Significant Increase In Activity Research Articles

АКТИВНОСТЬ ФЕРМЕНТОВ АЗОТНОГО ЦИКЛА АГРОЧЕРНОЗЕМОВ В УСЛОВИЯХ ПЕРЕХОДА НА МИНИМАЛЬНЫЕ ТЕХНОЛОГИИ ОБРАБОТКИ

The purpose of research is to reveal the effect of plowless soil loosening on the nature of the transformation of the fractional composition of easily hydrolysable nitrogen compounds. Observations were carried out at the stationary site of LLC “OPKh “Dary Malinovki” of the Sukhobuzimsky District in the Krasnoyarsk forest-steppe. The object of research was ordinary chernozem, medium-humus, medium-thick, heavy loamy on red-brown clay. During the growing season, soil samples were taken three times from layers 0–10, 10–20 cm by randomization. The following variants of experience were studied: 1) dump (st); 2) minimal (disking); 3) flat-cut cultivation. In 2017, the land was cultivated according to the type of early fallow, and in 2018, spring wheat of the Novosibirskaya-31 variety was sown at the experimental station, and in 2019, barley of the Acha variety was sown. The level of protease activity of the soil of the studied variants was assessed as high. The value of proteolytic activity was maximum on the soil cultivated with a mouldboard plow. Surface tillage with disc implements determined a significant decrease in protease activity in the 0–10 cm layer by the end of the life cycle of spring wheat. On the other hand, loosening with a flat cutter contributed to a significant increase in protease activity in the 0–10 cm layer. The use of flat-cut cultivation was accompanied by an increase in urease activity, mainly in the subseed layer. The use of disk tools significantly weakened the level of urea hydrolysis and shifted its maximum by a layer of 10–20 cm.

Dietary Administration of Karonda (Carissa carandas) on the Growth, Digestive Enzymes, Skin Mucosal Immunity, and Pigmentation in Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta splendens)

Karonda (Carissa carandas) fruit contains natural colorants; however, no research has investigated its effects on fish growth and coloration. Thus, this study examined the impacts of C. carandas fruit powder (CCFP) on growth, skin mucosal immunity, digestive enzymes, and pigmentation in Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens). Flavonoids (15.97 ± 0.48 mg quercetin equivalent/g CCFP), phenolics (43.52 ± 1.73 mg gallic acid equivalent/g CCFP), terpenoids (350.00 ± 15.66 mg linalool equivalent/g CCFP), tannins (40.97 ± 0.15 mg tannic acid equivalent/g CCFP), carotenoids (5.53 ± 0.73 µg/g CCFP), and β-carotene (0.67 ± 0.05 µg/g CCFP) were estimated in CCFP. In the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay, CCFP showed antioxidant activity with an IC50 of 256.12 ± 7.68 μg/ml. Fish (0.42 ± 0.02 g weight and 3.20 ± 0.07 cm length) were fed diets containing CCFP at 0 (control), 3, 6, and 9 g/kg for 8 weeks. The results showed that CCFP administration significantly enhanced final weight, length, weight gain, specific growth rate, and average daily gain (p < 0.05). No changes in feed conversion ratio, survival, and condition factor were observed (p > 0.05). Dietary CCFP significantly increased skin mucus lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase, IgM, myeloperoxidase, total protein, antioxidant capacity, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. Fish treated with CCFP showed significant increases in intestinal protease, lipase, and amylase activity, as well as skin, muscle, and fin carotenoid levels. In conclusion, the administration of CCFP at 9 g/kg is optimal for improving growth, digestive enzymes, skin mucosal immunity, and pigmentation in B. splendens.

Abstract P006: Partial tumor volume irradiation by 177Lu-PNT6555 induces diverse immune responses in a syngeneic murine tumor model

