Stimulatory Effect Research Articles

Identification of phosphodiesterase-7A (PDE7A) as a novel target for reducing ethanol consumption in mice.

Ethanol elicits a rapid stimulatory effect and a subsequent, prolonged sedative response, which are potential predictors of EtOH consumption by decreasing adenosine signaling; this phenomenon also reflects the obvious sex difference. cAMP-PKA signaling pathway modulation can influence the stimulatory and sedative effects induced by EtOH in mice. This study's objective is to clarify the role of phosphodiesterase (PDE) in mediating the observed sex differences in ethanol responsiveness between male and female animals. EtOH was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 7 days to identify the changes in PDE isoforms in response to EtOH treatment. Additionally, EtOH consumption and preference of male and female C57BL/6J mice were assessed using the drinking-in-the-dark (DID) and two-bottle choice (2BC) tests. Further, pharmacological inhibition of PDE7A heterozygote knockout mice was performed to investigate its effects on ethanol-induced stimulation and sedation in both male and female mice. Finally, Western blotting analysis was performed to evaluate the alterations in cAMP-PKA/Epac2 pathways. Ethanol administration resulted in an immediate upregulation in PDE7A expression in female mice, indicating a strong association between PDE7A and ethanol stimulation. Through the pharmacological inhibition of PDE7A KD mice, we have demonstrated, for the first time, that PDE7A selectively attenuates ethanol responsiveness and consumption exclusively in female mice may be associated with the cAMP-PKA/Epac2 pathway and downstream phosphorylation of CREB and ERK1/2. PDE7A inhibition or knockdown attenuates EtOH responsiveness and consumption exclusively in female mice associated the change of cAMP-PKA/Epac2 signaling pathways, thereby highlighting its potential as a novel therapeutic target for alcohol use disorder.

Эффективность протравливания семян тритикале препаратами защитного действия в Приамурье

Abstract. The purpose is to establish a productive seed disinfectant for spring triticale varieties with a protective and stimulating effect. During field experiments methods were used that tested pesticides and determined the economic efficiency of using research results in agriculture. The relevance and national and economic significance of the development is determined by farmers’ demand in the extreme conditions of the Far East to increase the efficiency of treating triticale seeds, identifying protective agrochemicals against a complex of diseases that help to improve biological and economic indicators when cultivating triticale. The scientific novelty of research is associated with the establishment of effective agrochemicals to protect seedlings from pathogens of the genus Fusarium and reduce grain losses of spring triticale varieties in years of different meteorological conditions. Results. Biological effectiveness of agrochemicals against fungal diseases Fusarium spp., Alternaria spp. and B. sorokiniana was revealed in laboratory conditions. High biological effectiveness was reveled for “Maxim”, average – for “Kinto Duo” and low – for “Inshur Perform”. The greatest effect from treating seeds with agrochemicals was in Ukro variety, followed by Karmen and Yarilo. Significantly high effectiveness of agrochemicals “Maxim” and “Kinto Duo” against strains of fungi from the genus Fusarium in field conditions was revealed on seedlings of Ukro and Yarilo varieties. The prevalence of diseases in triticale seedlings depended by 24.1 % on year conditions, by 7.7 % on genotype and by 42.3 % on agrochemicals. Fungicidal seed disinfectants “Kinto Duo” and “Maxim” (2 l/t) confirmed the effect declared by the manufacturers and statistically significantly surpassed the seed disinfectant “Inshur Perform” (0.5 l/t) in biological effectiveness and positive effect on grain yield of triticale varieties. They contributed to obtain grain yields that significantly exceeded the control level by 0.3 and 0.33 t/ha. Their conditionally net income in comparison with the option without a fungicides reached +3298.8 and +2314.1 rubles/ha, respectively.

