Significant Increase In Activity Research Articles

ЕЛЕКТРОХІМІЧНЕ ОСАДЖЕННЯ НАНОКРИСТАЛІЧНОГО КОМПОЗИТУ НІКЕЛЬ–ЦЕРІЮ(IV) ОКСИД З НИЗЬКОТЕМПЕРАТУРНОГО ЕВТЕКТИЧНОГО РОЗЧИННИКА ДЛЯ ВИГОТОВЛЕННЯ ЕЛЕКТРОКАТАЛІЗАТОРІВ ДЛЯ ВОДНЕВОЇ ЕНЕРГЕТИКИ

This study reports the patterns of electroplating a composite coating containing phases of nanocrystalline metallic nickel and cerium dioxide from an electrolyte based on a new generation of ionic liquids, deep eutectic solvents (DESs). Currently, the use of DESs is an extremely promising direction for the electrochemical deposition of electrocatalytic coatings for electrochemical energy, particularly for "green" hydrogen energy. The electrolyte for deposition contained a liquid eutectic mixture of choline chloride and urea (the so-called "reline", a typical representative of DESs), in which nickel (II) chloride (0.1 mol/dm³) and cerium (III) chloride (0.2–0.4 mol/dm3) were dissolved. According to the results of energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and XRD investigations, the composite coating contains approximately 12–16 at.% cerium, presumably in the form of cerium dioxide. A reaction scheme for the formation of the composite nanocoating, which includes a combination of chemical and electrochemical stages, is proposed. It was found that the incorporation of cerium oxide leads to a significant increase in electrocatalytic activity (compared to nickel coating) in the cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction and anodic oxygen evolution and urea oxidation reactions. It is hypothesized that the observed enhancement in electrocatalytic effect is due to the formation of additional active catalytic sites on the surface containing cerium in different oxidation states (e.g., Ce(+4)/Ce(+3)), which can act as electron carriers in both cathodic and anodic reactions. A significant advantage of this composite is its bifunctionality as an electrocatalyst, meaning it can be used for both cathodic and anodic processes. The obtained results can be used in the development of new high-efficiency processes for the electrochemical synthesis of "green" hydrogen.

Peningkatan Hasil Belajar PA-Katolik Melalui Model Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning (PBL) pada Peserta Didik Kelas III Fase B di SD Negeri 06 Emang Bemban

This research aims to improve the learning outcomes of students in the subject of Catholic Religious Education (PA-Katolik) through the implementation of the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model for third-grade students in Phase B at SD Negeri 06 Emang Bemban. In the learning process, students often exhibit a passive tendency due to various factors, such as unengaging teaching methods, lengthy explanations, or a lack of understanding of the presented material.In light of this situation, this study was conducted to identify the characteristics of the students and seek solutions to enhance their engagement in learning. By employing the PBL model, the research findings indicate a significant increase in student activity in each cycle conducted. Through this approach, it is expected that better and more engaging learning outcomes can be achieved.

Evaluation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Ram12-derived exopolysaccharide in a D-galactose-induced liver injury mouse model

We investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Ram12-derived EPSRam12 in a D-galactose-induced liver injury mouse model. Initially, EPSRam12 was characterized for its composition, molecular weight, and structural features. It was then administered orally to D-galactose-induced mice (which had received an intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose, 100 mg/kg body weight) at doses of 25 mg/kg (low dose) and 50 mg/kg (high dose) for 45 days. After treatment, biochemical markers, antioxidant status, cytokine levels, and liver inflammatory gene expression were evaluated. The results showed that EPSRam12 was a branched chain heteropolysaccharide comprising mannose, rhamnose, and arabinose monosaccharides with molecular weight of 2.6 million Daltons. EPSRam12, with its unique structural features such as hydroxyl and methyl groups, glycosidic bonds, and functional groups like carboxylates and sulfates, demonstrated promising bioactive properties. Administering EPSRam12 to D-galactose-induced mice resulted in a significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activity and a reduction in oxidative stress indicators. Additionally, it exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by modulating cytokine levels, lowering pro-inflammatory markers, and inhibiting key inflammatory pathways in the liver in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings underscore the potential of EPSRam12 as an effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, with promising applications in functional foods and pharmaceuticals.