Abstract Purpose/Objective: Radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) enables the systemic delivery of an inherently heterogeneous dose of radiation. The RPT dose heterogeneity is created by a tumor’s non-uniform perfusion and the variation in RPT target expression. Radiation therapy is known to immunomodulate the tumor microenvironment (TME) in a dose-dependent manner. The hypothesis is that RPT with a heterogeneous distribution, delivering a low to high dose gradient in a single TME, will activate multiple dose dependent immune effects that are more effective in promoting priming of adaptive immunity compared to a more homogenous distribution of RPT. Methods: RPT was administered using PNT6555, a fibroblast activation protein alpha targeting agent, and uptake was confirmed with B16 murine melanoma. The B16 cell line is engineered to overexpress mouse fibroblast activation protein alpha (mFAP). The engineered B16 was implanted either alone to form a tumor with 100% mFAP expression (B16-mFAP+) or in a mixture with the parental cell line to create a heterogeneous expression of mFAP (mixed B16-mFAP+/B16-mFAP-). Utilizing the SPECT/CT data and ex vivo biodistribution, image-based dosimetry for 177Lu-PNT6555 was performed using the Monte-Carlo-based RAPID platform. C57BL/6 mice bearing B16-mFAP+ or mixed B16-mFAP+/mFAP- tumors were treated with non-radiolabeled PNT6555, 5, 10, 20 or 40 Gy on day 0. Tumors were harvested on day 7 post-treatment. RT-qPCR was performed to evaluate the type I interferon response and tumor immune susceptibility markers. Mice bearing B16-mFAP+ or mixed B16-mFAP+/mFAP- received a mean tumor dose of 5 Gy 177Lu-PNT6555. Mice were monitored for tumor growth and overall survival. In a separate cohort, tumors and tumor draining lymph nodes (TDLN) were harvested at days 4, 7, and 12 post-injection. Flow cytometry was performed on the tumor to evaluate immune infiltration and TDLN to evaluate dendritic cell and B cell activation. Statistical significance was determined by a one-way ANOVA (flow) or Kaplan-Meier with log-rank testing (therapy). Results: Optimal upregulation of immune-related genes by 177Lu-PNT6555 occurred at 2.5 Gy for Icam, 10 Gy for Ifnβ1, and 20 Gy for H2-K1 (murine gene coding MHCI). A heterogeneous delivery of 5 Gy to mice bearing mixed B16-mFAP+/mFAP- resulted in upregulation of all three genes in a single TME. For the therapy study, a heterogeneous distribution of 5 Gy 177Lu-PNT6555 significantly increased overall survival compared to a homogenous distribution. Flow cytometry revealed a significant increase in dendritic cell activation by CD80 and MHCII expression in the 5 Gy 177Lu-PNT6555 with heterogeneous distribution. Additionally, there was a significant increase in infiltration of CD4+ cells, CD8+ cells, NK cells and B cells as well as preservation of CD8+ cell in the 5 Gy 177Lu-PNT6555 with heterogeneous distribution. Conclusions: These preclinical studies demonstrate the capacity of a heterogeneous dose of RPT to enhance the immunomodulatory effect of RPT and improve overall survival in a monotherapy setting. Citation Format: Maya E. Takashima, Ohyun Kwon, Shin Hye Ahn, Anthony Belanger, Won Jong Jin, Charlotte Sawicki, Paul A. Clark, Tessa Chen, Ria Kumari, Bryan Bednarz, Zachary S. Morris. Partial tumor volume irradiation by 177Lu-PNT6555 induces diverse immune responses in a syngeneic murine tumor model.[abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Translating Targeted Therapies in Combination with Radiotherapy; 2025 Jan 26-29; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2025;31(2_Suppl):Abstract nr P006

Enhancing Probiotic, Sensory, and Antioxidant Properties of Polygonatum sibiricum Red. and Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge through Lactic Acid Fermentation for Functional Food Development

Abstract This study explores the use of Polygonatum sibiricum Red. and Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge as edible-medicine homology ingredients through lactic acid fermentation to enhance probiotic content, sensory quality, and antioxidant properties. Using a mixed culture of Lactobacillus plantarum AS1.2437 and Lactobacillus casei CICC21019, the fermentation significantly increased lactic acid bacteria counts, improved taste, and boosted antioxidant activities, particularly in reducing Fe3+ and scavenging DPPH and ABTS free radicals (P < 0.05). During fermentation, changes in reducing sugars, total acids, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and amino acid compositions were monitored. Results showed significant increases in total phenols, flavonoids, SOD activity, and polysaccharide content (P < 0.05). Essential amino acids increased by 4.86%, and therapeutic amino acids rose from 50.88% to 53.59%. The Boltzmann model effectively captured these changes, achieving a high coefficient of determination (R2 > 0.99), indicating strong predictive accuracy. Key organic acids like lactic, acetic, and tartaric acids contributed to enhanced antioxidant activity. This research provides a comprehensive understanding of the physicochemical, medicinal, and antioxidant properties of the fermented Polygonatum sibiricum Red. and C. pinnatifida Bunge (PsR.-CpB.) enzyme, establishing a theoretical foundation for developing functional foods aligned with the edible-medicine homology concept.