Effects of Ammonia Concentration on Sperm Vitality, Motility Rates, and Morphology in Three Marine Bivalve Species: A Comparative Study of the Noble Scallop Mimachlamys nobilis, Chinese Pearl Oyster Pinctada fucata martensii, and Small Rock Oyster Saccostrea mordax

Ammonium (NH4+) plays a crucial role in the reproductive processes of key biotic groups in aquatic ecosystems—bivalves. This study aims to elucidate the effects of three different ammonium ion concentrations on sperm vitality, swimming kinematics, and morphology of Mimachlamys nobilis, Pinctada fucata martensii, and Saccostrea mordax. The results indicate that the sperm vitality and motility rates of M.nobilis and S. mordax are inversely proportional to the ammonium concentration, especially in the treatment group with an ammonium concentration of 3 mmol/L, where the decrease in sperm vitality and motility is most significant. In contrast, the sperm of P. fucata martensii reacted differently to increasing ammonium concentrations. After the addition of 2 mmol/L of ammonium, the sperm vitality and motility of P. fucata martensii reached a peak, showing a significant stimulatory effect. Additionally, as the ammonium concentration increased, the curling of the sperm flagella in M.nobilis and S. mordax increased. However, sperm flagella curling in P. fucata martensii showed no change compared to the control group. This study provides insights into the effects of ammonium concentrations on the sperm vitality and motility of three marine bivalve species and highlights the importance of sperm flagella curling as a factor affecting sperm.

Mechanism underlying the sustained stimulatory effects of energization on biomethane recovery from food waste post-energization cessation

Microbial electrolysis cell-assisted anaerobic digestion represents a promising approach for enhancing methanogenesis. This study investigated the impact of varying energy levels followed by long-term open circuit on biogas recovery from food waste.The results demonstrated that a mild voltage of 0.4 V resulted in 61.7% increase in methane yield, with a methane composition reaching 78.89% vol and a remarkable reduction in digestion time by 8 days. Additionally, the facilitated effects remained after prolonged periods of open-circuit. In-depth study revealed that energization significantly enhanced organic hydrolysis, redox proteins secretion and sludge electro-activity. Microbial communities showed that the ever-present energization enriched the hydrolytic bacterium and electrophiles. Subsequent investigations also revealed the upgradation of enzyme-encoding genes associated with hydrolysis and the synthesis of flavin and its homologs (i.e. ribE, ssuE and nfrA2). These findings collectively demonstrated the enduring benefits of energization were linked to the enhanced hydrolysis and regulated mediator-mediated electron transfer pathway.

Transcriptional Induction of SERPINE1 and Fibrinolysis Inhibition as Predominant Effects of Glucocorticoids on the Cancer Coagulome.

How tumors regulate the genes of the coagulome is crucial for cancer-associated thrombosis and the occurrence of venous thromboembolic complications in patients with cancer. We have previously reported potent yet complex effects of glucocorticoids (GC) on the expression of three genes that play a key role in the regulation of thrombin/plasmin activation (F3, PLAU, and SERPINE1). This study aimed to extend the investigation of GC effects to the whole tumor coagulome and assess the resulting impact on the ability of cancer cells to activate thrombin and plasmin. Cancer RNA expression data were retrieved from various sources. Additionally, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells exposed to GC in vitro were analyzed using QPCR, enzymatic assays measuring thrombin and urokinase-type Plasminogen Activator (uPA) activity, and D-dimer concentrations. Our findings highlight the potent and specific stimulatory effect of GC on SERPINE1 expression across different types of cancer. Consistently, GC were found to inhibit uPA proteolytic activity and reduce the concentrations of D-dimers in OSCC in vitro. Fibrinolysis inhibition is a key consequence of cancer cell exposure to GC, possibly leading to the stabilization of the fibrin clot in cancer.

Embryology of a Lady’s Slipper Orchid, Paphiopedilum spicerianum and Cytokinin Requirements for Seed Germination and Protocorm Development

In this study, we document the primary structural changes that occur during the seed development of Paphiopedilum spicerianum (Rchb.f.) Pfitzer, an endangered species with high horticultural value. Within a defined timeline, our results offer insights into the connection between these structural changes in seeds and their germination percentage. The optimum germination was recorded for immature seeds collected at 180 to 210 days after pollination (DAP), during which the embryos are in the late globular stage and the suspensor begins to degenerate. As seeds continued to mature by 240 DAP, there was a gradual decline in germination. Histochemical staining of mature seeds reveals that only the inner seedcoat and the surface of the embryo exhibit positive reactions to the Nile red stain, suggesting a relatively weak coat-imposed dormancy. This weaker dormancy may contribute to the higher germination observed in mature seeds of P. spicerianum compared with other challenging-to-germinate species. Of the cytokinins examined, 6-(γ,γ-dimethylallylamino)purine (2iP), kinetin (KN), and 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) exhibited a stimulating effect on germination, concurrently enhancing the formation of amorphous protocorms.