Response of nitrifiers to gradually increasing pH conditions in a membrane nitrification bioreactor: Microbial dynamics and alkali-resistant mechanism

Nitrification and nitrifiers are pH-sensitive especially under the alkaline environment in the activated sludge system. However, it is unclear how nitrifiers and nitrification respond to long-term alkaline environment. This study employed a continuous flow membrane nitrification bioreactor to investigate the dynamics of nitrification efficiency and microbial community adaptation under a 320-day alkaline operation. Results showed that activated sludge adapted remarkably to a progressive increase in pH from 7.5 to 10.0, achieving robust nitrification with average ammonia removal efficiencies of 96.6 ± 2.2%. Subsequently, an integrated alkali-resistant mechanism of nitrifiers was proposed. Specifically, under the long-term operation of pH 10.0, certain bacteria secreted enhanced extracellular acidic polysaccharides (i.e., up to 10.95 ± 0.27 mg·g−1 MLVSS in soluble extracellular polymeric substances (EPS)) and acidic organic compounds (e.g., humic acids increased by 1.47-fold in tightly bounded EPS) to neutralize external alkalinity. Moreover, significant enrichments in both the ammonia oxidizing bacteria Nitrosomonas (by 1.3%) and the nitrite oxidizing bacteria Nitrospira (by 5.4%) were observed in a 170-day operation of pH 10.0 condition. Meanwhile, norank_f__JG30-KF-CM45 (2.0%) and Rhodobacter (0.9%) also contributed to ammonia removal at pH 10.0. On the cellular-level, bacteria enabled to maintain intracellular pH stabilization primarily through cation/proton antiporters, evidenced by significant increases in NhaA, TrkA and KefB activities by 98.0%, 151.7% and 115.2%, respectively. A 43.1% increase in carbonic anhydrase activity also facilitated consumption of aqueous OH− ions through biomineralization, leading to CaCO3 deposition on microbial surface. These findings further enhanced understandings of physiological adaptation of nitrifiers in the long-term alkaline activated sludge system.

Assessing the Oxidative Stress Reducing Potential of Spilanthes filicaulis (Schumach & Thonn) Ethyl-Acetate Sub-fractions on Plasmodium berghei Infected Female Mice.

Infections by Plasmodium parasite actuate oxidative stress. As malaria parasite actions overwhelm host antioxidant defense by producing excessive reactive species during haemoglobin degradation. This study aimed to evaluate the oxidative status by considering the antioxidant level of ethyl-acetate sub-fractions of Spilanthes filicaulis (ESSF) extract on Plasmodium berghei NK-65 parasitized mice. Sixty female mice weighing 20.0 ± 3.0g were inoculated intraperitoneally with 0.2mL of parasitized erythrocytes randomly selected into five groups of 12 mice, Groups I and II were orally administered with normal saline (10mL/kg) and chloroquine (10mg/kg) while, Groups III, IV and V were administered 250,500 and 750mg/kg per day respectively of ESSF. Mice in each group were sacrificed on days 4 and 8 post treatment, thereafter blood and liver samples were collected and prepared using standard methods to obtain erythrocytes and liver homogenates. Malondialdehyde (MDA), a measure of lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) level was assessed in the erythrocyte and liver. Administration of ESSF produced a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the MDA concentration of the parasitized treated group when compared to parasitized untreated group on day 4. Concomitantly, a significant (p < 0.05) increase in SOD and CAT activity in the treated groups with a corresponding decrease in the untreated group on day 4. However, effects of this action were more pronounced on day 8 in both tissues. These findings suggest that ESSF might contribute to the protection of malaria infected mice against oxidative disruptions by improving antioxidant status.