Anti-oxidant Effects of Chromatographic Fractions of Abrus precatorius (Linn.) Leaf Extract in Wistar Rats

Aims: Plant antioxidants are considered safe, nutritional, and therapeutic, offering promising solutions to oxidative stress-related health issues. This study explores the antioxidant potential of column fractions derived from the methanol extract of Abrus precatorius, a plant with limited prior evaluation of its bioactive fractions. Study Design: The study used an experimental design. Place and Duration of Study: Orlu LGA, Imo State, Nigeria Methodology: Plant materials were collected from Orlu LGA, Imo State, Nigeria. The dried, powdered leaves were screened for phytochemical constituents using standard methods. Methanol extract was obtained through cold maceration and further fractionated using column chromatography packed with silica gel (60–120 mesh), with elution performed using a gradient mixture of hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. The phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, cardenolides, and saponins, compounds known for their antioxidative properties. Column chromatography yielded five fractions (F1–F5), which were assessed for antioxidant activity using both in vivo (rat models) and in vitro methods, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide assays. Results: Notably, fraction F1 demonstrated a significant increase in glutathione and catalase activity, while F4 showed a marked elevation in superoxide dismutase activity in erythrocytes. In liver tissue, F1 and F5 showed exceptional catalase activity, with respective increases of 258 % and 290 %. Fraction F3 exhibited a 290 % increase in superoxide dismutase activity. Furthermore, F3 effectively reduced DPPH radical activity with an IC50 of 0.2 mg/mL, while F4 significantly lowered nitric oxide levels with an IC50 of 0.3 mg/ml. Conclusion: This study highlights the novel identification of potent antioxidant fractions from Abrus precatorius methanol extract, offering valuable insights for developing plant-based therapies for oxidative stress-related disorders such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurodegenerative conditions. It underscores the plant's potential as a safe, natural antioxidant source for further pharmacological exploration.

GABA mitigates mitochondrial apoptosis induced by high temperature stress in the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas).

High temperature is a critical environmental factor leading to mass mortality in oyster aquaculture in China. Recent advancements highlight the physiological regulation function of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the adaptation of environmental stress. This study examined the physiological responses of the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) upon high temperature exposure, focusing on the histopathological changes in gill, the GABA concentration, the mRNA expression and activities of apoptosis-related genes. Following 24h of exposure to seawater at 28°C, notable histopathological changes, including cellular swelling and vacuolization, along with an increase in TUNEL-positive cells were observed in the oyster gill, compared to the control group maintained at 18°C. Moreover, there was a significant increase in CgCaspase-3 transcripts, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 activities in the gills, glutamate decarboxylase CgGAD transcripts in the haemocytes, and GABA concentrations in the haemolymph supernatant. Intervention with GABA markedly ameliorated these responses, including reducing the mRNA expression levels of CgBax, CgBak, CgCaspase-3, and CgCaspase-9, as well as the activities of Caspase-3/9. Furthermore, after the treatment with GABAA and GABAB receptor antagonists, the activities and expression levels of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 significantly up-regulated under hightemperature stress. GABA treatment also significantly diminished the increased Caspase-3 activity by mitochondrial pathway apoptosis inducers. High temperature induced mitochondrial pathway apoptosis via increased caspase activities. The transcripts of CgGAD in haemocytes and GABA concentration in hemolymph supernatant also increased after high-temperature stress. GABA countered these effects through the activation of GABAA and GABAB receptors, reducing both caspase activity and expression of apoptosis-related genes.

Correlation analysis of transcriptome and metabolomics and functional study of Galactinol synthase gene (VcGolS3) of blueberry under salt stress.

Soil salinity poses a significant environmental challenge for the growth and development of blueberries. However, the specific mechanisms by which blueberries respond to salt stress are still not fully understood. Here, we employed a comprehensive approach integrating physiological, metabolomic, and transcriptomic analyses to identify key metabolic pathways in blueberries under salt stress. Our findings indicate that blueberries primarily adapt to salt stress by modulating pathways associated with carbohydrate metabolism, organic acid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and various organic compounds. Key metabolites involved in this response include sucrose, propionic acid, and palmitic acid. A total of 241 transcription factors were differentially expressed, with significant involvement from families such as AP2, Dof, GATA, WRKY, and TCP. Notably, the galactose metabolism pathway was associated with 5 DAMs and 24 DEGs, while the starch and sucrose metabolism pathway contained 5 DAMs and 23 DEGs, highlighting their crucial roles in mitigating salt stress. Overexpression of VcGolS3 in transgenic Arabidopsis conferred tolerance to salt and drought stresses, primarily evidenced by a significant increase in GolS enzyme activity and reduced ROS accumulation. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the blueberry response to salt stress and lays the groundwork for breeding salt- and drought-tolerant blueberry varieties.