The cellular adaptor GULP1 interacts with ATG14 to potentiate autophagy and APP processing

Autophagy is a highly conserved catabolic mechanism by which unnecessary or dysfunctional cellular components are removed. The dysregulation of autophagy has been implicated in various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Understanding the molecular mechanism(s)/molecules that influence autophagy may provide important insights into developing therapeutic strategies against AD and other neurodegenerative disorders. Engulfment adaptor phosphotyrosine-binding domain-containing protein 1 (GULP1) is an adaptor that interacts with amyloid precursor protein (APP) to promote amyloid-β peptide production via an unidentified mechanism. Emerging evidence suggests that GULP1 has a role in autophagy. Here, we show that GULP1 is involved in autophagy through an interaction with autophagy-related 14 (ATG14), which is a regulator of autophagosome formation. GULP1 potentiated the stimulatory effect of ATG14 on autophagy by modulating class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase complex 1 (PI3KC3-C1) activity. The effect of GULP1 is attenuated by a GULP1 mutation (GULP1m) that disrupts the GULP1–ATG14 interaction. Conversely, PI3KC3-C1 activity is enhanced in cells expressing APP but not in those expressing an APP mutant that does not bind GULP1, which suggests a role of GULP1–APP in regulating PI3KC3-C1 activity. Notably, GULP1 facilitates the targeting of ATG14 to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Moreover, the levels of both ATG14 and APP are elevated in the autophagic vacuoles (AVs) of cells expressing GULP1, but not in those expressing GULP1m. APP processing is markedly enhanced in cells co-expressing GULP1 and ATG14. Hence, GULP1 alters APP processing by promoting the entry of APP into AVs. In summary, we unveil a novel role of GULP1 in enhancing the targeting of ATG14 to the ER to stimulate autophagy and, consequently, APP processing.

Blue light as an important factor increasing plant tolerance to acute photooxidative stress

Previous studies have confirmed the stimulating effect of blue light on phenolic compound accumulation and emphasized that sufficient dose of blue light is essential for biosynthesis of B-dihydroxylated flavonoids with enhanced antioxidant properties (under UV-lacking conditions). This study investigates the importance of blue light and complex role of phenolic compounds in plant tolerance against acute photooxidative stress. Hordeum vulgare (L. Cv. Bojos) seedlings were acclimated to different light spectra (blue, green:red 1:1, and white composed of blue:green:red 1:1:1) at total irradiance 400 µmol.m−2.s−1. Subsequently, they were subjected to a 3-hour combined stress induced by high photosynthetically active (850–950 µmol.m−2.s−1) and UV-B (2.0–2.5 W.m−2) radiation. Content of flavonoids, expression of genes involved in their biosynthesis (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, chalcone synthase, flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase), and antioxidant activity of plant extracts were significantly highest in plants acclimated to blue light. As an indicator of reactive oxygen species interaction with biomolecules, the content of lipid hydroperoxides was estimated. It was demonstrated that plants acclimated to blue light revealed significantly lower extent of lipid peroxidation compared to those acclimated to white or green:red light. Plants exposed to combined light-induced stress for 3 hours exhibited pronounced disruption of PSII function: FV/FM tended to decrease proportionally with decreasing amount of blue photons in the treatments. Additionally, stress exposure upregulated the expression of genes related to phenolic compounds but not genes encoding antioxidant enzymes. We confirmed higher resistance of plants acclimated to blue light and presume that phenolic compounds are significantly involved in protection during the acute phase of stress.

Zero-waste biorefining co-products from ultrasonically assisted deep eutectic solvent-pretreated Chlorella biomass: Sustainable production of biodiesel and bio-fertilizer

Microalgal biomass is gaining increasing attention to produce high-value co-products. This study proposes integrating Chlorella microalgal biomass into a zero-waste biorefining system, aiming to produce biodiesel and biofertilizer. It investigates optimal conditions for ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent (DES) pretreatment and lipid recovery to enhance the extraction of lipids. Optimal DES pretreatment was identified as a 1.6:1 acetic acid-to-choline chloride molar ratio, 0.36 g biomass loading, and 2.50 min of pretreatment. Lipid recovery succeeded with a 10-minute extraction time and a 1:3 methanol-to-butanol volume ratio. These conditions yielded biodiesel-quality lipids at 139.52 mg/g microalgal biomass with superior fuel characteristics. The de-oiled microalgal biomass residue exhibited promise as a lettuce biofertilizer, enhancing photosynthetic pigments but potentially reducing yields by 40 %. The study also notes changes in rhizosphere microbial communities, indicating both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on beneficial microbes. This study has the potential to enhance sustainability in energy, agriculture, and the environment.

