Stress Conditions Research Articles

Evaluation of nutritional and nosological status of students at Felix Houphouet-Boigny University in Cote d'Ivoire

Introduction: Health of students is an essential factor in acquisition of knowledge and in development of human capital in general. Aim: This study was conducted in order to descriptive the nutritional and health situation of students of Felix Houphouët University of Côte d'Ivoire. Methodology: In fact, a nutritional and health assessment survey was carried out from October 15, 2016 to February 17, 2017 in a population of 1228 students dominated by male with middle-aged of 22.5-year-old. Results: It revealed a panoply of diseases with a predominance of digestive disorders. According to the literature and previous studies done at Felix Boigny University, this could be linked to exposure to stress, inadequate environmental and dietary conditions. This nosological situation is not without consequence on the nutritional state, indeed the prospective analysis of the body mass index of the surveyed, showed a nutritional state quite degraded with 5.29% of leanness, 9, 13% overweight and 2.20% obesity. Conclusion: In view of these results we note that the health status of students is precarious and stationary with respect to the results of previous studies. Faced to this worrying situation, it is urgent to carry out awareness campaigns on all university campuses in the country to improve the nutritional behavior, nosological status and nutritional status of students.

Mechanism and application of bacterial exopolysaccharides: An advanced approach for sustainable heavy metal abolition from soil

The escalation of heavy metal pollutants in soils and effluents, driven by industrialization and human activities, poses significant environmental and health risks. Conventional remediation methods are often costly and ineffective, prompting a shift towards sustainable alternatives such as biological treatments. Natural biosorbents, including microbial cells and their byproducts, have emerged as promising solutions. One such approach involves leveraging exopolysaccharides (EPS), complex high-molecular-weight biopolymers synthesized by microbes under environmental stress conditions. EPS are intricate organic macromolecules comprising proteins, polysaccharides, uronic acids, humic compounds, and lipids, either located within microbial cells or secreted into their surroundings. Their anionic functional groups enable efficient electrostatic binding of cationic heavy metals, making EPS effective biosorbents for soil remediation. This review thoroughly explores the pivotal role of bacterial EPS in the removal of heavy metals, focusing on EPS biosynthesis mechanisms, the dynamics of interaction with heavy metals, and case studies that illustrate their effectiveness in practical remediation strategies. By highlighting these aspects, the review underscores the innovation and practical implications of EPS-based bioremediation technologies, demonstrating their potential to address critical environmental challenges effectively while paving the way for sustainable environmental management practices. Key findings reveal that EPS exhibit robust metal-binding capacities, facilitated by their anionic functional groups, thereby offering a promising solution for mitigating metal pollution in diverse environmental matrices.

Effects of fissure locations on the crack propagation morphologies of 3D printing tunnel models: Experiments and numerical simulations

Hidden fissures widely exist in the surrounding rock of tunnels, and the propagations and interactions of the fissures will directly affect the safety and stability of tunnels. However, experimental and numerical simulation studies are scarce on the tunnel-fissure interactions under complex stress conditions. Based on this background, circular tunnel specimens with different prefabricated fissure locations are prepared by three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. Uniaxial compression fracture tests are conducted utilizing Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technology to obtain strain distributions. An improved Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method is employed to simulate the crack propagation processes of the tunnel-fissure interactions. The results demonstrate the following: 1) Upper main cracks, upper side cracks, and lower side cracks are produced around the tunnel, and wing cracks initiate from the prefabricated fissure tips. 2) For the different intersection positions, wing crack propagation length decreases as the intersection position moves upward, while the lower side crack propagation length increases. 3) For different distances d, upper side crack does not appear, and the propagation length of upper main crack increases with the increase of the distance d. 4) For different fissure inclination angles α, upper main crack does not appear when α = 15°. The propagation length of wing crack increases with the increase of inclination angle α. 5) The peak stress increases as the intersection position moves upward, while it decreases with the increase of inclination angle α. With increasing distance d, the peak stress initially increases and then decreases. Finally, the crack initiation mechanisms under different fissure orientations and inclinations are discussed. These research findings provide valuable insights into the tunnel-fissure interaction mechanisms under complex stress conditions and the applications of the SPH method in underground engineering simulations.