Effects of Astragaloside IV and Formononetin on Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Hepatocytes.

Over-accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causes hepatocyte dysfunction and apoptosis that might lead to the progression of liver damage. Sirtuin-3 (SIRT3), the main NAD+-dependent deacetylase located in mitochondria, has a critical role in regulation of mitochondrial function and ROS production as well as in the mitochondrial antioxidant mechanism. This study explores the roles of astragaloside IV (AST-IV) and formononetin (FMR) in connection with SIRT3 for potential antioxidative effects. It was shown that the condition of combined pre- and post-treatment with AST-IV or FMR at all concentrations statistically increased and rescued cell proliferation. ROS levels were not affected by pre-or post-treatment individually with AST-IV or pre-treatment with FMR; however, post-treatment with FMR resulted in significant increases in ROS in all groups. Significant decreases in ROS levels were seen when pre- and post-treatment with AST-IV were combined at 5 and 10 μM, or FMR at 5 and 20 μM. In the condition of combined pre- and post-treatment with 10 μM AST-IV, there was a significant increase in SOD activity, and the transcriptional levels of Sod2, Cat, and GPX1 in all treatment groups, which is indicative of reactive oxygen species detoxification. Furthermore, AST-IV and FMR activated PGC-1α and AMPK as well as SIRT3 expression in AML12 hepatocytes exposed to t-BHP-induced oxidative stress, especially at high concentrations of FMR. This study presents a novel mechanism whereby AST-IV and FMR yield an antioxidant effect through induction of SIRT3 protein expression and activation of an antioxidant mechanism as well as mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial content and potential. The findings suggest these agents can be used as SIRT3 modulators in treating oxidative-injury hepatocytes.

Analysis of the effect of combined rehabilitation training and transcutaneous vagus nerve electrical stimulation on promoting central nervous system remodeling in stroke patients.

To explore the effect of combined rehabilitation training and transcutaneous vagus nerve electrical stimulation (t-VNS) on promoting central nervous system remodeling and neurological function recovery in stroke patients. A total of 124S patients admitted to our hospital from January to December 2023 were included in this study. The therapeutic effects were evaluated using the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) and the simplified Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale (sFMA) to measure patients' activities of daily living and motor function recovery. Additionally, neurophysiological assessments, including electromyography (EMG) and motor evoked potentials (MEPs), were conducted to evaluate changes in neuromuscular and central nervous system function. Changes in neural activity in the frontal lobe and motor cortex were assessed through transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation and electroencephalography. Moreover, all adverse events were recorded. After treatment, patients in the t-VNS combined with rehabilitation training group showed significant improvements in sFMA and MBI scores compared to the pure rehabilitation training group (P<0.05). In terms of neurophysiology, patients in the combined treatment group exhibited significant increases in electromyographic activity and MEPs (P<0.05). EEG results indicated enhanced neuroplasticity of the frontal lobe and motor cortex with t-VNS treatment. The incidence of skin stimulation and ear pain in the combined treatment group was significantly higher than that in the pure rehabilitation training group. Combined rehabilitation training and transcutaneous vagus nerve electrical stimulation have significant effects on neurological function recovery and central nervous system remodeling in stroke patients, effectively improving patients' motor function and activities of daily living.