The neural regulation and impact of posterior nasal neurectomy on nasal ciliary motion in vivo in a murine allergic rhinitis model.

Posterior nasal neurectomy (PNN) is a commonly employed surgical approach for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). Due to its denervation effect on the nasal mucosa, PNN may potentially alter the motion and defensive capability of cilia. Previous research on the effects of neural regulation and denervation on cilia has been limited by the absence of a feasible in vivo evaluation method for assessing ciliary function. Utilizing a new system developed by our team for visualizing and analyzing ciliary motion in vivo, we analysed ciliary beat frequency and distance in vivo and histomorphological changes in a murine PNN and AR model. Ovalbumin, histamine and neurotransmitters (acetylcholine chloride, α receptor agonist and β receptor agonist) were applied to investigate the responsiveness and neural regulation of the nasal mucosa. Denervation resulting from PNN led to a reduction in nasal ciliary beat frequency (CBF) to 78% of the control, as well as diminished response towards allergens and histamine. Among neurotransmitters examined, α receptor agonists exhibited inhibitory effects on in vivo ciliary motion while acetylcholine and β receptor agonists demonstrated stimulatory effects. PNN did not affect the reactivity of in vivo cilia towards these neurotransmitters. PNN-induced denervation can reduce ciliary motion, potentially compromising the defensive capability of nasal mucosa. Neural regulation and the neurotransmitters involved have significant effect on ciliary motion.

Isospongian Diterpenoids from the Leaves of Amomum tsao-ko Promote GLP-1 Secretion via Ca2+/CaMKII and PKA Pathways and Inhibit DPP-4 Enzyme.

Three uncommon isospongian diterpenoids including a new one, 3-epi-kravanhin A (2), were isolated from the leaves of Amomum tsao-ko. Compounds 2 and 3 dose-dependently promoted GLP-1 secretion on STC-1 cells with promotion ratios of 109.7% and 186.1% (60 μM). Mechanism study demonstrated that the GLP-1 stimulative effects of 2 and 3 were closely related with Ca2+/CaMKII and PKA pathways, but irrelevant to GPBAR1 and GPR119 receptors. Moreover, compound 1 showed moderate DPP-4 inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 311.0 μM. Molecular docking verified the binding affinity of 1 with DPP-4 by hydrogen bonds between the γ-lactone carbonyl (C-15) and Arg61 residue. Bioinformatics study indicated that compound 1 exerted antidiabetic effects by improving inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin resistance. This study first disclosed the presence of isospongian diterpenoids in A. tsao-ko, which showed antidiabetic potency by promoting GLP-1 secretion and inhibiting DPP-4 activity.

Studying estrogen effects in an in vitro-model of traumatic brain injury (TBI)

In traumatic brain injury (TBI), mechanical forces trigger a series of detrimental processes in the affected brain, which eventually result in substantial neuronal death. TBI has thus become a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Here we utilized organotypic hippocampal slice cultures from mice to simulate mild diffuse TBI, the most common type, in vitro. We specifically used this model to examine the potential of 17β-estradiol (E2), which is considered to be neuroprotective, to influence injury-induced events, such as astrocyte and microglia activation, and to reduce cell death, if applied acutely after TBI. We found that established consequences of mechanical brain injury are replicated in the model, as increased apoptosis was observed 8 h and PI-uptake was significantly enhanced 24 h after in vitro TBI in CA1 pyramidal layer. GFAP expression was not overall increased, but correlated with cell death, indicating a confined activation of astrocytes associated with cell injury. Similarly, no general increase of microglia was detected, but activated microglia was observed in the vicinity of dying cells. Notably, application of E2 (20 nM) increased GFAP expression after 48 h, but did not significantly reduce cell death at any of the studied time points. We conclude that the presented in vitro TBI model is generally suited to study processes triggered by diffuse mechanical forces acting on brain tissue. Our data further support a stimulating effect of E2 on GFAP expression in astrocytes, but they do not confirm a neuroprotective role of E2 in the early phase of TBI.