Genome-Wide Characterization of the BTB Gene Family in Poplar and Expression Analysis in Response to Hormones and Biotic/Abiotic Stresses.

The BTB (Broad-complex, tramtrack, and bric-a-brac) gene family, characterized by a highly conserved BTB domain, is implicated in a spectrum of biological processes, encompassing growth and development, as well as stress responses. Characterization and functional studies of BTB genes in poplar are still limited, especially regarding their response to hormones and biotic/abiotic stresses. In this study, we conducted an HMMER search in conjunction with BLASTp and identified 95 BTB gene models in Populus trichocarpa. Through domain motif and phylogenetic relationship analyses, these proteins were classified into eight families, NPH3, TAZ, Ankyrin, only BTB, BACK, Armadillo, TPR, and MATH. Collinearity analysis of poplar BTB genes with homologs in six other species elucidated evolutionary relationships and functional conservations. RNA-seq analysis of five tissues of poplar identified BTB genes as playing a pivotal role during developmental processes. Comprehensive RT-qPCR analysis of 11 BTB genes across leaves, roots, and xylem tissues revealed their responsive expression patterns under diverse hormonal and biotic/abiotic stress conditions, with varying degrees of regulation observed in the results. This study marks the first in-depth exploration of the BTB gene family in poplar, providing insights into the potential roles of BTB genes in hormonal regulation and response to stress.

Halotolerant Microorganism-Based Soil Conditioner Application Improved the Soil Properties, Yield, Quality and Starch Characteristics of Hybrid Rice under Higher Saline Conditions.

Soil salinity represents a significant factor affecting agricultural productivity and crop quality. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of soil conditioner (SC) comprising halotolerant microorganisms on the soil fertility, yield, rice quality, and the physicochemical and structural properties of starch in hybrid rice under saline conditions. The experimental treatments were composed of two high-quality hybrid rice varieties, i.e., 'Y Liangyou 957' (YLY957) and Jing Liangyou 534 (JLY534), and two soil amendment treatments, i.e., the application of SC at control levels and 2250 kg hm-2, or 'CK and SC', respectively. The crop was subjected to a mixture of fresh and sea water (EC 11 dS/m). The results demonstrated that the application of SC significantly enhanced the rice yield under salt stress conditions owing to an increase in the number of grains per panicle. Furthermore, SC was found to be effective in improving the organic matter and soil nutrient content. Furthermore, the application of SC resulted in an improvement in antioxidant defense, higher leaf SPAD values, and greater crop biomass, as well as the translocation of photo-assimilates at the heading stage. The application of SC not only improved the milling and appearance quality but also enhanced the taste value of rice by increasing the amylose and reducing the protein content. Furthermore, the application of SC also decreased the indentations on the surfaces of starch granules and cracks on the edges of the granules. The rice varieties subjected to SC exhibited excellent pasting properties, characterized by reduced proportions of amylopectin short chains and a lower gelatinization temperature and enthalpy of gelatinization. Overall, these findings serve to reinforce the efficacy of soil conditioner as a valuable tool to improve rice productivity and sustainability with improved rice grain quality under saline conditions.

Intracellular Survival and Pathogenicity Modulation of Salmonella Lon, CpxR, and RfaL Mutants Used as Live Bacterial Vectors under Abiotic Stress, Unveiling the Link between Stress Response and Virulence in Epithelial Cells.

In the current study, two Salmonella Typhimurium strains, JOL 912 and JOL 1800, were engineered from the wild-type JOL 401 strain through in-frame deletions of the lon and cpxR genes, with JOL 1800 also lacking rfaL. These deletions significantly attenuated the strains, impairing their intracellular survival and creating unique immunological profiles. This study investigates the response of these strains to various abiotic stress conditions commonly experienced in vivo, including temperature, acidity, osmotic, and oxidative stress. Notably, cold stress induced a non-significant trend towards increased invasion by Salmonella compared to other stressors. Despite the observed attenuation, no significant alterations in entry mechanisms (trigger vs. zipper) were noted between these strains, although variations were evident depending on the host cell type. Both strains effectively localized within the cytoplasm, demonstrating their ability to invade and interact with the intracellular environment. Immunologically, JOL 912 elicited a robust response, marked by substantial activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), and chemokines, interleukin 8 (CXCL 8) and interleukin 10 (CXCL 10), comparable to the wild-type JOL 401 (over a fourfold increase compared to JOL 1800). In contrast, JOL 1800 exhibited a minimal immune response. Additionally, these attenuations influenced the expression of cyclins D1 and B1 and caspases 3 and 7, indicating cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and promotion of the G0/G1 to S phase transition, alongside apoptosis in infected cells. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms governing the association, internalization, and survival of Salmonella mutants, enhancing our understanding of their regulatory effects on host cell physiology.