Evaluation of Immunogenicity of Inactivated Whole-Virion Booster Vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 in a phase I, II Clinical Trial

Relevance. The development and production of own vaccine contributes to the growth of professional competencies of the scientific community, improvement and modernization of the country's industrial production.Aims. To evaluate the immunogenicity parameters of whole-virion vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 in a phase I, II clinical trial (up to day 180).Materials &amp; Methods. The clinical study included a phase I/II trial. In Phase I, a sequential allocation of subjects (1:1) by open-label method into two groups with a single administration of vaccine at dose 1 and at dose 2 was performed. In phase II (double-blind randomized), subjects were allocated to immunization with vaccine at doses 1, 2 or placebo in a 1:1:1 ratio. To evaluate the immunogenicity of an inactivated whole-virion booster vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 («BelCovidVac») in 135 healthy subjects (18–50 years of age in phase 1 and 18-60 years of age in phase 2) previously vaccinated/recovered from COVID-19. IgG concentration (BAU/mL) to the S-protein of SARS-CoV-2 was measured by the «SARS-CoV-2-IgG quantitative-ELISA-BEST» ELISA kit, viral neutralising activity of sera and proliferative activity of T-lymphocytes were evaluated, geometric mean (GMC) of IgG concentration was calculated, geometric mean of virus neutralizing activity titer (GMT compared to baseline. Statistical processing of the data was performed using the R programming language.Results. The values of fold change in IgG concentration to SARS-CoV-2 on day 42 and 90 in subjects who received «BelCovidVac» vaccine were significantly higher than those of subjects who received placebo (p=0,05, p=0,02, respectively). The value of the fold change in the titer of viral neutralizing activity in the study subjects who received «BelCovidVac» vaccine was significantly higher than the values of the subjects who received placebo (p=0,02). A statistically significant positive correlation (ρSp=0,51 p=0,0005) between the content of antigen-specific T-cells and the level of IgG after 28 days in the studied subjects and between the fold change in the titer of viral neutralizing activity of sera and the fold change in IgG concentration (ρSp = 0,40 p&lt;0,001) was established. On day 180, all groups of subjects show a decrease in antigen-specific IgG concentrations to the initial level.Discussion. At the time of the search for volunteers and the beginning of the clinical trial of the vaccine «BelKovidVac» the immune layer of the population had already been formed, which made the task of the researchers more difficult. But the vaccine «BelKovidVac» showed its immunogenicity, as evidenced by the results of the study.Conclusions. A significant increase in GMC IgG and GMT viral neutralizing activity of sera in the group vaccinated with «BelCovidVac» and no significant increase in GMC IgG and GMT viral neutralizing activity of sera in the placebo group were revealed, which is the evidence of immune response stimulation as a result of «BelCovidVac» vaccine administration and its efficacy.

Autonomic Nervous System Activity before Atrial Fibrillation Onset as Assessed by Heart Rate Variability.

Neuromodulation has been shown to increase the efficacy of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedures. However, despite its ability to influence the autonomic nervous system (ANS), the exact mechanism of action remains unclear. The activity of the ANS via the intracardiac nervous system (ICNS) can be inferred from heart rate variability (HRV). Therefore, this study aims to investigate the significance of changes in the ICNS prior to the onset of AF by analyzing the evolution of HRV in a large new cohort of patients. We selected and annotated recordings with AF and atrial flutter from our database of 95,871 Holter recordings. Each recording included both sinus rhythm and one or more AF episodes. We computed parameters estimating parasympathetic activity (root mean square of successive RR interval differences (RMSSD) and percentage of successive RR intervals that differ by more than 50 ms (pNN50)), as well as HRV frequential parameters a few minutes before AF onset. To allow a minute-by-minute assessment of the parameter changes, we computed their values over 5-minute sliding windows, starting at 35 minutes before AF onset. The mean age of the whole group of patients was 71.1 ± 11.3 years (range 35-99), the total number of episodes was 1319 on 623 recordings from 570 patients, with an average of 2.1 ± 2.2 episodes per recording (range 1-17) and 2.3 ± 2.6 episodes per patient (range 1-21). The proportion of premature atrial contractions (PACs) increased from 4.8 ± 0.3%, 35 minutes before the onset of AF to 8.3 ± 0.4%, 5 minutes before the AF episode. We measured a statistically significant increase in very-low-frequency (VLF), low-frequency (LF), high-frequency (HF), RMSSD and pNN50 between 35 minutes and 5 minutes before AF onset. Our data suggest that a significant short-term increase in vagal activity precedes most AF events. Dynamic changes in HRV parameters could be considered when determining the optimal neuromodulation strategies.