A fructan-type garlic polysaccharide upregulates immune responses in macrophage cells and in immunosuppressive mice

The anti-inflammatory effects of plant polysaccharides are well known. However, the stimulatory effects of polysaccharides under immunosuppressive conditions and their link with the polysaccharide structure is underexplored. In this work, the immune modulatory effects of a garlic polysaccharide (GP) are investigated via in vitro and vivo methods. It is observed that GP enhance the immune response of macrophages (RAW264.7) as indicated by the elevated levels of nitric oxide, TNF-α and IL-6. The observation that GP are able to stimulate the immune response in vitro was then explored with the use of an immunosuppressed mouse model. Surprisingly, GP exhibited dose-dependent up-regulatory impacts on the cyclophosphamide (CTX) suppressed levels of cytokines such as IFN-γ and IL-6 and immunoglobulins (e.g. IgA and IgG). The GP intervention reversed histopathological damage to the small intestine and spleen and increased fecal short-chain fatty acid levels. Moreover, GP modulates the gut microbiota dysbiosis by increasing the abundance of immunogenic bacteria such as g__norank_f__Erysipelotrichaceae, while inhibiting the over-abundance of g_Bacteroides. Functional predictions indicated that gut biomarkers of GP possessed the functions of glycoside hydrolase family 32 (GH32) and β-fructofuranosidase. It is concluded that GP is a promising immunostimulant for immune-compromised individuals.

ПОЧВЕННЫЕ БАКТЕРИИ ИЗ АВТОХТОННЫХ МИКРОБНЫХ СООБЩЕСТВ ЦЕНТРАЛЬНОЙ СИБИРИ В БИОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ ЗАЩИТЕ ПШЕНИЦЫ ОТ ALTERNARIA TENUISSIMA

The most powerful soil bacteria from autochthonous microbial communities of Central Siberia against phytopathogenic fungi Alternaria tenuissima were selected. Isolation from soil samples and cultivation of bacterial isolates were performed on the artificial nutrient medium for bacteria PD-agar. Antagonistic activity was measured on GRM Saburo. In this case, Alternaria tenuissima was sown in a dish on GRM Saburo, and the selected bacterial strains were sown around the micromycete. As a result of joint growth of the test culture and soil bacteria, the most powerful antagonists in the suppression zone of Alternaria tenuissima were identified. The most powerful bacteria-antagonists in reducing the intensity and prevalence of root rot were identified by the method of artificial infection of Alternaria tenuissima. Before infection with micromycete, bacterization of spring wheat seeds Novosibirskaya-15 with the studied bacterial isolates was carried out. Mathematical processing of the obtained results was fulfilled by one-way variance analysis and two-sample F-test for variance. The results of the study on the use of soil autochthonous antagonist microorganisms in biological protection of spring wheat from the causative agents of root rot Alternaria tenuissima showed that the studied bacterial isolates statistically significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the intensity and prevalence of this disease. The maximum effect in reducing the intensity and prevalence of the disease was shown by isolates B2 and B4 (according to preliminary identification of Bacillus sp.). Also, the studied bacterial strains showed a positive effect on the length of sprouts. At the same time, isolate B2 showed a statistically significant (p < 0.001) effect on the length of spring wheat sprouts. The stimulating effect was manifested in an increase in the length of sprouts compared to the control. Therefore, this strain can be recommended not only for protection against Alternaria tenuissima, but also for stimulating wheat growth.

Integrative analysis of transcriptome and phytohormones reveals new genes network involved in shoot apical meristem development in maize under blue and red light