Twins and β0 precipitation effects on the lamellar degradation in TNM alloy during creep

In this paper, the microstructure instability of the TNM alloy during creep at 800 °C under 150 MPa and 250 MPa was investigated. The results indicate that, both β0 precipitation (inside lamellae) and primary γ twins formation are initiated during the second stage of creep. Compared to low creep stress conditions (150 MPa), high creep stress conditions (250 MPa) accelerate the initiation of the third stage of creep, inducing the precipitation of ω0 phase and secondary twins. The nanoscale ω0 particles formed inside β0 or at the interface of the β0/β0. The intersection of secondary γ twins and α2 lamellae leads to stress concentration and dislocation accumulation, providing nucleation points for β0 phase and promoting the precipitation of β0 within α2 lamellae. The precipitation of the secondary γ twin introduces a unit dislocation of 1/3 [111]γ in the (111) atomic planes, promoting the movement of adjacent atomic planes within the (111) atomic planes. The 1/3 [111]γ dislocations will dissociate into two partial dislocations via 1/3 [111]γ→1/4 [11 1‾]γT +1/9 [0 1‾1]γM. The adjacent atomic planes of the γ matrix and secondary γ twin can transformation to β0 through shear along 1/9 [0 1‾1]γM and 1/4 [11 1‾]γT, respectively. The size and content of β0 phase significantly increase in the third stage of high creep stress, accelerating the decomposition and fragmentation of the α2 lamellae, leading to rapid creep failure.

Functional Identification of MhPYL4 Involved in Iron-Deficiency Stress in Malus Halliana Koehne.

The PYL protein family are crucial sensors of the core signals of abscisic acid (ABA) and significantly influence the plant's response to ABA-mediated abiotic stresses as well as its growth and development. However, research on the role of the MhPYL4 gene in iron (Fe) deficiency in apple trees is limited. Studies have shown that the MhPYL4 gene, when exposed to Fe-deficiency stress, exhibits more rapid transcriptional upregulation than other genes' quickly elevated transcription. However, the precise mechanism by which it alleviates this stress remains unclear. The MhPYL4 gene (ID:103432868), isolated from Malus halliana, was analyzed to elucidate its function. Arabidopsis plants engineered to overexpress the MhPYL4 gene exhibited increased leaf chlorosis and slower growth in response to Fe stress compared to the unmodified controls. The transgenic plants also exhibited elevated levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) activities, as well as ferric chelate reductase (FCR) activities. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and superoxide anion (O2-) were increased. In addition, these transgenic plants had lower concentrations of proline (Pro) and Fe2+, which indicated that their stress tolerance was reduced. Similarly, the overexpression of MhPYL4 in apple calli resulted in inhibited growth and increased susceptibility under Fe stress conditions. Physiological evaluations indicated that the overexpression of MhPYL4 in Arabidopsis reduced its Fe stress tolerance by inhibiting chlorophyll synthesis. In apple calli, it altered pH levels, antioxidant enzyme activity, and Fe-reducing capabilities under the same stress conditions. In summary, the elevated expression of the MhPYL4 gene reduced the tolerance of both Arabidopsis and apple calli to Fe stress, suggesting that MhPYL4 acts as a negative regulator in response to Fe deficiency.