Metabonomics and physiology revealed the critical function of 5-Phosphoribosylamine and antioxidant enzymes in enhancing aged oat seed germination

Effective Microorganism (EM) is widely employed as a growth promoter in agricultural practices. The aging of oat seeds not only directly impairs agricultural production but also exerts adverse effects on biodiversity. The mechanism through which EM influence the germination of aging seeds remains unclear. In this experiment, the EM bacterial solution underwent pretreatment, which included the original-solution treatment (OrT), supernatant treatment (SuT), and sterile treatment (StT). Aging of oat seeds was induced using the pretreated EM bacterial solution. In this study, the EM bacterial solution facilitated the enhancement of the germination rate, germination index, and vitality index of aged seeds, with SuT demonstrating the most pronounced effects. Specifically, SuT resulted in a significant increase in APX and POD activities, while significantly reducing the malondialdehyde content. In addition, metabolic profiling highlighted the significance of 5-phosphoribosylamine in the purine metabolic pathway. Particularly in the SuT, the upregulation of 5-phosphoribosylamine facilitated the synthesis of (R)-Allantoin, consequently augmenting antioxidant enzyme activity.

In vitro Investigation of Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties of Green Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Ephedra gerardiana Plant Extract.

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria necessitates exploring nanotechnology as a potential solution for microbial elimination. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of silver nanoparticles synthesized using aqueous extract from the Ephedra gerardiana (E. gerardiana) plant (EG@AgNPs). Optimal synthesis conditions, including silver nitrate concentration, time, and temperature, were determined. Characterization of EG@AgNPs was conducted, which was followed by antimicrobial assessment against eight bacterial strains and one fungal strain. Additionally, the antioxidant properties of EG@AgNPs were evaluated using the DPPH method. XRD analysis confirmed EG@AgNPs synthesis. DLS analysis revealed a hydrodynamic diameter of 22 nm. FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups from the E. gerardiana plant extract in EG@AgNPs. FESEM and TEM images depicted spherical nanoparticles ranging in size from 10 to 20 nm. Antimicrobial investigations using the broth microdilution method demonstrated that E. gerardiana plant extract at 7.5 mg/ml inhibited only Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans growth, with no antimicrobial effects observed at lower concentrations. However, EG@AgNPs significantly enhanced the antimicrobial properties of the E. gerardiana plant extract. Notably, these nanoparticles exhibited the most significant effect on E. coli and the least on S. salivaris, with MIC value of 125 and 2000 μg/ml, respectively. Furthermore, they inhibited C. albicans growth at a concentration of 62.5 μg/ml. An assessment of the antioxidant properties of EG@AgNPs indicated a significant increase in antioxidant activity. The E. gerardiana plant extract has emerged as a promising option for silver nanoparticle synthesis. These nanoparticles have been found to exhibit potent antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial species, as well as C. albicans. Additionally, they have demonstrated antioxidant properties.

Biochemical and histological evaluation of kidney, liver, and hematological indices in normal Wistar rats administered dietary formulations of roasted Sphenotylis stenocarpa seeds (Af-rican yam bean)

Sphenotylis stenocarpa seeds (African yam bean) represent one of the under-exploited nutrient-rich legumes associated with African folklore and disease-remedy claims, that have not been fully authenticated scientifically. The wellness enhancement effect of roasted pulverized S. stenocarpa (PROSS) diet formulations on liver, renal, and hematological indices was investigated. Rats were assigned randomly into five groups (n = 5). Group I received standard rat chow. Groups II-V received a diet of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% PROSS mixed with standard rat chow to make 100 mg/kg body weight, respectively. After a five-week regular feeding regimen, animals were humanly sacrificed, and biochemical and histological indices were determined. Groups administered various diet formulations of PROSS showed a significant (p &lt; 0.05) increase in catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxide activity and a decrease (p &lt; 0.05) in MDA level compared to normal control. Although serum creatinine, total protein, and potassium levels did not differ significantly (p &gt; 0.05) across the groups, however, the chloride level increased significantly (p &lt; 0.05), compared to the control. Furthermore, sodium ion level decreased at low doses (10% and 20% PROSS) (p &lt; 0.05) but increased at higher doses (p &lt; 0.05), while serum urea level decreased with an increase in dosage (p &lt; 0.05). A significant increase in HDL level (p &lt; 0.05) and a decrease in TAG, LDL, and VLDL levels (p &lt; 0.05) were also recorded. Also, ALP, ALT, and AST activity in the serum decreased across the groups (p &lt; 0.05), while RBC, WBC, Hb, and hematocrit (Ht) levels were elevated as the dose increased. Normal organ architectures were observed in all the groups. Our data suggest that moderate consumption of PROSS enhances hepatic and renal well-being.