Effects of mandarin peel powder on growth, biochemical, immune, and intestinal health in Oreochromis niloticus at suboptimal temperatures

This 60-day study aimed to examine the efficacy of a diet supplemented with mandarin peel powder (MP) in enhancing the health and survival of Oreochromis niloticus under suboptimal temperature conditions (21 ℃). One hundred and eighty Nile tilapia fish (22.51 ± 0.04 g) were randomly distributed into four experimental groups; each of 3 replicates (15 fish per replicate). The first group (CONT) received a basal diet without MP. The second (MP10%), third (MP15%), and fourth (MP20%) groups were fed diets containing 10, 15, and 20% MP powder, respectively. At the end of the feeding trail, growth performance, serum growth hormone, α-amylase enzyme, lysozyme activity, nitric oxide, protease activity, globulin, serum levels of IL-1ß, antioxidant status, and intestinal histology were measured. The results showed insignificant differences between CONT, MP15%, and MP20% groups in the final body weight and specific growth rate. The growth hormones in the MP15% and MP20% groups did not show a significant difference compared to fish fed a normal basal diet (CONT). However, the amylase enzymes were significantly greater in both groups. The MP20% and MP15% groups showed a significant increase in antioxidant, lysozyme, nitric oxide, and protease activities compared to CONT. The results also showed that fish that were fed a diet with MP had significantly less of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 beta, and their intestinal villi got wider, especially in the MP20% group. It could be concluded that feeding tilapia on a diet with 20% MP is an effective strategy to improve their health when the temperature is below 21 °C. This is because the fish exhibit higher levels of antioxidant activity, reduced pro-inflammatory responses, and improved intestinal health without difference in the growth performance in compared to control group.

Lithium-doped ZrO2 nanoparticles for SERS-based norfloxacin drug detection

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy is a highly specific and ultrasensitive analytical technique; thus, it is an ideal candidate for therapeutic drug monitoring. However, SERS measurements of drugs in a sample are inevitably affected by the environment. In this study, we synthesized ZrO2 nanoparticles (NPs) doped with the first group of elements (Li, Na, and K) in the main block and evaluated their SERS performance. The results showed that Li-ion doping could significantly enhance the SERS effect, and the degree of enhancement depended on the type and concentration of the doped ions. Compared with the highly stable ZrO2, Li ion-doped ZrO2 (Li-ZrO2) exhibited a significant increase in SERS activity. In particular, 1 % Li-ZrO2 NPs exhibited excellent SERS enhancement with an enhancement factor (EF) of 2.60 × 104, which was attributed to the decreased band gap and improved the charge transfer (CT) process after Li ion doping. The adsorption capacity of the Li-ZrO2 NPs for norfloxacin (NOR) molecules was gradually saturated with time. In addition, both acidic and alkaline conditions were unfavorable for NOR detection by the substrate. The SERS intensity exhibited a linear relationship within the NOR concentration range of 10−3–10–6 mol/L, and approximately 97.51 % of the active ingredients were detected, with a competitive detection limit of 10−6 mol/L. Furthermore, NOR detection is cost-effective and time-efficient, and the results of our study can aid in the research process and support practical applications. The proposed study provides a guidance for improving the SERS activity of semiconductors for sensing.