The KEAP1/PGAM5/AIFM1-Mediated oxeiptosis pathway in Alzheimer’s disease

BackgroundAlzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Oxeiptosis is a cell death pathway sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study investigates the role of oxeiptosis pathway and mitochondrial damage in AD. MethodsAn AD model was developed in C57BL/6 mice by injecting Aβ1-42 oligomers into the brain. Cognitive function was tested using the Morris water maze. Exposure of HT22 mouse hippocampal neurons to H2O2 induces oxidative stress. Protein levels of KEAP1, PGAM5 and AIFM1 were analyzed with western blot, and mitochondrial damage was observed with electron microscopy. Cell survival rates were using the CCK 8 assay and flow cytometry after knocking down KEAP1, PGAM5 and AIFM1. ResultsThe protein concentrations of KEAP1, PGAM5 and AIFM1 were found to be elevated in the hippocampal tissues of AD mice compared to control group, accompanied by mitochondrial damage in the hippocampal neurons of the AD group. Similarly, in the HT22 oxidative stress model, there was an increase in the protein levels of KEAP1, PGAM5 and AIFM1, along with observed mitochondrial damage. Following individual and combined knockdown of KEAP1, PGAM5 and AIFM1, cell survival rates under oxidative stress conditions were higher compared to H2O2 group, with no significant difference in cell survival rates among the knockdown groups. ConclusionThis research underscores the critical role of the KEAP1/PGAM5/AIFM1-mediated oxeiptosis pathway in neuronal cell death, offering insights into potential therapeutic targets for mitigating neurodegeneration in AD.

Factors influencing pregnancy loss between days 30 and 70 in a single cattle herd: A comprehensive analysis of sire, cow, and other contributing factors

This retrospective study utilized a mixed-effects logistic model analysis to investigate variables associated with the probability of pregnancy loss (PL) between days 30 and 70 in a dataset comprising 9507 pregnancies from a single cattle herd over 10 years. The model incorporated fixed-effect variables including cow breed (Holstein, Crossbred, and Brown Swiss), parity (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th or more), insemination seasons, insemination number (≤3 vs >3), estrus nature (spontaneous vs synchronized), postpartum problems, sire breed (Holstein, Fleckvieh, Brown Swiss, and Montbéliarde), zygote genotypic (pure vs crossbred), days in milk (DIM) at insemination, actual 305-day milk yield, and sire conception rate. Additionally, random effects included sire (n = 129), cow (n = 3463), and production years (n = 10). The results revealed that cows inseminated with Brown Swiss sires or sires with lower initial conception rates had higher PL rates. Biparous cows, cows with lower 305-day milk yield, cows inseminated later in DIM, cows receiving the 4th or subsequent insemination, and cows inseminated during winter or autumn had lower PL rates. The estrus type and zygote genotype did not significantly impact PL. The random effects of cow, sire, and production years were estimated at 0.230, 0.054, and 0.112, respectively. In conclusion, the study findings suggested that improving management practices for high-yielding cows, cows in early lactation stages, and cows exposed to thermal stress conditions, along with utilizing Brown Swiss cows and sires with high initial conception rates per insemination, could potentially decrease overall PL rates on the farm. Nonetheless, the results did not support the use of Crossbred cows, sires from different breeds, or specific sires to mitigate PL rates on the farm.

Mechanism of alteration in passivity of additively manufactured Ni-Fe-Cr Alloy 718 caused by minor carbon variation

Unlike conventional alloys, where carbon content typically promotes carbide compound formation and reduces localized corrosion resistance, the impact of carbon in additively manufactured materials remains largely unexplored due to rapid cooling rates inhibiting carbide formation. This study addresses the novel question of whether reducing carbon content benefits corrosion performance and its underlying mechanisms in Ni-Fe-Cr-based alloy 718. Employing high-resolution techniques and microcapillary electrochemical methods, it was revealed that higher carbon content increases dislocation density at cell boundaries. This increased dislocation density facilitates the enhanced ejection of nickel and iron from the protective chromium oxide layer on the surface, leading to the formation of a defective outer Ni-Fe oxide layer. This compromised layer subsequently diminishes the alloy's corrosion resistance, particularly under tensile stress conditions.

Effects of Shot Peening Pressure, Time, and Material on the Properties of Carburized Steel Shafts.