Blue and red light play a significant role in regulating transcriptional expression, phytohormone levels, and gene signal network reconstruction in the shoot apical meristem. To further elucidate the effects of red and blue light on transcriptional characteristics and phytohormone expression, and to explore signaling pathways and novel genes, we conducted comparative experiments under different light quality treatments. The results are as follows: a total of 22,327 genes were found to be effectively expressed, with a considerable number of alternative splicing events occurring concurrently. Furthermore, 1063 differentially expressed genes were identified, primarily associated with transcriptional variations resulting from the transition from blue light to red light. These differentially expressed genes are predominantly involved in KEGG annotations related to photosynthesis, DNA replication and carbon metabolism. The findings from targeted metabolism analysis reveal significant variations in 45 phytohormones, including ABA, auxin, CK, ETH, GA, JA, and SA. Correlation analysis between transcription and metabolism further indicates that IAA.Glc, IAA.Glu, TRP, mT9G, and GA53 show the strongest correlation with differentially expressed genes, with genes ssu1, ssu2, pep1, me3, and hsp90 displaying a significant relationship. Additionally, in the protein–protein interaction network, three novel genes (LOC100286132, LOC100510780, and LOC103653934) were identified as significant responding to the regulation of blue and red light. Following protein function analysis, the proteins were provisionally identified as ubiquitin conjugating enzyme-like, OXIDATIVE STRESS 3LIKE 2-like, and Ribosomal L 18p/L5e, respectively. Conclusively, it is depicted that the most significant impact of transitions between red light, blue light, and two light qualities lies in the transcriptional process of shot apical meristem of the C4 plant maize. This process is intricately linked to nitrogen availability, carbon dioxide assimilation capacity, and the stimulatory effects of auxin, cytokinin, and gibberellin. The expression of the putative L 18/L5e in blue and BTR light conditions may enhance transcript and synthesis capabilities of ribosome.

FhMYB108 Regulates the Expression of Linalool Synthase Gene in Freesia hybrida and Arabidopsis

Acting as the most abundant and widely distributed volatile secondary metabolites in plants, terpenoids play crucial roles in diverse physiological regulations and metabolic processes. Terpene synthases play a decisive role in determining the composition and diversity of terpenoids. Though the regulation of terpene synthases has been extensively investigated across various plant species, limited studies have focused on the upstream transcriptional regulation of terpene synthases. In this study, we have identified linalool as the predominant volatile compound that is released gradually from Freesia hybrida flowers throughout flower blooming. In the context of the transcriptome, a typical MYB transcription factor, FhMYB108, was screened based on homologous gene comparison. FhMYB108 is capable of regulating the expression of FhTPS1, and both their expression levels showed gradual increase during flower opening. Moreover, FhMYB108 exerts a stimulatory effect on the transcription of Arabidopsis thaliana AtTPS14, while no significant increase in AtTPS14 expression is observed upon the stabilization of FhMYB108 in A. thaliana. The highly expressed AtMYC2 in A. thaliana could interact with FhMYB108 to suppress the activation of AtTPS14 by FhMYB108. The present study not only elucidates the regulatory mechanism underlying linalool synthesis but also discovers the synergistic effect of MYB and bHLH transcription factors in governing the biosynthesis of volatile terpenoids.

ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЕ ФИТОТОКСИЧНОСТИ СУБСТРАТОВ НА ОСНОВЕ ОТХОДОВ АКТИВНОГО ИЛА В ВЕГЕТАЦИОННЫХ ОПЫТАХ

The aim of the study is to determine the phytotoxicity of components and substrates using waste from the treatment facilities of the Arkhangelsk Pulp and Paper Mill. The substrates were made on the basis of high-moor peat with a decomposition degree of 15 %, with the addition of Biohumus Arkhangelsky, which is composted residual activated sludge from treatment facilities (RAS). To test extracts from materials used to prepare experimental substrates, oats (Avena sativa L.) and watercress (Lepidium sativum L.) were used. Comparison was carried out with distilled water and Knop's mixture. To select the optimal ratio of residual activated sludge and peat for plant growth, a model experiment was conducted with growing oats. The substrates prepared by the volume of fractions with a gradation of activated sludge of 10 % were studied. It was found that composted activated sludge does not have phytotoxicity in relation to the test objects. The extract based on dewatered activated sludge of the treatment facilities of the Arkhangelsk Pulp and Paper Mill does not have a depressing effect on the germination of test objects – oat and watercress seeds, and according to the indicators of the length of the root and coleoptile of oats, it has a stimulating effect comparable to or exceeding the effect of the Knop mixture. Phytostimulating effect of peat extract was not detected. The addition of OAI to high-moor peat during the preparation of substrates has a positive effect on growth indicators. An increase in the length of the stem and root, the mass of the underground and aboveground parts of plants is noted. The optimal addition to the substrate for growing oats is composted activated sludge in the amount of 10–20 %. With large proportions of composted activated sludge waste (more than 40 %), oat growth decreases, but the mass of stems and roots increases.