Финансовые аспекты поддержки развития субъектов малого бизнеса в целях инновационного развития экономики

The development of the business sector is a significant factor in a stable and developing economy. This statement is based on the opportunity for small and medium-sized businesses to create new jobs, optimal management of financial resources in the current macroeconomic circumstances. In turn, a stable source of budget revenues is formed for the state through taxes and fees. The conducted studies of statistical data on the financial and economic activities of small businesses for the period from 2017 to 2013 revealed an increase in the total turnover (revenue) by 28.57 %. The study of the financial and economic activities of this sector of the economy in the regional aspect by the constituent entities of the Russian Federation revealed a significant increase in entrepreneurial activity, primarily in the Volga Federal District. The turnover (revenue) indicator increased by 2.29 billion rubles, reaching a significant volume of 6.0 billion rubles as of January 1, 2024. The main sources of financing for small businesses are their own funds, as well as borrowed (credit) resources. An important aspect of the state policy to support the financing of small businesses is the development of alternative instruments: crowdfunding platforms, venture investment, regional events to evaluate start-ups, etc. This approach is largely aimed at expanding financing, through which it is possible to more actively develop the activities of small businesses for the purpose of innovative development of the economy

Production of grape marc kombucha: Valorization of a wine by-product

The revalorization of by-products is a priority for sustainable winemaking. This study explores the potential of white grape marc as a raw material for producing a kombucha-style beverage. We compared the fermentation processes of traditional tea kombuchas (green and black) and grape marc kombucha (Grape-K), all fermented with a homemade Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY) cultured in grape marc infusion. The results demonstrated comparable acid production across all variants, with Grape-K showing enhanced sugar consumption. The microbial community was primarily composed by Brettanomyces bruxellensis (yeast), Oenococcus oeni and Liquorilactobacillus ghanensis (lactic acid bacteria), and Komagataeibacter intermedius (acetic acid bacteria). Although Grape-K contained lower levels of phenolic compounds and higher acetic acid concentrations than tea-based kombuchas, it exhibited a significant increase in antioxidant activity post-fermentation. Using Muscat grape marcs, known for their enhanced floral notes, improved the organoleptic profile of the beverage. The balance of volatile acidity with other aromatic compounds in Grape-K highlights the potential of grape marc, especially from aromatic white varieties, as a promising raw material for creating kombuchas with distinct and appealing aromatic profiles.

Effect of Tualang Honey-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles on TNF-α level, Caspase-3 Activity and Hippocampal Morphology in Kainic Acid-Induced Neurodegeneration in Male Rats

INTRODUCTION: Despite being common disorder, the curative treatment for degenerative diseases are not yet available. Although Tualang honey (TH) has been reported to protect against neurodegeneration, but the effect of TH-mediated silver nanoparticles (THSN) on neurodegeneration is poorly understood. Thus, we conducted this study aimed to determine the effects of THSN on the levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), caspase-3 activity, and hippocampal morphology in Kainic Acid (KA) induced neurodegeneration in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 72 Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into six groups which were the control, THSN 10mg, THSN 50 mg, KA only, KA+THSN 10 mg, and KA+THSN 50 mg groups. Each group was pre-treated orally with either distilled water or THSN (10 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg), according to their respective group. Following the last pre-treatment, each rat was injected with KA (15 mg/kg) or saline. After 24 h and 5 days of KA induction, all rats were sacrificed, and the hippocampus from each rat was harvested. Cresyl Violet and Fluoro Jade C staining were carried out to examine the number of viable cells and degenerating neurons. TNF-α level and caspase-3 activity in the hippocampus were measured using commercially available ELISA kits. RESULTS: Rats with KA-induced neurodegeneration demonstrated a significant increase (p&lt;0.05) of TNF-α level and caspase-3 activity with a lower number of viable cells and increased number of degenerating neurons in the hippocampus. The pre-treatments of THSN groups improved these changes by lowering the TNF-α level and caspase-3 activity and decreasing the number of degenerating neurons. CONCLUSION: THSN could have potential neuroprotective effects in ameliorating TNF-α level, caspase-3 activity, and hippocampal damage in KA-induced male rats.