Carburized steel shafts are commonly used in industry due to their good wear resistance and fatigue life. If the surface of carburized shafts exhibits an undesired tensile stress, shot peening treatment may be required to alter the stress condition on the surface. In the present study, the effects of shot peening pressure (3-5 kg/cm2), time (32-64 s), and material (stainless steel, carbon steel, and glass) on the residual stress, retained austenite, microhardness, and surface roughness of the carburized shafts were investigated. The experimental results showed that the surface residual tensile stress was changed into compressive stress after the shot peening treatment. The shot peening effects increased with the increasing peening pressure and time. In addition, a significant decrease in the amount of retained austenite in the subsurface region was observed. Peening with different materials can affect the peening effect. Using glass pellets exhibited the best shot peening effect but suffered massive pellet fracture during processing. In overall consideration, the optimal peening parameters for carburized steel shafts for practical industrial applications involved using the stainless-steel pellets with a peening pressure of 5 kg/cm2 and a peening time of 64 s. The maximum residual stress was -779 MPa at a depth of 0.02 mm, while the highest surface microhardness was 827 HV0.1.

Aggregation of Albumins under Reductive Radical Stress.

The reactions of radicals with human serum albumin (HSA) under reductive stress conditions were studied using pulse radiolysis and photochemical methods. It was proved that irradiation of HSA solutions under reductive stress conditions results in the formation of stable protein aggregates. HSA aggregates induced by ionizing radiation are characterized by unique emission, different from the UV emission of non-irradiated solutions. The comparison of transient absorption spectra and the reactivity of hydrated electrons (eaq-) with amino acids or HSA suggests that electron attachment to disulfide bonds is responsible for the transient spectrum recorded in the case of albumin solutions. The reactions of eaq- and CO2•- with HSA lead to the formation of the same products. Recombination of sulfur-centered radicals plays a crucial role in the generation of HSA nanoparticles, which are stabilized by intermolecular disulfide bonds. The process of creating disulfide bridges under the influence of ionizing radiation is a promising method for the synthesis of biocompatible protein nanostructures for medical applications. Our Raman spectroscopy studies indicate strong modification of disulfide bonds and confirm the aggregation of albumins as well. Low-temperature measurements indicate the possibility of electron tunneling through the HSA protein structure to specific CyS-SCy bridges. The current study showed that the efficiency of HSA aggregation depends on two main factors: dose rate (number of pulses per unit time in the case of pulse radiolysis) and the temperature of the irradiated solution.

Piecewise Linear Strength Models for Analyzing Multiple Failure Mechanisms in Rocks Materials.

Rock materials failures are accompanied by the co-existence of various failure mechanisms, including rock fracturing, shearing, and compaction yield. These mechanisms manifest macroscopically as multiple failure modes and nonlinear strength characteristics related to stress levels. Considering the limitations of current rock mechanics strength theories, which are primarily derived from single failure mechanisms, this study evaluates the applicability of alternative strength theories. Based on the extensional-strain criterion and the PMC (Paul-Mohr-Coulomb) model, a piecewise linear strength model was proposed that is suitable for analyzing multiple failure mechanisms in rocks, revealing the intrinsic mechanisms of multi-mechanism rock material failure. A multiple failure mechanism strength model in the form of inequalities was proposed, using the generalized shear stress, mean stress, and stress Lode angle as parameters. Strength tests conducted on sandstone and granite rock material samples under different stress conditions revealed distinct piecewise linear strength characteristics for both rock types, validating the rationality and applicability of the multiple failure mechanism model. The findings construct a multi-mechanism failure model for rocks, providing enhanced predictive capabilities and aiding in the prevention of rock structural failures.

Genetic and Physiological Insights into Salt Resistance in Rice through Analysis of Germination, Seedling Traits, and QTL Identification.

Understanding the genetic basis of salt resistance in crops is crucial for agricultural productivity. This study investigates the phenotypic and genetic basis of salt stress response in rice (Oryza sativa L.), focusing on germination and seedling traits. Under salt stress conditions, significant differences were observed in seed germination and seedling traits between parental LH99 (Indica rice LuHui 99) and SN265 (japonica rice ShenNong 265). Transgressive segregation was evident within the RIL population, indicating complex genetic interactions. Nine QTLs were detected at germination and seedling stages under salt stress, namely qSGE5 and qSGE7 for seed germination energy (SGE); qSGP7 for seed germination percentage (SGP); qSSH7, qSSH9-1, and qSSH9-2 for seeding height (SSH); qSRN6 for root number (SRN); and qSDW6 and qSDW9 for dry weight (SDW). Among them, qSSH9-1 and qSDW9 were localized in the same interval, derived from the salt-resistant parent SN265. PCA revealed distinct trait patterns under salt stress, captured by six PCs explaining 81.12% of the total variance. PC composite scores were used to localize a QTL associated with early salt resistance in rice qESC9, which was located in the same interval as qSSH9-1 and qSDW9, and was subsequently unified under the name qESC9, an important QTL for early-growth salt tolerance in rice. Correlation analysis also confirmed a relationship between alleles of qESC9 and the resistance to salt, underscoring the critical role this locus plays in the determination of overall salt tolerance in rice. Physiological analyses of extreme phenotype lines highlighted the importance of ion exclusion mechanisms in salt-resistant lines, while salt-susceptible lines exhibited elevated oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant defense, contributing to cellular damage. This comprehensive analysis sheds light on the genetic and physiological mechanisms underlying salt stress response in rice, providing valuable insights for breeding programs aimed at enhancing salt resistance in rice.

