogen dynamics in aeroponics: physio-biochemical and enzymatic responses influencing nitrogen use efficiency in contrasting potato genotypes

Excessive use of nitrogen (N) in crops, such as potatoes, can lead to economic and environmental repercussions. We hypothesized that potato genotypes with resilient root systems and high genetic capabilities for nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) could effectively mitigate these challenges. Consequently, we investigated intraspecific variations and characteristics within six distinct potato genotypes exhibiting diverse NUEs in response to varying nitrogen levels in an aeroponic system. The morpho-physiological and biochemical properties showed significant genotypic variations, especially related to the N-assimilating enzyme levels and root characteristics. Notably, the root systems of all genotypes demonstrated greater responsiveness to low nitrogen levels, with genotype C17 showcasing the most substantial root system irrespective of nitrogen concentration. Root morphological traits displayed robust positive correlations with NUtE, primarily influenced by genotype rather than nitrogen concentration. Conversely, nitrogen levels, displaying positive correlations with NUpE, influenced growth and activities of N-assimilating enzymes. Based on their distinct root systems, metabolic activities, and NUE profiles, genotypes C17 and C11 were determined to be N-efficient and N-inefficient, respectively. This study provides novel insights into the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying nitrogen use efficiency in potato genotypes under aeroponic conditions, offering potential targets for breeding programs, optimizing fertilizer management and cultivation strategies to improve crop performance under nitrogen-deficient conditions. Future investigations, employing multi-omics approaches, will elucidate key genes and pathways in nitrogen metabolism, potentially offering avenues to enhance root architecture and improve NUE.

The Double-Edged Sword of Tension: How Moderate Stress Enhances Performance While Over-Focus Impairs It

Tension, often considered a negative emotional state, has traditionally been viewed as detrimental to performance, particularly when excessive. However, emerging research suggests that tension, when experienced at moderate levels, may have a facilitating effect on task performance by activating physiological and cognitive resources. This study explores the dual effects of tension on behavioral outcomes, proposing that moderate tension improves performance by enhancing arousal and resource mobilization, while excessive focus on tension can lead to cognitive overload, impairing task performance. Two hypotheses are tested: (H1) moderate tension enhances task performance through physiological arousal mechanisms such as increased adrenaline secretion, and (H2) excessive focus on tension increases cognitive load, leading to poorer performance. A randomized experimental design will be employed, with participants assigned to a moderate tension group, an excessive tension focus group, and a control group. Physiological measures, including heart rate and galvanic skin response (GSR), along with task performance indicators, will be collected. The expected results will provide empirical evidence supporting the positive role of moderate tension in enhancing behavioral outcomes and highlight the detrimental effects of excessive tension focus. This study offers theoretical insights into the dual nature of tension and practical implications for managing tension in high-pressure task environments.

Transcriptome-wide splicing network reveals specialized regulatory functions of the core spliceosome.

The spliceosome is the complex molecular machinery that sequentially assembles on eukaryotic messenger RNA precursors to remove introns (pre-mRNA splicing), a physiologically regulated process altered in numerous pathologies. We report transcriptome-wide analyses upon systematic knock down of 305 spliceosome components and regulators in human cancer cells and the reconstruction of functional splicing factor networks that govern different classes of alternative splicing decisions. The results disentangle intricate circuits of splicing factor cross-regulation, reveal that the precise architecture of late-assembling U4/U6.U5 tri-small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) complexes regulates splice site pairing, and discover an unprecedented division of labor among protein components of U1 snRNP for regulating exon definition and alternative 5' splice site selection. Thus, we provide a resource to explore physiological and pathological mechanisms of splicing regulation.