Antioxidant and Immunological Properties of Dracocephalum moldavica Extract in Penaeus vannamei

Objectives: The effects of different concentrations of Dracocephalum moldavica extract (DME) supplement on growth, survival, antioxidants, some biochemical parameters and innate immunity of White leg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) juveniles investigated. Methods: For 56 days, shrimp (4.5-5 g) received diets that were enhanced with 0 (control), 50, 100, 200 mg DME/kg feed to attain apparent satiety. Results: The results revealed that feeding shrimp with DME significantly improved Feed efficiency and Feed conversion ratio with an optimum level of 200 mg/kg diet. Dietary DME supplementation had no significant effects on their carcass composition. Total albumin and protein higher (P &gt; 0.05) in DME-fed particularly at 200 mg/kg treatment On the other hand, shrimp fed 200 mg DME/kg feed experienced significant decreases in aspartate and alanine aminotransferase levels. As dietary extract levels increased, there was a significant (P &lt; 0.05) increase in SOD and CAT activities, as well as LYZ and PO levels, so that treatments with 100 and 200 mg DME/kg feed had the highest values, and Significant (P &lt; 0.05) reductions in MDA and NO levels were observed at high dietary extract levels of 100 and 200 mg DME/kg. Conclusion: P. vannamei's growth, antioxidant capacity and innate immunity were boosted by diets that contained 200 mg DME/kg feed.

Understanding the heterogeneous health effect of retirement by tracking daily activities

This paper estimates the heterogeneous effects of retirement on health and the allocation of time to various activities, utilizing the American Time Use Survey (ATUS) from 2003 to 2019. The early retirement age for Social Security is used as an instrument. The findings reveal distinct outcomes among different demographic groups. Notably, retirement has a positive impact on the health of high-educated women, while yielding non-significant or slight negative effects for other segments of the population. This disparity in health outcomes can be attributed to the role of sedentary activities. High-educated women tend to reduce their engagement in sedentary activities post-retirement, resulting in improved health outcomes, whereas other groups experience a significant increase in such activities. These divergent effects, observed across gender and education levels, provide valuable insights into understanding the mechanism regarding retirement’s impact on health.

Influence of AMY1 gene copy number on salivary amylase activity changes induced by exercise in young adults.

Human salivary amylase secretion increases in response to stress; the activity has been reported to rise significantly with high-intensity exercise. The human salivary amylase gene (AMY1) has copy number variation, with the copy number correlating with salivary amylase activity. However, the relationship between individual AMY1 copy number and salivary amylase activity in response to exercise remains unclear. In this study, we investigated AMY1 copy number and fluctuations in amylase activity in 42 healthy university students (25 males and 17 females). Participants engaged in intermittent round-trip interval training on a basketball court. Saliva samples were collected pre- and post-exercise to measure amylase activity. DNA was extracted from the oral mucosa, and AMY1 copy number was quantified using RT-PCR. Results showed a significant increase in amylase activity postexercise. Additionally, amylase activity pre- and post-exercise was positively correlated with AMY1 copy number. The generalize linear model showed that the exercise-induced increase in amylase activity per AMY1 gene was negatively related to the AMY1 copy number and aerobic fitness. Gender has no effect on amylase activity. These results suggest a different mechanism for the constitutive and exercise-induced amylase secretion, while aerobic fitness may be independently involved in the secretion.

Electromyographic analysis of bilateral upper trapezius muscles at different levels of work-pace among sewing machine operators

Workers are driven to work faster in the industrial work environment to meet high productivity targets. An increased work pace leads to increased muscle activation. However, the effect of work pace on bilateral upper trapezius muscles during sewing machine operation in an industrial work environment has not been thoroughly investigated in experimental studies. Therefore, this research aims to conduct an experimental study to analyze the bilateral upper trapezius muscle activity of industrial sewing machine operators at different levels of work pace. Thirty subjects (15 males, and 15 females) continuously performed the sewing operation for two hours in an industrial work environment. Experiments were conducted for two levels of work pace i.e. low pace (100% of standard cycle time) and high pace (120% of standard cycle time). Electromyographic signals were recorded from the bilateral upper trapezius muscles. The EMG amplitude (RMS) among the muscles was computed. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in muscle activity was observed with an increased work pace. In this study, right upper trapezius muscle activity increased by 30.4% during high work pace tasks compared to low pace, while the left upper trapezius showed a 24.12% increase. The right upper trapezius showed a mean difference of 0.696 (%MVC), and the left upper trapezius showed 0.399 (%MVC), both indicating greater activity during high-pace tasks. The increase in muscle activity with time indicated the presence of muscle fatigue among sewing machine operators. Furthermore, higher muscular activity was observed among females than males. This research highlights the critical need to balance productivity goals with the health and safety of workers, reducing the risk of muscle fatigue and associated work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, Analgesic, Antidiarrheal Activity and GC-MS Analysis of the Leaves of Stachyphrynium Placentarium