Mitigation of the Negative Effect of Drought and Herbicide Treatment on Growth, Yield, and Stress Markers in Bread Wheat as a Result of the Use of the Plant Growth Regulator Azolen®.

Most chemical pesticides, in addition to their main functions (protection against diseases, weeds, and pests), also have a noticeable inhibitory effect on target crops. In a laboratory experiment and two-year field experiments (Russia, Trans-Urals), a study was made of the effect of the biopreparation Azolen® (Azotobacter vinelandii IB-4) on plants of the Ekada 113 wheat variety under conditions of drought and stress caused by the exposure to the herbicide Chistalan (2.4-D and dicamba). The biopreparation and the herbicide were used separately and together on wheat during the tillering phase. Treatment with the biological preparation under stressful conditions had a significant effect on the hormonal balance of plants (a decrease in the amount of abscisic acid and a normalization of the balance of indolyl-3-acetic acid and cytokinins in shoots and roots of plants was noted), while the osmoprotective, antioxidant, and photosynthetic systems of plants were activated. In drought conditions, the treatment of plants with biological preparation prevented the inhibition of root growth caused by the use of the herbicide. This, in turn, improved the absorption of water by plants and ensured an increase in wheat yield (1.6 times). The results obtained give reason to believe that microbiological preparations can be used as antidotes that weaken the phytotoxic effect of herbicidal treatments, including in drought conditions.

Cryogenic vacuum distillation vs Cavitron methods in ecohydrology: Extraction protocol effects on plant water isotopic values

Stable isotope ratios of hydrogen and oxygen in plant water are widely used for water tracing in ecohydrology studies. In this approach, plant water is extracted for isotopic analysis of δ2H and δ18O. Among the extraction methods, cryogenic vacuum distillation (CVD) has been the most popular, but its impact on the isotopic composition of plant water is currently under debate. Newer Cavitron method have been proposed to replace CVD method for xylem water extraction. These recommendations have been largely based on comparisons between Cavitron-xylem water with low temperatures CVD-xylem water. However, the CVD protocol (extraction temperature and time) varies widely across laboratories, and no direct, systematic comparison has yet been made between extraction temperature and time protocols vs. the Cavitron approach. Here we compared the isotopic values of xylem water from the same tree obtained through CVD extraction at 60 °C (60, 120, 240, 360 min), 100 °C (30, 60, 120, 240 min), 140 °C (15, 30, 60, 120, 240 min), and 200 °C (15, 30 min). Subsequently, we compared the results of CVD-xylem water with Cavitron-xylem water. Our data show that isotopic values for CVD-xylem water became more positive with increasing extraction time under the same extraction temperature. Such extractions also became more isotopically positive with increasing extraction temperature for the same extraction time. When total extraction efficiency exceeded 98 %, there was no δ18O difference in CVD-xylem water among any of the different protocols (p > 0.05). However, lower extraction temperatures resulted in more negative δ2H when compared to higher temperature extraction (p < 0.05). Cavitron-xylem water was close to CVD-xylem water (average difference of 3 ‰ for δ2H and 0.5 ‰ for δ18O, n = 79) when total extraction efficiency for CVD was below 98 %. But for extraction efficiencies beyond 98 %, the Cavitron-xylem water was more negative in δ2H (17.3 ‰, n = 70) and δ18O (1.7 ‰, n = 70) than CVD-xylem water. Compared to Cavitron-xylem water, CVD-xylem water at 200 °C with extraction efficiency > 98 % was closer to the soil water. Further study is necessary to conduct a complete cross-comparison between Cavitron and CVD at different temperatures with different species at various water and salt stress conditions. But our results suggest that abandoning CVD for plant water maybe premature until such complete comparison work is done.