Design and Validation of a Pancake Style Planetary Gearbox for an Eddy Current-Based Wearable Gait Training Robot.

Eddy current brakes have been recently used for functional resistance training in individuals with neurological and orthopaedic disorders. These devices consist of a gearbox, a conductive disc, and permanent magnets that can be moved relative to the disc to alter resistance. However, current devices use a commercial planetary gearbox with a tall profile that sticks out from the leg, which affects wearability. This is coupled with the large system inertia, which together impedes potential device transition to clinical and in-home use. In this study, we developed a low-profile, pancake-style planetary gearbox that greatly reduces the protrusion of the device from the leg. We performed a design analysis and optimization to minimize the thickness and inertia of the device while ensuring that it could withstand the maximum expected torque (50 Nm). We then performed human subjects experiments to examine the effectiveness of our new design for functional resistance training. The results indicated that all leg muscles showed a significant increase in activation during resisted conditions. There were also significant after-effects on medial hamstring activation. These results indicate that the new design is a feasible method for functional resistance training and may have a potential clinical value in gait rehabilitation.

CaCO3-coated indoxacarb deep eutectic solvent complexed with diatomaceous earth improves insecticidal activity against the red imported fire ants.

The red imported fire ants (RIFAs) are a globally important invasive pest that severely affects the ecosystem and human health, and its current control is primarily through chemical pesticides. However, the extensive use of chemical pesticides causes environmental problems, and alternative strategies for controlling this pest are being explored. In our study, we aimed to design a deep eutectic solvent (DES)-CaCO3 system in which RIFAs were used as target insects to increase the lethal activity and behavioural regulation effects on RIFAs via contact and feeding. Indoxacarb (IDC) was made into DESs with three fatty acids, oleic acid (OA), linoleic acid (LA), and linolenic acid (LNA), which showed a significant increase in lethal activity against worker ants compared with IDC. OA@IDC@CaCO3, LA@IDC@CaCO3, and LNA@IDC@CaCO3 nanoparticles were prepared via interfacial precipitation. Characterization of the structures of the three pesticide-carrying nanoparticles revealed that all three fatty acid eutectic solvents formed spherical CaCO3 nanoparticles, with average particle sizes between 0.59 and 0.90 μm, which increased with increasing degree of fatty acid unsaturation. The pesticide loading ranged from 2.13 %⁓3.43 %, and the surfaces were all positively charged and well dispersed. OA@IDC@CaCO3 was relatively more effective and was able to dramatically inhibit the abandonment and foraging behaviours of RIFAs, prolong the time required for these behaviours, and decrease the number of feeding worker ants and the amount of food consumed. OA@IDC@CaCO3 was subsequently compounded with diatomaceous earth (DA), and spiked into baits, which significantly increased the contact and feeding activity of worker ants, inhibited the feeding, digging, and corpse-discarding behaviours of RIFAs. In the field trial, the combined control effect of the DA + OA@IDC@CaCO3 group was 83.38 %, which was greater than the 69.65 % of the commercial agent control group. In this study, IDC bait was co-prepared by using acid as a comelting solvent, CaCO3 as a coating, and DA as a pesticide adjuvant, which improved the activity against RIFAs, prolonged the holding period of IDC, and improved the prevention and control of RIFAs. Therefore, our research provides a simple and feasible approach for designing and constructing novel nanopesticides for RIFAs control.

Effects of dietary piperine on growth, hemolymph chemistry, body composition, antioxidant state, immune response, and resistance against Vibrio parahemolyticus in whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Objective: This study investigated the effects of dietary piperine (PIP) supplementation on feed efficiency, growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, hemolymph biochemistry, antioxidant and immune responses, and disease resistance in whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) chal¬lenged with Vibrio parahemolyticus. Materials and Methods: A total of 320 shrimps (4.38 gm ± 0.2 gm) were randomly distributed into four treatments and fed a basal diet or supplemented with 0, 0.5 (PIP0.5), 1 (PIP1.0), and 2 (PIP2) gm/kg of diet. Results: The dietary inclusion of PIP significantly improved growth performance, blood proteins, and efficiency, resulting in the best results in the PIP2 group. Diets containing PIP led to significant improvements in crude protein and lipid content while also significantly reducing moisture con¬tent in a quadratic-dependent manner (p &lt; 0.05). Shrimp in the PIP1 and PIP2 groups exhibited higher total protein and albumin levels compared to the free-PIP and PIP0.5 groups (p &lt; 0.05). Shrimp-fed PIP-enriched diets showed lower lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein) and liver enzymes (gam¬ma-glutamyl transferase and lactate dehydrogenase) in a quadratic trend (p &lt; 0.05) compared to the control diet. Shrimp-fed diets containing PIPs exhibited a significant quadratic increase in digestive enzyme activity compared to those without PIPs (p &lt; 0.05). The inclusion of PIP in the diet significantly enhanced antioxidant enzymes and reduced malondialdehyde levels, as well as the inflammatory response (Interleukin 4, Interferon-gamma, and LYZ) in shrimp. Conclusion: These findings suggest that dietary PIP supplementation holds promise as a feed additive for enhancing growth, immunity, and disease resistance in whiteleg shrimp.