The goal of the present study is to analyze the phytochemicals, antioxidants, cytotoxic, analgesic and anti-diarrheal properties of the leaves of Stachyphrynium placentarium methanol extract as well as its dichloromethane soluble fraction using GC-MS technique. The leaves of the S. placentarium were extracted with methanol and designated as SPM. Phytochemicals investigation exhibited the presence of several important secondary metabolites. Antioxidants such as total phenolic content, flavonoids content, total antioxidant, reducing power capacity and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging assay SPM revealed non-significant antioxidant properties. The cytotoxicity study of the extract showed significant cytotoxicity (LC50 35.1093 µg/mL) compared to standard vincristine sulfate (LC50 0.482 µg/mL). Analgesic study of S. placentarium by hot plate model indicates both the doses exhibited significant central analgesic activity compared with the control. The maximum analgesic activity was observed at 90 min. SPM (500 mg/kg) is 60.21 %. SPM250 also showed a significant percentage of elongation or latency from 30 to 150 min 57.00, 59.64, 59.88, 58.07 and 53.71 %, respectively 30 min time interval. In the acetic acid writhing test, S. placentarium significantly outperformed the control and standard (SPM250 - 52.27 %, SPM500 - 34.09 and STD - 27.27 %), showing a significant increase in peripheral analgesic activity (p &lt; 0.001). Antidiarrheal activity of SPM showed that SPM250 and SPM500 substantially decreased the feces in castor oil-induced diarrhea (p &lt; 0.05). According to the study, the incidence and severity of diarrhea are significantly reduced by SPM500. Four chemicals are found in the dichloromethane-soluble portion of the methanol extract of S. placentarium leaves, according to GC-MS studies such as Octadecane, 6-methyl- (1.326 %), Dodecane (1.02 %), 1-Iodo-2-methylundecane (0.47 %), tetradecanoic acid 12-methyl, methyl ester (72.64 %). Tetradecanoic acid exhibits anti-inflammatory, anticancer, 5-reductase inhibitory, antioxidant, hemolytic and antifibrinolytic properties. HIGHLIGHTS The phytochemicals, antioxidants, cytotoxic, analgesic and anti-diarrheal properties of Stachyphrynium placentarium methanol extract (SPM) leaves. The dichloromethane soluble fraction is examined using Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and identified Octadecane, 6-methyl-, Dodecane, 1-Iodo-2-methylundecane, tetradecanoic acid 12-methyl, methyl ester. The brine shrimp lethality test exhibited that SPM has significant cytotoxicity (LC50 35.1093 µg/mL) compared to vincristine sulphate (LC50 0.482µg/mL), the extract showed significant cytotoxicity (LC50 35.1093 µg/mL). S. placentarium at both dosages (250 and 500 mg) provided significant central analgesia compared to the control in a hot plate model. In the acetic acid writhing test, S. placentarium showed significantly higher peripheral analgesic action (SPM250 - 52.27, SPM500 - 34.09 and STD - 27.27 %) compared to control and standard. In castor oil-induced diarrhoea, SPM250 and SPM500 (250 and 500 mg) showed significantly reduced faeces production (p &lt; 0.05). GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Aqueous Seed Extract of Nigella Sativa Ameliorated Metronidazole-Induced Testicular Damage Via Up-Regulations of the Antioxidant System