Stress-dependent instantaneous cohesion and friction angle for the Mohr–Coulomb criterion

The strength criterion of rock is essential for stability control and safety design of geotechnical engineering constructions. Due to its widespread adoption, the Mohr–Coulomb (M-C) criterion is prominent among strength criteria. However, the M-C criterion is constrained by three significant limitations: it fails to capture the nonlinear strength response, overlooks the critical state, and disregards σ2. This study introduces a novel Stress-dependent Instantaneous Friction angle and Cohesion (SIFC) model for the M-C criterion to represent the convex strength envelope of intact rock, covering the spectrum from non-critical to critical states. In pursuit of this objective, an innovative approach for calculating these instantaneous shear parameters at each corresponding σ3 is initially introduced. By examining the confining pressure dependency of the instantaneous friction angle and cohesion, the SIFC model is derived and introduced to the M-C criterion. The SIFC-enhanced M-C criterion, utilizing parameters obtained from triaxial tests under lower σ3, delineates the complete non-linear strength envelope in (σ1, σ3) space, covering brittle to ductile behavior. This criterion is then extended to polyaxial stress conditions. Validation through triaxial test data confirms that the SIFC-enhanced M-C criterion accurately reflects the strength characteristics of the tested rocks.

Co-inoculation of biofilm- and exopolysaccharide-producing rhizobacteria promoting wheat development by boosting plant nutrients in a nutrient-limited soil

Increasing global land degradation and human population necessitate more agricultural production; therefore, plant cultivation may expand to nutrient-limited areas to meet growing food demands. As an environmentally safe application, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria have a high potential to promote plant growth under stress conditions. The present study examined the impacts of single and co-inoculations of two high- and two low-biofilm- and exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing Bacillus (B) and Azotobacter (A) strains on wheat growth in nutrient-limited soil. High- and low-biofilm-/EPS-producing strains were designated as + ve and − ve, respectively. Among the treatments applied, high-biofilm- and EPS-producing B (−) A (+) and B (+) A (−) treatments significantly enhanced shoot length by 20.4–24.5%, shoot fresh weight by 22.2–27.4%, root length by 31.4–37.1%, root fresh weight by 31.9–34.8%, and root dry weight by 27.2–31.4% over the non-inoculated control. Such two treatments also increased the uptake of nutrients (Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn) by the roots more than almost all the other applications. A higher nutrient uptake enhanced the leaf chlorophyll contents and decreased antioxidant enzymes (catalase and peroxidase) activities in wheat seedlings exposed to the respective two treatments. The synergy between co-inoculated bacterial strains and their high-biofilm-/EPS-producing potential in B (−) A (+) and B (+) A (−) treatments appear to have a better role in enhanced wheat growth under nutrient stress by improving plant nutrient availability. The consortium of high-biofilm- and EPS-producing rhizobacteria may be used as potential bioinoculants to increase plant growth in nutrient-limited barren soils.

A significant correlation between ABA-induced seed-germination delay and salt tolerance of seedling in Brassica napus

ABSTRACT Under abiotic stresses, such as salt stress, abscisic acid (ABA) production is induced and enhances stress tolerance. ABA is also an important plant hormone that regulates vital biological responses, including seed gemination delay. However, the interplay between stress conditions and biological responses is not well understood. Previously, we reported a wide salt tolerance variation among Brassica napus varieties. This range of salt tolerance makes B. napus ideal for exploring the relationship between salt tolerance and ABA-induced seed germination delay. First, we investigated the ABA-induced seed-germination delay of 22 B. napus varieties, each with different salt tolerances. We observed that highly salt-tolerant varieties exhibited significant seed-germination delays when exposed to increasing ABA concentrations. Additionally, among the varieties, exogenous ABA induced a range of different germination delays, suggesting a significant correlation between germination delay and salt tolerance at the seedling stage. Expression analysis, with and without ABA treatment, for several genes involved in the ABA signalling pathway and downstream was also performed at seed germination. The results suggest the potential involvement of ABI5 and SOS1 in both germination regulation and salt tolerance.