Effect of Fertilizers, Seeding Rates of the Legume Component and Weather Conditions on Yield and Accumulation of Plant Residues of LupineCereal Mixtures on Grain in the Center of the NonChernozem Region

On mediumcultivated mediumloamy sod-podzolic soils of the Central NonChernozem region, well provided with mobile phosphorus and potassium (IV–V class), the cultivation of lupine–cereal mixtures for grain with the participation of narrowleaved lupine varieties Ladny, spring wheat, barley and oats varieties of Nemchin breeding after grain precursors in a changing climate ensured grain production in an average of 5 up to 3.0–3.7 t/ha with a share of the legume component of 29–57% and the remaining dry mass of plant residues in the soil up to 6–8 t/ha with the accumulation of total nitrogen in it up to 40–60 kg/ha and biological – 12–17 kg/ha. In arid conditions (GTK = 0.80–0.92), a mixture of lupine and barley was distinguished for the better in terms of yield and weight of plant residues, and in case of waterlogging (GTK = 2.47) – mixtures with oats and spring wheat. The inclusion of liquid micronutrients of organic nature in the technological process with a stimulating effect for non-root top dressing eliminated the need for pre-sowing application of nitrogen fertilizer and, in conditions of moderate aridity, increased grain yield, depending on the composition of the mixture, to 3.9–4.9 t/ha (by 53–59%), the yield of plant residues – up to 7–11 t/ha (by 54–139%) and in them there is an accumulation of symbiotically bound nitrogen – up to 15–25 kg/ha or 5–8 times more than without their use.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in the “Soil–Bacterial Community–Plant” System: Impact on the Stability of Soil Ecosystems

The use of man-made nanoparticles (NPs) has increased exponentially in recent years, many of which accumulate in significant quantities in soil, including through use in agriculture as nanofertilizers and nanopesticides. ZnO NPs are more environmentally friendly but have specific antimicrobial activity, which can affect soil microbiota, thereby influencing key microbial processes such as mineralization, nitrogen fixation and plant growth-promoting activities. Their behavior and persistence in soil depend on their chemical nature and soil characteristics. This review summarizes the applications of ZnO NPs in soil systems and their effects on various plants and soil microorganisms, particularly rhizobacteria that promote plant growth. A stimulating effect of ZnO NPs on the morphometric and biochemical characteristics of plants, as well as on soil microbiota and its activity at relatively low concentrations of up to 500 mg/mL and 250 mg/kg, respectively, is observed. As the concentration of ZnO NPs increases above these limits, toxic effects appear. The different effects of ZnO NPs are related to their size, dose, duration of exposure, solubility in water, as well as soil type, acidity and organic matter content. The review substantiates the need to study the behavior of ZnO NPs in the “soil-plant-microbiota” system for the possibility of using nanotechnologies in the agricultural industry and ensuring the safety of agricultural products.

Development of functional probiotic yogurt from buffalo milk supplemented with red beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) as an antioxidant, natural colorant, and starter growth stimulant

The physicochemical, sensorial, and probiotics viability properties of supplemented probiotic yogurt with beet juice (BJ) at various ratios (0–5)% in fresh and stored yogurts were determined. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity (%) and minerals content of BJ-yogurts were increased. The color aspects (ΔE) were improved with the increasing of BJ. BJ-yogurts at 1 and 3 % were color-stable when stored in the refrigerator (5 ± 1 °C) for 9 days. The syneresis reached of 42.9, 43.0, 43.5, and 43.5 mL for control, 1 %, 3 %, and 5 % BJ, respectively in stored yogurts for 12 days. Moreover, the probiotic yogurt viability in BJ-yogurts treatments was found to be higher (p < 0.05) than control which recorded of 7.0 ± 0.08, 7.22±0.04, 7.34±0.002 log cfu/mL for streptococci, lactobacilli, and bifidobacteria counts respectively in 5 % BJ treatment, on the other hand, in control recorded of 6.76±0.07, 7.11±0.06, 6.66±0.030 log cfu/mL for streptococci, lactobacilli, and bifidobacteria counts respectively; indicating that BJ had a stimulating effect on the additive starter. Fresh yogurts with 1 % BJ had superior sensorial scores than other treatments, and generally maintained desirable organoleptic attributes for up to 9 days. This study provides a nutritious, low-cost, stable, and attractive colored yogurts from buffalo milk without negative impact on physiochemical qualities.