Background: Infertility is a condition characterized by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. Objectives: To determine the effect of aqueous seed extract of Nigella sativa on testicular antioxidant levels in metronidazole-induced infertility in male Wistar rats. Methods: A total of thirty-five (35) male Wistar rats (aged 7-10 weeks old) were randomly distributed into five different groups (n = 7 each); Group A (Control group), Group B (Metronidazole only), Group C (Metronidazole + aqueous seed extract of Nigella sativa), Group D (Metronidazole Recovery), and Group E (Metronidazole + aqueous seed extract of Nigella sativa + Recovery). Experimental animals received 500 mg/kg of metronidazole and 300 mg/kg of aqueous seed extract of Nigella sativa orally. Results: Metronidazole treatment caused a significant (p&lt;0.05) reduction in the level of testicular glutathione (Control group - 3.50±0.50; MTZ only - 2.00±0.30; MTZ+NS - 2.50±0.40; MTZ+ NS+ Recovery - 2.80±0.40). Similar reductions occurred in the activities of testicular superoxide dismutase (Control - 1.58±0.10; MTZ only - 0.23±0.06; MTZ+NS - 0.68±0.10; MTZ+ NS+ Recovery - 0.68±0.10) and catalase (Control - 2.70±0.35; MTZ only - 0.70±0.25; MTZ+NS - 1.23±0.20; MTZ+ NS+ Recovery: 1.25±0.30) which was followed by histo-architectural alterations in the testes of rats. Thereafter, aqueous seed extract of Nigella sativa treatment improved all the initial alterations caused by metronidazole treatment. Two - weeks recovery period was accompanied by a significant (p = 0.017) increase in antioxidant enzyme activities of group E when compared with group B and group D. Conclusions: The aqueous seed extract of Nigella sativa exerts its ameliorative effect by improving antioxidant enzyme activities in the testes which then protect the testes against oxidative damage, enhancing sperm quality, preventing apoptosis, supporting testicular function, and aiding tissue repair.

Site-directed mutagenesis of nattokinase: Unveiling structure-function relationship for enhanced functionality

Site-directed mutagenesis was employed to investigate the structure-function relationship of nattokinase (NK) and its effect on the enzymatic activity, thermostability, pH tolerance, and fibrinolytic properties of NK. Specific mutations (T270S, V271I, E262D, and A259T) were introduced within the nk gene, targeting regions predicted to be involved in substrate binding. The NK(E262D) mutant exhibited a significant increase in enzymatic activity (2-fold) and catalytic efficiency (2.2-fold) as assessed by N-Succinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe p-nitroanilide (Suc-AAPF-pNA) hydrolysis, compared to the wild type. In silico analysis supported these findings, demonstrating lower binding energy for the NK(E262D) mutant, suggesting stronger fibrin affinity. Thermostability assays revealed that NK(E262D) and NK(A259T) displayed exceptional stability, retaining enzyme activity at 60 °C. All mutants exhibited a broader pH tolerance range (pH 5.0–10.0) compared to the wild-type NK. The fibrinolytic activity assay revealed that the E262D mutant possessed the highest fibrinolytic activity (2414 U/mg), surpassing the wild-type. This study reported an NK variant with improved enzymatic activity, thermostability, and fibrinolytic properties.