The impact of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation on anterior cingulate cortex activity in a cognitive control task.

Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) offers a non-invasive method to enhance noradrenergic neurotransmission in the human brain, thereby increasing cognitive control. Here, we investigate if changes in cognitive control induced by tVNS are mediated through locus coeruleus-induced modifications of neural activity in the anterior cingulate cortex. Young healthy participants engaged in a simple cognitive control task focusing on response inhibition and a more complex task that involved both response inhibition and working memory, inside a magnetic resonance imaging scanner. The tasks were executed using a randomized within-subject design, with participants undergoing auricular tVNS and sham stimulation in separate sessions. tVNS significantly changed performance in the simple control task reflected in a greater propensity to respond. Furthermore, we observed a significant increase in neural activity in the anterior cingulate cortex during the simple cognitive control task under tVNS. Functional connectivity analyses revealed positive coupling between neural activity in the locus coeruleus and anterior cingulate cortex, however, this was not modulated by tVNS. The findings suggest that non-invasive stimulation of the vagus nerve can modulate neural activity in the anterior cingulate cortex. While these neural effects suggest an impact of tVNS in a key region involved in conflict monitoring and cognitive control, the behavioral effects are more indicative of a shift in response bias rather than enhanced cognitive control.

Effect of increasing lipid levels on liver metabolism, intestinal morphology and production performance of discus fish (Symphysodon aequifasciatus).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of three levels of lipids in the diet on growth, metabolism, and intestinal and hepatic histopathology in discus fish (Symphysodon aequifasciatus). Fish were stocked in quadruplicate in aquarium (50L) and were fed experimental diets containing three levels (3%, 10%, and 14%) of dietary lipids (LP). At the end of the trial, no significant differences in growth performance were observed. Fish fed diets with 3% and 10% LP exhibited significantly higher protein efficiency rates compared to those fed the 14% LP diet. A significant increase in lipase and alkaline phosphatase activity was observed in fish fed 14% LP diets. The inclusion of 14% lipids in the diet led to a decrease in albumin activity and an increase in the height of the intestinal villi. Although no significant differences were observed in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase activities, and size of hepatocytes. The histopathology of the liver indicated reduced hepatocyte size, lipid vacuoles, and sinusoidal space in the group fed the 3% LP diet. In conclusion, the use of 10% LP diet was found to be more favorable for liver health and growth performance.

Rutin attenuates complete Freund's adjuvant-induced inflammatory pain in rats.

Rutin is a bioflavonoid compound renowned for its anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive properties. The present study aims to assess its therapeutic efficacy on complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)induced inflammatory pain. Arthritis was induced in Wistar rats via subcutaneous administration of CFA into the right hind paw. Rutin (15 and 30 mg/kg) and indomethacin (5 mg/kg, orally) were given once daily for three weeks. Parameters observed included alterations in paw swelling perimeter, arthritis scores, and body weight. Additionally, antinociceptive activity was measured through thermal hyperalgesia and cold allodynia responses. The Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) level in the serum was measured. Malondialdehyde (MDA), thiol levels, catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were also evaluated as serum oxidative stress markers. Rutin and indomethacin significantly suppressed alterations in paw edema, pain responses, and arthritis scores and reduced the loss of body weight in contrast to disease-control rats. Furthermore, in contrast to disease control rats, rutin and indomethacin treatment exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect through a marked reduction in TNF-α levels in the serum. Rutin and indomethacin demonstrated a significant increase in catalase and SOD activities, a total thiol level, and a decrease in MDA level compared to the disease-control rats. These results suggest that rutin's antiarthritic effect is mediated by its antinociceptive, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.