Multiple dimensions of syntactic structure are resolved earliest in posterior temporal cortex

How we combine minimal linguistic units into larger structures remains an unresolved topic in neuroscience. Language processing involves the abstract construction of ‘vertical’ and ‘horizontal’ information simultaneously (e.g., phrase structure, morphological agreement), but previous paradigms have been constrained in isolating only one type of composition and have utilized poor spatiotemporal resolution. Using intracranial recordings, we report multiple experiments designed to separate phrase structure from morphosyntactic agreement. Epilepsy patients (n = 10) were presented with auditory two-word phrases grouped into pseudoword-verb (‘trab run’) and pronoun-verb either with or without Person agreement (‘they run’ vs. ‘they runs’). Phrase composition and Person violations both resulted in significant increases in broadband high gamma activity approximately 300 ms after verb onset in posterior middle temporal gyrus (pMTG) and posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS), followed by inferior frontal cortex (IFC) at 500 ms. While sites sensitive to only morphosyntactic violations were distributed, those sensitive to both composition types were generally confined to pSTS/pMTG and IFC. These results indicate that posterior temporal cortex shows the earliest sensitivity for hierarchical linguistic structure across multiple dimensions, providing neural resources for distinct windows of composition. This region is comprised of sparsely interwoven heterogeneous constituents that afford cortical search spaces for dissociable syntactic relations.

Exploring rice tolerance to salinity and drought stresses through Piriformospora indica inoculation: understanding physiological and metabolic adaptations.

Drought and salinity are significant challenges to global food security. This study investigated the interactive impacts of Piriformospora indica inoculation with salinity and drought stresses on rice. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted. Thefirst experiment evaluated two P. indica inoculation levels and three salinity levels (0-, 50-, and 100-mM sodium chloride), while the subsequent experiment assessed two inoculation levels under three drought intensities (25%, 50%, and 100% of available water content). P. indica spores were inoculated following optimized seed disinfection and germination processes. The shoot and root biomass under salinity stress were consistently higher in inoculated plants compared to controls. Sodium concentrations in shoots and roots exhibited an overall upward trend, with the trend being less pronounced in inoculated plants due to increased potassium uptake. Under salinity stress, nitrogen, magnesium, and calcium concentrations significantly increased in inoculated plants. With increasing salinity, there was a significant increase in catalase enzyme activity and soluble carbohydrate concentrations across all treatments, with a greater increase in inoculated plants. Plants under drought stress experienced reduced root and shoot biomass, but inoculated plants maintained higher biomass. Increasing drought stress led to decreased nitrogen, magnesium, and calcium concentrations in all treatments, with the reduction being less severe in inoculated plants. Catalase enzyme activity and carbohydrate increased with rising drought stress, with the increase being more pronounced in inoculated plants compared to non-inoculated ones. By promoting plant growth, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance, P. indica inoculation has a significant potential to enhance crop productivity in extreme climate conditions.

Biological transformation of herbal extracts through Lactic Acid Bacteria fermentation: A study on Milk thistle and liquorice root extract

Herbal extracts have recently gained attention in pharmaceuticals, supplements, and cosmetics. This study explored the impact of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) fermentation on the functional properties of milk thistle and licorice root extracts to develop health-enhancing beverages. Biological transformation using microorganisms or enzymes was employed to improve the stability and efficacy of these extracts. After 36 h of fermentation, bacterial growth in both extracts surged approximately two-fold. The licorice root extract showed a particularly significant increase in total phenolic content and antioxidant activity, attributed to bacterial enzymes breaking down complex, high-molecular-weight phenolic compounds into simpler, more potent free phenols. Despite a reduction in total flavonoid content across all samples, this did not indicate a decline in biological activity. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed a notable increase in silymarin concentration in the milk thistle extract, rising from 0.59 mg mL−1 to 2.5 mg mL−1 after fermentation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. Glycyrrhizic acid in the licorice root extract slightly decreased following fermentation with L. plantarum, while no significant changes were observed in extracts fermented with L. acidophilus. Cell viability studies during cold storage showed that the bacterial count in the licorice root extract remained within acceptable limits (106 CFU mL−1) for four weeks, ensuring ongoing health benefits. However, in the milk thistle-fermented extract, no viable cells were detected by the third week. These findings demonstrate the potential of LAB-fermented extracts for developing functional beverages with enhanced health benefits and therapeutic properties.